Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The Buddha

Ep. 968 - (Pali Canon Study Group) - Walking The Path with The Buddha - Volume 2 - (Chapter 11-20)

·1 hr 26 min·5 clips

David Roylance points out a conflict in the Pali Canon: did the Buddha discover the path or were there Buddhas before him?

This episode is part of a year-and-a-half Pali Canon study program hosted by David Roylance, focusing on Volume 2, Chapters 11-20. The format involves student readings from the text followed by Roylance's commentary and live Q&A with participants via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. The session begins with Chapter 11 on the Eightfold Path, where Roylance stresses its memorization as essential for enlightenment, unlike other teachings. He explains that without the Eightfold Path, no one can reach the first, second, third, or fourth stages of enlightenment. Chapter 12 is read by a student named Pat, discussing the rarity of enlightened beings (arahants) and the path's role. Roylance elaborates that during the Buddha's time, other teachers existed but lacked this path. Chapter 13, read by Andrew, distinguishes between a Tathagata (perfectly enlightened Buddha) and a monk liberated by wisdom. Roylance analyzes this, noting the Buddha discovered the path independently without teachers, and addresses a contradiction in the Pali Canon about whether there were Buddhas before him. He argues that language evolution may have prevented earlier Buddhas. Chapter 14, read by Vibhav, covers the spiritual life's purpose, not for debate but for eliminating strong feelings. Roylance advises walking away from arguments to practice restraint. Chapter 15, read by Pat, discusses misrepresentations of the Buddha's teachings, with Roylance emphasizing his core message of discontentment and its elimination. Chapter 16, read by Kristen, describes the Tathagata's consistent speech from enlightenment to death. Chapter 17, read by Vibhav, details six types of speech the Tathagata uses or avoids based on truth, benefit, and reception. This sparks a Q&A where students like Vibhav and Kristen ask about applying these principles in workplace and personal conflicts, with Roylance offering practical guidance. Chapter 18, read by Vibhav, uses the simile of leaves to show the Buddha taught only what leads to enlightenment. Chapter 19, read by Pat, features the poisoned arrow simile, illustrating why the Buddha left metaphysical questions undeclared, focusing instead on the Four Noble Truths. The episode concludes with ongoing study, highlighting the program's interactive and educational nature.

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