The Buddha on politics: Early texts (video)

Doug Smith, Doug's Dharma, Secular Buddhist Association, March 20, 2017; Bhikkhu Bodhi; Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The Buddha on Politics and Society

(Doug's Dharma) Politics and Society. Let's look at what the historical Buddha had to say about politics and society. He had a very interesting approach and some unique insights to provide.

• BOOK: Bhikkhu Bodhi's anthology, The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony

This is the third Doug's Dharma YouTube video, so it's a bit rougher than some of the later ones. His apologies. Check out his Patreon page: dougsseculardharma. Some posts on Early Buddhism and politics at the Secular Buddhist Association:

• secularbuddhism.org/2017/02/06...
• secularbuddhism.org/2015/10/26...
• secularbuddhism.org/2016/09/27...
• secularbuddhism.org/2014/12/15...

Here's one on Buddhist ethics written by Doug for his friend Justin Whitaker's blog "American Buddhist Perspectives": patheos.com/blogs/american...

• Visit the Secular Buddhist Association:  secularbuddhism.org

Disclaimer: Amazon links are affiliate links where Doug will earn a very small commission on purchases made at no additional cost to the purchaser. This goes a tiny way towards defraying the costs of making these videos. Thanks.

The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon

By Bhikkhu Bodhi with foreword by the Dalai Lama, Kindle Edition

The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal
Harmony: Anthology Discourses from Pali Canon

This anthology of translated Theravada Buddhist discourses (sutras) has 4.8 out of 5 stars with 197 ratings. It is part of the series The Teachings of the Buddha (10 books).

In a world of conflict and strife, how can we be advocates of peace and justice? In this volume, acclaimed American Buddhist scholar-monk Dr. Bhikkhu Bodhi, Ph.D., has collected and translated the Buddha’s teachings on

• conflict resolution,
• interpersonal and social problem-solving, and
• the forging of harmonious relationships.

The selections, all drawn from the Pali canon, the earliest record of the historical Buddha’s discourses, are organized into ten thematic chapters. The chapters deal with such topics as

• the quelling of anger,
• good friendship,
• intentional communities,
• the settlement of disputes, and
• the establishing of an equitable society.

Each chapter begins with a concise and informative introduction by the translator that guides us toward a deeper understanding of the texts that follow.

In times of social conflict, intolerance, and war, the Buddha’s approach to creating and sustaining peace takes on a new and urgent significance.

Even readers unacquainted with Buddhism will appreciate these ancient teachings, always clear, practical, undogmatic, and so contemporary in flavor.

The Buddha’s Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony will prove to be essential reading for anyone seeking to bring peace into their communities and into the wider world.