What is Buddha-nature?

What is Buddha-nature?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight November 4, 2022 Duration: 21:48

Bright on Buddhism Episode 45 - What is Buddha-nature? What are the doctrinal roots of this idea? How meanings of this word change over time?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008, pp. 195–196.; Buswell, Robert, ed. “Tathagatagarbha.” In Encyclopedia of Buddhism, 1:826–27. New York City, NY: MacMillan Reference USA, 2004.; King, Sallie B. “Buddha Nature and the Concept of Person.” Philosophy East and West 39, no. 2 (1989): 151–70. https://doi.org/10.2307/1399375.; Duckworth, Douglas. “Onto-Theology and Emptiness: The Nature of Buddha-Nature.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion 82, no. 4 (2014): 1070–90. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44945113.; Liu, Ming-Wood. “The Yogācārā and Mādhyamika Interpretations of the Buddha-Nature Concept in Chinese Buddhism.” Philosophy East and West 35, no. 2 (1985): 171–93. https://doi.org/10.2307/1399049.; Kiyota, Minoru. “Tathāgatagarbha Thought: A Basis of Buddhist Devotionalism in East Asia.” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 12, no. 2/3 (1985): 207–31. http://www.jstor.org/stable/30233958.; BUSWELL, ROBERT E. “The Tathāgatagarbha.” In The Formation of Ch’an Ideology in China and Korea: The Vajrasamadhi-Sutra, a Buddhist Apocryphon, 232–39. Princeton University Press, 1989. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1m3nzn6.18.; Grosnick, William H. “The Tathāgatagarbha Sūtra.” In Buddhism in Practice: Abridged Edition, edited by Donald S. Lopez, ABR-Abridged., 92–106. Princeton University Press, 2007. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvcm4h64.15.;Cole, Alan. “Sameness with a Difference in the Tathāgatagarbha Sūtra.” In Text as Father: Paternal Seductions in Early Mahayana Buddhist Literature, 1st ed., 197–235. University of California Press, 2005.; http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt1ppbbf.9.; ZIPORYN, BROOK A. “BUDDHA-NATURE AND ORIGINAL ENLIGHTENMENT.” In Emptiness and Omnipresence: An Essential Introduction to Tiantai Buddhism, 54–67. Indiana University Press, 2016. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1bmzm9d.9.

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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

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