Liberty, equality and fraternity were Ambedkar's central socio-political ideals. Here, we explore how he increasingly understood them from a Buddhist point of view.
Dr Ambedkar is of great historical significance, but his thought is also worthy of attention. This article lays the ground for a distinctive exploration of some of his deepest ideas.
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.
A further exploration of one of Sangharakshita's signature teachings: the cyclical and progressive modes in which the law of dependent arising operates.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Ratnaguna interviews Advayacitta about how recognising and transcending various patterns from the past is an important aspect of psychological and spiritual development.
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.
In this second article based on his celebrated 'Eros and Beauty' talks, Subhuti examines the nature of aesthetic experience using the language of 'imagination'.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
Ratnaguna and Advayacitta discuss aspects of Buddhism and psychological therapy - their similarities and differences. In particular they explore the topic of 'helpful conversations'.
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.
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.
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?