In this talk about the mysterious Buddhist tale of “Venerable Empty Scripture” Douglass Smith delves into the intriguing narrative of Tuccho Poṭhila, a figure steeped in Buddhist lore.
Doug recounts Poṭhila’s journey from being a revered scholar of Buddhist scriptures to undergoing a profound transformation spurred by an unconventional encounter.
This transformation leads Tuccho Poṭhila to realize the intrinsic value of deep meditation over mere scriptural knowledge.
Doug intricately weaves together historical context and textual analysis to dissect the implications of Poṭhila ‘s story within the broader framework of Buddhist philosophy.
Delving into the complexities of Dharma study and meditation, he offers insights into the evolving perspectives within early Buddhist communities.
Through his narrative, Smith encourages critical engagement with Buddhist tales and advocates for a nuanced understanding of Buddhist teachings by exploring the rich tapestry of early Buddhist texts.