📿📿📿 Paul and Stephen are honored to welcome the esteemed Dr. Khy Sovanratana, dear friend of Dr. Stephen Asma, and former monk in the Theravada tradition in Cambodia. After 34 years as a monk, Dr. Sovanratana removed his robe and left the monastery to become the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Cambodian government. Many think they know Buddhism, but Paul and Stephen go straight to the source for enlightenment. This in-depth Wag explores Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths, the five different buddhas, the definition of karma, the causes of suffering, Buddhist beliefs in death, reincarnation, souls, spirits, ghosts, the difference between the Buddha and Bodhisattva, and so much more. What motivates a young man of 17 years old to become a novice Buddhist monk anyway, and what’s a day in the life like? What were the political forces that tried to destroy Buddhism, and how is Dr. Sovanratana using Buddhist teachings in Cambodian diplomacy? If you want to really know the teachings of Buddhism from a master, this Chinwag brings the “bhodi”! Paul Giamatti is an award-winning actor and producer, and the self-proclaimed Emperor of Neptune. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art. He also is the acting Minister of Triton for the Chinwag. Until recently, Dr. Khy Sovanratana was one of Cambodia’s most senior monks in the Theravada tradition. Currently, Dr. Sovanratana is the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia in the new cabinet of Prime Minister Hun Manet. 📿📿📿 ========= Make sure to follow us @chinwagpod 👉🏼 IG: https://www.instagram.com/chinwagpod/ Tik: https://www.tiktok.com/@chinwagpod Website: http://chinwagpod.fm YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chinwagpod Send your stories, Qs, or thoughts to 📧 questions [at] chinwagpod [dot] fm ========= Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices