religion

Sam Harris and Christopher Titmuss. A 90-minute dialogue. Link to Audio of Dialogue. Outline. Quotes from Listeners.

In late March 2023, Sam Harris and I had a 90-minute online meeting exploring a range of issues of mutual interest. Title. The Whole of Life. Content below includes a brief bio of Sam, outline of meeting, quotes from listeners and edited message. …

Sam Harris and Christopher Titmuss. A 90-minute dialogue. Link to Audio of Dialogue. Outline. Quotes from Listeners. Read More »

Is Islam a threat to Western civilisation or is the West the real threat to itself?

I have much  affection and respect for the Muslim communities. I had the opportunity in 1967 and after to travel to Muslim countries – Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sumatra/Java (Indonesia) plus numerous annual visits to Palestine between 1993 to 2019. I learnt to appreciate the virtues and not deny the vices of the Muslim world. I take much the same view of the West – much to appreciate and much to feel deep concern about.

As a founder of Prajna Vihar School in Bodh Gaya, India in 1992, we begun an inter-religious school to cultivate harmony and understanding between teachers and young people of different faiths and secular beliefs. Action speaks louder than words.

Is Islam a threat to Western civilisation or is the West the real threat to itself? Read More »

The Flask in the Dharma Hall had the words printed on it. OM FUCKING SHANTI. A Response.

While giving a teaching in Germany, I saw a flask besides one of the meditators. I turned to the person to ask what the words say on the front of flask.

The words said OM FUCKING SHANTI. …

The Flask in the Dharma Hall had the words printed on it. OM FUCKING SHANTI. A Response. Read More »

Questioning of Authority. The Buddha’s Charter for Enquiry. Commentary on the Kalama Sutta. A Masterpiece from the Buddha

The discourse of the Buddha to the Kalama People of north India constitutes one of the most profound statements ever uttered in the history of humanity in terms of the inquiry into beliefs, views and standpoints of people exercising authority. …

Questioning of Authority. The Buddha’s Charter for Enquiry. Commentary on the Kalama Sutta. A Masterpiece from the Buddha Read More »

Lives of the Dead. A book of death poems by Hanoch Levin, an Israeli playwright. A review. Provocative. Frank. Uncomfortable Reading

I received an email from a Dharma friend in Israel recommending I read playwright/poet, Hanoch Levin (1943-1999), who lived in Tel Aviv. I checked out some of his writings on social media and then purchased his collected poems Lives of the Dead. …

Lives of the Dead. A book of death poems by Hanoch Levin, an Israeli playwright. A review. Provocative. Frank. Uncomfortable Reading Read More »

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