Kālāma Sutta

Kālāma Sutta

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight January 10, 2026 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 entirety

Resources:

Root texts

Pali text at SuttaCentral (available in five scripts, including Roman and Devanagari)

Translations

With the Kālāmas of Kesamutta, translation by Bhikkhu Sujato

Kesaputtiya, translation by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Essays

The wisdom of Kalama Sutta

Knowledge and Truth in Early Buddhism Dharmachari Nagapriya Archived 2018-12-08 at the Wayback Machine from Western Buddhist Review

Help! The Kalama Sutta, Help! by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

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: 252

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

Duration: 21:45
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Hinduism 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 tradition…