Buddhism and Identity Politics | Ajahn Brahmali | 3 Sep 2023

Buddhist Society of Western Australia

This talk is republished with permission by Metta Centre, teaching retrieved from http://Dhamma Talks – Metta Centre.

Identity politics often revolves around the idea that people have fixed identities defined by their race, gender, religion, socio-economic standing, etc. This understanding can sometimes lead to social division and animosity. From a Buddhist point of view, however, it is a mistake. People are ever-changing, especially when one takes account of rebirth. True social harmony and brotherhood emerges from seeing identity as an ever-evolving construct without real essence.

Ajahn Brahmali will also be participating in a fun Buddhist Trivia session as part of Metta Convention Week! For more info and to register please visit https://www.mettacentre.com/the-metta...

** Outline **

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:33 - Meditation
00:10:30 - The Buddha's advice on teachers
00:13:47 - Changeability of identity
00:15:25 - Change leading to connections & commonality
00:16:21 - Rebirth
00:19:08 - Separation / "othering" is artificial
00:21:54 - Create unity
00:23:05 - Compassion and non-self
00:23:58 - Simile of the sick person
00:28:56 - Transforming identity
00:31:18 - Identifying with good qualities
00:32:37 - Meditation
00:34:09 - Ladder of more wholesome identities
00:35:28 - Finally overcoming identity
00:36:56 - Identity Politics conclusion
00:40:59 - Q: Self-compassion
00:43:42 - Q: Main insight of Enlightenment
00:45:12 - Q: Pride, the 3 conceits
00:48:33 - Q: Hindrances leading to pride
00:50:57 - Q: Disadvantaged groups, compassion
00:54:18 - Q: Balance between compassion & self-protection?
00:55:42 - Conclusion & dedication
00:57:25 - Announcements
** About the presenter **
Ajahn Brahmali was born in Norway in 1964. His interest in Buddhism and meditation started after a visit to Japan. Having completed degrees in engineering and finance, he began his monastic training as an Anagarika in England at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries. Listening to the teachings of Ajahn Brahm, he decided to travel to Bodhinyana Monastery, located near Perth, and has been there since 1994. He later received higher ordination under Ajahn Brahm.
Ajahn Brahmali’s knowledge of the Pali language and the Suttas is excellent. He completed the only full English translation of the Vinaya Piṭaka (Monastic Law). It is available on the SuttaCentral website and will be published as a book in the next few years. Bhikkhu Bodhi, who translated most of the Pali Canon into English, called Ajahn Brahmali one of his major helpers for the recent translation of the “Numerical Discourses of the Buddha”. Ajahn Brahmali has also published a number of essays, including the book “The Authenticity of the Early Buddhist Texts” in collaboration with Bhante Sujato. Most of his publications are available online at bswa.org.
Ajahn Brahmali’s clear and thoughtful talks make the teachings of the Buddha easily accessible to all. He travels extensively in Australia, Asia and Europe to share his knowledge and experience through teachings and retreats.
** About Metta Centre **
To find out more about the Metta Centre & how you can support us you can visit https://www.mettacentre.com
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