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by Nicholas Bright Haight
Welcome to Bright on Buddhism, a podcast where we discuss and explain topics of Buddhism in a casual, conversational, question and answer setting. My name is Nick Bright, scholar of East Asian Buddhism. I am currently studying for my Master’s degree in Religion at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where I am specializing in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture history. I have researched topics such as Japanese Buddhist responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Buddhist Haiku poetry, and the Japanese history of science and religion. I will be joined by my friend Proven Paradox.
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- 2 days ago25 min
Research Project Series - The Yakuza - Part 1
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - The Yakuza - Part 1Resources: Adelstein, Jake (2009). Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan. New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN 978-0-307-37879-8. OCLC 699874898.—— (2023). The Last Yakuza: A Life in the Japanese Underworld. Minneapolis, Minn.: Scribe Publications. ISBN 9780307908384. OCLC 1376495818.Adelstein, Jake (2024). Tokyo Noir: In and Out of Japan's Underworld. Minneapolis, Minn.: Scribe. ISBN 9781957363912. OCLC 1415747543.Baradel, Martina. 2026. 21st Century Yakuza: Death of Japanese Organised Crime. Oxford University Press.Whiting, Robert (1999). Tokyo Underworld: The Fast Times and Hard Life of an American Gangster in Japan (First ed.). New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN 9780679419761. OCLC 45344213_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- 1 weeks ago38 min
Mūlapariyāya Sutta
Bright on Buddhism - Mūlapariyāya SuttaResources: Ñanamoli; Bodhi; The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, Outline of the suttas. Kearney, Patrick; EVAṂ ME SUTTAṂ This is how I heard it; Mūlapariyāya Sutta: The process of delusion. http://www.dharmasalon.net/Writings/Majjhima/files/01_Delusion.pdf Kearney, Patrick; EVAṂ ME SUTTAṂ This is how I heard it; Mūlapariyāya Sutta: The process of delusion. http://www.dharmasalon.net/Writings/Majjhima/files/01_Delusion.pdf Mūlapariyāya Sutta - The Root of All Things - Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli and Bhikkhu Bhodi, http://obo.genaud.net/dhamma-vinaya/wp/mn/mn.001.ntbb.wp.htm#fn5 Mūlapariyāya Sutta - The Root of All Things - Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli and Bhikkhu Bhodi, http://obo.genaud.net/dhamma-vinaya/wp/mn/mn.001.ntbb.wp.htm#fn5 Mulapariyaya Sutta: The Root Sequence translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu © 1998 http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.001.than.html_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- 2 weeks ago18 min
Who was Thich Quang Duc?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 147 - Who was Thich Quang Duc? What was the significance of his sacrifice in Buddhism? What was his legacy in the Vietnam war?Resources: Buttinger, Joseph (1967), Vietnam: A Dragon Embattled, Praeger PublishersDung, Thay Phap (2006), "A Letter to Friends about our Lineage" (PDF), PDF file on the Order of Interbeing website, retrieved 23 November 2014Fall, Bernard (1963), The Two Viet-Nams, Praeger PublishersGettleman, Marvin E. (1966), Vietnam: History, documents and opinions on a major world crisis, New York: Penguin BooksHalberstam, David (1965), The Making of a Quagmire, New York: Random House, ISBN 9780345357779Hammer, Ellen J. (1987), A Death in November: America in Vietnam, 1963, New York City: E. P. Dutton, ISBN 0-525-24210-4Harrison, Gilbert, ed. (1963a), "Diem's other crusade", The New Republic, no. 22 June 1963Harrison, Gilbert, ed. (1963b), "South Vietnam: Whose funeral pyre?", The New Republic, no. 29 June 1963, p. 9Jacobs, Seth (2006), Cold War Mandarin: Ngo Dinh Diem and the Origins of America's War in Vietnam, 1950–1963, Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, ISBN 0-7425-4447-8Jones, Howard (2003), Death of a Generation: how the assassinations of Diem and JFK prolonged the Vietnam War, New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-505286-2Karnow, Stanley (1997), Vietnam: A history, New York: Penguin Books, ISBN 0-670-84218-4Langguth, A. J. (2002), Our Vietnam: the war, 1954–1975, New York: Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0-7432-1231-2Prochnau, William (1995), Once upon a Distant War, New York: Times Books, ISBN 0-8129-2633-1Schecter, Jerrod L. (1967), The New Face of Buddha: Buddhism and Political Power in Southeast Asia, New York: Coward-McCannShaw, Geoffrey (2015), The Lost Mandate of Heaven: The American Betrayal of Ngo Dinh Diem, President of Vietnam, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, ISBN 978-1-58617-935-9Tucker, Spencer C. (2000), Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War, Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, ISBN 1-57607-040-9Unattributed (14 June 1963a), "The Religious Crisis", Time Magazine, no. 14 June 1963, retrieved 21 August 2007Unattributed (30 August 1963b), "The Crackdown", Time Magazine, no. 30 August 1963, archived from the original on 13 July 2007, retrieved 23 October 2007Warner, Denis (1963), The Last Confucian, New York: MacmillanZinn, Howard (2003), A People's History of the United States, New York: HarperCollins, ISBN 0-06-052842-7_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- 3 weeks ago21 min
What is shinjin 信心?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 146 - What is shinjin? Where does it come from? What is its significance?Resources: Blum, Mark L. The Origins and Development of Pure Land Buddhism: a Study and Translation of Gyōnen's Jōdo Hōmon Genrushō. Oxford, New York, Oxford University Press, 2002.Matsunaga, Daigan, and Alicia Matsunaga. Foundation of Japanese buddhism, Vol. 2: The Mass Movement (Kamakura and Muromachi Periods). Los Angeles, Tokyo, Buddhist Books International, 1990.The Three Pure Land Sutras. Rev. 2nd ed. Translated by Hisao Inagaki with Harold Stewart, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 2003.Bandō, Shojun; Stewart, Harold; Rogers, Ann T. and Minor L.; trans. (1996) : Tannishō: Passages Deploring Deviations of Faith and Rennyo Shōnin Ofumi: The Letters of Rennyo, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research. ISBN 1-886439-03-6Bloom, Alfred (1989). Introduction to Jodo Shinshu, Pacific World Journal, New Series Number 5, 33–39Dessi, Ugo (2010), Social Behavior and Religious Consciousness among Shin Buddhist Practitioners, Japanese Journal of Religious Siudies, 37 (2), 335–366Dobbins, James C. (1989). Jodo Shinshu: Shin Buddhism in Medieval Japan. Bloomington, Illinois: Indiana University Press. ISBN 9780253331861; OCLC 470742039Ducor, Jerome (2021): Shinran and Pure Land Buddhism; San Francisco, Jodo Shinshu International Office; 188 pp., bibliography (ISBN 978-0-9997118-2-8).Inagaki Hisao, trans., Stewart, Harold (2003). The Three Pure Land Sutras, 2nd ed., Berkeley, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research. ISBN 1-886439-18-4Lee, Kenneth Doo (2007). The Prince and the Monk: Shotoku Worship in Shinran's Buddhism. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-0791470220.Matsunaga, Daigan, Matsunaga, Alicia (1996), Foundation of Japanese Buddhism, Vol. 2: The Mass Movement (Kamakura and Muromachi Periods), Los Angeles; Tokyo: Buddhist Books International, 1996. ISBN 0-914910-28-0Takamori/Ito/Akehashi (2006). "You Were Born For A Reason: The Real Purpose of Life," Ichimannendo Publishing Inc; ISBN 9780-9790-471-07S. Yamabe and L. Adams Beck (trans.): Buddhist Psalms of Shinran Shonin, John Murray, London 1921. e-bookGalen Amstutz, Review of Fumiaki, Iwata, Kindai Bukkyō to seinen: Chikazumi Jōkan to sono jidai and Ōmi Toshihiro, Kindai Bukkyō no naka no Shinshū: Chikazumi Jōkan to kyūdōshatachi, in H-Japan, H-Net Reviews July, 2017.Kasulis, Thomas P. (1981). Review: Letters of Shinran: A Translation of Mattōshō. Volume I: Shin Buddhism Translation Series I by Yoshifumi Ueda, Philosophy East and West 31 (2), 246–248Friedrich, Daniel G. (2008). Shinjin, Faith, and Entrusting Heart : Notes on the Presentation of Shin Buddhism in English, 大阪女学院大学紀要 5, 107–117Lee, Kenneth D. (2004). Comparative Analysis of Shinran's Shinjin and Calvin's Faith, Buddhist-Christian Studies 24, 171–190 JSTOR 4145572 (subscription required)Ueda, Yoshifumi (1981). Response to Thomas P. Kasulis' Review of "Letters of Shinran", Philosophy East and West 31 (4), 507–511 JSTOR 1398796 (subscription required)Rogers, Minor L. (1980). Review: Letters of Shinran: A Translation of Mattosho, by Yoshifumi Ueda. Notes on 'Essentials of Faith Alone': A Translation of Shinran's by Yuishinsho-mon'i., by Yoshifumi Ueda. Monumenta Nipponica 35 (4), 508–511 JSTOR 2384432_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- Aug 21, 202622 min
What is the Buddhist perspective on neurodiversity?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 145 - What is the Buddhist perspective on neurodiversity? How does neurodiversity factor into meditation? How is neurodiversity understood in Buddhism? Special thanks to Tanner!_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- Aug 14, 202647 min
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - The Assassination of Abe Shinzō
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - The Assassination of Abe ShinzōJoin me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discussing topics in Japanese history and diving deep into their circumstances, their context, and their significance. We will talk about who the major players were, what their agendas were, and why they did what they did. Hopefully, by the end of each episode, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of Japanese history, but also East Asian history in general. I hope you enjoy. _________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- Aug 7, 202628 min
Who was Saichō?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 144 - Who was Saichō? What were some of his views, works, and accomplishments? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism?Resources:Groner, Paul (2000). Saicho : The Establishment of the Japanese Tendai School. University of Hawaii Press.Abe Ryūichi: Saichō and Kūkai: A conflict of interpretations. Japanese Journal of Religious Studies Vol: 22/1–2, pp. 103–137, 1995.Abe, Ryuichi (1999). The Weaving of Mantra: Kukai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse. Columbia University Press.Groner, Paul (1989). "The Lotus Sutra and Saicho's Interpretation of the Realization of Buddhahood with This Very Body". In Tanabe, George J.; Tanabe, Willa Jane (ed.). The Lotus Sutra in Japanese Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.Stone, Jacqueline I. (2003-05-31). Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism. University of Hawaii Press.Asai Endō 浅井円道, "The Lotus Sutra as the Core of Japanese Buddhism Shifts in Representations of its Fundamental Principle." Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 41/1: 45–64 © 2014 Nanzan Institute for Religion and CultureLopez (Jr.), Donald S.; Stone, Jacqueline I. (2019). Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sūtra. Princeton University Press.Groner, Paul (2014). "The Lotus Sutra and the Perfect-Sudden Precepts," Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 41/1: 103–131_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
- Jul 31, 202627 min
Who was Kūkai?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 143 - Who was Kukai? What were some of his views, works, and accomplishments? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism?Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-gi: Attaining Enlightenment in This Very Existence, Buddhist Studies Reviews 17 (2), 207-220Giebel, Rolf W.; Todaro, Dale A.; trans. (2004). Shingon texts, Berkeley, Calif.: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and ResearchGreen, Ronald S. (2003). "Kūkai, Founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism: Portraits of His Life." Ph.D. dissertation, University of Wisconsin-Madison.Hakeda Yoshito. 1972. Kūkai – Major Works. New York, USA: Columbia University Press.Inagaki Hisao (1972). "Kukai's Sokushin-Jobutsu-Gi" (Principle of Attaining Buddhahood with the Present Body), Asia Major (New Series) 17 (2), 190-215Skilton, A. 1994. A Concise History of Buddhism. Birmingham: Windhorse Publications.Wayman, A and Tajima, R. 1998 The Enlightenment of Vairocana. Delhi: Motilal Barnasidass [includes Study of the Vairocanābhisambodhitantra (Wayman) and Study of the Mahāvairocana-Sūtra (Tajima)].White, Kenneth R. 2005. The Role of Bodhicitta in Buddhist Enlightenment. New York: The Edwin Mellen Press (includes Bodhicitta-śāstra, Benkenmitsu-nikyōron, Sanmaya-kaijō)_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
About Bright On Buddhism
Welcome to Bright on Buddhism, a podcast where we discuss and explain topics of Buddhism in a casual, conversational, question and answer setting. My name is Nick Bright, scholar of East Asian Buddhism. I am currently studying for my Master’s degree in Religion at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where I am specializing in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture history. I have researched topics such as Japanese Buddhist responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Buddhist Haiku poetry, and the Japanese history of science and religion. I will be joined by my friend Proven Paradox.
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