The Logic of Anattā and Other Aspects of Wisdom
Explores Sangharakshita’s account of the final stage of the Threefold Way, including his familiarity with formal logic and his use of it to explain the doctrine of anattā.
The Two Trends of Dependent Arising
A further exploration of one of Sangharakshita’s signature teachings: the cyclical and progressive modes in which the law of dependent arising operates.
The Profane Impertinence of the Orientalists
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.
Celebrating three years of Apramada
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?
One Gigantic Sweep: Science in the Survey and Beyond
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.
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.
The Buddha’s Advice to the Vajjika League
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.
Ethical Beauty
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.
The Cancellation of Reason
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.
A Circle that Cannot be Squared
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.
No Comparison: Dr Ambedkar and ‘Social Justice’
Dr Ambedkar was a unique figure in world history. Buddhists seeking to promote ‘Social Justice’ causes have been known to cite him as a precedent. But is this justified? Vidyaruchi investigates.
Apramāda’s Second Anniversary
A message from the editorial board on the occasion of Apramada’s second anniversary, explaining something of what motivated us to start a new online publication, and what we hope to achieve.
On Taking, and Not Taking, Offence
Ratnaguna discusses the rise of offence-taking in our culture and argues that, just because someone gives offence, doesn’t mean you have to take it.
On Gratitude
An extract from Nagapriya’s book The Promise of a Sacred World, in which he argues that cultivating a sense of gratitude for all we’ve received is transformative.
The Middle Path and its Three Modalities
The Middle Path is one of the most fundamental doctrines of Buddhism. In a particularly brilliant passage from A Survey of Buddhism, Sangharakshita identifies three ‘modalities’ through which it operates. Here, Vidyaruchi explores these deep ideas.
Spiritual Friendship and Solitude
Another in our series Thus Have I Heard: Brief Essays on Buddhism, this one explores an apparent contradiction in the Buddha’s teaching
The Impartite Dharma and its Doubleness of Aspect
An exploration of the crucial twofold distinction of the Dharma into doctrine and method, as found in A Survey of Buddhism and Sangharakshita’s later thought.
Gotama, Mole, and the Wild Wood
Another in the series Thus Have I heard, about facing danger, and how we should resist attempts from our risk averse culture to shield us from it.
A Binocular Vision of Reality
An examination of Sangharakshita’s teaching on the progressive trend within reality, especially as regards its implications for the doctrinal unity of the Buddhist tradition.
The Buddha’s Reasons for Being Ethical
This is the second in our series Thus Have I Heard: Brief Essays on Buddhism. We aim to keep them short enough to be read in five minutes or less. This one is 4 minutes of unadulterated Dharma.
The Ascent of Beauty
In this first of two articles based on his celebrated ‘Eros and Beauty’ talks given in 2014, Subhuti explores the pursuit of beauty as a spiritual path.
One Year of Apramāda
Apramāda is now one year old. In this editorial, Ratnaguna marks the occasion by discussing why loyalty to the notion of objective truth is crucial for the health of society
Contemplations on Dukkha
The Buddha brought his spiritual genius to two questions: what is the root of our suffering and how can it be quenched? This short article points us to the Buddha’s discoveries and his prescribed training scheme.
Practising the Dharma in Adversity
Ratnaguna finds much to admire in Devamitra’s account of his diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Inspiring, challenging, humorous, and thought-provoking, it’s well worth reading, regardless of your health condition or religion.
The Transcendental Principle and Dyads of the Understanding
In this first article in a series on Sangharakshita’s magnum opus, A Survey of Buddhism, Vidyaruchi offers a novel interpretation of some of the main ideas found in Chapter One of the book.
The Heart’s Release by Love
This is the first in a new series we’re calling Thus Have I Heard: Brief Essays on Buddhism. They should be short enough to be read in five minutes or less!
Arguing with the Buddha Part Two
In this, the second part of the article, Ratnaguna continues to look at instances from the ancient texts of the Buddha debating, and draws out lessons we can learn from him.
Arguing with the Buddha Part One
The Buddha was well aware of the dangers and pitfalls of engaging in debates, and he had some interesting observations about how to conduct oneself in a discussion.
Music, Meaning and Mantra
Ratnaguna interviews Advayacitta about the importance and meaning of music in general, and in particular of the chanting of mantras.
In Praise of Uncertainty
Ratnaguna discusses the vitally important questions of how can we really know anything, and how often are our opinions based on a lack of real knowledge?
What is Buddhism?
This article is intended for you if you have come to this website as someone who is curious about Buddhism but as yet knows little about it.
When you enter the temple, leave your politics at the door
Ratnaguna discusses the importance of Buddhists transcending political ideologies, and developing wisdom.
Consciousness and Rebirth
Ratnaguna interviews Advayacitta about the nature of consciousness, and how this relates to the question of rebirth.