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
Mahasatipatthana Sutta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:15
Mahasatipatthana Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss a critically important text in the Early Buddhist tradition: the Mahasatipatthana Sutta! Resources: Bhikku Sujato, English Trans.: https://suttacentral.net/dn22/en/…
What is Zen Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:29
Bright on Buddhism Episode 10 - What is Zen Buddhism? How does it differ from other Buddhist schools? How does it reinterpret the oder teachings? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: No…
What is Dharma? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:23
Bright on Buddhism Episode 9 - What is Dharma? What are the different meanings of the word Dharma? How do these meanings change over time? Resources - Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton A…
What is Buddhist Modernism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:49
Bright on Buddhism Episode 8 - What is Buddhist Modernism? What are its origins? Why are we critical of it? Resources - The Making of Buddhist Modernism, David L. McMahan. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008; Buddhism…
What is Buddhahood? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:49
Bright on Buddhism Episode 7 - Who can become a Buddha? What does somebody have to do to become a Buddha or realize their Buddhahood? What is the difference between becoming enlightened, becoming a Bodhisattva, and reach…
What is non-attachment and the Middle Way? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:33
Bright on Buddhism Episode 5 - What is the Middle Way? What is non-attachment? How does it differ from detachment? Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhis…
What is karma? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:32
Bright on Buddhism Episode 4 - Does Buddhism believe in the existence of a soul? What is karma? What are the moral tenets of Buddhism? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthol…
What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:01
Bright on Buddhism Episode 3 - What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism? Does Buddhism have an afterlife? Does Buddhism have a bible like Christianity? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide Donald…
Who is the Buddha? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
Bright on Buddhism Episode 2 - 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 Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism;…