Introductions

Introductions

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight September 3, 2021 Duration: 5:35

Trailer for Bright on Buddhism! This will be 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 East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where I am specializing in early modern Japanese Buddhism. I have written and researched topics such as Japanese Buddhist responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Buddhist Haiku poetry, and Japanese religious themes in martial arts. I will be joined by my friend Proven Paradox, who is also deeply interested in Buddhism. We hope you enjoy!

Resources

  • Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
  • The Dhammapada translated by Gil Frondsal
  • The Life of The Buddha by Ashvaghosa, translated by Patrick Olivelle
  • Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide by Kevin Trainor
  • Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism by Donald Lopez 
  • Encyclopedia of Buddhism by Robert E Buswell

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

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: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Asian Religions Series - Confucianism Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Confucianism Part 1 Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious tradi…
What are the Pratyekabuddhas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:02
Bright on Buddhism Episode 67 - What are the Pratyekabuddhas? What is their status in the canon? How ought we understand them? Resources: Kloppenborg, Ria (1974). The Paccekabuddha: A Buddhist Ascetic, Brill, Leiden, Net…
What is Sōka Gakkai? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:26
Bright on Buddhism Episode 66 - What is Sōka Gakkai? What is their history? What are some of their teachings? References: Sōka Gakkai in America: Accommodation and Conversion By Phillip E. Hammond and David W. Machacek.…
Asian Religions Series - Hinduism Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:46
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Hinduism Part 2 Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious tradition…
Kōan Series - The World-Honored One Ascends the Platform [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:55
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 7 - The World-Honored One Ascends the Platform Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss r…
What are sacred spaces in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:48
Bright on Buddhism Episode 65 - What are sacred spaces broadly? What are sacred spaces in Buddhism specifically? What are their characteristics? How have they changed and stayed the same over time? Resources: Chan, Khoon…
What are the 5 hindrances? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:32
Bright on Buddhism Episode 64 - What are the 5 hindrances? How does one overcome them? How have understandings of them changed over time? Resources: Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2006). Satipatthāna: The Direct Path to Realization.…
Revisit - What is Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:01
Bright on Buddhism Episode 63 - Revisit - What is Buddhism? Why are we talking about it? Do all Buddhists believe the same thing? Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeti…