The Wisdom Podcast

Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi: Noble Truths, Noble Path (#179)

Jan 13, 2024

In this episode, Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi discusses his latest anthology from the Pāli canon, the Teachings of the Buddha series, and the logic behind the arrangement of the suttas. They explore misunderstanding dependent origination, the categorization of nibbana, and much more! Delve into the exploration of conditioned phenomena and the realization of nibana, alongside discussions on bliss, meditative experiences, and dependent origination.

53:39

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Episode guests

Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the logic behind the arrangement of Buddha's teachings in the nikayas is crucial for grasping the depth of his message.

Nibbana is depicted as the ultimate state of enlightenment, distinct from conditioned phenomena and leading to supreme peace.

Dependent Origination emphasizes the cessation of ignorance and craving as key steps towards achieving Nibbana and ultimate liberation.

Deep dives

Understanding the Origin of the Book 'No Truth, Snow, or Parts'

The book 'No Truth, Snow, or Parts' emerged from a poly class held at Gwangyan Monastery, focusing on readings from the Sanjithani Kaya. Initially designed for students who couldn't attend the class, the book features poly passages, literal and natural English translations, along with vocabulary and grammatical explanations. Published in 2017, it quickly gained popularity and led to the creation of a reader-friendly version for broader audiences.

Introduction

4min

Compilation and Accessibility of Translated Passages for Ease of Understanding

2min

Organizing the Nikayas

4min

Exploring the Anthology on Buddha's Teachings

15min

Exploring the Transition to the Deathless Element in Buddhist Practice

2min

Journey to Nibana: Understanding Conditioned Phenomena

4min

Exploring Nibana: Enlightenment and Liberation

15min

Exploring Bliss and Nibhāna

9min

This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features special guest, Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi. Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American Buddhist monk from New York City. After completing his university studies he traveled to Sri Lanka, where he received novice ordination in 1972 and full ordination in 1973, both under the leading Sri Lankan scholar-monk, Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya. Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi has many important publications to his credit, either as an author, translator, or editor. These include The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, The Connected Discourses of the Buddha, and The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. In 2008, together with several of his students, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi founded Buddhist Global Relief, a nonprofit supporting hunger relief, sustainable agriculture, and education in countries suffering from chronic poverty and malnutrition.

During this episode host, Daniel Aitken, and Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi discuss:

his most recent anthology from the Pāli canon, Noble Truths, Noble Path, now available in hardcover and paperback;
the Teachings of the Buddha series;
understanding the Buddha’s teachings and the logic behind the arrangement of the suttas within the nikāyas;
misunderstanding of dependent origination;
nibbana, and how the Buddha categorized nibbana; and
much more!

Episode Notes:

The other volume discussed at the start of the episode is Reading the Buddha’s Discourses in Pāli.
When Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi mentions a previous anthology, he is referring to In the Buddha’s Words.
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi’s final recommendation for the order to read these works that he outlines at the end of the episode is
1. In the Buddha’s Words
2. Noble Truths, Noble Path
3. The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha and he mentions his audio teachings in connection to this which can be found here.

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