Interview 30 years ago (1994) with this blogger
Mostly, a focus on Western Dharma and Sangha
A Dharma teacher found online last month (November 2024) this interview held 30 years ago with this wallah in Jerusalem in 1994. - published in the Autumn issue of the Insight Journal of Barre Centre for Buddhist Studies and Insight Medication Society (IMS), MA, USA.
Photo shows a deep love of Nagarjuna, 2nd Century AD, teacher of Emptiness of self-existence. Section below shows small selection of Dharma books beneficial for the West out of a library at home of 1500 books.
If you wish to read part or all of the interview, then Click Here
Seventeen Questions
What prompted you to first go off to Asia more than 25 years ago?
What led you to ordain as a monk in Thailand?
Can you say anything about your experience in the traditional sangha?
Why did you disrobe?
What about teaching the Dharma as a layperson?
Do you believe in a householder’s Dharma?
Is there any activity that you recommend outside of retreats?
How important is the study of traditional Buddhist texts, comÂmentaries and languages?
It seems from your writings you have a special interest in ecoÂlogical and environmental issues. What perspective does vipassana ofÂfer on such issues?
You are known to speak out on many issues, both religious and secular…
Some people say you have a reputation as a gadfly, a provocateur, as Socrates characterized himself.
Have you used psychotherapy? Some teachers in the USA feel it is valuable.
In what ways does psychoÂtherapy need to expand?
You are involved in a number of philanthropic pursuits. Can you deÂscribe some?
You have been leading retreats at IMS for about 20 years. What changes have you noticed in your students?
Do you have any thoughts about the future of the Dharma?
Anything else you would like to communicate to our readers?
Dear Readers,
Just to add. Views seem to have remained the same. Hairstyle has noticeably changed in the shift from aged 50 to 80 - like leaves fall off the trees mostly in autumn.
Love
Christopher
Just a question : Would you give the same answers ?