Based on her experience of teaching both 'hard core' Buddhism on the one hand and secular mindfulness on the other in various countries and cultural contexts, Vidyamala explores two opposite positions that can be taken in response to this question.
One can be 'liberal' and try to change Buddhism to align with popular values in society, or 'conservative' and try to change society to align with traditional Buddhist values.
Is there a middle way between these two extremes, where Buddhism is dynamic, accessible and attractive and yet remains true to the uncompromising and radical teachings of the Buddha?
Talk given at Manchester Buddhism Centre on 28th May 2011, as part of a series of free public talks entitled 'Buddhism and the Big Question'.
Talk given at the Women's Class at the LBC on 16th June 2011.
In this very rich and well researched talk at the Stockholms Buddhistcenter (13 June 2011) Ratnaprabha traces the view of gender and sexuality in Buddhism. He addresses these topics in an open and inquiring way, not afraid of treading on ground that many others shy away from; and he raises many new questions. Rich food for further thought.