As a single mass of rock isn’t moved by the wind,
even so all forms, flavors, sounds, aromas, contacts,
ideas desirable and not,
have no effect on one who is such. (AN 6.55)
Essays
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The wonder of intrinsic motivation (2020)
With extrinsic motivation a task is performed in order to achieve some goal outside of the task itself. With intrinsic motivation as task is satisfying and worth pursuing in itself. Psychological research demonstrates a greater degree of satisfaction, meaning, well-being, proficiency, and creativity in association with intrinsic motivation. It is striking how closely this is to a Buddhist understanding of such matters.
What did the Buddha think of women? (2012)
Buddhism is widely known throughout the world as a religion of peace and kindness. It is less known as a religion of gender-equality. This essay examines the status of Buddhist nuns at the time of the Buddha.