In this talk I describe how the development, in an individual, of the skills outlined in the Buddha's 'Eightfold Path,' can become the ethical values for a whole society – a ‘culture of awakening?’ I also explore some of the connections between Buddhist ideas and practices and what we might call an ecological worldview.

In this episode I discuss the Eightfold Path – a well-known and important outline of how the Four Noble Truths or Tasks are to be developed and realised. These are set out in the Dhammacakkappavattana sutra, usually referred to in English as Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Dharma – an account of one of the Buddha’s first teachings. I go on to briefly explore the concepts of dukkha (suffering) and sukha (wellbeing). I also share some thoughts on how it may be useful to think of the...

In this talk, I briefly discuss the Pali Canon, the early texts of Buddhism, and also say a little more about how suffering arises from our struggle to deal with the impermanent and interdependent nature of existence. I also introduce and describe three important Buddhist terms: metta – ‘loving kindness,’ karuna – ‘compassion’ and ahimsa – ‘non-violence.’

In this episode I talk about the Four Noble Truths – one of the central teachings of the Buddha. I also try to explain why there is so much emphasis on non-attachment in Buddhism and what is meant by ‘attachment’ or ‘craving’, and ‘non-attachment.’

In this short talk I am going to describe what in Buddhism are often referred to as the Three Marks of Existence. These three marks, or conditions, of existence are considered as central tenets of the Buddha’s teaching within most Buddhist schools. The first mark of existence is impermanence – anicca; the second is anatta – often referred to as non-self; and the third is dukkha – usually translated as suffering.

In this episode, I suggest that we consider eco-grief as one of many forms of suffering (dukkha in Buddhism) arising from the transient nature of existence and from our insatiable desires or attachments to things and sensations. I'll look at two aspects of eco-grief: on the one hand, a feeling of loss at what is passing, dying or being degraded; and on the other hand, a deepening anxiety about a chaotic and fearful future. I'll argue that, in order to act in a mindful, wise and compassionate...

In this episode I explain why the Podcast is called Dharma Roads, rather than Dharma Road. I also talk about notions of truth and suggest that it may be helpful to think in terms of what is useful, rather than trying to decide what is true or false. I am not suggesting that there are no truths, but that there are many truths.

In this first episode I explain what the word 'dharma' usually means in Buddhism and why the podcast is titled, 'Dharma Roads.' I suggest that there are many roads to wisdom and peace and that in the twenty-first century we have access to a global storehouse of teachings and traditions. What is important is that we learn from these teachings and traditions in order to transform our daily lives into a dharma road of peace, compassion and understanding.