Akasaraja explores the nature of presence and absence in encounters between people and concludes that we can only be truly present when we are "absent", i.e. when we get out of the way. And the Buddha embodies this "presence" through "absence" in a way we cannot truly comprehend. By being "absent", he is completely and utterly present. The Buddha is the embodiment of reality itself and, as such, is always present. Excerpted from the talk entitled Why Did the Buddha Leave Us? Or Did He? Or Was He Ever Really There? given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Centre, 2025. ***

Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now

Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube