In this talk, Nagapriya introduces his new book, “Visions of Mahayana Buddhism.” Here he condenses the definition of Mahayana Buddhism from his earlier talks then describes the process of writing the book, why he felt it was needed, and how its structure serves to make the study of Mahayana Buddhism accessible. From the talk Visions of Mahayana Buddhism, the fifth and final talk in a five-part series by Nagapriya exploring Mahayana Buddhism...

In this introductory talk to The Sutra of Golden Light, Saddharaja gives us an historical overview of the sutra, and its extraordinary reputation, plus a story about his own meeting with the sutra in 1983. He introduces chapters 1&2 and also suggests how we might best approach the sutra ourselves in order to experience its riches.  Excerpted from the talk Entering Another World, part of the series The Sutra of Golden...

This talk explores the emergence of the Bodhisattva Ideal in the Mahayana tradition. Nagapriya discusses the historical context in which this basic concept developed, its ties to early Buddhist texts, and what the bodhisattva’s life entails, on both the mundane and cosmic levels. Here, he shares a reading on forbearance from the Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva. 

Excerpted from the The Ideal of Universal Awakening given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, as part of the series ...

Nagapriya encourages us to read Mahayana Sutras, when reading such a text, if we allow ourselves to really enter into it, we find ourselves transported into it. The scripture, through our participation in it, unveils a samadhi, a particular vision-world that a Bodhisattva dwells in. 

Excerpted from the talk Mahayana Buddhist Scriptures, part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism, given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009.
...