Welcome!
I created Doug’s Dharma on YouTube in 2017 to introduce the teachings of early Buddhism to a wide audience. I also founded the Online Dharma Institute to provide longer-form courses on early Buddhist themes.
I have a PhD in Philosophy, several scholarly publications in Buddhist Studies, and many years of practice in the Zen and Theravāda traditions. I also completed the yearlong Integrated Study and Practice Program with the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and the New York Insight Meditation Center in 2013.
I pursue a secular practice orientation.
Videos on YouTube
I aim to have a long-form video out per week, usually on Monday morning, and several shorts highlighting key sections of past videos. Some of my videos are introductory, for those with little to no knowledge of Buddhism. Others are scholarly, referring to the most recent research available.
My interest is in illuminating key aspects of the dharma of early Buddhism, particularly in highlighting its unique character. My practice approach is secular, however I welcome traditional approaches as well and discuss them in my videos.
A friendly podcast:
Buddhist meditation teacher Jon Aaron and I have a podcast called Diggin’ the Dharma. Join us for a relaxed discussion of Buddhisty themes.
Episodes are released most Sunday afternoons.
My book:
Follow me through an early Buddhist poem that takes us on the most detailed description of the early path of practice.
The book contains a Foreword by eminent scholar and translator Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi.
Courses on Early Buddhism
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Free Mini-Course
A free short-course intro to the lovely trio of wisdom, kindness, and calm.
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Introduction to the Buddha's Teaching
Are you just learning the dharma? Do you want to know how the Buddha might actually have introduced his teaching to someone who was unfamiliar with it? Material from the earliest Buddhist texts will illuminate your journey.
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![Introduction to the Buddha's Life]()
Introduction to the Buddha's Life
This is the longest and most in-depth course, dealing with the whole of Siddhattha Gotama's life from his early youth, through his teaching, to his death. You will see the historical context in which he grew up, and at the end turn to some of the immediate developments that followed his death. This course provides a fundamental background to your learning and practice.
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Work, Money, Pleasure
This course introduces the wise and detailed advice the Buddha provided to laypeople leading normal lives. You will learn what he had to say about work, about how you should structure your finances, and about how you should approach the benefits and dangers of worldly pleasure.
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Ascent Towards Freedom: The Eightfold Spiral Path
This course outlines a novel approach to the most famous description of the Buddhist path towards enlightenment. We will look at all of the factors of the Eightfold Path from different angles, returning to them again and again to see how our approach can deepen over a lifetime. Throughout we will be using material from the early texts to clarify the Buddha's message.
Join me at the Online Dharma Institute for longer-form courses on early Buddhism.
Consider supporting my work.
My work wouldn’t be possible without your continued support. Join me on Patreon and get fun and interesting benefits. I provide ad-free, audio-only versions of my videos, perfect for listening in a car or while out walking. And you can get detailed show notes, early-access viewing of my videos, and have your name included in the information box below my videos on YouTube. Take a look!
I also take donations through PayPal. Give it a thought!
