Bhikkhu Bodhi: Ariyapariyesana Sutta - The Buddhist Quest For Enlightenment, Part 2

This podcast explores the Arya Pariyesana Sutta, highlighting the Buddha's journey to enlightenment. It discusses his encounters with two meditation teachers, Alara Kalama and Uttaka Ramaputra, whose teachings led to impressive meditative states but fell short of true enlightenment. The speaker then reflects on the Buddha's later practice of extreme asceticism, which ultimately proved ineffective. The conversation shifts to a pivotal childhood memory of the Buddha entering the first jhana, which inspired him to discover the "middle way." This balanced approach steers clear of both overindulgence and harsh self-denial, finding harmony between pleasure and renunciation.