Bright On Buddhism
Welcome to Bright on Buddhism, a podcast where we discuss and explain topics of Buddhism in a casual, conversational, question and answer setting. My name is Nick Bright, scholar of East Asian Buddhism. I am currently studying for my Master’s degree in Religion at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where I am specializing in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture history. I have researched topics such as Japanese Buddhist responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Buddhist Haiku poetry, and the Japanese history of science and religion. I will be joined by my friend Proven Paradox.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 221
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
Nick on Pilgrimage
Welcome to Buddhish episode 20. Nick is heading to Japan. On this episode, we'll talk about our plans for while he's out.
Revisiting the First Sermon
Join us as we revisit the First Sermon for our introductory series.
Referenced previous episodes:
Episode 9 - What is Dharma?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6el6KrqTZmbOVrjqbBpkVG?si=68x5LXYxRDSreMHC4…
What is a Sutra?
Who is Ananda? -
https://open.spotify.com/episode/34DVgbSOfwc5hNGzcaSCIQ?si=-zQsu_Q9Qo2qDtfucSb3sg
Lotus Sutra Chapter 3: Parable of the Burning House -
Where can I read and learn about Buddhist history?
Spellings for the recommended temple names:
Seattle Koyasan (Shingon)
Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji (Nichiren)Bhante Jayasara’s Maggasekha community (Theravada)Buddhist Churches of America (various)
Sources:
…
How do I start as a practitioner?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 108 - How do I start as a practitioner? What do Buddhists do? What are some resources for beginning practitioners?
What are some Brahmanical perspectives on Buddhism from the Buddha's lifetime or thereabouts?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 107 - What are some Brahmanical perspectives on Buddhism from the Buddha's lifetime or thereabouts? What are the doctrinal roots of those perspectives? What is the histor…
Shōji Jissō Gi
Bright on Buddhism - Shōji Jissō Gi
Join us as we read and discuss the Hakeda Yoshito translation of the Shōji Jissō Gi by Kūkai in its entirety.
Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-g…
How ought we understand anger and rage in Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 106 - How ought we understand anger and rage in Buddhism? What are the different types of anger and rage in Buddhist thought? What is the role of anger and rage in Buddhi…
Research Project Series - Aikidō
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Aikidō
Join me as I discuss a famous Japanese martial art called Aikidō.
Resources: Ueshiba, Kisshōmaru (2004). The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essentia…
Who is Amitābha?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 105 - Who is Amitabha? What are some stories about him? How ought we understand him?
Resources: Karashima, Seishi (2009), JSTOR 24049429 On Amitābha, Amitāyu(s), Sukhāvatī…
Buddhish 19 - Way of The Passive Fist
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish - Episode 19 - Way of The Passive Fist
Join us as we discuss the video game, Way of The Passive Fist!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/
…
What is the relationship between Buddhism and martial arts?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 104 - What is the relationship between Buddhism and martial arts? What are some Buddhist influenced martial arts and their histories? How does the practice of martial art…
What is a Dalai Lama?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 103 - What is a Dalai Lama? What is the meaning and significance of that position? Who is the Dalai Lama today?
Resources: Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. Jr., eds. …
What is bodhicitta in Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 102 - What is bodhicitta in Buddhism? Isnt it technically a desire? How does one arouse bodhicitta?
Resources: Bodhisattvabhumi (The Bodhisattva Levels); Śāntideva's A Gu…
Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 2
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 2
Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Bu…
Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 4
Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 4
Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra!
Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lank…
Buddhish 18 - 2024 Wrap Up
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish - Episode 18 - 2024 Wrap Up
Join us as we record together in person for the first time in the show's history to discuss 2024 and as we look ahead to 2025!
Do you have a …
What is the history of the swastika in Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 101 - What is the history of the swastika? What does it mean? Why and how was it taken up by hate groups?
Resources: Adrian Snodgrass (1992). The Symbolism of the Stupa.…
Revisit - Who is the Buddha?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 100 - Revisit - Who is the Buddha? Is the Buddha a god? Is there more than one Buddha?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Ant…
Research Project Series - Noh Theater and Japanese Buddhism
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Noh Theater and Japanese Buddhism
Join me as I discuss Noh Theater and Japanese Buddhism.
Resources: Brandon, James R. (ed.) (1997). Nō and kyōgen in t…