Advayacitta explores the nature of the IPCC and the quality of its reports.
16 September 2024
Latest Articles
The way Buddhism has been generally understood in the West has been strongly shaped by the rationalist tendencies of certain nineteenth century scholars. This article explores Sangharakshita's critique of these 'Orientalists', and how it is still relevant to us today.
Posted in: Buddhism
Over three years ago, a group of friends and I came together with the aspiration of launching an online periodical — the very one you are reading now. What was on our minds? What inspired the project?
Posted in: Buddhism
In this short reflection Advayacitta looks at the importance of psychology in caring for people who are physically ill.
Posted in: Psychology
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.
Politics
Chapter 13 of The Destructivists by William Collins, in which he explains why 'Wokeism' has become dominant in all centres of power and authority.
Posted in: Politics
Chapter 10 of The Destructivists by William Collins, in which he explains why the 'elites' - the privileged, the established, the influential, the powerful - have most to gain from the imposed Moral Infantilism of society.
Posted in: Politics
Calls for 'Social Justice' seem to be getting shriller, and the demands made in its name stranger. Vidyaruchi explains what the terms have come to mean, where the ideas underlying their current use originated, and why they are so dangerous.
Posted in: Politics
Chapter 7 of The Destructivists by William Collins, in which he explains how supposed moral rectitude functions as a form of power.
Posted in: Politics
Psychology
In the second of a series of short reflections on his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the process of projection.
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.
In this, the first in a series of short reflections on his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the phenomenon of irrational guilt
Posted in: Psychology
Ratnaguna interviews Advayacitta about how recognising and transcending various patterns from the past is an important aspect of psychological and spiritual development.
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.
In this very stimulating interview Thomas Hamilton-Shaw talks about two books by David Goodhart: The Road to Somewhere and Head Hand Heart. Tom is a friend of David and was his research assistant for the second book.
Posted in: Culture
Ratnaguna asks guitarist Nick Gauntlett about his love of progressive rock music, and what it has to do with his Dharma practice. We also hear some of the music he has recorded, including a song he wrote as part of a concept album on the Buddha.
Posted in: Culture
Maitreyabandhu is an award-winning poet, and in this illuminating interview he tells Ratnaguna about his latest volume of poetry, After Cézanne.
Posted in: Culture
Philosophy
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.
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.
Posted in: Philosophy
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.
Posted in: Philosophy
Karl Popper is arguably one of the foremost philosophers of the 20th century. Here, Vidyaruchi considers his theory of scientific method, and attempts to formulate a Buddhist response.
Posted in: Philosophy
science
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.
In this article Advayacitta describes the process of how he came to alter his opinion about climate change.
In this second article on Buddhism and physics, Advayacitta explores an important parallel between Relativity Theory and the Buddhist doctrine of śunyata.
Posted in: Science
In ‘The Burning House’, a Buddhist shares his Dharma insights, promising practical resources for those moved to respond to a perceived climate emergency. This review explores the author’s depiction of the problem, and his solutions.
Posted in: Science
Buddhism
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.
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.
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.
Posted in: Buddhism
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.
Articles
his work as a clinical psychologist, Advayacitta considers the process of projection.
Cass Sunstein argues that groups, and society, need dissenters to prevent them from making bad decisions.
Ratnaguna marks Apramda’s first year by discussing why the objective truth is crucial for the health of society
Maitreyabandhu's latest volume of poetry, After Cézanne.
In this article Ratnaguna makes a case for spiritual communities changing the world for the better.
In this short but powerful piece Nagapriya argues that gratitude is transformative.
Subhamati takes a closer look at Stephen Batchelor's Tricycle article on Brexit.
Why the Modern Left Loathes the Working Class
The second part of Vidyaruchi's series on A Survey of Buddhism.
The Buddha was aware of the dangers of engaging in debates, and he had some observations about how to conduct discussions.
Thomas Hamilton-Shaw talks about two books: The Road to Somewhere and Head Hand Head Hand Heart.
A Buddhist response to Karl Popper’s theory of scientific method.
Urgyen Sangharakshita explores the idea that ethical actions are not only good, but also beautiful
Ratnaguna interviews Advayacitta about the nature of consciousness, and how this relates to the question of rebirth.
Are black lives 'systematically and intentionally targeted for demise' by the police?
Devamitra's account of his treatment of prostate cancer. Inspiring, and thought-provoking.
Advayacitta interviewed about the importance and meaning of music in general, and in particular of the chanting of mantras.
What is ‘racial equality’? What should Buddhists make of it?
Aryajit interviews Ratnaguna on Walking with the Wind by the Civil Rights activist John Lewis
A conversation on the series 'A Good Heart is not enough'.
Political ideologies can undermine psychological functioning.
The first article in a series on Sangharakshita's magnum opus A Survey of Buddhism.
Whole societies can split into mutually unintelligible ‘tribes’.
Ratnaguna looks at instances from ancient texts of the Buddha debating, and draws out lessons that we can learn from him.
The powerful have most to gain from the imposed Moral Infantilism of society
Ratnaguna asks Chintamini about his approach to creating Buddhist images for Western Buddhists
This article is intended for those who are curious about Buddhism but as yet knows little about it.
What is the root of our suffering and how can it be quenched? What did the Buddha discover?
Ratnaguna and Advayacitta discuss aspects of Buddhism and psychological therapy - their similarities and differences.
This is the first in a new series we're calling Thus Have I Heard: Brief Essays on Buddhism.
In this second article based on his celebrated 'Eros and Beauty' talks, Subhuti examines the nature of aesthetic experience.
Advayacitta begins to explore interesting parallels between two core Buddhist principles, and modern physics.
How can we really know anything, and how often are our opinions based on a lack of real knowledge?
Advayacitta describes the process of how he came to alter his opinion about climate change.
Vidyaruchi examines Popper's thinking on politics, his critique of 'historicism' and his demolition of Marxism.
Ratnaguna argues that if someone gives offence you don't have to take it
Subhuti explores the pursuit of beauty as a spiritual path. Part 1 of 2 parts.
Silavadin discusses the materialist view of evolution and, following the philosopher Thomas Nagel.
Advayacitta begins to explore climate change politics, looking at the cultural context in which fears about climate developed
When a tyrannous regime invades a peaceful country, what is the most ethical course of action?
Vidyaruchi argues Popper's political thought needs a framework of higher values such as is found in Buddhism.
This review explores ‘The Burning House’, a response to a perceived climate emergency.
Apramāda has been accused of trying to 'delegitimize and derail racial justice work'.
Vidyaruchi explores what 'Social Justice' has come to mean.
The importance of Buddhists transcending political ideologies.
Advayacitta explores how decision making in health care has been increasingly taken away from clinicians and their patients
Another short Dharma essay, Gotama, Mole, and the Wild Wood.
A commentary on the seven principles the Buddha gave to the Vajjika League
A multi-faceted exploration of Sangharakshita's understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and science.