How do you balance romantic desire and the desire for companionship with non-attachment?

How do you balance romantic desire and the desire for companionship with non-attachment?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight February 21, 2026 Duration: 17:21

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 132 - How do you balance romantic desire and the desire for companionship with non-attachment? Is romantic desire bad in Buddhism? What are the potential dangers of desire for partnership and companionship?

Resources: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.055.than.html

____________

At the time of recording, the list of people murdered by ICE includes -

Victor Manuel Díaz - no fundraiser link currently available

Geraldo Lunas - https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-bring-their-father-home-for-goodbye

Luis Gustavo Nunez - https://www.gofundme.com/f/ayuda-para-regresar-a-mi-hermano-a-casa

Luis Beltrán Yanez Cruz - https://www.gofundme.com/f/luis-beltran-yanez-cruz

Heber Sanchez Dominguez - https://www.gofundme.com/f/heber-sanchez-dominguez

Parady La - https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-parady-las-family-and-fight-ice-for-change

Keith Porter Jr. - https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-franceolas-granddaughters-future

Alex Pretti - https://www.gofundme.com/f/alex-pretti-is-an-american-hero

Renee Good - donations currently paused

We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Research Project Series - Nishida Kitarō [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Nishida KitarōJoin me as I discuss the life and times of Nishida Kitarō, and his principle work, 善の研究 (Zen no Kenkyū) An Inquiry Into The Good. _____________At the time of r…
Buddhish 26 - Walk for Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 26 - Walk for PeaceJoin us as we discuss the Walk for Peace going on in the Southeastern US.If you like our show and want to support us financially, we ask that you instead send that…
Who is Budai? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:20
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 130 - Who is Budai? What are some stories about him? How is he depicted in iconography and why?Resources:Leighton, Taigen Dan (1998). Bodhisattva Archetypes: Classic Buddhist Guides to Awaken…
Who is Tārā? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:36
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 129 - Who is Tara? What are some stories about her? How is she depicted in iconography and why?Resources: Beer, Robert (2003). A Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Boston: Shambhala. ISBN…
Kālāma Sutta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:58
Bright on Buddhism - Kālāma Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss the Soma Thera translation of the Kalama Sutta in its entiretyResources: Root textsPali text at SuttaCentral (available in five scripts, including Roman…
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:18
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History PodcastJoin us as we drop part 3 of a 3 part series narrating the story of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, two myth-histories of Japan. This series serves bot…
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:09
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History PodcastJoin us as we drop part 2 of a 3 part series narrating the story of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, two myth-histories of Japan. This series serves bot…
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:35
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History PodcastJoin us as we drop part 1 of a 3 part series narrating the story of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, two myth-histories of Japan. This series serves bot…
2025 Wrap Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:15
Bright on Buddhism - 2025 Wrap UpJoin us as we celebrate 2025 and look ahead to 2026!https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbankDo you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know…
What is Tibetan Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:24
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 128 - What is Tibetan Buddhism?What are some important historical points about it? What do the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism believe?Resources: Cabezón, José Ignacio (26 October 2006).…