What is "the great doubt" in Buddhism?

What is "the great doubt" in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight February 3, 2024 Duration: 29:18

Bright on Buddhism Episode 81 - What is "the great doubt" in Buddhism? How does one cultivate it? Why ought one cultivate it?

Resources: Berzin, Alexander (2006), Primary Minds and the 51 Mental Factors; Guenther, Herbert V. & Leslie S. Kawamura (1975), Mind in Buddhist Psychology: A Translation of Ye-shes rgyal-mtshan's "The Necklace of Clear Understanding" Dharma Publishing. Kindle Edition.; Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator) (2004). Gateway to Knowledge, Vol. 1. North Atlantic Books.; Nina van Gorkom (2010), Cetasikas, Zolag; https://terebess.hu/zen/great_doubt.pdf; https://tricycle.org/magazine/great-faith-great-doubt-great-determination/; Abe, Masao (1989), Zen and Western Thought, translated by William R. LeFleur, University of Hawaii Press; Abe, Masao; Heine, Steven (1996), Zen and Comparative Studies, University of Hawaii Press; Addiss, Stephen; Loori, John Daido, The Zen Art Book: The Art of Enlightenment; D.T. Suzuki, Essays in Zen Buddhism, First Series (1927), Second Series (1933), Third Series (1934); Lu K'uan Yu (Charles Luk), Ch'an and Zen Teachings, 3 vols (1960, 1971, 1974), The Transmission of the Mind: Outside the Teaching (1974); Paul Reps & Nyogen Senzaki, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957); Philip Kapleau, The Three Pillars of Zen (1966); Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (1970); Katsuki Sekida, Zen Training: Methods & Philosophy (1975); Heine, Steven (2007), "A Critical Survey of Works on Zen since Yampolsky" (PDF), Philosophy East & West, 57 (4): 577–592, doi:10.1353/pew.2007.0047, S2CID 170450246; McRae, John (2004), The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion's Roar and the Vimalakīrti Sutra (PDF), Berkeley, CA: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, ISBN 1886439311, archived from the original (PDF) on 12 September 2014; Welter, Albert (2000), "Mahakasyapa's smile. Silent Transmission and the Kung-an (Koan) Tradition", in Steven Heine; Dale S. Wright (eds.), The Koan: Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism, Oxford: Oxford University Press; Schlütter, Morten (2008), How Zen became Zen. The Dispute over Enlightenment and the Formation of Chan Buddhism in Song-Dynasty China, Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, ISBN 978-0-8248-3508-8; Bodiford, William M. (1993), Sōtō Zen in Medieval Japan, University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 0-8248-1482-7

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
What are some characteristics of Shingon Buddhist sacred spaces? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:27
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 116 - What are some characteristics of Shingon Buddhist sacred spaces? How do they differ from other Buddhist sacred spaces? How are Shingon sacred spaces influenced by texts and doctrines?Re…
Who is Kumarajiva? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:49
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 115 - Who is Kumarajiva? What did he do in his life? How did that affect Buddhism in East Asia?Resources: Chandra, Moti (1977), Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India, Abhinav Publications,…
What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:36
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 114 - What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism? What are some visions and dreams that Buddhists have had? How ought we understand them? (How are they different from imagining a thin…
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:42
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed i…
Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:25
Bright on Buddhism - Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss the Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta in its entirety.Resources: Bodhi, Bhikkhu (2005). In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon. Bosto…
What is the first moral precept of Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:31
Bright on Buddhism Episode 112 - What is the first moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time?Resources: Dundas, Paul (2002) [1992]. The Jains (Second ed.). Rout…