Vesak is the most sacred day of the year to millions of Buddhists around the world. Celebrated on the full moon in May, it was on the Day of Vesak over two and a half millennia ago that the Buddha attained enlightenment.
While the Buddha’s teachings continue to inspire people around the world, there are divergent views about the teachings, including how they should be interpreted and how they apply to today’s modern society. In this conversation with Ajahn Brahmāli, Quest magazine editor Richard Smoley discuss these views and explore some core topics such as secular Buddhism, the idea of rebirth and reincarnation, the nature of karma, meditation, and enlightenment.
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Ajahn Brahmāli was born in Norway in 1964. He first became interested in Buddhism and meditation in his early 20s while on a visit to Japan. After hearing teachings from Ajahn Brahm, he decided to travel to Australia to train at Bodhinyana Monastery, where he took full ordination as a Buddhist monk in 1996. Ajahn Brahmāli is renowned for his excellent knowledge of the Pali language and his enthusiasm for teaching the suttas. He is also well known as a scholar of the Vinaya—the monastic rules and procedures—which he is currently translating into English. Ajahn Brahmāli’s clear and insightful talks help make the Buddha’s teachings accessible to all. He is regularly invited to conduct retreats in Australia, South-East Asia, Sri Lanka, and Europe.
#vesak #enlightenment #reincarnation
The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter/s and do not necessarily represent the views of the Theosophical Society in America, its members, or its affiliates.
