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Near the eve of his Nibbana, the Bodhisatta considered what true practice could lead to liberation, when a memory of bliss from his childhood arose. “Could that be the path to Awakening?” he wondered. Then came the realization, “Yes, that is indeed the path. So why am I afraid of that bliss…? I am no longer afraid.”

What was that bliss, and how could intense pleasure here and now lead to liberation? Recent scholarship, by both Buddhist and non-Buddhists, has shed new light on practice in Buddhism before the rise of the various modern schools. The answers are often surprising and inspiring.  What is actually written in the suttas that is translated as “go and meditate”? Why is the Noble Eightfold Path often taught by Western teachers as a Noble Sevenfold Path? Which ancient texts are the earliest and most authentic? And how can the answers to these questions benefit your practice?

Justin Merritt is a member of the NBMC and a Theravadan Buddhist with a strong interest in Original Buddhism. His teachers include Ajahn Sujato and Bhante Sathi. He is also a composer of modern classical music and an Associate Professor Professor of Music at St. Olaf College. You can hear his music at www.mooneast.com. Justin lives in Northfield with his wife and two children

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