Buddhist Scriptures: An Overview

In this article I provide an overview of what scripture means and does in a Buddhist context. The article has three main parts. First, by way of introduction I explore the history of Buddhist scripture and a few of the different ways in which scripture was defined and classified in the early period. In the second section I use the common division into three ‘baskets’ of scripture (discourses, monastic discipline and higher teachings) to structure a closer look at some of the main genres of early Buddhist texts. Finally I examine the role of scripture in Buddhist life, as a source of teachings, a means of making karmic merit, and a vehicle of great power

‘Snakes and Ladders’ – ‘Therapy’ as Liberation in Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein’s Tractatus

This paper reconsiders the notion that Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein’s Tractatus may only be seen as comparable under a shared ineffability thesis, that is, the idea that reality is impossible to describe in sensible discourse. Historically, Nagarjuna and the early Wittgenstein have both been widely construed as offering either metaphysical theories or attempts to refute all such theories. Instead, by employing an interpretive framework based on a ‘resolute’ reading of the Tractatus, I suggest we see their philosophical affinity in terms of a shared conception of philosophical method without proposing theses. In doing so, this offers us a new way to understand Nagarjuna’s characteristic claims both to have ‘no views’ (Mūlamadhyamakakārikā 13.8 and 27.30) and refusal to accept that things exist ‘inherently’ or with ‘essence’ (svabhāva). Therefore, instead of either a view about the nature of a mind-independent ‘ultimate reality’ or a thesis concerning the rejection of such a domain, I propose that we understand Nagarjuna’s primary aim as ‘therapeutic’, that is, concerned with the dissolution of philosophical problems. However, this ‘therapy’ should neither be confined to the psychotherapeutic metaphor nor should it be taken to imply a private enlightenment only available to philosophers. Instead, for Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein, philosophical problems are cast as a source of disquiet for all of us; what their work offers is a soteriology, a means towards our salvation

Experimental 3D Printed 4-Port Ventilator Manifold for Potential Use in Disaster Surges

Abstract We describe the design, modeling and production of a 3D printed manifold for attaching multiple respiration masks to a single ventilator machine. During a disaster surge this would allow up to four masks to be connected to a single ventilator source. In a disaster which involves high numbers of patients with lung damage, simultaneous respirator support may be required; however, the number of patients may quickly outnumber the available respirator machines. We explore the use of a rapid and low cost 3D printing method referred to as Fused Filament Deposition (FFD) for creation of a four-port ventilator manifold. This 3D printing method deposits layers of melted ABS plastic filament in a fine "stream" onto successive layers in order to form a three dimensional object. The standard file format for this object (manifold attachment) can be made globally available through the internet. It can be "printed" anywhere and anytime it is needed as a three dimensional object at extremely low cost (under two dollars per unit) and since the digital file that represents the object is modifiable, "derivative" versions can be redesigned to suit a broad range of potential applications, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources

A second population of rock voles, Microlus chrotorrhinus, in Minnesota with comments on habitat

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