Apramāda

Buddhist perspectives on society and culture

Apramāda

Buddhist perspectives on
society and culture

A multi-faceted exploration of Sangharakshita's understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and science, especially his attempts to contain them both within a single unifying vision of existence.
Vidyaruchi
17 March 2024
Posted in: Buddhism, Science

Quote of the week

Latest Articles

chronic pain
In this short reflection Advayacitta looks at the importance of psychology in caring for people who are physically ill.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Psychology
A Buddhist Utopia
The second in a series exploring what the Buddha said about society. In this one we look in detail about how, according to the Buddha, an empire should be ruled.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics
Projection
In the second of a series of short reflections on his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the process of projection.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Psychology
Gangetic plain
A commentary on the seven principles the Buddha gave to the Vajjika League, saying that, if followed, would prevent its decline and assure its growth and prosperity.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics

Politics

A Buddhist Utopia
The second in a series exploring what the Buddha said about society. In this one we look in detail about how, according to the Buddha, an empire should be ruled.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics
Gangetic plain
A commentary on the seven principles the Buddha gave to the Vajjika League, saying that, if followed, would prevent its decline and assure its growth and prosperity.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics
uko-post-artwork-large-79174
An exploration of the principles of an authentic social justice movement, beginning with the need for the exercise of reason and an agreement between narrative and fact.
Vidyaruchi
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics
mushroom cloud
Advayacitta begins to explore the history of climate change politics. He investigates the cultural context within which preoccupation with global warming developed. It was a context notable for its intense fear of disasters.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Politics, Science

Psychology

chronic pain
In this short reflection Advayacitta looks at the importance of psychology in caring for people who are physically ill.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Psychology
Projection
In the second of a series of short reflections on his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the process of projection.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Psychology
Advayacitta interviews Ratnaguna on the importance of individuality, especially in this moment of political polarisation, identity politics, and intolerance of views other than one's own.
Ratnaguna
Paul apostle in prison
In this, the first in a series of short reflections on his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the phenomenon of irrational guilt
Advayacitta
Posted in: Psychology

Culture

Buddhism and war
When a tyrannous regime invades a peaceful country, what is the most ethical course of action for the rulers of that country? Ratnaguna reflects on the moral dilemma such a situation would present to Buddhists.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Culture
Chintamani has been creating Buddhist images for Western Buddhists for 50 years. Ratnaguna asks him about his approach to this and, looking at seven of his paintings and sculptures, how his work has evolved.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Culture
the destructivits
Chapter 2 of The Destructivists by William Collins, in which he ascribes the divisions in our society to a form of moral corruption which must be countered in moral terms.
Rick Bradford
Posted in: Culture, Politics
Prajnanandi read ‘a good heart is not enough’, and wrote to the author to say, 'I absolutely agree with the principles you outlined, but when I applied the principles, I came to the opposite conclusions. Can we talk?’
Achara
Posted in: Culture, Politics

Philosophy

Advayacitta interviews Ratnaguna on the importance of individuality, especially in this moment of political polarisation, identity politics, and intolerance of views other than one's own.
Ratnaguna
Popper-3
Vidyaruchi considers the limitations of Popper's political thought, and argues that the liberalism that he espoused needs a framework of higher values such as is found in Buddhism.
Vidyaruchi
Posted in: Philosophy, Politics
In this interview - the first in the new series Books Worth Reading - Ratnaguna interviews Jñanavaca on The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist, and finds out why he thinks it is a book well worth reading.
Jnanavaca
Posted in: Philosophy
The Lovers Whirlwind
An account of Popper's thinking on politics, including his critique of 'historicism', his demolition of Marxism, and his own theory of how to bring about social change.
Vidyaruchi
Posted in: Philosophy

science

Smallgalaxy
A multi-faceted exploration of Sangharakshita's understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and science, especially his attempts to contain them both within a single unifying vision of existence.
Vidyaruchi
Posted in: Buddhism, Science
mushroom cloud
Advayacitta begins to explore the history of climate change politics. He investigates the cultural context within which preoccupation with global warming developed. It was a context notable for its intense fear of disasters.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Politics, Science
sun over trees
In this article Advayacitta describes the process of how he came to alter his opinion about climate change.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Science
Einstein
In this second article on Buddhism and physics, Advayacitta explores an important parallel between Relativity Theory and the Buddhist doctrine of śunyata.
Advayacitta
Posted in: Science

Buddhism

Smallgalaxy
A multi-faceted exploration of Sangharakshita's understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and science, especially his attempts to contain them both within a single unifying vision of existence.
Vidyaruchi
Posted in: Buddhism, Science
A Buddhist Utopia
The second in a series exploring what the Buddha said about society. In this one we look in detail about how, according to the Buddha, an empire should be ruled.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics
Gangetic plain
A commentary on the seven principles the Buddha gave to the Vajjika League, saying that, if followed, would prevent its decline and assure its growth and prosperity.
Ratnaguna
Posted in: Buddhism, Politics
Beautiful stone sculpture of quanyin in Japan.
Urgyen Sangharakshita explores the idea that ethical actions are not only good, but also beautiful, and so consequently, an ethical life is a beautiful life.
Sangharakshita-face
Posted in: Buddhism

Articles

Is unconscious bias training free from bias?
In this article - the first of a three part series - Ratnaguna examines the nature of tribe.
Jñanavaca on The Master and His Emissary.
Another short Dharma essay, Gotama, Mole, and the Wild Wood.
Advayacitta explores how decision making in health care has been increasingly taken away from clinicians and their patients
Part 3 of Achara's series on wise policy making.
The importance of Buddhists transcending political ideologies.
In this article Ratnaguna makes a case for spiritual communities changing the world for the better.
A commentary on the seven principles the Buddha gave to the Vajjika League
How can we really know anything, and how often are our opinions based on a lack of real knowledge?
The powerful have most to gain from the imposed Moral Infantilism of society
An investigation into truth, delusion, justice and race in the USA.
Chapter 13 of The Destructivists by William Collins
Part 2 of the series Breaking Free of Tribalism and Becoming an Individual.
Maitreyabandhu's latest volume of poetry, After Cézanne.
his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the process of projection.
The first article in a series on Sangharakshita's magnum opus A Survey of Buddhism.
Advayacitta begins to explore interesting parallels between two core Buddhist principles, and modern physics.
A multi-faceted exploration of Sangharakshita's understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and science.
Advayacitta describes the process of how he came to alter his opinion about climate change.
Are black lives 'systematically and intentionally targeted for demise' by the police?
What is the root of our suffering and how can it be quenched? What did the Buddha discover?
The parallel between Relativity Theory and śunyata.
Silavadin discusses the materialist view of evolution and, following the philosopher Thomas Nagel.
Sravaniya says why he thinks classical music is important.
Moral rectitude functions as a form of power.
Part 1 of Achara's series on wise policy making.
Ratnaguna asks Chintamini about his approach to creating Buddhist images for Western Buddhists
When a tyrannous regime invades a peaceful country, what is the most ethical course of action?
Why the Modern Left Loathes the Working Class
This review explores ‘The Burning House’, a response to a perceived climate emergency.
Part 2 of Achara's series on wise policy making.
Political ideologies can undermine psychological functioning.
Subhuti explores the pursuit of beauty as a spiritual path. Part 1 of 2 parts.
In this short but powerful piece Nagapriya argues that gratitude is transformative.
Thomas Hamilton-Shaw talks about two books: The Road to Somewhere and Head Hand Head Hand Heart.
Vidyaruchi argues Popper's political thought needs a framework of higher values such as is found in Buddhism.
Advayacitta begins to explore climate change politics, looking at the cultural context in which fears about climate developed
The Buddha was aware of the dangers of engaging in debates, and he had some observations about how to conduct discussions.
Ratnaguna asks guitarist Nick Gauntlett about his love of progressive rock, and what it has to do with his Dharma practice.
Whole societies can split into mutually unintelligible ‘tribes’.
Urgyen Sangharakshita explores the idea that ethical actions are not only good, but also beautiful
This article is intended for those who are curious about Buddhism but as yet knows little about it.
If you are a Buddhist, are you bound to be a Remainer?
Ratnaguna interviews Advayacitta about the nature of consciousness, and how this relates to the question of rebirth.
A conversation on the series 'A Good Heart is not enough'.
Subhamati takes a closer look at Stephen Batchelor's Tricycle article on Brexit.
Ratnaguna marks Apramda’s first year by discussing why the objective truth is crucial for the health of society
Vidyaruchi examines Popper's thinking on politics, his critique of 'historicism' and his demolition of Marxism.
Aryajit interviews Ratnaguna on Walking with the Wind by the Civil Rights activist John Lewis
Devamitra's account of his treatment of prostate cancer. Inspiring, and thought-provoking.
This is the first in a new series we're calling Thus Have I Heard: Brief Essays on Buddhism.
How, according to the Buddha, an empire should be ruled?
Vidyaruchi explores what 'Social Justice' has come to mean.
Advayacitta interviewed about the importance and meaning of music in general, and in particular of the chanting of mantras.
In this second article based on his celebrated 'Eros and Beauty' talks, Subhuti examines the nature of aesthetic experience.
Ratnaguna looks at instances from ancient texts of the Buddha debating, and draws out lessons that we can learn from him.
Apramāda has been accused of trying to 'delegitimize and derail racial justice work'.
A Buddhist response to Karl Popper’s theory of scientific method.
Cass Sunstein argues that groups, and society, need dissenters to prevent them from making bad decisions.
What is ‘racial equality’? What should Buddhists make of it?
Ratnaguna and Advayacitta discuss aspects of Buddhism and psychological therapy - their similarities and differences.
Ratnaguna argues that if someone gives offence you don't have to take it
The second part of Vidyaruchi's series on A Survey of Buddhism.

Subscribe

Subscribe to Apramada. You’ll receive an email when new content is published.