In the fifth session in our series “Who is the Buddha?” we explored how the Buddha of our time relates to other buddhas – past, future, and elsewhere. In addition, how do the buddhas of mandalas fit in, and what about bodhisattvas? Powerpoint file (including images and additional links and resources in the notes): Who […]

Our fourth session in this webinar series explored the Buddha’s place in Buddhist practices, including the role of stupas, and of images and visualisations of the Buddha. The powerpoint file, which includes further links and resources in the notes, and images that can be used in your teaching, can be found here: Who is the […]

At our third session in this series we asked to what extent the Buddha is viewed as a social reformer, including by Buddhist groups such as the Ambedkar movement and modern forms of Engaged Buddhism. The powerpoint slides (for images and also containing additional resources in the notes): Who is the Buddha – SESSION 3 […]

In our CPD webinar held on 3rd February we explored the extent to which it is possible to see the Buddha as a philosopher. Recording of the webinar (without the Q&A session): Powerpoint file for images and with additional information in the notes: Who is the Buddha – SESSION 2

In this CPD session on 27th January 2022 we explored some of the stories told about the Buddha’s life, and how they relate to both Buddhist teachings and evidence about the Buddha’s time. We learn about his quest and his teaching career, and the importance he holds for the Buddhist community. Powerpoint slides (for images […]

In the last session in the Key Concepts in Buddhism for RMPS teachers series we discuss two important Buddhist practices, and explore how they relate to other concepts from earlier sessions. The recording captures the presentation part of the session (not the Q&A) and the Powerpoint file contains additional resources and links in the notes. […]

The second session in our Key Concepts series for school teachers of the Buddhism part of the Highers/National 5 RMPS curriculum addressed the three marks of existence, namely the position that all of our experiences are dukkha (suffering/unsatisfactory), anicca (impermanent), and anattā (not-self). The powerpoint slides contain additional notes and links to resources, and the […]

We very much enjoyed this session, the first in our series of events for teachers of RMPS in Scotland, exploring the three jewels or refuges. We here share the powerpoint slides, which also contain – in the notes area – additional information and links. We also have a recording of the presentation (though not the […]

Here is a short lecture from Dr Naomi Appleton on how Buddhists might respond to the classical “problem of evil”. This lecture relates to Highers / Nat 5 topics such as the three marks of existence, beliefs about human beings and kamma, and meditation practice. It might also be interesting for people studying what other religions […]

Here is a short story about illness and anxiety from an Indian Buddhist text called the Avadanasataka. The text is a Sanskrit collection from around the middle of the first millennium CE, and more information and a full translation of the story can be found in my book Many Buddhas, One Buddha (Sheffield: Equinox, 2020). What I […]