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Start / Religion och spiritualitet / Dharmabytes from free buddhist audio
Dharmabytes from free buddhist audio
Dharmabytes features bite-sized dharma, three times a week, from the Free Buddhist Audio archives.
1319 avsnitt • Längd: 10 min • Veckovis: Torsdag
Om podden
Dharmabytes features bite-sized dharma, three times a week, from the Free Buddhist Audio archives. Themed in conjunction with our weekly full length talk podcast, these are inspiring short extracts from over 5,000 talks on Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness!
Tune in, be inspired!
The podcast Dharmabytes from free buddhist audio is created by Dharmachakra. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Avsnitt
What Occupies Us?
21 april 2025 |
2 min
Ksantikara gives a Sangha night talk exploring what constitutes Perfect Livelihood. What are the conditions that most encourage our Buddhist practice to come alive when it comes to the work we undertake? Excerpted from the talk Buddhism and the 9-5 given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Meaningful Work
17 april 2025 |
5 min
Pasannamati gives a Sangha night talk exploring Perfect Livelihood. How can our livelihood and our networks be a doorway to leading our lives in a way in which our eyes can be wide open rather than our eyes being wide shut? Excerpted from the talk Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy…reflections of Livelihood and the Networks That Sustain Us given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Acceptance of the Whole Buddhist Tradition
14 april 2025 |
3 min
Vishvapani's usual good-natured and reflective approach is just the thing to start us off as he looks at how Sangharakshita's initiative in founding the FWBO might be viewed in terms of the unity of Buddhism.
Excerpted from the talk Three Jewels Buddhism - Finding the Heart of the Dharma Traditions given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Weekend, Wymondham College, March 2008. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Verses of Going for Refuge
11 april 2025 |
6 min
Vajradevi leads a beautiful sevenfold puja compiled by Maitrisiddhi from the Pali Canon. Here, we participate in verses expressing our Going for Refuge through verse and the chanting of the Refuges and Precepts. Excerpted from Puja to the Buddha drawn from the Pali Canon, part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind: Bristol Rains Retreat given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Stepping into a Vision of Going for Refuge
8 april 2025 |
3 min
Padmasagara explores the awe-inspiring vision behind the image of the Refuge Tree, connecting it to Sangharakshita's great insight into the centrality of Going for Refuge. Excerpted from the talk The Refuge Tree As a Vision of Existence given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre as part of the series The Cosmic Refuge Tree, 2019. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
We Are Just Buddhists - An Ecumenical Approach
8 april 2025 |
4 min
In his first public appearance since his eyesight began to deteriorate, Sangharakshita begins this new talk with reflections on his blindness, displaying remarkable equanimity and humour in the process. His main subjects, however, are six particular aspects of Buddhist life and practice which are given distinctive emphasis in the spiritual movement he has founded. Here, he defines the ecumenical approach to Buddhism that our practicing spiritual community takes. Excerpted from the talk The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBO [Triratna], previously released under the title, 'An Informal Talk at Padmaloka', given in 2002. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
The Kalama Sutta
31 mars 2025 |
4 min
In exploring the nature of tradition in Buddhism, from the Kalama Sutta to the modern day, and the tension between tradition and adaptation in an every-changing world; Taranita discusses how the Triratna came to have its distinctive ecumenical nature. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Six Distinctive Emphases - An Ecumenical Movement given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB
Fear and Dread Sutta
31 mars 2025 |
4 min
Kulaprabha explores death of our fixed, bounded self, the self that is made up of bundled habits and preferences and views - especially views about existence and non-existence. Excerpted from the talk System of Meditation Retreats - Spiritual Death, Fear and Fearlessness given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2008.
***
Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now! https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate
Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/free-buddhist-audio-community/id75081757
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0H2lgkYallHtPiMQQdWWOC
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
No Protection Needed
24 mars 2025 |
5 min
Buddhism is sometimes seen as weak or negative. Using examples from the Pali Canon and Mahayana texts, this lecture shows that, on the contrary, heroic and positive qualities are essential in the Buddhist spiritual aspirant's quest for Enlightenment. Here, Sangharakshita tells the story of Devadatta who was trying to kill the Buddha. Excerpted from the talk The Heroic Ideal in Buddhism given in 1969. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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The Warrior Aspect of the Spiritual Life
20 mars 2025 |
4 min
Padmavajra's wonderful series on the Dhammapada, the most popular of early Buddhist texts. All of the Buddha's core teachings are here - held in heart and mind there's more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyond...
Excerpted from the talk Mindfulness is the Way to the Deathless as part of the series The Dhammapada - the Buddha's Way of Truth given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007, as part of the Dharma Training Course for Mitras. ***
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Buddhavagga (from the Dhammapada)
19 mars 2025 |
6 min
Beautifully read by Sangharakshita, these readings are taken from the oldest scriptural texts and evoke the real spirit of early Buddhism - the struggles, the joys and the triumphs of ordinary people who followed the path to Truth. Appears in Readings from the Pali Canon recorded in 2000 to mark the Digital Legacy project to begin transferring Dharmachakra's archive to digital format! ***
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We Are All Looking for the Light
13 mars 2025 |
6 min
Flowers naturally grow towards the light. The more we open to our true potential the more we open to the light of truth, of love, and of awareness. Our potential to grow is inherent in our very being. Here, Suryagupta shares reflections on verses from the Flowers chapter of the Dhammapada, or ‘Way of Truth’. Excerpted from the talk entitled How Flowers Teach the Way to Enlightenment given at London Buddhist Centre as part of the series The Dhammapada, 2022. ***
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What We Give
10 mars 2025 |
3 min
"As many garlands are made from a heap of flowers, so one who is a mortal born should perform many ethically skilful deeds" - Dhammapada. Jvalamalini shares the effects of the story of Vasakha from the Dhammapada and draws out the significance for our sangha today. Excerpted from the talk As Garlands From a Heap of Flowers given at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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Letters of Gold
3 mars 2025 |
3 min
This is an appropriately pithy talk by Surata on one of the most popular and regarded of the early Buddhist suttas, The 'Dhammapada'. The images of the verses and their direct relevance to our lives makes this sutta an indispensable aide memoire to practice – and Surata's consideration of it is a handy primer for newcomers to the text, as well as a refresher for those who've long enjoyed its simple message about our living and dying in a world we make with our minds. Excerpted from the talk The Dhammapada - Letters of Gold.
***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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Playing with Fire
27 februari 2025 |
5 min
Bodhinaga picks up the theme 'Tantra for Today' by pulling out his guts and setting them alight (not literally). Exploring what it means to practice the Dharma with the whole of yourself, come and hear about transforming messy bits like secret fear and hot emotions like burning rage!
Excerpted from the talk Blood, Bones, and Halos of Fire given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2023. ***
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Death is Certain, Commit Now!
24 februari 2025 |
3 min
Moksatara introduces the dakini, the tantric embodiment of what's possible when all of our energy is completely engaged, alive and flowing. In order to meet the dakinis we must travel to where they dwell: the cremation grounds, where bodies are taken to be burnt. The deepest, darkest energies to be transformed are associated with fear. By deliberately plunging into crucial situations which mirror these burning grounds, old ways are forced to change and we are compelled to grow. From the talk The Burning Ground given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019, as part of the series Tantra Now!
***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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Wishing Others Well
20 februari 2025 |
3 min
In a famous passage in the Itivutakka The Buddha compares Metta to the radiance of the sun and moon. He says that metta ‘shines and burns and blazes forth in surpassing all other acts of good’ and that ‘Whoever sets their mind to make goodwill grow Boundless’ ...will become Enlightened! Excerpted from the talk All Beings Without Exception given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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Opening the Mystery of Friendship
17 februari 2025 |
4 min
Aryadasa discusses his experience of moving through fear in order to live a life more dedicated to love and friendship. He talks about the difficulties involved in this transition and the fruits that come from working through such difficulties. Excerpted from the talk Fearless Love - A Personal Talk by Aryadasa given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2019, as part of the Sub35 Men's Fearless Love retreat. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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Bit by Bit Freedom Emerges
13 februari 2025 |
5 min
Fresh off a three-week solitary retreat, Vajragupta (m) shares, in a very personal and heart-felt way, what it was like, and what happened during that time. Coming to terms with his mother's slide into dementia, evoking the strangeness of dreams and memories, describing the sheer vividness of experience on retreat, and reflecting on both the joy and the fear that can result: this is a moving and inspiring talk about the potential richness of solitude. Excerpted from the talk What I Did On My Solitary Retreat given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2023.
***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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Fear and determination
10 februari 2025 |
4 min
Sangharakshita describes how when faced with a tremendous fear, one with no apparent cause or object, how the Buddha’s example of sitting with it until it subsides leads to determination, an essential heroic quality in the spiritual aspirant's quest for Enlightenment. Excerpted from the talk The Heroic Ideal in Buddhism given in 1969. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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The Great Quality of Fearlessness
6 februari 2025 |
4 min
Fearlessness is courage in the face of fear, not the absence of fear. When we are with someone who is dying, we are confronted by our own death. Our sense of self is fundamentally brought into question as we face our core spiritual problem: the truth of insubstantiality and impermanence. Vidyamala gives a strong account of working with suffering and sorrow in life, and of transforming your experience into one characterized by contentment and a sense of meaning. Excerpted from the talk Dying to Live, 2003. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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We All Have A Sense of Fear
3 februari 2025 |
3 min
Lokeshvara shares how the impact of fear and anxiety led him to learn to meditate. Fear is a universal emotion that can be quite debilitating, but seen in another way, it’s like a little mini-death and an opportunity for Dharma practice. Excerpted from the talk Gesture of Fearlessness given at Buddhafield East, 2010. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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Accessing Play and the Imagination
30 januari 2025 |
3 min
Vajragupta shares how her creativity and devotion flow to (and from) her collection of Barbies. Drawing on the imagery, chakras and mantras of the Five Wisdom Queens, she leads a meditation evoking each of their qualities in turn. Excerpted from the talk Barbies As the Five Wisdom Queens given at Norwich Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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Bite-sized inspiration three times every week.
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A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!
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Opening Your Imagination
28 januari 2025 |
5 min
Ratnaprabha tells the story of Queen Vaidehi languishing in prison and longing for a better world. The Buddha teaches her to meditate on the land of Bliss, Amitabha's Pureland. What is the significance of Pureland Buddhism? Excerpted from the talk Birdsong Dharma given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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Giving Ourselves Completely
23 januari 2025 |
4 min
In answering the question 'What is Buddhism?', Sangharakshita identifies higher evolution - the development of higher states of consciousness - with the twelve links in the progressive trend of the Buddha's teaching of conditioned co-production. Here he defines the second link, that of faith, translated from the sanskrit shraddha. Excerpted from the talk entitled Buddhism and the Path of the Higher Evolution, part of the series The Higher Evolution, given in 1969. ***
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The Moonlight Disciple
23 januari 2025 |
5 min
Here Paramartha shares a story illustrating Milarepa as teacher, master, vertical kalyana mitra, in relation to Rechungpa, known as his ‘moonlight disciple’. A young but seasoned practitioner, a cotton-clad yogi, devoted to his teacher, but who was a bit head-strong and stuck in his practice. Excerpted from the talk Rechungpa's Unusual Faith given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2010. ***
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Purification as Path
16 januari 2025 |
3 min
Faith is the sort of emotional response that you have when you are confronted by the embodiment of Enlightenment. Vajragupta shares a story from the life of Milarepa. Excerpted from the talk Faith: the Emotional Response That You Have When You Are Confronted by the Embodiment of Enlightenment given at Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, 2021. ***
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To Be in the Heart
15 januari 2025 |
6 min
A lover of chocolate, trees and poetry, Jayaraja explores how to make the Buddha’s teaching real in our lives by looking at the connection between courage and shraddha, commonly translated as 'faith'. Excerpted from the talk Courage, Vulnerability and Healing Our Tempestuous World given as part of the series Seeds of the Heart given in the Dharma Parlour tent, Buddhafield, 2022.
***
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When Faith is Strongest
9 januari 2025 |
5 min
Suryadarshini retells the story from Sangharakshita's Know Your Mind about staying in contact with faith in the midst of a desert of suffering. She exhorts us to continue to turn towards our experience, even in the absence of pleasure or inspiration. Excerpted from the talk Faith and Doubt In Ten Minutes given at Norwich Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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Our Buddhist Practice Rests on Shraddha
6 januari 2025 |
3 min
Here Akashamitra takes us through the first of the five spiritual faculties, shraddha, often translated as faith or confidence. Excerpted from the talk entitled Confidence, part of the series The Five Powers of the Mind given at London Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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An Intuition In Us
3 januari 2025 |
3 min
Vajradevi explores aspects of faith, including faith and receptivity, the relationship of confidence and doubt in our own practice. She goes on to look at how 'faith is wisdom, but not fully realised.' Excerpted from the talk entitled Exploring the Faculty of Faith, part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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The Deepest Part of Ourselves
3 januari 2025 |
3 min
The jewel in Buddhism represents the deepest nature of our being. Punyamala explores the symbol of the jewel in the lotus as evoked in the White Lotus Sutra. Excerpted from the talk entitled Jewel In the Lotus given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007. ***
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The Parable of the Rain Cloud
26 december 2024 |
4 min
Just as plants need soil, warmth, light, and rain to grow, so humans need health and leisure, spiritual friendship, intellectual clarity, and the 'Rain of the Dharma'. Sangharakshita draws out the White Lotus Sutra's 'Parable of the Rain Cloud', in a talk entitled The Rain of the Dharma given in the USA, 1993. ***
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Saturated by Experience
23 december 2024 |
3 min
Subhadramati explores the parable of the rain cloud drawing out the dharmic significance of how things arise. Excerpted from the talk Symbols of Life as part of the series Myths and Parables From the White Lotus Sutra given at London Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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The King and his Son
19 december 2024 |
6 min
Vadanya explores the parable of 'The Return Journey' in the White Lotus Sutra. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Return Journey given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2008. ***
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Parable of the Burning House
16 december 2024 |
4 min
In his stirring way, Guhyavajra recounts the parable of the burning house and offers his reflections on its relevance to our lives now. Excerpted from the talk entitled Escape from the Burning House, part of the series The Burning House - an Image from the White Lotus Sutra given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002. ***
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Our Enlightened Nature
16 december 2024 |
4 min
When insight arises we feel that it has come of its own accord. Once upon a time a young man abandoned his father and went to live in another country... Akashamitra re-examines the eternal allegory for our times. Excerpted from the talk Myth of the Return Journey as part of the series Myths and Parables From the White Lotus Sutra given at London Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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The Buddha Speaks
8 december 2024 |
4 min
Jnanavaca kicks off a new seminar series exploring the myths and parables of the glorious White Lotus Sutra. Here he unpacks the wisdom of the parable of the Burning House. Excerpted from the talk Parables From the White Lotus Sutra - The Burning House, given at the London Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment
5 december 2024 |
4 min
Pursuing the theme of the Mahayana, Sangharakshita outlines its path, its historical roots and its principal scriptures, giving introduction to the White Lotus Sutra as a drama of cosmic enlightenment. Excerpted from the talk The Universal Perspective of Mahayana Buddhism, part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra given in 1971.
***
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Defining Mahayana Buddhism
3 december 2024 |
7 min
In this talk, Nagapriya introduces his new book, "Visions of Mahayana Buddhism." Here he condenses the definition of Mahayana Buddhism from his earlier talks then describes the process of writing the book, why he felt it was needed, and how its structure serves to make the study of Mahayana Buddhism accessible. From the talk Visions of Mahayana Buddhism, the fifth and final talk in a five-part series by Nagapriya exploring Mahayana Buddhism part of the series of the same name, given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009. ***
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Affirming One Another
29 november 2024 |
3 min
The spiritual community is held as one of the three essential elements of the spiritual life. Paramananda talks about building Sangha and the importance of living and practising in relationship with other people. Excerpted from the talk The Sangha Jewel given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Relaxed and at Ease
26 november 2024 |
3 min
Suryagupta describes the qualities of the Buddha in this talk on the subject of Metta (loving-kindness) and insight/wisdom. Excerpted from the talk Metta to Insight given at London Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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Metta is the Active Dimension of Empathy
21 november 2024 |
3 min
Samantabhadri explores positive emotion in our system of practice. Her themes are: pliancy and loosening boundaries; the imagination; insight; our collective life; the shade and the light of our spiritual lives. Excerpted from the talk entitled Luminous Love given at Taraloka Retreat Centre on the occasion of a Women's National Order Weekend, 2012. ***
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The Hub of the Wheel
18 november 2024 |
5 min
Maitreyi talks about communicating through symbols, this time round through the hub of the wheel of life. Excerpted from the talk Communicating Through Symbols: The Wheel of Life, at Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, 2020. ***
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Third Order of Consciousness
14 november 2024 |
3 min
Saccanama explores Sangha as a means to counter the individualism of our times. What exactly is the true meaning of Sangha? And how can the mysterious ‘third order of consciousness’ or Bodhicitta help us to transcend our preoccupation with ourselves? Excerpted from the talk Sangha as the Way to the End of Dukkha given at Nottingham Buddhist Centre, 2020 as part of the series Challenging Dharma for Challenging Times. ***
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A Moment of Deeper Authenticity
12 november 2024 |
3 min
As part of Adhisthana’s Triratna Day celebrations, Saddhanandi speaks to us about the ‘existential communication’ that can arise between a more, and a less, experienced practitioner. A communication that can take you to the limits of your own being and encourage you to stretch beyond them. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Electric Charge of Communication, 2023, as part of the series Triratna Day Weekend: Is a Guru Necessary? ***
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A Magnificent Tree of Equanimity
7 november 2024 |
4 min
The Brahma Viharas or Heavenly Abodes, have been likened to a magnificent tree. The deep, far ranging roots and sturdy resilient trunk are Metta; the open arms of the branches rising up out of the fullness of Metta are Compassion and Sympathetic Joy; the tree as a whole reflects the deep peace of Equanimity. The Brahma Viharas tree provides a Heavenly Abode for the creatures who live within its realm. Come and sit for a while with Sanghagita in the shade of the tree and explore how it is possible for us to live in heaven on earth. From the talk The Divine Abodes given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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Truly Human Individuals
5 november 2024 |
3 min
In a paper of great clarity and insight, Sangharakshita introduces the figure of the Bodhisattva, who embodies the principle of perpetual self-transcendence. Excerpted from the talk The Bodhisattva Principle, given in 1983, as part of the series Two Lectures to a Conference on Reality, Consciousness and Order. ***
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Sunyata as The Foundation
5 november 2024 |
3 min
Padmolka draws from a well-known story in the Life and Liberation of Padmasambhava when he is asked for a short, practical teaching which can be learned by heart to help Queen Nang Chung to practice the Dharma and ultimately lead her to Buddhahood. Excerpted from the talk Padmasambhava's Advice to the Three Fortunate Women given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2010. ***
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The Mystery and The Meaning
28 oktober 2024 |
4 min
Here Dayanatha explores the limits of knowledge in the face of the mystery of enlightenment. Excerpted from the talk We Think We Know given at the London Buddhist Centre Winter Retreat, 2021. ***
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Embodying the Three Fold Way
24 oktober 2024 |
6 min
Prakasha explores the historical and mythical aspects of Padmasambhava, as well as how he is relevant to us. Excerpted from the talk entitled Padmasambhava given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Symbols Speak for Themselves
21 oktober 2024 |
4 min
Vidyasakhi speaks here about the nature of symbols. From the talk entitled Padmasambhava and the Naga King, given on Padmasambhava Day at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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A Transforming Principle
17 oktober 2024 |
3 min
Previously unreleased and, rather famously, given off-the-cuff at the London Buddhist Centre, Sangharakshita gives us an enjoyable and stirring evocation of the great Tantric Guru of Tibet. Excerpted from the talk simply entitled Padmasambhava Talk given in 1979. ***
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Continually Committing Yourself
14 oktober 2024 |
5 min
Here, Subhadramati follows the life and myth of Padmasambhava, the great Tantric guru of Tibet. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Night of the Demons given as part of the London Buddhist Centre as part of the series Winter Retreat 2021. ***
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Meeting the Dakini
10 oktober 2024 |
4 min
Here Ratnaghosha speaks to the power of the dakini, from the talk entitled Demons For Every Occasion, given at the Padmasambhava Day festival at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2013. ***
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Look, and Look Deeply
7 oktober 2024 |
3 min
Khemabandhu shares some experiences of his personal encounters with Guru Padmasambhava, the effects that those had on his life, as well as some reflections on Bhante Sangharakshita's teaching on energy. From the talk entitled Padmasambhava: The Lightning Guru of Energy given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2021. ***
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The Longing of the Heart
3 oktober 2024 |
3 min
Jvalamalini introduces the centrality of Going for Refuge through the story of the refusal of Padmasambhava to make obeisance to the King of Tibet. From the talk entitled The Magician Meets the King given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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The Analytical Knowledge of Courage
30 september 2024 |
5 min
The Sutra's hero, Vimalakirti, a master of the Bodhisattva's 'Skilful Means', discussed here in terms of the Four Analytical Knowledges, the Four Elements of Conversion, and the Magical Formulae. In this excerpt from the talk Sangharakshita describes the fourth of the Four Analytical Knowledges, that of Courage. From from the talk On Being All Things to All Men, part of the series The Inconceivable Emancipation - Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha given in 1979. ***
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Everything is Green
30 september 2024 |
5 min
Ratnaprabha takes us into the realm of story and imagination with a journey to the northern realm. Amoghasiddhi is also connected with Spiritual Rebirth, we hear how this relates to insight, becoming more than we are, and the way in which we draw up courage and creativity to transform ourselves and maybe make a difference in the world. Excerpted from the talk Amoghasiddhi: Courage and Creativity given as part of the series The Mandala of the Five Buddhas at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2013. ***
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Delighting in the Happiness of Others
24 september 2024 |
4 min
In this talk, Maitrisiddhi explores what mudita - sympathetic joy - is and how important it is to our practice. Excerpted from the talk The Brahma Viharas - Living In the Mandala (11 of 17) from an intensive meditation retreat for mitras held at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2021. ***
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The Manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha
24 september 2024 |
6 min
Sangharakshita gives voice to this poetic Buddhist scripture describing the wonderful Pureland of the Buddha Amitabha. Excerpted from The Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutra. ***
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The Sweet Spot in Meditation
24 september 2024 |
3 min
Kusalasara shares her inspiration arising from reflecting on the Buddha Amitabha, particularly his radiant deep-red glowing color representing a deep, meditative, self-contained energy. Excerpted from the talk A Deeper Longing-Amitabha given at London Buddhist Centre, 2022 on the Winter Retreat, 2022. ***
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Abundance is an Expression of Wisdom
12 september 2024 |
4 min
Dharmashalin talks about the importance of abundance in our Dharma lives. Excerpted from the talk Living with Abundance given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre 2024. ***
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Aspects of Generosity
9 september 2024 |
3 min
Here Vessantara explores how the Dharma has been practiced by people following many different lifestyles – from homeless wanderers to kings and queens in their palaces. If there isn’t one ‘Dharma lifestyle’ then what do all these different ways of living have in common, and how can they all be expressions of the Buddha’s teaching? What are the principles underlying them all, and what does all this mean for us in our 21st century world? Excerpted from the talk Abundance, Simplicity and Sharing given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2016 for Buddhist Action Month. ***
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Facing Change with Wonder
5 september 2024 |
2 min
Paramabandhu kicks off the 2019 London Buddhist Centre Winter retreat with a talk introducing colourful, symbolic world of the Five Buddha Mandala. After introducing the theme of the five Buddha mandala, Paramabandhu goes on to explore the image and symbolism of Akshobhya - the deep blue Buddha of the eastern realm. In this talk Paramabandhu particularly emphasizes the patience (ksanti) of Akshobhya and how it can help us overcome our own anger. Excerpted from the talk The Patience of the Deep Blue Akshobhya part of the series The Symbolic World of the Five Buddha Mandala given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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A Great Healing Balm
2 september 2024 |
5 min
The Divine Healer, identifiable in Egyptian and Greek myths, also appears in the White Lotus Sutra as both the Medicine Buddha and the Good Physician, in the parable of that name, who leaves his sons to cure themselves. Excerpted from the talk The Archetype of the Divine Healer by Sangharakshita, part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra, 1971. ***
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Common Right View
29 augusti 2024 |
3 min
Dharmadipa speaks to how sangha is based on a common right view, even more so than kindness. Excerpted from the talk Wisdom and Ignorance, the last of six talks given during the 'Mind in Harmony' retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2017. ***
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Fundamentally Clear
25 augusti 2024 |
4 min
Maitrisara explores the second fetter, doubt and indecision which Bhante calls vagueness. The antidote is clarity but also faith. This wide-ranging talk weaves together both theoretical and personal themes and differentiates between wholesome and unhelpful doubt. It explores why we might get stuck in doubt, and how to work with it. The talk draws on a sutta from the Samyuta Nikaya about what feeds doubt. And what therefore counteracts it. From the talk Clarity: The Unobscured Mirror Behind Delusion given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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The Dharma is Essential to Life
22 augusti 2024 |
2 min
Reflection and deep contemplation can bring a whole new dimension to life and reveal truths that would otherwise be left hidden. In this talk, Prajnahridaya explores the 4th 'basis of power' of vimamsa, often translated as 'investigation', by evoking the depth and profundity of some fundamental Buddhist teachings. Excerpted from the talk Deep Contemplation given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre 2022. ***
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Concepts are Doorways
22 augusti 2024 |
3 min
We often talk about meditation as if it happens in our heads, and think we do it from the neck up. But the Sanskrit word citta translates as ‘heart-mind’ — there’s no distinction between what’s above and below the neck. Suryadarshini explores the paradox about how to talk about embodiment, how to cultivate awareness of the elements in our body, and how to be courageous and curious in communicating our experiences in meditation. From the talk Get Out of Your Head: How to Talk About Meditating In the Body given in Norwich, 2019. ***
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Breaking Through Time
15 augusti 2024 |
6 min
At times in the spiritual life we may considerable energy to overcome obstacles, such as negative emotions, psychological conditionings, rational thinking, and even the sense of 'time' itself. How, when, and where can we break through? Excerpted from the talk entitled Breaking Through into Buddhahood by Sangharakshita given in 1969. ***
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Being at Home in Our Bodies
12 augusti 2024 |
4 min
Drawing upon the myths in the life of the Buddha Satyapara explores the role the body plays when we take up Buddhist practice. She describes the Buddha as a child under a rose apple tree being deeply in touch with his surroundings and when calling upon the earth he gains confidence in his practice and overcomes his doubts. With these stories, Satyapara invites us to trust our body. From the talk entitled A Body of Practice given in Cambridge for the Young Peoples Evening, 2016. ***
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Body of Awakening
8 augusti 2024 |
3 min
Dhammagita talks about the importance of the body and its sensations in informing and enabling our practice, taking us to the truth, overcoming conditioning and embracing vulnerability. Excerpted from the talk Body of Awakening given at Taraloka Retreat Centre 2018. ***
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Cultivating a New Default Setting
5 augusti 2024 |
4 min
Vidyamala explores how a Mahayana approach of cultivating Bodhicitta is a brilliant way to 'flip' our habitual self-centredness and cultivate a new default setting of continually thinking of others. Excepted from the talk Citta and Bodhicitta given at Rivendell as part of the series An Exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta 2018. ***
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Biology before Psychology
1 augusti 2024 |
4 min
Vilasamani, who is a body therapist, introduces those elements of the body and nervous system that tend to impel us down automatic or reactive channels. We can gently influence our mood and behaviour by understanding physical susceptibilities, and working with them. Excerpted from the talk Body Reactive, Body Creative given at
West London Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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Samsaric Suffering
29 juli 2024 |
2 min
Here Maitreyi looks at pleasure and suffering in the context of samsara - compassionate responses to self and other, and how to loosen the bonds...
Excerpted from the talk The Defects and Dangers of Samsara, the last in a five-part series The Four Mind-Turning Reflections of the Tibetan Tradition given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005. ***
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The Importance of Talking Dharma
25 juli 2024 |
4 min
Suchitta explores the way we generate our own suffering, in the light of understanding accumulated through reflection on the first three reminders. This gives us a window to the world and the birth of Compassion and our potential for an Awakened Heart. There are tips on how to reorientate ourselves away from the identity project towards a life of genuine and complete selflessness. Excerpted from the talk The Defects of Samsara and Cultivating the Desire For Enlightenment given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2016. ***
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An Alchemical Insight
22 juli 2024 |
4 min
Hridayagita explores conditionality as a universal law, expressed within the 5 niyamas as cyclical and the spiral of the dharma niyama. She then describes the three fetters as a useful tool for reflecting on why we forget or do not fully believe that our actions of body, speech and mind truly have consequences. The talk entitled Recollecting the Consequences of One’s Actions was given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2016. ***
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Revisiting our Strategy
19 juli 2024 |
4 min
Santavajri begins with her realisation that a motivator for her spiritual practice has been a quest for happiness. Touching on the themes of righteous indignation, spiritual bypassing, empathy, non-violent communication, envy and exploring apology, confession and working with betrayal, Santavajri poses the question as to whether we can forgive ourselves and move towards unconditional love for all beings. Excerpted from the talk Forgiveness and Happiness, part of the series Women's Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, 2018. ***
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Life Breaks its Promise
15 juli 2024 |
10 min
Subhadramati explores forgiveness and the arising of the Bodhicitta. The ego sustains itself by blaming - forgiveness means letting go of our egoic reactions and becoming a conduit for the mind of Bodhicitta. Excerpted from Being a Conduit For the Mind of Bodhicitta during the Women's Area Order Weekend, 2018. ***
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Careful Study
11 juli 2024 |
4 min
A lovely, thoughtful exploration of the traditional Buddhist path of ethics, meditation and wisdom, using poetry and the ideas of contemporary science to evoke the mystery that lies at the heart of practice. Dhammadassin's beautifully weighted talk challenges us to look at how we think and how we act, and is rooted in a moving fidelity to experience as the ground of our inspiration. One to be treasured!
Excerpted from the talk Standing on Emptiness: View, Meditation, and Action given at the Women’s National Order weekend, 2004.
***
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The Fragility of Life
8 juli 2024 |
5 min
This introductory talk by Dhammadinna is an ideal entry point to the world of the mind-turnings. Seen as foundations for the building of practice, the reflections encourage us to make life meaningful in the face of a relentlessly ungovernable reality. A strong look in the mirror of the heart. Excerpted from the talk The Four Mind-Turning Reflections, part of the series of the same title, given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005. ***
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Thinking Critically
4 juli 2024 |
3 min
In this very personal talk Vijayasri remembers being part of a study seminar led by Sangharakshita, in 1982, on The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa.Vijayasri talks about the effect being part of the study group has had on her life and explores Gampopas teachings on the importance of a human birth. Excerpted from the talk entitled This Precious Human Life given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Retracing Our Steps
30 juni 2024 |
6 min
A moving, often beautiful evocation of the great Indian teacher Atisha, whose work had a profound influence on the development of Buddhism in Tibet. Sangharakshita presents Atisha's life as both a challenge and an inspiration to all who wish to practice the Dharma and discover its relevance in the world today. Excerpt from the talk entitled A Life for the Dharma, part of the series Three Lectures to the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, 1999. ***
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Taking Friendship Seriously
27 juni 2024 |
2 min
“I believe that it is possible to be friends with any other human being…” In this talk, Maitreyi explores the unique emphasis of friendship with quotes from Sangharakshita. Excerpted from the talk A Celebration of Friendship given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2020. ***
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An Honest Exploration of Truth
24 juni 2024 |
3 min
Padmavajra explores what it means to come together in a Buddhist centre to practice the Dharma and why we need such places in which to practice together. He touches on the importance of learning the Dharma, inspiration, friendship and the 'bodying forth' of the Buddha's teachings in our lives. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Wondrous House of the Dharma given at the London Buddhist Centre, 2023. ***
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Moving Beyond Our Comfort Zone
20 juni 2024 |
4 min
Here Arthapriya draws out our natural impetus to grow and the import of spiritual friendship to create a context for us to develop spiritually. Excerpted from the talk entitled Risking It All - Sangha As Practice given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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The Lineage of Inspiration
17 juni 2024 |
4 min
Here Subhadramati shares her experience witnessing Bhante circumambulating and bowing to the shrine and how that deep gesture of reverence evoked a strong sense of the lineage of inspiration in her. Excerpted from the talk entitled Avalokiteshvara given as part of the series Buddhas and Bodhisattvas given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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An Essential Spiritual Education
13 juni 2024 |
3 min
Sangharakshita revisits his time as a wandering 'Dharma Farer' in the India of the 1940s. The occasion for this colourful set of stories and related insights is the 60th anniversary of his decision to 'Go Forth' into the homeless life, in line with the oldest Buddhist traditions. Sangharakshita is in fine, thoughtful, at times even mischievous form as he heads into his 83rd year, and, as usual, is uncompromising in his vision of the spiritual life as a vital challenge to the comfortable mores of our times. From the talk Recollections and Reflections on My Going Forth given at the Western Buddhist Order International Men's Convention, 2007. ***
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Moving From Head to Heart
10 juni 2024 |
2 min
Vidyapala explores the imagination both from a Western cultural and philosophical point of view and then talks about its importance for us, as people trying to practice Buddhism in the West. He also suggests some ways of developing the imagination as a faculty of perception that helps us to understand reality more deeply. From the talk The Path of Imagination given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2021. ***
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Activating Kindness, Wisdom + Love
6 juni 2024 |
3 min
Dharmashalin offers thoughts on positive projection of qualities we want to develop in us via a short introduction to the why, what and how of the seven-fold puja. Excerpted from Why Do Puja given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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A Touch of Magic
3 juni 2024 |
2 min
“A poetical invocation of real spiritual forces” is how Sangharakshita defined puja. Here, Sanghagita explores the “real” and “imagined” power we all have to bring a touch of transformative magic into our practice. From the talk A Touch of Magic given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2024. ***
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The Story of the Buddha's Sneeze
29 maj 2024 |
3 min
Saddhaloka talks about the tradition of storytelling in Buddhism, and recounts some of his own favourites. He is the author of a book of re-tellings of stories from the Pali Canon, the oldest collection of texts about the life and teachings of the Buddha. His obvious love of the tales comes shining through - sit back and enjoy...
From the talk Encounters with Enlightenment given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001. ***
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The Subtle Elements
26 maj 2024 |
4 min
How do you get used to being Enlightened? What happened to the Buddha in the weeks after his breakthrough experience? Kamalashila uses the framework of the System of Meditation to shed light on the process that unfolded in the Bodhisattva's mind and body as Enlightenment dawned by connecting us imaginatively with the symbolism and image of Muchalinda, the great serpent, coiling his body protectively round the meditating Buddha. Excerpted from the talk Absorption - After the Enlightenment, 2008. ***
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Meeting Mara with Flowers
23 maj 2024 |
3 min
Sanghamani draws inspiration from the use of images in nature linked to the Buddha's Enlightenment. Invoking Mara's assault and calling the earth goddess to witness and how we can use them to help us contact our own fearlessness and confidence. From the talk May All Your Weeds Be Wildflowers given at Buddhafield East, 2011. Listen out for the creaking mast of the Rainbow Tent ship! ***
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A Natural Unfoldment
20 maj 2024 |
2 min
Nagesvara draws out the significance of the episode from the life of the Buddha where he recollects a memory from childhood of natural, spontaneous samadhi. From the talk entitled The Rose Apple Tree, given as part of the retreat series Body of Bliss: ways into Samādhi, Buddhafield, 2021. ***
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Becoming a Buddha
16 maj 2024 |
5 min
Sangharakshita tells the story of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha-to-be, up to the time of his Enlightenment, drawing out the significance of some of the key events. Here we encounter the Buddha receiving help on the path to Enlightenment. Excerpted from the talk The Way to Enlightenment given in 1972. ***
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A Sure Sign of Ignorance
13 maj 2024 |
2 min
According to the Buddha we see permanence where there is impermanence, substantiality where there is insubstantiality, see the unlovely as beautiful and the unpleasant as pleasant. How does this affect us? And even more importantly, what can we do about this? Yashobodhi makes the simple yet profound connection between ignorance and suffering. Excerpted from the talk Distortions of the Mind given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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Dissolving Restricted Views
9 maj 2024 |
4 min
Here, Bhadra evokes the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice in his description of the Middle Way. From the talk Finding the Middle Way Between the Psychological and the Spiritual given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2022. ***
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The Parable of the Elephant
6 maj 2024 |
2 min
Suryamati shares a parable from the Udana to illustrate why the Buddha spoke so little about the nature of Enlightenment. From the talk The Mystery of Enlightenment In the Udana given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007. ***
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The Fourth Sight
2 maj 2024 |
3 min
Ratnaprabha looks at what motivated the Buddha to leave a comfortable life for an uncertain quest in the Jungle: the Four Sights of Old Age, Illness, Death, and the inspiring figure of the wanderer seeking liberation.
Excerpted from the talk What Started the Buddha Off given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Getting Lost
29 april 2024 |
3 min
Paraga offers some reflections on his personal experience of being in the Order. Excerpted from the talk Reflections On the Benefits of Being In the Order given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2016. ***
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Unobstructed Generosity
25 april 2024 |
3 min
How do we move towards creating friendships that are less transactional and more transformative? Singhashri speaks on the topic of spiritual friendship, specifically the practice of generosity, and it’s effect on opening the heart. Excerpted from the talk entitled We Are Not Broken. We Are Alive - the Koan of Kalyanamitrata given on an Order weekend at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2013. ***
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Bhante as Mythic Guide
22 april 2024 |
3 min
Sanghamani reveals her early days on the Buddhist path by sharing a dream she had about ‘going home’ with Bhante Sangharakshita as her guide. From the talk Discipleship, Magic and Myth given at the Triratna Buddhist Order weekend, held at Adhisthana, 2014. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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A Context for Working on Oneself
18 april 2024 |
3 min
Mahamati talks on actualizing the myth of the Order- symbolised in the 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara. Excerpted from the talk Actualizing the 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara given on a Triratna Buddhist Order weekend at Padmaloka, 2010. ***
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Being Taken Seriously By My Teacher
15 april 2024 |
3 min
Excerpted from the talk Bhante - Teacher and Friend by Dhammadinna, first in a symposium of talks about Sangharakshita given at the UK and Ireland Area Order weekend at Adhisthana, 2013. ***
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Exploring the Teachings for Ourselves
11 april 2024 |
3 min
As part of celebrations at Sangha Night to mark the 90th birthday of Sangharakshita, Ratnaghosha gives a personal talk on the influence of Bhante as a teacher. Excerpted from the talk Bhante As Teacher given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Shoring Up Our Sense of Self
9 april 2024 |
4 min
“All worldly activities are as immaterial as chaff.” So said the Tibetan teacher Tsongkapa. Having explored the Eight Worldly Winds, and their effects upon us; having examined our response and looked at suggestions for ways of working, is there some overarching approach we could adopt? In short, what have we learned, and how can we put it into practice? Excerpted from the talk The Worldly Winds 4: It's All About Me! by Taranita given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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We Don't Believe the Evidence
4 april 2024 |
3 min
Akashamitra takes a look at one of the most difficult trainings offered in this approach. How can we find an opportunity for growth in that most upsetting situation - when someone we've trusted lets us down? Excerpted from the talk entitled Training the Mind: Learning From Betrayal, the sixth talk in a series of eight, given at the London Buddhist Centre as part of the 8-part series Training the Mind, 2021.
"Even when someone I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes
Mistreats me very unjustly,
I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher." ***
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A Positive Longing
2 april 2024 |
4 min
Padmavajra first met Sangharakshita when he was 17 and in this talk he shares some of his own most cherished memories of Bhante, including his experiences of being with him in India when he returned there in the 1970's to found the Order there. Urgyen Sangharakshita - Bhante - who died in 2018, is not only the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community, but also teacher and spiritual friend to Padmavajra. Excerpted from the talk entitled Urgyen Sangharakshita: The Bodhisattva's Reply given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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The Conversion of King Pasenadi
28 mars 2024 |
4 min
Dhivan recounts the conversion of King Pasenadi by the Buddha.
Excerpted from the talk A Courtesan, a Killer and a King given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016 ***
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Lesser and Greater Happiness
25 mars 2024 |
3 min
Saraha draws out examples of the Buddha’s wisdom from the Pali Canon highlighting how pleasure and bliss are not obstacles to the spiritual path, craving and attachment is the problem leading to suffering.. Excerpted from the talk entitled Wisdom In the Pali Canon given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2010. ***
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The Buddha’s Instant Response
21 mars 2024 |
3 min
The Buddha and Ananda once tended a sick monk, neglected by his companions because of his 'uselessness'. Sangharakshita shows that people cannot be treated as 'things' in the spiritual community.
From the talk A Case of Dysentry given in 1982 as part of the series Incidents from the Pali Canon. ***
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An Unfamiliar Landscape
18 mars 2024 |
5 min
Mahamani shares some experiences around guilt, faith, losing the way and finding it. From the personal talk entitled The Way to the Top of the Hill from ‘The Way to the Beyond’ Womens AOWE held at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2021. ***
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Friend to Friend
14 mars 2024 |
3 min
Ratnaprabha tells the story of Meghiya, his frustrating attempt to meditate, and the advice the Buddha gives him on the necessity of mentorship, or kalyana mitrata. From the talk Meghiya, Meditation and Mentorship given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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Longing to Illuminate Truth
11 mars 2024 |
4 min
Vishangka explores the joys and challenges that arise in a spiritual community. He explores several suttas and what we can learn from them. Excerpted from the talk Blending like Milk and Water: Sangha In the Buddha's Time given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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The Beauty of the Buddha
7 mars 2024 |
3 min
Dayanandi contemplates the words of the Tiratana Vandana and the qualities of the Buddha that it evokes. She says: "I reflect on the words as they seem to bring out the reality of his Enlightened being for me; what it might be like to really be the Enlightened One." Excerpted from the talk Reflecting on the Buddha in the Forest given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Sharing the Love of Solitude
4 mars 2024 |
2 min
Akashadevi and readers tell some of the delightful stories of the Buddha's meetings with elephants, including this one when the Buddha needs a bit of space from the noisiness of his followers. From the talk Elephants and the Buddha, part of a "Tales and Teachings of Early Buddhism" given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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A Galaxy of Being
29 februari 2024 |
4 min
In this talk about generosity, Sona evokes some very beautiful imagery of a cosmos full of stars as he describes how in our practice of Buddhist ethics, that of caring for others, being scrupulously honest, and so on, makes us more open, more malleable, more receptive. Excerpted from the talk entitled Abundance given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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True to Something Deeper
26 februari 2024 |
4 min
Padmavajra delves into the true nature of conflict and harmony by exploring two significant episodes in the life of the Buddha, one of which features disharmony from within the Sangha of monks itself. Excerpted from the talk The Quarrelsome Monks of Kosambi which was streamed from the Padmaloka shrine room to around 30 people tuning in via Zoom to the Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, 2020. ***
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A Kind and Intelligent Way
22 februari 2024 |
5 min
Dhammarati introduces the fourth tetrad: Inquiry into the Experience of Wisdom given on retreat as part of the series Anapanasati Sutta: Instructions for Awakening, Adhisthana, 2019.
***
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Imagine We Are Enough
19 februari 2024 |
4 min
Viveka introduces the spirit and context of the Anapanasati Sutta, beginning with the first tetrad: Inquiry Into the Experience of Body given on retreat as part of the series Anapanasati Sutta: Instructions for Awakening, Adhisthana, 2019. ***
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Overcoming Self-Centeredness
15 februari 2024 |
5 min
Sagaraghosa, critiquing structural elements of our society from a Buddhist standpoint, and exploring what we can do to bring about a society more in line with Reality.
Excerpted from the talk A Challenge to the Modern World, the last of three talks in the series 'Reality and What to Do About It' given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2010. ***
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The Values in Society
12 februari 2024 |
4 min
Akuppa examines the relationship between the notion of self and society. He asks how we engage with the collective life of the society we are part of. He asks how do we engage with the collective life of the society we are part of. Using the examples of the Buddha, Dr Ambedkar, and Sangharakshita as to how we might do that. Excerpted from the talk Transforming Self and World Part 2: Buddhist Politics given on an online gathering of the Triratna Buddhist Community in Scotland, 2020. ***
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The Juxtaposition of Disharmony and Harmony
8 februari 2024 |
5 min
Saddhaloka shares two early stories from the Buddhist tradition to illustrate disharmony and harmony in the sangha. From the talk entitled The Four Ordination Vows - In Harmony with Friends and Bretheren given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2009.
***
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A Courageous Undertaking
5 februari 2024 |
4 min
Vajradevi explores the poisons of craving and aversion which fuel emotions. She shares the story of David Attenborough meeting the gorillas in Africa as an example of how to meet potentially scary, overwhelming mind states with a simple awareness, in touch with whatever feelings there are and a willingness to meet and connect with that. Excerpted from the talk entitled Working Mindfully with Craving and Aversion, part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind, given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2019.
***
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Harmony and tolerance
1 februari 2024 |
5 min
Taking the Buddha's 'Seven points for the Stability of the Sangha' as his text, Sangharakshita explores their meaning and continuing relevance for 21st century Buddhists.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Growing the Spiritual Community given on the FWBO International Retreat, 2008. ***
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The Present Moment is our Joy
29 januari 2024 |
4 min
Dhivan moves through an exploration of joy, in both its mundane and grander manifestations. As he does so, he recalls the Buddha’s realization that joy and happiness arise when our life coalesces around our deepest values, often connected with relaxing in meditation. This is what may lead to Awakening for any and all of us…
From the talk In the Cool Shade of the Tree: Planting the Seed of Joy In Our Meditation Practice
given at Buddhafield, 2022. ***
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Seeing Through Our Views
25 januari 2024 |
3 min
First in a series of talks on the wisdom of the middle way. Here Bhadra uses the Triratna mandala of practice to find the middle way between the Psychological and spiritual that opens us towards liberation. Excerpted from the talk Finding the Middle Way Between the Psychological and the Spiritual given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2022. ***
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Taking Impermanence to Heart
22 januari 2024 |
3 min
True wisdom in the Buddhist sense is not book knowledge, but understanding how things really are. The Buddha was always pragmatic in his approach and sought to get straight to the root of suffering. His vision was embedded in conditioned co-production: awareness that things are always coming into being and passing away, and that there are many conditions in play together. Satyajyoti uses the metaphor of the ocean, with many waves arising and passing away, as a starting point for her reflections on the 3 lakshanas, the marks of conditioned existence.
Excerpted from the talk The Way Things Are, part of the series Total Transformation - Heart, Heart and Guts given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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An Integrated Ideal
18 januari 2024 |
3 min
Akasajoti talks about the hero's journey as a middle way, referring to the Buddha's life story. She describes practising with three creative dynamics in the spiritual life between 'will and receptivity', 'inner calm and outer activity', and 'vision and transformation', suggesting their resolution in the six perfections. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Hero's Journey given at Adhisthana, 2022. ***
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What is Perfect Vision?
15 januari 2024 |
5 min
The Eightfold Path is divided into Paths of Vision and of Transformation. Sangharakshita illustrates how perfect vision can arise, and concludes by showing how Buddhists have communicated their vision of reality in conceptual and imaginative terms.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Nature of Existence: Right Understanding, as part of the series The Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path given in 1968. ***
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There’s Seeing, And Then There’s Really Seeing
11 januari 2024 |
5 min
Akashamitra introduces the Eight Ways of the Noble Ones with a talk on vision. Why does it start the path? Have we already had a path of vision experiences?
Excerpted from the talk Perfect Vision - How Far Can You Go? given at North London Buddhist Centre, 2020. ***
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Our Inner World
8 januari 2024 |
4 min
Vajrapriya takes the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path - rebranding it as the Meaningful Eightfold Path - and considers how its eight areas contribute to a meaningful life, and how following it eventually eliminates the whole problem of meaninglessness.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Living a Meaningful Life, part of the series Reality and what to do about it given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2010. ***
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A Noble Mind
4 januari 2024 |
4 min
Munisha gave this Buddha Day talk to the Swedish sangha, via Zoom, in May 2020, in the early months of the Covid 19 pandemic. The talk is in English with occasional brief translation of terms into Swedish. Excerpted from the talk entitled Becoming Noble, for Stockholm Buddhist Centre, 2020. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Getting on the Path
1 januari 2024 |
2 min
Hridayagita encourages reflection on the Four Noble Truths and particularly the first one as a way to quit running from or trying to fix samsara. Excerpted from the talk The First Noble Truth and The Space to Choose given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2016. ***
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Powerful Energies
28 december 2023 |
3 min
Moksatara introduces the dakini, the tantric embodiment of what's possible when all of our energy is completely engaged, alive and flowing. These beings of limitless space have complete freedom of mind, fierce energy and a full emotional engagement with life. In order to meet the dakinis we must travel to where they dwell: the cremation grounds, where bodies are taken to be burnt. The deepest, darkest energies to be transformed are associated with fear. By deliberately plunging into crucial situations which mirror these burning grounds, old ways are forced to change and we are compelled to grow. Excerpted from the talk The Burning Ground given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019, as part of the series Tantra Now! ***
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Unknown Terrains
25 december 2023 |
3 min
Colour has an important place in Buddhism, for example as a way to express different aspects of the Enlightened mind in the Five Jinas. This symbolism can open the imagination to new depths of understanding. As an artist and former art teacher, Ahimsaka has studied colour extensively and helps us explore the deeper significance of colour in Buddhist practice. Excerpted from the talk Tantric Path - The Symbolism of Colour given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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The Clinging is the Self
21 december 2023 |
2 min
Drawing on her experience as a poet, Varasahaya discusses creativity, imagination, and the writing process as a spiritual practice. She reads some of her poems, and explains the process by which they came to birth, and what she learnt about letting go of self as she grappled with writing. Excerpted from the talk Writing As Spiritual Practice given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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Opening Up
18 december 2023 |
2 min
Paramananda explore the relevance of alchemical thinking to meditation practice. Excerpted from the talk Opening Up the Imagination, the eighth in a series called The Alchemical Heart given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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Looking for the Historical Buddha
14 december 2023 |
5 min
Vishvapani traces his own relationship to the Buddha, from early family connections arising out of the turmoil of war to his experience of writing the book itself. In doing so he explores the tricky work of trying to engage with the imagination constrained and disciplined by the historical evidence. What emerges from his work with the Pali texts is a portrait of the Buddha and his world where it's impossible to miss the vital sense of a man questing for a coherent vision of reality. From the talk entitled Imagining Gautama given at the Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2011, as part of the series Gautama Buddha on the occasion of launching of his book: 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011). ***
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Essentialness of Right View
11 december 2023 |
3 min
Vidyamala shares ways to bring an imaginative approach to mindfulness practice. Excerpted from the talk entitled Mindfulness and the Imagination given at Rivendell as part of the series An Exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, 2018. ***
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The Whole Person Growing in All Directions
7 december 2023 |
3 min
Maitreyabandhu shares his reflections on the role of the imagination in the spiritual life. Drawing on his experience as an artist, poet and Buddhist practitioner. Excerpted from the talk A Further Reach - Imagination and the Radical given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2011. ***
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A Sense of Values to Transform Our Lives
4 december 2023 |
4 min
"Art is the organisation of sensuous impressions that express the artist's sensibility and communicate to his audience a sense of values that can transform their lives." Using his own definition, Sangharakshita investigates the relevance of art and the artist to higher evolution.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Art and the Spiritual Life given in 1969 as part of the series The Higher Evolution. ***
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Seeing the Beauty in Each Other
30 november 2023 |
5 min
Kulanandi reflects on different qualities of beauty in the spiritual life, here exploring the wisdom of seeing the beauty in each other through spiritual friendship.
Excerpted from the talk Beauty and the Dharma Life given at the Stockholm Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Traveling the Path with Friends
27 november 2023 |
3 min
Jvalamalini introduces the importance of spiritual friendship within the Triratna Buddhist Community. From the talk What Is Spiritual Friendship given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015, part of a series on The Six Distinctive Emphases of Triratna. ***
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Surrendering to Uncertainty
23 november 2023 |
3 min
Satyaraja explores what it means to 'cherish' or treasure the Dharma in all its aspects, and as both the teaching of the Buddha and his Enlightenment experience. The talk concludes with the importance of seeing the Dharma as beautiful if we are to truly cherish it. Excerpted from the talk entitled Cherish the Doctrine given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2919, as part of the series A Living Bodhisattva. ***
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Forebearance in Friendship
20 november 2023 |
2 min
In this talk, Maitrisiddhi shows us the importance and value in holding the Ideal of spiritual friendship alongside the reality of life in the Sangha. Excerpted from the talk Spiritual Friendship: Ideal Versus Real given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2018. ***
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Embodying the Teachings
16 november 2023 |
3 min
Vishangka explores the joys and challenges that arise in a spiritual community. He explores several suttas and what we can learn from them. He also reflects on his own personal experience of friendship and sangha. Excerpted from the talk Blending like Milk and Water: Sangha In the Buddha's Time given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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The Great Love
13 november 2023 |
3 min
Our teacher Sangharakshita has said: "It is in friendship (maitri) that we may find the emotional equivalent of the intellectual understanding of the doctrine of ‘no self’”. The gift of these teachings can help us move beyond self-clinging into a deeper and far more mysterious connection with one another; a Greater Love.
From the talk Spiritual Friendship and the Heart's Release by Maitreyi given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2018. ***
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Embracing a Buddhafield
9 november 2023 |
2 min
Sangharakshita shares a verse full of reverence, joy and insight by Rantakara who praises the Buddha in the Vimalakirti Nirdesa. Excerpted from the talk Building the Buddha Land, 1979, part of the series The Inconceivable Emancipation - Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha. This lecture deals in depth with what a Buddha Land is, how and by whom it comes to be built, and what all of this has to do with us. ***
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Devotion in the Course of Our Lives
6 november 2023 |
3 min
Amaraghosha discusses the importance of the outward expression of our devotion, in both rituals and our daily lives, using quotations and personal examples.
From the talk entitled Salutation given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Statements of Collective Purpose
2 november 2023 |
3 min
Dharmashalin offers a general overview of why chanting is part of Buddhism and why we chant collectively within the context of Triratna. Excerpted from the talk Why Chant the Tiratna Vandana given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Skullcup as Symbol of Transformation
30 oktober 2023 |
5 min
Bodhinaga explores the myth of Padmasambhava arriving in Tibet, at the invitation of the King, to establish the Dharma at Samye. When he meets the King of Tibet, Padmasambhava refuses to bow. Then he transforms the demons of Tibet, getting them to help rather than oppose the construction of Samye Monastery. Bodhinaga asks us: What do we serve in our life? What are our inner demons? And how can we use their energy for the Dharma? From the talk Naming and Taming - Padmasambhava and the Feast of Transformation, the first part of the series: Padmasambhava - The Master for Troubled Times given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2021. ***
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What is a Good Life?
26 oktober 2023 |
4 min
Balajit offers reflections on living a life focused on the transformational power of Buddhist practice. Excerpted from the talk Blessing In Everyday Life: The Power of Padmasambhava given at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2022. ***
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Radical Transformation
23 oktober 2023 |
4 min
Reactive and creative energies that arise through spiritual practice play a significant role in the myth of Padmasambhava. From the talk Demons For Every Occasion by Ratnaghosha, given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2013. ***
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A Meaningful Compass
19 oktober 2023 |
3 min
The imagination is a superpower. Sagaravajra shares perspectives on how Buddhism offers unique tools to harness this superpower for the benefit of all beings.
From the talk Maps of the Imagination, part of the series The Dharma Parlour: Buddhafield 2023 - Liberation Through Imagination, given at Buddhafield Festival, 2023. ***
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A Stable Quality of Empathy
16 oktober 2023 |
6 min
Dhammarati speaks from his understanding and experience about the stable notion of empathy. From the talk Dhyana Paramita: The Perfection of Meditation, part of a series of talks for Dawning Moon of the Mind: Summer Sanghas retreat on the Bodhicaryavatara, Adhisthana, 2023. ***
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Meditating in the Midst of Activity
12 oktober 2023 |
3 min
A fascinating talk about the Buddha's relationship with both the urban environment and the forest. Ratnaprabha then relates this material to our own lives, which for most of us are likely to be mainly urban. Can we really practice the Dharma in the city? Are there even advantages to living and practising there? From the talk Buddha In the City, Buddha In the Forest given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2023. ***
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A Place Where Light Comes into the World
9 oktober 2023 |
3 min
Vadanya describes the inner experience of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, in this excerpt we hear what holds us back from making serious progress. From the talk entitled A New Light given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2023. ***
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Everything Made of Love
5 oktober 2023 |
2 min
Love, compassion and wisdom are sewn into the fabric of existence. When these qualities arise in our own experience, can we recognise them, trust them, and allow them to transform us? And when do we dismiss them, or cling to them unhelpfully? From the talk Touching the Transcendent by Maitrisiddhi given on the June Women’s Area Order Weekend held at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
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Seeing The Big Picture
2 oktober 2023 |
5 min
How do you get used to being Enlightened? What happened to the Buddha in the weeks after his breakthrough experience? Kamalashila explores these questions in two ways - using the framework of the Western Buddhist Order's system of meditation to shed light on the process that unfolded in the Bodhisattva's mind and body as Enlightenment dawned; and connecting us imaginatively with the symbolism and image of Muchalinda, the great serpent, coiling his body protectively round the meditating Buddha.
From the talk Absorption - After the Enlightenment given on the FWBO International Retreat at Taraloka, May 2008. ***
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Lessen the Fabrication of Self
28 september 2023 |
3 min
Maitreyabandhu moves on to the anatta reflection in the context of the myth of self-surrender. Towards Insight: Three Myths, an online retreat led by Jnanavaca and Maitreyabandhu from Adhisthana.
From the talk entitled Anatta and Self-Surrender as part of the series Towards Insight: Three Myths given at Adhisthana, 2020. ***
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Getting Curious About Your Experience
25 september 2023 |
2 min
Yashobodhi talks about the relationship between thinking and insight. As long as we have a brain, we will have thoughts. Some of these thoughts are helpful. Some not so much. Becoming aware of thoughts is a good start. Whatever next?
Excerpted from the talk entitled Inquisitive Mind, Thinking and Awakening given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Psychological Types from the East
21 september 2023 |
7 min
Knowing yourself is an important step in self-development. Here, Sangharakshita describes the three psychological types enumerated in Buddhagosha’s Visuddhimagga, the Path of Purification. From the lecture entitled The Question of Psychological Types which introduces a number of Western and Eastern classifications of psychological types and discusses their implications in the choice of techniques of self-development. Talk given in 1970 as part of the series Aspects of the Higher Evolution of the Individual. ***
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Look Out for Craving
18 september 2023 |
7 min
Ratnaprabha explains why craving is such a fundamental issue for Buddhists, how it relates to both desire and clinging, why it causes us problems, and how to deal with it.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Needing Nothing given at North London Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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No Bit of Us is Really Fixed
14 september 2023 |
4 min
Here is an excellent introduction to the most subtle and complex part of the Buddha's teaching on impermanence: that all things in conditioned existence are empty of any innate self-nature. Insubstantiality might never be really 'simple' to understand - but this is a good place to start and Locana an ever-intelligent guide along the way…
Excerpted from the talk Anatta Made Simple, 2001.
Locana (Elizabeth English) is the author of 'Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms' ***
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Constantly Creating Ourselves
12 september 2023 |
4 min
Hridayagita describes the 3 fetters as a useful tool for reflecting why we forget or do not fully believe that our actions of body, speech and mind truly have consequences. Excerpted from the talk Recollecting the Consequences of Ones Actions give at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2016. ***
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Clinging Constitutes the Fetter
7 september 2023 |
5 min
Amidst the complexity of Buddhist teachings, we can discern a distinctive essence lying behind the various historical forms which developed to convey the Buddha's oral message.
Excerpted from the talk The Nature and Development of Buddhism given by Sangharakshita, 1968. ***
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Confidence in Our Ability to Gain Insight
4 september 2023 |
6 min
This is a quietly passionate talk by Jinapriya on the quicksilver nature of the Enlightenment experience - impossible to pin down, utterly transformative. His main theme within the frame of such a big question - 'What is Enlightenment?' - is the struggle to live our lives in the present moment, especially in the face of pain. We are met with a thoughtful series of reflections, stories and images that all look to open up the gates of perception, and prepare the heart for the biggest change imaginable and possible for all. In that sense, this is a truly optimistic talk.
From What is Enlightenment? given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2003. ***
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Characteristics of Gratitude
31 augusti 2023 |
4 min
Speaking on a New Year retreat at Taraloka Samantabhadri explores gratitude: in personal relationships; in response to the universe; and for having received the gift of the Dharma in this lifetime. She includes a sense of lineage and of the spiritual opportunities for women to give and receive.
Excerpted from the talk Gratitude given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2001. ***
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Dukkha is Methodology Not Metaphysics
28 augusti 2023 |
5 min
Padmadhara reflects on the importance of gratitude in the spiritual life, providing some of his own reasons for being grateful, as well as drawing inspiration from another Song of Milarepa on the theme. As the talk starts, Padmadhara lists teachers and friends of his to whom he is grateful.
Excerpted from the talk Milarepa - Gratitude and Dukkha - The First Noble Truth given at London Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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A Training in Humility
24 augusti 2023 |
5 min
Sangharakshita revisits his time as a wandering 'Dharma Farer' in the India of the 1940s. The occasion for this colourful set of stories and related insights is the 60th anniversary of his decision to 'Go Forth' into the homeless life, in line with the oldest Buddhist traditions. Sangharakshita is in fine, thoughtful, at times even mischievous form as he heads into his 83rd year, and, as usual, is uncompromising in his vision of the spiritual life as a vital challenge to the comfortable mores of our times.
Excerpted from the talk Recollections and Reflections on My Going Forth given at the Western Buddhist Order International Men's Convention, held at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007. ***
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Dukkha and The Arising of Faith
21 augusti 2023 |
2 min
With inspiring candour, Devamitra speaks from his own experience on the importance of valuing and facing our adversities (duhkha), explaining how that naturally leads into faith, and into the joy of gratitude. He also briefly introduces his new book on his experience as a cross-dressing Buddhist. Excerpted from the talk From Adversity to Gratitude and Beyond given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Let Life Teach Us
17 augusti 2023 |
2 min
Singhamati explores the Buddha's teachings on Wisdom, primarily looking at the three Lakshanas, the three marks of conditioned existence.
From the talk Being with the Buddha Through Wisdom, the fourth in a series given on retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2012. ***
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Sitting With Uncertainty
14 augusti 2023 |
3 min
Ratnaghosha reflects on the Chanki Sutta, a story of a young Brahmin who questions the Buddha and receives a teaching about truth and the fundamental importance of faith.
An excerpt from the talk entitled The Chanki Sutta given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Recognizing the Truth
10 augusti 2023 |
2 min
Amaraghosha explores the mystery of spiritual rebirth in relation to sraddha and the imagination, using stories and quotes. Excerpted from the talk The Mystery of Spiritual Rebirth given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Noticing How We Are
7 augusti 2023 |
3 min
Karunagita discusses confidence and faith in our Dharma practice. Excerpted from the talk entitled Confidence given at North London Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Something Beyond Us
3 augusti 2023 |
3 min
Shraddha or 'confidence-faith' as an indispensable basis for the cultivation of Wisdom. In this talk Satyajyoti explores the teachings of the Buddhist teacher Shinran, who developed a tradition of complete and true entrusting to this dimension, sometimes referred to as 'other power'. Excerpted from the talk entitled True Entrusting and the Wisdom of Shinran given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2023. ***
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Dropping Our Defences
31 juli 2023 |
4 min
Ratnadharini gives us an inspiring, down-to-earth consideration of Verses 4-6 of the Eight Verses for Training the Mind by Langrithangpa. Uncompromising, brilliant, long considered a classic of the Lojong mind training school, Langrithangpa's pithy text bears daily reflection and can fuel a lifetime of Dharma inquiry and practice.
Excerpted from a talk on Verses 4-6 from a series of talks on the Eight Verses for Training the Mind given at the Triratna Buddhist Order International Council, 2018. ***
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A Dharma Perspective
27 juli 2023 |
3 min
Vajradevi explores wisdom, the 'balancing factor' to faith in the 'mandala' of the five spiritual faculties. 'Clear-seeing' is way of describing wisdom that can be practised through mindfulness.
Excerpted from the talk Wisdom As a Spiritual Faculty In Relation to Mindfulness, part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind: Bristol Rains Retreat, 2019. ***
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Being a Friend
25 juli 2023 |
2 min
How do we go beyond the duality of subject and object, self and other, to experience the true nature of reality? Here, Jnanavaca shares personal experiences about the challenges of creating sangha and being a friend.
Excerpted from the talk What Is Sangha & Kalyana Mitrata? given at London Buddhist Centre. 2019. ***
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Holding Diversity Within Ourselves
20 juli 2023 |
3 min
Saravantu talks about one of Triratna's emphases - a unified Order - by looking inwards. If we turn away from elements of our own character, we will find ourselves turning away from others. A unified Order needs us to be able to turn towards all aspects of ourselves. This is a practical talk with helpful exercises to bring it down to earth.
Excerpted from the talk An Inclusive Order -Turning Away, Turning Towards, Meeting the Shadows In Ourselves and Others given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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What’s Actually Going On?
17 juli 2023 |
4 min
Here, Vessantara explores moving back and forth between physical and imaginal experience, questioning our assumptions about imagination and reality.
From the talk The Gift of Awareness, part of the series When I Give, I Give Myself given on retreat at Adhisthana, 2020. ***
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Two Wings of the Bird
13 juli 2023 |
3 min
Ratnavandana continues her exploration of the Brahma Viharas, describing how they work together as a mandala, as well as giving many useful and inspiring practice tips.
Excerpted from the talk The Brahma Viharas: Approaches to Practice, the second talk in the series Living in the Mandala, given on a retreat held at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2019. ***
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Another Kind of Context
10 juli 2023 |
2 min
Prasadachitta explores the realms of the mandala of the 5 Buddhas and their connection to the thread of all sorrows. From the talk entitled The Thread of All Sorrows given on a men's ordination training, San Francisco Buddhist Center 2017. ***
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All Experience is of the Nature of Mind
6 juli 2023 |
3 min
Shubha explores the Three Bodies of the Buddha experientially in the Spiritual Death, Spiritual Rebirth and Receptivity stages of Sadhana practice, and how the whole of Sadhana practice has the potential to be free of self-nature.
Excerpted from the talk The Trikaya, Sadhana and Vipashyana given on the Women's Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, March 2020. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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The Cosmos As Existing in Space
5 juli 2023 |
2 min
Revered by Buddhists from earliest times, the stupa is here explained in terms of the five elements, the 'Vase of Initiation', and the 'Flaming Drop'.
Excerpted from the talk given by Sangharakshita entitled The Tantric Symbolism of the Stupa as part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment, 1972. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Neither Monk Nor Lay
29 juni 2023 |
4 min
Maitrisiddhi introduces us to Shinran, the Japanese teacher on the refuge tree of the Triratna Buddhist Community. She explores what Shinran has to tell us about faith and ordinariness, both of them encourage us to rest in Metta towards our unenlightened mind. Excerpted from the talk entitled: An Introduction to Shinran and the Pure Land at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2021. ***
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A Failure of Imagination
26 juni 2023 |
2 min
In this first talk in a series of three introducing the Pureland texts as a practice in themselves, Ratnaguna offers an excellent exploration of imagination. Excerpted from the talk The Pure Land and Imagination given at given at Adhisthana, England, as part of the Triratna European Chairs Assembly, 2016. ***
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Are We Ready?
22 juni 2023 |
3 min
Taranita discusses Pure and Impure Buddhalands and possible meanings and interpretations for us. Excerpted from the talk entitled Pure and Impure Buddhalands - This Very Place, the Lotus Paradise given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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The Great Canopy
19 juni 2023 |
6 min
Sangharakshita deals in depth with what a Buddha Land is, how and by whom it comes to be built, and what all of this has to do with us.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Building the Buddha Land from the series The Inconceivable Emancipation - Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha, 1979. ***
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What is a Bodhisattva?
15 juni 2023 |
4 min
Nagapriya explores the emergence of the Bodhisattva Ideal in the Mahayana tradition by discussing the historical context in which this basic concept developed, its ties to early Buddhist texts, and what the bodhisattva's life entails, on both the mundane and cosmic levels.
From the talk entitled The Ideal of Universal Awakening, part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism, given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009. ***
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A Perfect Place to be a Bodhisattva
12 juni 2023 |
2 min
Taking inspiration from Sangharakshita’s 1995 book Transforming Self and World: Themes from the Sutra of Golden Light, Maitrisara reflects on how we approach the challenges of the world in a skilful way and with a Buddhist perspective. Excerpted from the talk Transforming Self and World given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2023. ***
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Going Deeper in Your Dharma Experience
8 juni 2023 |
8 min
In this introductory talk to The Sutra of Golden Light, Saddharaja gives us an historical overview of the sutra, and its extraordinary reputation, plus a story about his own meeting with the sutra in 1983. He introduces chapters 1&2 and also suggests how we might best approach the sutra ourselves in order to experience its riches. Excerpted from the talk Entering Another World, part of the series The Sutra of Golden Light, given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2019. ***
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Plant Symbolism in Buddhism
5 juni 2023 |
3 min
Continuing the series on the White Lotus Sutra, Jayaka gives a talk on the Parable of the Rain Cloud. The parable evokes the qualities of the dharma through the imagery of a mighty rain cloud, falling on all equally. Excerpted from the talk The Parable of The Rain Cloud given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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The Dharma Nourishes
1 juni 2023 |
3 min
Subhadramati continues the Dharma night series exploring the wisdom of the White Lotus Sutra by reflecting on the setting and context of the parables. From the talk entitled Myths and Parables From the White Lotus Sutra - Queerer Than We Can Suppose at London Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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No Breaking Through without Awareness
31 maj 2023 |
6 min
At times in the spiritual life we may need considerable energy to overcome obstacles, such as negative emotions, psychological conditionings, rational thinking, and even the sense of 'time' itself. How, when, and where can we break through?
From the talk Breaking Through into Buddhahood by Sangharakshita,1969. ***
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Closer to Truth Through Silence
25 maj 2023 |
3 min
On a Silent Retreat at Taraloka, Samantabhadri honours silence as significant spiritual practice where we dwell more deeply with ourselves, with others, with nature and the objective world, and within a developing atmosphere. All this opens a vision of experiencing 'Reality as it is' (Sangharakshita). From the talk Silence: Practice and Vision given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
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Stepping Through the Portal
22 maj 2023 |
2 min
Nagapriya takes an unusual angle as he speaks of the Dharma as a portal into the Buddha's mind itself...
From the talk Cherish the Doctrine given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2022. Part 1 of a three part series based around the motto of the great Tibetan 20th Century teacher Dhardo Rimpoche - "Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Love.” ***
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He Who Had Become Buddha
18 maj 2023 |
3 min
Order Members and Mitras Training For Ordination gathered together in a big marque set up in Taraloka's beautiful grounds to listen to a series of talks and guided meditations led by Vajradevi on the theme of the Satipatthana Sutta. Excerpted from the talk Pure Presence: The Basis For Seeing Clearly, Part of the series The Great Gathering: Dancing with Pure Presence given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
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Allowing Things to Resolve
16 maj 2023 |
2 min
Nagesvara describes samadhi as collectedness, integration of our energies, wholeness, openness, rather than concentration as primary. Excerpted from the talk What Is Samadhi?, part 5 of a series from the 2021 Buddhafield online retreat Body of Bliss: ways into Samādhi. ***
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An Error of Perception
11 maj 2023 |
3 min
Vidyamala simplifies the whole of Buddhism with this succinct teaching on impermanence.
From the talk Overview of the Five Stages of the System of Practice, part of the series The Bridge, the Path and the Goal given at Adhisthana, 2019. ***
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Discovering We Are Free
8 maj 2023 |
3 min
Bhadra explores the positive nature of spiritual death and how important it is to distinguish these opening and liberating experiences from the potentially disorientating and disturbing effect it has on our ego structure. Excerpted from the talk Turning Towards Spiritual Death with Metta given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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What About Prajna?
4 maj 2023 |
5 min
In this lecture to launch his book of the same name on the prajna-paramita (Perfection of Wisdom) tradition, Sangharakshita explores the meaning of hierarchy in Buddhism, and particularly the distinction between vijnana (Discriminating Consciousness) and jnana (Transcendental Awareness).
Excerpted from the talk Wisdom Beyond Words, launching the book of the same title, 1993. ***
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Enlightenment Via The Subject
1 maj 2023 |
5 min
There’s an inherent contradiction if you’re striving for insight in terms of seeing through the illusion of a permanent self. Dharmapriya shares a seminar quote from Sangharakshita about the philosophical underpinnings of the Bodhisattva Ideal in Triratna and the necessity of compassion in the quest for Enlightenment.
Excerpted from the talk The Bodhisattva Ideal In Triratna given at the European Triratna Men's Convention at Adhisthana, 2014. Text quoted is from our archive of unedited seminars by Sangharakshita entitled, Mind in Buddhist Psychology, 1976. ***
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A Degree of Commonality
27 april 2023 |
4 min
Here, Subhuti speaks to the amount of effort to maintain unity across a growing spiritual community. Excerpted from the talk Adhisthana, Sanghakaya and Unity, the second talk in a series called Triratna Three Strands, Adhisthana, 2013. The three strands of Triratna are the Triratna Buddhist Order, the Triratna Buddhist Community and the Preceptors' College. ***
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Convention in India
24 april 2023 |
5 min
Subhadramati shares her experience traveling to India for the International Order Convention. Excerpted from the talk Ordination and the Unity of the Sangha giving at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre as part of a series on the Six Distinctive Emphasis of the Triratna Buddhist Community. A talk full of energy, insight and inspiration on Ordination within Triratna, given in 2016. ***
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Bhante as Mythic Guide
20 april 2023 |
4 min
Sanghamani shares a significant dream she had of Bhante as a mythic guide. Excerpted from the talk Discipleship, Magic and Myth given to the Triratna Buddhist Order on the theme of Discipleship, 2014. ***
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Communication Exercises
17 april 2023 |
2 min
Mahamati recollects some of the teachings of our founder Urgyen Sangharakshita as part of the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Padmaloka. Excerpted from The Meaning of Spiritual Community Revisited, given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2016 ***
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An Ever Expanding Network
13 april 2023 |
3 min
This is an exploration by Saddhaloka of the distinguishing role of Sangha, spiritual community, in the development and life of the Western Buddhist Order, and, in fact, in any kind of Buddhist spiritual life. Saddhaloka here is steady and thoughtful as ever...
Excerpted from the talk Creating Sangha and Changing the World given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002. ***
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Simply Kind
10 april 2023 |
3 min
Aryajaya talks about the significance of Going For Refuge to the Three Jewels. Excerpted from the talk Commitment Is Key given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Sensitivity to Conditions
6 april 2023 |
4 min
Vidyatara speaks of her work supporting the Order under the framework of the Four Lineages.
Excerpted from the talk Co-Creating Structures That Serve the Arising of the Bodhicitta given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Womens UK and Ireland Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, 2014. The theme for the weekend was Appreciation of the Order as a System. ***
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Still Friends: New Name
4 april 2023 |
5 min
With humour and engaging personal stories, Padmavajra speaks to the moment in our collective history when Bhante Sangharakshita changed the name of our community from Friends of the Western Buddhist Order to Triratna Buddhist Community.
Excerpted from the short talk Changing Our Name to Triratna Buddhist Community given at the Triratna International Retreat, May 2010. ***
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A Sense of Purpose
30 mars 2023 |
5 min
The very last words of the Buddha were 'appamadena sampadetha': with mindfulness strive on! Prajnamati reflects on those two last words, drawing out the qualities of mindfulness, as taught by the Buddha, and the quality of effort that will enable us to cultivate and develop it. This are teachings just as relevant to the contemporary beginner first learning the mindfulness of breathing meditation as to the seasoned renunciants attending the Buddha's death 2500 years ago.
Excerpted from the talk With Mindfulness Strive On! Given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2011. ***
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Vast Ocean of Boundless Depths
27 mars 2023 |
6 min
In this talk, Viveka explores the many, diverse faces of mindfulness practice - breaking down the ideological barriers that can so often divide when we try to figure out what, exactly, does constitute mindfulness meditation... With good humour and an emphasis on kindness in the present moment, she encourages us to broaden and deepen our ideas of awareness and of loving kindness. Rich with references - from Satipatthana to Milarepa - this is an excellent and encouraging contemporary take on meditation and what it is to make mindfulness part of your everyday life.
Excerpted from the talk Mindfulness as Sadhana given at the Triratna (Western) Buddhist Order Convention, 2005. ***
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A World of Spiritual Experience
23 mars 2023 |
6 min
A traditional exposition of Buddhist meditation looking at why we meditate; preparation for meditation; the five meditation practices designed to counteract the five mental poisons; and the three stages of meditation.
Excerpted from the talk Meditation: the Expanding Consciousness given in 1967 by Sangharakshita. ***
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Awareness Wisdom
20 mars 2023 |
3 min
Vajradevi speaks to a large gathering of Order Members and Mitras Training for Ordination under a big marque at the annual Great Gathering on the theme of the Satipatthana Sutta.
Reflecting on the theme of the weekend Vajradevi said: "When we’re mindful and present to what’s happening – both ‘internally’ and ‘externally’ – our responses become steady, wise, and confident. Whatever we’re doing, whether we’re meditating, working, communicating, or singing, becomes a vehicle to ‘grow’ awareness. Mindfulness becomes panoramic and we live with immediacy and creativity." Excerpted from the talk Pure Presence: The Basis For Seeing Clearly, part of the series Dancing with Pure Presence, given at the Great Gathering at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
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Freedom from Pushing and Pulling
16 mars 2023 |
3 min
Exploration by Nagesvara of the beginning of the Anapansati meditation practice, namely the preliminaries and the breath.
"Here, gone to the forest to the root of a tree or to an empty hut, we sit down; folding our legs crosswise, keeping the body erect, and having established mindfulness to the fore, mindful, one breathes in; mindful one breathes out. While breathing in long, one knows: 'I breathe in long.' While breathing out long, one knows, 'I breathe out long.' While breathing in short, one knows: 'I breathe in short.' While breathing out short, one knows, 'I breath out short.'" Excerpted from the talk The Preliminaries and the Breath, part of the series The Flow of Life: exploring Anapanasati, given at Metta Vihara Retraitecentrum, 2022. ***
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An Inclusive Love
13 mars 2023 |
3 min
Maitridevi talks about what the heart is like and the importance of it to the cultivation of an expansive all inclusive love for all beings and things. This talk is part of an intensive meditation retreat held at Taraloka in 2021 for women who have asked for ordination.
Excerpted from the talk The Heart Unbound: Metta As a Path to Insight (4 of 13) given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2021. ***
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Rooted in Metta
9 mars 2023 |
8 min
Ratnavandana beautifully introduces the Brahma Viharas as an integrated set of practices flowing from metta - loving kindness. Her central image is that of a tree, deep rooted and spreading its canopy wide as she evokes a profound, personal connection to the cultivation of the sublime abodes - loving kindness, compassion, joy with others, and equanimity.
Excerpted from the talk Introduction to the Brahma Viharas (With Guided Meditation) given as part of the Rainy Season Retreat at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Savoring Experience
7 mars 2023 |
4 min
Nagabodhi speaks about the process of developing awareness throughout the day and how this relates to vedanā – or hedonic tone. He explores how if we can notice the raw experience and whether it’s pleasant, unpleasant or neutral, then we have freedom not to act in the usual habitual ways.
From the talk Developing Awareness as part of the series The Two Arrows: Dukkha to Insight given at Adhisthana, 2020. ***
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Moving Closer to Truth
2 mars 2023 |
2 min
In this short personal talk, Prajnahridaya discusses the universal importance of love, a quality so vital if we want to live a meaningful life.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Rising Sun given at the Annual Sub35 Men's Weekend for Young Buddhists at Padmaloka in November, 2018. ***
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Universal Redemption
27 februari 2023 |
8 min
How do you become a Bodhisattva? Upon the Awakening of the Bodhi Heart (Bodhichitt-otpada). In this lecture Sangharakshita defines the Bodhichitta, differentiating here between individual will and the cosmic will to enlightenment that transcends individuals. Excerpted from the talk The Awakening of the Bodhi Heart given as part of the series entitled Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal, 1969. ***
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The Flavour of Forbearance
23 februari 2023 |
5 min
This talk explores the emergence of the Bodhisattva Ideal in the Mahayana tradition. Nagapriya discusses the historical context in which this basic concept developed, its ties to early Buddhist texts, and what the bodhisattva's life entails, on both the mundane and cosmic levels. Here, he shares a reading on forbearance from the Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva.
Excerpted from the The Ideal of Universal Awakening given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, as part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism, 2009. ***
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Mountains of Merit
20 februari 2023 |
5 min
Prakasha takes us through the verses on transference of merit and self surrender from Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara, and communicates the feeling of completely letting go of a Bodhisattva. Excerpted from the talk Awakening Bodhicitta given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Group, 2018. ***
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Patience is the Greatest Asceticism
16 februari 2023 |
5 min
Sahajatara offers an introduction to the six paramitas as she touches into the development of forbearance with humour, realism and dakini-inspiration.
From the talk Forbearance and Energy In Pursuit of the Good given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2021. ***
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Refraining from Anger
13 februari 2023 |
4 min
More counter-cultural stuff here, shouldn't we always express how we feel? Shantideva seems to be saying something else when he encourages us to be 'like a block of wood'... Maitrisara offers thoughts on patience and anger as described in the Bodhicaryavatara.
Excerpted from the talk Like a Block of Wood, part of the series The Bodhicaryavatara, given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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One Moment of Anger
9 februari 2023 |
4 min
The Bodhicaryavatara is an 8th century text written by Shantideva, a Buddhist monk from the monastic 'university' at Nalanda, India. Dhammadinna offers a few thoughts on the Perfection of Patience, differentiating between types of anger and noting that Shantideva is referring to the sort of anger that is retaliatory and unskilful.
Excerpted from the talk Some Thoughts on the Bodhicaryavatara given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2008. ***
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The Essence of Bodhicitta
6 februari 2023 |
8 min
Padmavajra shares a story of meeting on the basis of Bodhicitta arising between people. He tells us how Shantideva takes to heart, ever more firmly, the Bodhicitta, through his lavish performance of puja and a searing confession of faults.
Giving Ourselves Completely to the Buddhas - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 2 as part of the series Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2020. ***
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Training in Patience
2 februari 2023 |
3 min
Khemasuri describes how a person can develop patience, translated from ksanti, drawing on verses from Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara. Excerpted from the talk Gratitude to Everyone given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre 2008. ***
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A Fundamentally Flawed Strategy
30 januari 2023 |
8 min
Adverse situations of our day to day lives can provide us with opportunities to transform. Pradaya explores the Seven Point Mind Training teaching of turning adverse conditions into the path of enlightenment.
From the talk Base Metal Into Gold, part of the series Mind Training - The Alchemy of The Emotions, given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Dharmas Are Dreamlike
26 januari 2023 |
6 min
Society is complicated and we have all sorts of stories about that. Satyajyoti explores how our ideas and our stories create their own realities. Whatever our views are about the world influences how we experience the world. Excerpted from the talk Training In Wisdom, part of the series Mind Training - The Alchemy of The Emotions, given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019.
***
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The Arising of Bodhicitta
23 januari 2023 |
4 min
The Enlightenment of the Buddha was an irreversible breakthrough into a new kind of consciousness for the world. All our practice flows from this endless stream of wisdom and compassion, flowing throughout the history of humanity. Dhammarati explores this momentous event, and its implications for us today.
From the talk entitled The Awakening Mind given on Buddha Day Festival at the London Buddhist Centre, 2022. ***
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This Human Situation
19 januari 2023 |
4 min
Samantabhadri explores what it was like to meet the Buddha, the fully Enlightened human being. She then discusses 'garava' as devotion for the whole richness of our Dharma Lives, including positive emotions for all beings.
From the talk entitled Turning Towards the Buddha: The True Nature of Devotion given on the Women's Area Order Weekend held at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
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Wisdom Comes Through Silence
16 januari 2023 |
3 min
The final talk in Padmavajra's wonderful series on the Dhammapada, the most popular of early Buddhist texts. All of the Buddha's core teachings are here - held in heart and mind there's more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyond...
From the talk Flowers - Dhammapada Verses 44 to 59, part of the series The Dhammapada - the Buddha's Way of Truth, recorded at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007 ***
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A Doorway Between Poles of Experience
12 januari 2023 |
5 min
Bhadra shares how emptiness and conditionality combine to fuel bodhicitta and create the foundations of Sangha.
From the talk Absolute and Conventional Truth given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Wisdom Aspect of Enlightenment
9 januari 2023 |
4 min
Santavajri explores the Perfection of Wisdom as a practice of uniting awareness through meditation.
From the talk Approaches to the Perfection of Wisdom given at the London Buddhist Centre, 2011. ***
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Coming Into Relationship
5 januari 2023 |
5 min
Everyone is going through life’s ups and downs. Shubha shares a personal experience of working with resistance and through sitting with it, something new and significant arising.
From the talk All-Accomplishing Wisdom given at London Buddhist Centre, 2011. ***
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Gravitational Pull of the Unconditioned
2 januari 2023 |
4 min
For most people, continual spiritual effort is required to counteract the 'gravitational pull' of mundane existence. However, there is a point on the path of ethics, meditation and Wisdom beyond which the Transcendental becomes the dominant influence, and one has 'entered the stream'.
From Triratna’s founder Sangharakshita, excerpted from the talk Stream Entry: the Point of No Return, as part of The Higher Evolution series, 1969. ***
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Freedom from the Fear of Losing Ourselves
29 december 2022 |
5 min
Alokadhara investigates how fear arises in dependence upon the delusion of there being a fixed, separate self and how the spell of that delusion can be broken by a clear seeing into the true nature of the five skandhas.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Not Mine, Not I, Not Self - Unbinding the Tentacles of Clinging - the Way to Fearlessness given on Men's Event at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2013. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Dwelling Independently, Not Clinging to Anything
26 december 2022 |
3 min
There is always change, even when we are still, there is some sort of change happening. Prasadavati continues to explore the refrain from the Satipatthana Sutta. Today's focus is the core element "letting go of clinging" as being central to all mindfulness practice. Excerpted from the talk Letting Go of Clinging given at Taraloka Retreat Centre during a retreat for women training for ordination entitled on The Path to Insight, 2019. The full talk includes a mindful movement session to aid in recognizing where clinging arises in the body. ***
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The Finger Pointing to the Moon
22 december 2022 |
5 min
Clinging to religious observances is a fetter, a hindrance to Enlightenment. Amidst the complexity of Buddhist teachings, we can discern a distinctive essence lying behind the various historical forms which developed to convey the Buddha's oral message. Excerpted from the talk The Nature and Development of Buddhism, Sangharakshita, 1968. ***
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Clinging to Aspects of Practice Separates Us
19 december 2022 |
4 min
Whatever we’re doing, whether we’re meditating, working, communicating, or singing, becomes a vehicle to ‘grow’ awareness. Mindfulness becomes panoramic and we live with immediacy and creativity. How do we relate to different aspects of our practice? How do we relate to the practice of others? Vajradevi encourages us to be on the lookout for attachment to views regarding our Dharma practice and the tendency to compare ourselves, furthering the divide between self and other. Excerpted from the talk Ways Out of Clinging and Grasping, part of the series The Great Gathering: Dancing with Pure Presence 2022 recorded at Taraloka Retreat Centre during a retreat for women training for ordination on the theme of the Satipatthana Sutta. ***
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We Are Beautifully Flawed
15 december 2022 |
4 min
Life is a delightful, complex, messy business. How do you respond to the existential human predicament? Do you wonder how best to balance your spiritual longings while honouring our ordinary human life? Here, Manjunaga offers reflections on the tendency to skip over the messy bits of ourselves (aka spiritual bypassing) as occupational hazard in the spiritual life.
Excerpted from the talk The Universe Is Expanding: Soulful Reflections On the Human Predicament given at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, November 2019. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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A Deeper Imaginative Experience
12 december 2022 |
3 min
Samantabhadri explores our deeper imaginative experience of the physical world, of beauty and of the transcendental. This arises in ritual and devotion through more subtle experience of the body, speech and mind and thus within gesture and movement, words and mantra, atmosphere and transcendental presence.
Excerpted from the Being with the Transcendental through Imagination and Ritual as part of the series Ritual and Imagination Retreat 2022, recorded at Taraloka Retreat Centre during a retreat for women training for ordination. ***
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Letting Go of Reactivity
8 december 2022 |
4 min
For over 30 years, Jnanaketu has been trying to explore what it means to live in the light of the Buddha’s teaching. For him, it’s been a matter of turning over every stone: a path of honest enquiry. He's talking about where his confidence in the Dharma comes from.
Excerpted from the talk Still Trying to Kiss the Joy As It Flies given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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We Are Already Enough
5 december 2022 |
4 min
Vajrasara explores sufficiency, attitudes around plenty, and the creative spiral of abundance.
From the talk Enough Is More Than Enough given at Buddhafield Festival, 2011.
***
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Friendship is a Verb
1 december 2022 |
3 min
Jayaraja describes how we develop a robust sense of self through friendship, through love, through repair, allowing us to fully let go.
From the talk The Fires and the Black River of Loss given at Buddhafield Festival, 2018. ***
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The Ethics of Love
28 november 2022 |
3 min
Buddhist ethics is practical, it’s to do with engagement with the world. Parami is an ideal guide for this sort of material, steeped as she is in study and practice engaged within the light of the 'Bodhichitta', and the Bodhisattva Ideal itself.
From the talk entitled The Awakening Heart given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2006. ***
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Relying on the Dharma as Embodied
24 november 2022 |
4 min
Being a disciple doesn’t require an emotional allegiance, but a spiritual one. Dhammadinna speaks about Sangharakshita as a spiritual friend while exploring the topic of discipleship in the Triratna Buddhist Order. We don’t go for Refuge to Bhante, we Go for Refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Aryasangha.
Excerpted from talk entitled Discipleship given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Women's UK and Ireland Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, 2014. ***
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Cultivating Wholesome Friends and Companions
21 november 2022 |
4 min
Padmasuri shares the story of Hatthaka who wanted all his friends to meet and hear the Buddha, and then was praised by the Buddha for having many wonderful spiritual qualities. From the talk The Buddha Was a Friend As We Can Be a Friend at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2013. ***
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Maturing the Heart
17 november 2022 |
3 min
In a sutta from the Udana, Meghiya overestimates his spiritual development and sees the goal in terms of his own individual, personal development. Vadanya shares some reflections on the Meghiya Sutta on the theme of learning about yourself in solitude as well as in relationship to others in the Sangha.
From the talk Meghiya and The Path - Beyond Individualism given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007. ***
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Conversion of a Troll
14 november 2022 |
5 min
Ratnaprabha is a brilliant storyteller. Here, he shares the Alavaka Sutta where an troll tries to trick the Buddha with a series of spiritual questions, which the Buddha answers with calmness and clarity, converting the troll to become a Dharmapala, a protector of the Dharma. From the full talk entitled The Story Hatthaka given at Stockholm Buddhist Centre, 2007, as part of a two-part series with the companion talk: The Four Sanghraha Vastus. ***
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Awareness Underlines Acts of Metta
10 november 2022 |
5 min
What does it mean to be in harmony with others in the spiritual community? Dharmamayi tells the story of the Shorter Discourse from Gosinga from the Pali Canon.
From the talk entitled Living in Harmony given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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Engaged Listening
7 november 2022 |
2 min
Shantiprabha gives a Sangha night talk exploring Perfect Speech through the lens of myth, deep listening and communication.
Excerpted from the talk Perfect Speech given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021. ***
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Being Deeply Seen
3 november 2022 |
7 min
Vishangka explores the joys and challenges that arise in a spiritual community. Here he explores the story of Anguillamala and what we can learn from this sutta.
From the talk Sangha In the Buddha's Time given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Walking the Talk
31 oktober 2022 |
2 min
The Buddha famously said that fellowship is the whole of the spiritual life. Is that really true?! Abhayanandi has been following this teaching notably by living in a residential Buddhist community and working in a team-based right-livlihood business. Hear her inspirational and hard-won reflections from the talk entitled Living Sangha given at London Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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What Is Alive In Your Heart
27 oktober 2022 |
4 min
Jayaraja’s take on the connection between traditional Dharma practice and non-violent communication as taught by Marshall Rosenberg. From the talk Buddhism and Non-Violent Communication (NVC) given at the Triratna [Western] Buddhist Order Convention, 2005. ***
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Freedom that Manifests as Love
24 oktober 2022 |
2 min
Jnanavaca weaves magic and myth with the day to day practice of the Dharma in this talk From the talk entitled Freedom Or Death given on Buddha Day at the London Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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There’s Potentiality In Every Moment
20 oktober 2022 |
4 min
Does my life matter? Can I really say that actions have consequences? In this short talk Kavyamani explores the Yogacara teaching of the Alaya Vijnana, commonly referred to as the storehouse consciousness, reflecting that all our actions are like seeds and at some point they will bear fruit.
Excerpted from the talk 'Everything Matters and Nothing Is Lost' given in the Dharma Parlour tent at Buddhafield, as part of the series Seeds of the Heart: Talks from the Dharma Parlour, 2022. ***
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The Jewel in Our Hearts
17 oktober 2022 |
4 min
Speaking from his heart, Satyadaya encourages us to make good use of those moments of inspiration and bliss which can often arise at the festival. It is so easy for us to get home afterwards and forget, falling back into old habits, losing sight of the potential for growth and community that we experienced. And, though he admits he’s no gardener, Satyadaya goes on to suggest a thing or two about how we might continue to plant the seeds of transformation for the future. From the talk entitled The Seeds of Inspiration given in the Dharma Parlour tent at Buddhafield 2022, as part of the series Seeds of the Heart. ***
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Entering the Dharma Parlour
13 oktober 2022 |
4 min
Sangharakshita goes to Buddhafield! A first for him, and a first for the fabulous Buddhafield Festival that takes place each year at the height of the English summer. This talk was given in a tent in Devon - and the sounds of this great Dharma celebration are everywhere around as Sangharakshita marks his entry to the 'Dharma Parlour' with a rolling set of thoughts and reminiscences and encouragements to practice. From the talk entitled Entering the Sangha given at the Buddhafield Festival, Devon 2007. ***
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Staying with Practice
10 oktober 2022 |
2 min
Here Yashobodhi describes one of a list of five forces you use in Dharma practice to move towards awakening in life and also on approaching death, that of familiarization. From the talk Point 4 Using the Practice In Whole Life, part of the series Training the Mind in Bodhichitta given at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, 2017. ***
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Creating a Dharma Context in Everyday Life
6 oktober 2022 |
2 min
The Dharma is only truly meaningful if it allows us to live more fully and if we are able to take it with us into the final moments before our death. There is nothing more practical than this. Mahasraddha explores what this means for us. From the talk The Dharma as Context for Living and Dying given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Fearlessness is a Great Virtue
3 oktober 2022 |
3 min
In this talk, Khemabandhu takes us on a journey into the terrifying cremation grounds which Padmasambhava deliberately sought out. The facing of our deepest fears presents us with and incredible opportunity for spiritual development, but how do we summon up the courage necessary to do so? This talk was given during a young men's retreat held at Padmaloka as part of the series Entering the Realm of the Guru, 2022. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Everything is Impermanent
29 september 2022 |
4 min
In Mahasraddha talks about the act of going for refuge by way of taking a good, hard look at our lives and the experience of dukkha, aka suffering, in light of the Buddha’s teaching.
From the talk The Sevenfold Puja: Going For Refuge, given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2010. ***
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Three Doors of Liberation
26 september 2022 |
4 min
When one approaches the transcendental, one approaches the three transcendental samadhis, which Sangharakshita describes as three doors of liberation - namely as that of emptiness, signlessness, and directionlessness.
From the talk The Rain of the Dharma given in the USA, 1994. ***
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Tiratanavandana Morning Chanting At Padmaloka
22 september 2022 |
10 min
A recording of the salutation to the Three Jewels, the Tiratanavandana, chanted in the Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2020. ***
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What is the Enlightened Mind?
19 september 2022 |
3 min
Vishvapani looks behind the veils of history, legend and the texts themselves to conjur a vivid, felt image of the Buddha's personality. In a series of beautifully observed close-up drawings from the Pali Canon we are left with a portrait of spiritual genius that is both enigmatically distant and thoroughly human. From the talk The Buddha's Personality, part of the series Gautama Buddha, given at London Buddhist Centre, February 2011 to mark the launch of the book: 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011). ***
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Whatever Leads to Dispassion
15 september 2022 |
3 min
Elucidating the fifth stage of purification, Nagapriya shares a favored teaching to differentiate what helps us progress spiritually, and what does not. Excerpted from the talk Cherish the Doctrine given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002. ***
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What Makes a Sangha Work
12 september 2022 |
4 min
Ratnaprabha recounts the seven ways the Buddha advises on how a sangha is created and supported.
From the talk Saluting the Sangha given at West London Buddhist Centre, Nov 2011, in which the speaker goes through the Sangha Section of the TiratanaVandana. ***
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Forging a Chain All the Time
8 september 2022 |
2 min
Punyamala illustrates the nature of the fetters - habit, superficiality and vagueness - and gives clear, practical guidance, in a gently encouraging way, about how to weaken the fetters and develop spiritually. From the talk From Enchantment to True Delight - Reflections On Stream Entry given at the Triratna (Western) Buddhist Order Convention, 2009. ***
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Practice: Individual, Group + Sangha
5 september 2022 |
3 min
How do we retain our individuality while practicing with other people? Are we true individuals, or are we rebels, and are the two really that different? Karunadevi explores the dangers and benefits of practicing within a sangha using the Buddha's teaching on the mental fetters and various commentaries by Sangahrakshita.
From the talk The Individual, the Group and the Spiritual Community given at San Francisco Buddhist Center, 2007. ***
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Being Human
1 september 2022 |
3 min
Vajragupta draws out aspects of aloneness and connectedness of this being human. From the talk Sangha and Commitment given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Group, 2016. ***
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Ways We Limit Ourselves
29 augusti 2022 |
6 min
Abandoning Our Wrong Ideas About the Path
More poetry, more Rumi, more listening joy from Vajradarshini. And what a title! In fact, this is another splendid journey around the idea of Enlightenment, using the languages of surrender and discipline from the Sufi context. It’s as heady as a sumptuous wine, but also sobering and down to earth, whether we’re “following a railing in the dark” or "wandering inside the red world”. Drink up! From the talk entitled We Have a Huge Barrel of Wine But No Cups given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2005. ***
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A Single Line of Poetry
25 augusti 2022 |
7 min
The Mystery of Spiritual Friendship
In the opening talk of the series, Padmasagara explores the profundity of the Buddha's statement that spiritual friendship is 'the whole of the spiritual life' or, in other words, the whole of the Going for Refuge. He emphasises the "guhya" (secret or hidden) nature of spiritual friendship and demonstrates how its emergence in the world was inseparable from the Buddha's ineffable Nirvana. Excerpted from the talk The Mystery of Spiritual Friendship, part of the series Of the Mysteries of Spiritual Friendship and the Three Tantric Refuges, given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2022.
***
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Practicing Patience
22 augusti 2022 |
3 min
Trusting Love
Maitrisiddhi shows us the importance and value in holding the ideal of spiritual friendship alongside the reality of life in the Sangha. Our teacher Sangharakshita has said: "It is in friendship (maitri) that we may find the emotional equivalent of the intellectual understanding of the doctrine of ‘no self’”. The gift of these teachings can help us move beyond self-clinging into a deeper and far more mysterious connection with one another; a Greater Love.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Spiritual Friendship: Ideal Versus the Real given at Taraloka Retreat Center, 2018. ***
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Working Together
18 augusti 2022 |
5 min
Skillful Interactions with the World Around Us
Subhuti explores why working together in a team based on right livelihood is so important for transformation of the individual and the world. Excerpted from the talk The History Of and Value In Team-Based Right Livelihood given at Windhorse: Evolution, 2010. ***
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Turning Towards
15 augusti 2022 |
3 min
Sangha as a Spiritual Practice
Saravantu talks about one of Triratna's emphases - a unified Order - by looking inwards. If we turn away from elements of our own character, we will find ourselves turning away from others. A unified Order needs us to be able to turn towards all aspects of ourselves. From the talk An Inclusive Order -Turning Away, Turning Towards, Meeting the Shadows In Ourselves and Others, a practical talk that includes helpful exercises to bring it down to earth. Given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Group, 2017. ***
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An Existential Choice
11 augusti 2022 |
4 min
Acting Out of Kindness
Dhammarati explores Going for Refuge and its central emphasis in the Triratna Buddhist Order here, bringing in the story of his own spiritual journey as an example of finding one's unique response. He also looks to historical sources to identify some of the ways we can deepen our connection practically and experientially.
Excerpted from the talk The Triratna Emphasis On Going For Refuge given on a mens ordination training retreat at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, 2013. ***
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As Long As Breath Lasts
8 augusti 2022 |
3 min
Giving Yourself to the Three Jewels
What is it to look to the 'Three Jewels' as a response to our dissatisfaction? Viveka takes a wide-ranging look at one of the most important aspects of Buddhist practice, whose significance is upheld in every tradition. From the talk entitled Going for Refuge given at San Francisco Buddhist Center, 2006. ***
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Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels
4 augusti 2022 |
3 min
Subhadramati gives an introduction to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as refuges and explores the practical implications of holding these values in one's life. From the talk The Endless Round and the Point of Freedom given as part of a series on Going For Refuge given at London Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Interpreting Traditional Teachings
1 augusti 2022 |
4 min
An Ecumenical Movement Taranita explores the tension between tradition and adaptation in an ever-changing world in discussing how the Triratna Buddhist Community came to have its distinctive ecumenical nature. Excerpted from the talk The Six Distinctive Emphases - An Ecumenical Movement given at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Going Beyond Ourselves
27 juli 2022 |
3 min
Friendship in the Spiritual Life
Sudrishti celebrates sangha, community, spiritual friendship with this talk on Kalyana Mitrata. Enlightened beings exemplify unconditional, unlimited love – something we as unenlightened beings can emulate and draw inspiration from to transform our relationships, self and world. Excerpted from the talk The Good Friend given on Buddha Day at Sydney Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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Community Sangha is Vital
25 juli 2022 |
2 min
Going Beyond Duality
How do we go beyond the duality of subject and object, self and other, to experience the true nature of reality? Jnanavaca shares how the practice of sangha is vital in making spiritual progress. From the talk What Is Sangha & Kalyana Mitrata? Given at London Buddhist Centre as part of the series The Bi-Tendential Value of Being & The Greater Mandala, 2019. ***
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Viewing Each Other with Kindly Eyes
20 juli 2022 |
7 min
Culagosingha Sutta
Kalyanavaca shares the story of three monks living in harmony with each other, like milk and water blended together. From the talk entitled Kalyana Mitra given at London Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Contemplating Nature
18 juli 2022 |
4 min
Appreciating Natural Beauty
We seek happiness, but often we find that our desires and aspirations are in conflict. Sangharakshita implores us to appreciate nature for her own sake. From the talk Nature, Man, and Enlightenment, part of the series Transformation of Life and World in the Sutra of Golden Light, 1976. ***
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Take Notice of Inconsistencies
13 juli 2022 |
4 min
Magical Aspects of Emptiness
Kamalashila looks at our whole relationship to nature and the elements: how the artificiality in our lives can get in the way of seeing what things are actually like - and what we might do about that in practice! Kamalashila uses these reflections as a way into evoking a more natural, deeply encouraging perspective, one that allows us to open up to the reality the Buddha pointed to under the tree and let the Dharma transform us and the world we help create. From the talk entitled The Buddha In Nature given at Portsmouth Buddhist Center, 2015. ***
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Softening Into Letting Go
11 juli 2022 |
3 min
Coming Into Your True Nature
A tender and moving talk by Paramananda. Transformation is basically allowing the protective shell of self to dissipate. This shell only falls away if you come into relationship with your real, impermanent, fragile, vulnerable nature and soften into that or open up to that. Excerpted from the talk The Nature of Transformation given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Gestures of Metta
6 juli 2022 |
3 min
Being Open to the Beautiful Saddhanandi shares observations on retreat of expressions of metta, kindness, and celebrates the simple beauty of such gestures. From the introduction to meditation entitled Metta and Beauty, the ninth in a series from a 12 day meditation retreat on Metta as a Path to Insight, 2015. ***
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Reimagining the Significance of Breaking
4 juli 2022 |
2 min
Allowing Sensitivity + Poignancy Maitridevi explores how things that are broken can be given a fresh perspective through their repair and how, through this process, a greater beauty can be revealed. Excerpted from the talk entitled Love and the Beauty of Broken Things given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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Urban Gonzo Psycho-Geography
30 juni 2022 |
6 min
Padmamati explores the spirit, or soul, of place, that of animating your physical context to experience it in an emotional and psychological way. The speaker is Padmamati - aka Stephen Coates - founder and frontman of cabaret band The Real Tuesday Weld, who have made so many contributions to London creative life.
Excerpted from the talk Urban Imagination given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Relaxing Into What Is
27 juni 2022 |
2 min
Bhadra takes us through the myth of Persephone and an experiential exploration of awareness to celebrate the vital contribution the bardo; the in-between state makes towards the spiritual life. Excerpted from the talk Celebrating the In-Between given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Dukkha as Compost
23 juni 2022 |
3 min
Dayajoti explores the metaphor of ‘sh*t happens’ - it’s what you do with it that matters! Turning towards your poo as a reflection on the process of transformation. From the talk Bodies of Earth - Beyond Me and Mine - Dukkha from a two-week women's retreat at Eco-Dharma Retreat Centre, 2012. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Our Mind is Like a Great Ghost
20 juni 2022 |
3 min
Thoughts are like ghosts that haunt the mind, those thoughts become speech that become actions. Most of the terrible things that have happened in the world have had to do with views and ideologies spreading like a virus through a culture, driving a culture mad. Maitreyabandhu reminds us that Buddhism says again and again, what you think and what you do matters. Everything you do matters.
Excerpted from the Triratna Day talk What the World Needs Now: Triratna’s Gift, live from Buddhistisches Tor Berlin, Triratna Day, April, 2022. ***
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Things Break
16 juni 2022 |
2 min
Maitridevi explores looking at ways to re-vision breaking and brokenness in ourselves and in relationships so that we can hold them with love.
Excerpted from the talk A Love of Broken Things given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2018. ***
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What's Calling?
13 juni 2022 |
4 min
Atula, a long-time practicing Buddhist and psychotherapist, offers stimulating words around the role of myth, metaphor and all our ways of cognizing, thinking about and expressing experience in what we call 'spiritual life' – and a clear encouragement to see that process as one that is profoundly relational. In this excerpt we hear about the tendency to polarize and project onto others. From the talk Mending the Broken Ladder, London Buddhist Centre, 2010. ***
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Vision-Worlds Unveiled
9 juni 2022 |
2 min
Nagapriya encourages us to read Mahayana Sutras, when reading such a text, if we allow ourselves to really enter into it, we find ourselves transported into it. The scripture, through our participation in it, unveils a samadhi, a particular vision-world that a Bodhisattva dwells in. Excerpted from the talk Mahayana Buddhist Scriptures, part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism, given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009 ***
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The Muchalinda Episode
6 juni 2022 |
5 min
Buddhism appeals no less to the heart than to the head, using the language of myth to do so. Sangharakshita introduces the myth of Muchalinda, the serpent-king that appears after the Buddha’s enlightenment, representing the forces of the unconscious mind in their most positive aspect.
From the talk Buddhism and the Language of Myth is part of the series Ritual and Devotion in Buddhism, 1967. ***
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Keep the Doors Open to All Beings
2 juni 2022 |
4 min
By keeping our heart open, we communicate our values to all beings, offering an opportunity to break down polarisation in our world. Parami reminds us that a bodhisattva creates the conditions where all beings can see through the causes of conditions and therefore create the conditions for future happiness. Excerpted from the talk After the Enlightenment: Breaking Through to Freedom given on Buddha Day at North London Buddhist Centre, May 2018. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts
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Rooted in Compassion: A Remarkable Being
30 maj 2022 |
2 min
Dhivan brings us face to face with the rich and moving legacy of a brilliant and truly compassionate individual, changing the world he took part in, stepping out of history "with the walk of a lion, the walk of a swan.” From the talk What Do We Really Know About the Buddha? given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2008 ***
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Full Illumination Arose: Under the Bodhi Tree
26 maj 2022 |
3 min
Sangharakshita describes the moment of the Buddha’s Enlightenment.
From the talk Who is the Buddha?, part of the series Introducing the Three Jewels of Buddhism, 1968. ***
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Becoming Spiritual Warriors: We Overcome what the Buddha Overcame
23 maj 2022 |
2 min
The full moon in May is celebrated as the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment and his victory over the demon Mara. Sangharakshita explains what Mara represents and how to overcome that which holds us back. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Buddha's Victory given in 1987. ***
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Enter Mara, the Evil One: What Happens When We Try to Change?
19 maj 2022 |
2 min
Maitrisiddhi, in her usual lively, inspiring and practical way, poses the questions: How we can recognise the insidious voice of Mara, embodiment of everything that holds us back from practising the Dharma? How do we relate to inner voices which undermine our confidence and best efforts? Can we, like Lochana, touch the earth with clarity and confidence in our path? From the talk Lochana and Mara: Clarity and Doubt, given at Taraloka on the May 2017 Work Retreat. ***
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The Importance of Hopes + Dreams
16 maj 2022 |
4 min
After telling the story of Mara’s assault on the Buddha, Lokeshvara looks at it from a modern perspective and with reference to the System of Meditation. Of particular interest is a section of the prevalence of depression in our society and current research which identifies the need for purpose in our lives. If we have a sense of purpose, that almost always connects to deeper values, if we can just see how.
From the talk Mara's Assault On The Buddha given at Young Men Retreat, Padmaloka, 2012. ***
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All the Things that Hold Us Back: Who is Mara?
12 maj 2022 |
3 min
Viryanaga recounts the myth of the Buddha's Victory over Mara, drawing out the experiential aspects of the Buddha's Enlightenment. Excerpted from the talk The Great Victory given at a mixed Sub35 event held at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2017. ***
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What is Deeply True?
9 maj 2022 |
3 min
When the Buddha finally sat down under the Bodhi tree and saw deeply into the nature of things, what had brought him to that point? And what happened next? Vishvapani focusses in on the Buddha's experience after Enlightenment, bringing his nuanced, perceptive reading to the words the Buddha himself is said to have employed in order to best evoke his experiences as he struggled to give voice to them. Excerpted from the talk The Buddha's Vision, part of the series Gautama Buddha, given in Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2011, launching the book 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011). ***
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All Human Beings Are In Us
5 maj 2022 |
5 min
We are all human beings, all human beings are in us. Subhuti offers a brilliantly evocative and personal call to connection, across all boundaries and conditionings. In order to be deeply challenged, in order to transcend our self view, we need to go for refuge with people different from ourselves. Excerpted from the talk What the World Needs Now: Triratna’s Gift, An International Community and A Transcendental Vision given on Triratna Day, April 2022. ***
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Grace Waves of the Buddha: Love Unlimited
2 maj 2022 |
2 min
Enlightened beings exemplify unconditional, unlimited love – something we as unenlightened beings can emulate and draw inspiration from to transform our relationships, self and world.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Good Friend given by Sudrishti on Buddha Day at Sydney Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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What is Art?
28 april 2022 |
4 min
"Art is the organisation of sensuous impressions that express the artist's sensibility and communicate to his audience a sense of values that can transform their lives." Using his own definition, Sangharakshita investigates the relevance of art and the artist to higher evolution.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Art and the Spiritual Life given in 1969 as part of the series The Higher Evolution. ***
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Communication With and Through the Heart
25 april 2022 |
3 min
In this first talk from the ‘In the Footsteps of the Buddha’ retreat, Nagasiddhi invites us to experience the dharma imaginatively: through art and heart.
From the talk entitled Rites of Passage given at Rivendell Retreat Centre during the April 2021 Home Retreat hosted by The Buddhist Centre Online. This magical week-long retreat explores the images, myths and symbols of the Buddha’s journey to awakening using dharma talks, meditation, storytelling, puppetry and art. ***
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Responding to the World with Metta
21 april 2022 |
3 min
Ratnaghosha explores the Buddha's teaching of Spiritual friendship being the whole of the spiritual life. The talk is wide ranging going into what spiritual friendship is and also how Buddhism sees the nature of reality. From the talk The Reality of Spiritual Friendship given at Nottingham Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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The Beauty of Friendship
18 april 2022 |
4 min
Jvalamalini evokes the meaning of kalyana mitrata, beautiful friendship, as one of the Six Distinctive Emphases of Triratna. From the talk entitled What Is Spiritual Friendship given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015. ***
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Life is a Search for Refuge
14 april 2022 |
3 min
Padmasagara explores the profundity of the Buddha's statement that spiritual friendship is 'the whole of the spiritual life' or, in other words, the whole of the Going for Refuge. From the talk The Mystery of Spiritual Friendship, part of the series Of the Mysteries of Spiritual Friendship and the Three Tantric Refuges given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
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The Bodhisattvas Are Necessary
11 april 2022 |
3 min
Aryajaya explores Sangharakshita's relationship to his teachers, who form the lineage for the Triratna Buddhist Order. A lovely exploration of the experience of relationship to the Bodhisattvas of Buddhist tradition via meditations passed from teacher to disciple, evoking a wide open sense of connection to the great beauty they represent. Excerpted from the talk Sangharakshita’s First Connection with His Teachers and Receiving Practices given at the Triratna International Council meeting, 2019. ***
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Something Essential in Going Forth
7 april 2022 |
3 min
Saddhaloka explores the key aspects of any practitioner's commitment, Going Forth and Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels, evoking how Sangharakshita engaged with these formative acts as foundations of his own practice in India at the end of the Second World War. Excerpted from the talk Going Forth And Going For Refuge given at the Triratna International Council meeting, 2019. ***
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The Relational Quality of Sadhana
4 april 2022 |
3 min
Bhante has said that his sadhana practices and the teachers who gave him the practices are 'inseparable'. Dayanandi tells some of the stories of how Bhante Sangharakshira received each of his sadhanas.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Bhante, His Teachers and Sadhanas given on the Women's Private Preceptors' Retreat at Adhisthana, February 2019, as part of the series Talks from Women's Private Preceptors' Retreat, February 2019. ***
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Taking Our Seat in the Cremation Ground
31 mars 2022 |
5 min
To plunge ourselves into the crucial citation takes tremendous courage. Sangharakshita asks:
Are we ready to face our own death, and the total transformation it symbolizes? From the talk The Symbolism of the Cremation Ground and the Celestial Maidens part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment, 1971. ***
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Radical Transformation is Possible
28 mars 2022 |
4 min
Radical transformation is possible if we allow Padmasambhava and all that he symbolizes to touch our lives. Ratnaghosha encourages us to face our demons, find our cremation grounds, and free up our energies.
From the talk Demons For Every Occasion given at the Padmasambhava Day festival at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2013. ***
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Opening the Jewel Box
24 mars 2022 |
3 min
In this wonderful personal talk about Padmasambhava, Vessantara talks about his connection with the strange figure of Padmasambhava. On the way, he gives an insight into what it’s like to relate to these Buddha and Bodhisattva figures deeply, and how we can do this. And he explores the effects doing this can have on our mind, our heart and our Dharma lives.
From the talk entitled Padmasambhava Practice – a Personal Unfolding given in the Dublin Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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An Overwhelming Torrent
21 mars 2022 |
2 min
Padmasambhava is a potent symbol of transformation. Maitreyi shows us how to evoke the help, energy and vision we need to change our lives.
From the talk Heart Advice From the Lotus-Born: 'Never Be Apart From the Causes For Faith to Arise' given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019. ***
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Riding the Chaos of Existence
17 mars 2022 |
4 min
Padmavajra implores us to face ourselves and find the deep treasures of the Dharma through an introduction to Padmasamabhava, the great Tantric guru of Tibet. From the talk Padmasambhava and the Magic Of Compassion given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2006 ***
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Hidden Teachings Within Every Moment
14 mars 2022 |
4 min
Bhadra introduces the archetypal magician, Padmasambhava, illustrating how engaging the imagination through ritual and being willing to make the journey of descent are key elements of a fruitful practice.
From the talk entitled The Art of Ritual and Descent given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016. ***
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Integrating Tensions in the Psyche
10 mars 2022 |
5 min
Saraha introduces us to Padmasambhava through his symbolism and the integration of all opposites. From the talk entitled Padmasambhava, Is He Real? What Is His Gift to the World. You, Are You Real, What Is Your Gift to the World given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2014. ***
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Cremation Ground as Sacred Space
7 mars 2022 |
3 min
Vidyasakhi evokes the symbolism of the sacred cremation grounds where Padmasambhava engaged in his Bodhisattva training - meditating on impermanence and taming wild energies.
From the talk entitled The Tantric Path - The Cremation Ground given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
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Depth Charge! Tackling Primordial Forces Holding Us Back
3 mars 2022 |
5 min
Sangharakshita gave this previously unreleased and, rather famously, off-the-cuff talk at the London Buddhist Centre in 1979. In this excerpt we hear about Padmasambhava’s principle work of subduing the demons obstructing the establishment of the Dharma in Tibet. These demons are primordial forces existing in the depths of the human mind and collective consciousness - primordial forces holding us back need to be tackled with a depth charge! This is an enjoyable and stirring evocation of the great Tantric Guru of Tibet. Excerpted from Padmasambhava Talk given at London Buddhist Centre, 1979.
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Compulsively Trying to Fix Samsara
28 februari 2022 |
4 min
In this talk, Viryadevi describes how the development and sustenance of Virya, relies on a commitment to increasing integration and purity. A commitment that we strengthen through time.
From the talk Vajrapani's Gateway to Freedom given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2020
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Leisure and Opportunity
24 februari 2022 |
4 min
Saddhanandi says at the beginning of this talk that she's concerned she won't fully convey the depth of inspiration she feels about her theme, that of Tsongkhapa's short text "The Three Principal Aspects of the Path - she shouldn't have worried, she does it full justice.
From the talk entitled Renunciation - Tasting Freedom given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2009.
***
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A Creative Response
21 februari 2022 |
4 min
Buddhism starts with the mind. Mind can be reactive, and stuck in it's usual circles, or creative and free. Devamitra kicks off this series of lectures using Sangharakshita’s classic lecture, Mind Reactive and Creative, as the basis for an exploration of Enlightenment, the deepest of all human mysteries.
From the talk Mind Reactive and Creative, given at London Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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Mind is the Origin of Everything
17 februari 2022 |
3 min
Prajnamati describes how a range of dharma practices can be seen as a finding of the point of freedom where a more creative option becomes apparent as an alternative to the more familiar reactive choices.
From the talk entitled The Point of Freedom, given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Confession Practice
14 februari 2022 |
3 min
Dhammadinna shares from her personal history in chapters, small configurations of Order members meeting regularly as a form of Buddhist practice. Here she speaks about confession practice not being a formulaic act, but rather one that spontaneously and naturally arises on the basis of trust and confidence.
Excerpted from the talk Looking Back Over My Chapter History, 2010.
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The Pull of Nirvana
10 februari 2022 |
3 min
Sangharakshita describes the process of moving from the psychological to the transcendental as represented by the eighth stage of the positive 12 nidanas - knowledge and vision of things as they really are.
From the talk The Psychology of Spiritual Development, part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology, 1967.
***
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Vertical Imagination as Divine Eye
7 februari 2022 |
3 min
Living ethically requires us to have imagination in how we treat others, and truly put ourselves in others' shoes. Here, Sangharakshita discusses vertical imagination as seeing the world with the Divine Eye.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Living with Ethics (book launch) given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2009.
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Think of Every Living Being Without Exception
3 februari 2022 |
4 min
Mokshini introduces us to Buddhist Action Month and asks us to consider how our actions have consequences and how we practise the precepts as consumers. From the talk entitled Altruism, Actually - Getting Out and Doing It given at the Triratna International Retreat, 2014.
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Forgiveness and Finally Letting Go
31 januari 2022 |
6 min
How can we be more present? Kiranada shares her reflections on forgiveness - for herself, for others - on losing things that were taken, not given.
A reading from her book A Year of Silence: Solitary Retreat in New Zealand Wilderness, from the talk entitled A Year of Silence (with Q & A) recorded at the Portsmouth Public Library, New Hampshire, USA, 2019.
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Apologies and Forgiveness
27 januari 2022 |
4 min
Our friendships with one another rely on apologies and forgiveness. In a talk describing the characteristics of the True Individual, a teaching from Sangharakshita, Subhadramati describes how the act of apology and forgiveness have the capacity to completely transform a friendship.
From the talk entitled The True Individual given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Conducing to Cohesion
24 januari 2022 |
6 min
Vishangka explores the joys and challenges that arise in a spiritual community. Here we hear the retelling of the Culagosinga Sutta and the importance of cultivating skillfulness in actions of body, speech and mind.
Excerpted from the talk Blending like Milk and Water: Sangha In the Buddha's Time given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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A Deeper Level of Happiness
20 januari 2022 |
3 min
Ratnaguna describes a level of happiness marked by stillness and calm that arises when we practice meditation. This stillness allows us to confront ourselves fully, leading to an experience of coming home to oneself.
From the talk Stop Buying Stuff and Learn How to be Happy Instead given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2011.
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What is in This Moment?
17 januari 2022 |
4 min
Sanghadhara shares reflections on death and awareness of the present moment. How consciously are we living our life?
From the talk entitled Happy Dying, Happy Living given at the Dharma Parlour at Buddhafield Festival, 2018, on the theme of 'The Dance of Life and Death'.
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The Expansive Nature of Joy
13 januari 2022 |
5 min
When metta meets the good fortune of others, mudita arises, joy in others. Mudita is an antidote to depression, to boredom, and it really connects you to yourself, to others, to the world around you. A beautiful introduction by Ratnavandana to the Brahma Viharas as an integrated set of practices flowing from metta - loving kindness.
From the talk Introduction to the Brahma Viharas (With Guided Meditation) given as part of the Brahma Viharas - Bristol Retreat 2015.
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Always be Friendly
10 januari 2022 |
4 min
With a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision, Vajratara encourages us to be open to others, to always be friendly, even when we cannot be happy.
From the forthright and passionate talk entitled Chetul Sangye Dorje about his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita given at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007.
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Happiness and Joy: Mudita
6 januari 2022 |
4 min
We all need to find emotional equivalents to our intellectual understandings if our spiritual practice is to progress. Here Sangharakshita talks about how joy and happiness are characteristic Buddhist emotions that we seem to be missing out on. Mudita, the happiness we feel in other people’s good fortune, can be cultivated through practice.
From the talk entitled Reason and Emotion in the Spiritual Life: Right Resolve, outlining the positive emotions emphasized in Buddhism. Talk given in 1968 as part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.
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Altruistic Joy
3 januari 2022 |
4 min
If our metta is strong enough, it will become mudita, altruistic joy for others. Concise and essential, Satyaraja draws out practical and profound aspects of the four Brahmaviharas, considering them as both meditation practices and as realms that we can occupy.
From the talk entitled Mudita, part of the series Brahmaviharas and the Awakening of the Bodhi Mind, Padmaloka Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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Renunciation of False Refuges
30 december 2021 |
4 min
This introductory talk by Dhammadinna is an ideal entry point to the world of the mind-turnings. Seen as foundations for the building of practice, the reflections encourage us to make life meaningful in the face of a relentlessly ungovernable reality. A strong look in the mirror of the heart.
Excerpted from the talk The Four Mind-Turning Reflections, the first talk in a five-part series from Tiratanaloka's retreat on the 'Four Mind Turnings' of the Tibetan tradition, 2005.
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Extending the Refuges
27 december 2021 |
5 min
Ratnaprabha describes Nagarjuna's Five Great Stages of Spiritual Development as expounded in 'The Precious Garland' on leading the spiritual life. Recollection, Positivity, Openness, Renewing, and Spontaneous Compassionate Action ultimately lead us to making the Dharma available to others, the greatest gift we can give.
Excerpted from the talk A System of Spiritual Development given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
The companion talk referenced is called Creating Sangha and Changing the World by Saddhaloka.
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Sangha as Ideal Way of Human Relating
23 december 2021 |
5 min
Padmakumara tells the story of three monks living together in harmony like milk and water.
Excerpted from the talk I Read the News Today, Oh Boy given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2007.
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A Vision of Humanity
20 december 2021 |
4 min
Exposing a modern disease of frustrated craving for experience, Sangharakshita suggests that spiritual life is better seen in more concrete ways; as growth, work, and duty.
In this excerpt from the talk Enlightenment as Experience and Non-experience given in 1975.
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Loosening Boundaries
16 december 2021 |
4 min
What is another person? Vijayamala helps us to see how our assumptions impact our ability to see others clearly. Creating spaces for things to unfold in our relating to others is a practice of mindfulness.
From the talk entitled Love Without Illusions, part of the series Four Dimensions of Awareness, given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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Changingness: All There Is
13 december 2021 |
6 min
At the heart of the spiral path is conditioned co-production which at heart means "changingness". This "changingness" can be creative (leading to more and more beneficial mental states) or reactive (cycling from pleasurable to painful mental states). Subhadramati describes how the spiral path uses a creative “changingness” to grow out of our habitual habits and into liberation.
From the talk The Spiral Path, part of the series 'The Taste of Freedom' Revisited given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Mindfulness of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
9 december 2021 |
3 min
Using metaphors from the Bodhicaryavatara, Bodhinaga draws out how mindfulness can transform our lives, both as a defence against negative, reactive patterns and in actively developing the heart and mind of a Bodhisattva, 'one who cares more for others than they care for themselves'.
From the talk entitled Staying in Touch, part of the series The Path of Awakening, given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Another Dimension of Experience
6 december 2021 |
4 min
Getting to a refuge is essential to liberation, and it needs to be something beyond our present understanding. Akashadevi describes the process of deepening our going for refuge as well as a common misunderstanding.
From the talk Going For Refuge, part of the series Sangharakshita and his approach to Buddhism at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Seeing Our Teachers as Ordinary Human Beings
2 december 2021 |
4 min
Vidyadaka talks about his spiritual teachers as offering the Dharma in an ordinary, straightforward way.
Spiritual friendship is not an added-on part of Going for Refuge, nor is it the Buddhist equivalent to having some mates - rather it is of the essence of the spiritual life and a vital means of communication, emotional development, and meaning - not to mention challenge and enjoyment. But how do we do it and what does it look like?
From the talk entitled Meeting Spiritual Friends given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2021, as part of a series on Spiritual Friendship.
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Building Spiritual Power Together
29 november 2021 |
7 min
Viveka concludes this Anapanasati Sutta: Instructions for Awakening retreat with a final exploration of the wisdom tetrad, focusing on the experience of relinquishment and offers suggestions on bearing with confoundment through imagination and inquiry.
Excerpted from the talk Where Is Self Arising Now? given at Adhisthana, May 2019.
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Starting to See Through
25 november 2021 |
5 min
Dhammarati illuminating the process of conditionality that is put in motion when engaged in Anapanasati meditation. Here he is introducing the fourth tetrad focusing on the first instruction of contemplating impermanence.
Excerpted from the talk Inquiry Into the Experience of Wisdom, part of the series Anapanasati Sutta: Instructions for Awakening given on retreat at Adhisthana, May 2019.
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Ancestral Sense of Being
22 november 2021 |
2 min
Dhivan, author of 'This Being, That Becomes', talks about some of the historical Buddha's ideas on how conscious awareness can influence unconscious patterns that keep us imprisoned in a fixed sense of self.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Doors to Freedom - the Buddha's Psychology of Liberation, Buddhafield, 2012.
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A Weak Spot in Reality
18 november 2021 |
3 min
Maitreyabandhu reminds us that the Buddha was cautious to describe things that were best directly experienced. The Lakshanas are not a metaphysical description of reality. Impermanence, insubstantiality and suffering show us there is something wrong with our perception.
From the talk Self-Surrender and the Laksana of Dukkha, part of the series Towards Insight: Three Myths given at Adhisthana, 2020.
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Being in Connection with Other Beings
15 november 2021 |
3 min
Parami touches on aspects of Sangharakshita's 'system of meditation', and most specifically the area of positive emotion. Parami is an ideal guide for this sort of material, steeped as she is in study and practice engaged within the light of the 'Bodhichitta', and the Bodhisattva Ideal itself.
From the talk entitled The Awakening Heart given at Taraloka Buddhist Centre, 2006.
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Why the Buddha Taught Impermanence
11 november 2021 |
3 min
All conditioned things are impermanent... Not just a truism, but the central teaching of Buddhism upon which so much else follows. Jnanaketu starts off a three-part series on the lakshanas, or 'marks' of conditioned existence, by tackling this most crucial of insights that is easy to say but a great challenge to live by.
Excerpted from the talk The Three Lakshanas: Anitya as part of the series The Three Lakshanas given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2006.
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There’s Nothing About Us That is Fixed
8 november 2021 |
4 min
Silanatha reveals our collective blind spot of applying our awareness of change in the external world with change our inner experience.
From the talk entitled Impermanence as part of a series on the Three Laksanas given at Colchester Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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There Really Isn’t a Me
4 november 2021 |
3 min
Locana offers an excellent introduction to the most subtle and complex part of the Buddha's teaching on impermanence: that all things in conditioned existence are empty of any innate self-nature. Insubstantiality might never be really 'simple' to understand - but this is a good place to start.
Excerpted from the talk Anatta Made Simple, 2001.
Locana (Elizabeth English) is the author of 'Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms'.
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The Three Liberations
1 november 2021 |
4 min
Sangharakshita describes the three liberations (vimokshas) arising from transcending the three marks (lakshanas) of conditioned existence.
From the talk entitled The Texture of Reality as part of the series Introducing Buddhism, 1966.
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Beauty: A Response to Life
28 oktober 2021 |
2 min
Here Kulanandi reflects on different qualities of beauty in the spiritual life.
From the talk entitled Beauty and the Dharma Life given at Stockholm Buddhist Centre, 2014.
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Aspirations Manifesting in Daily Life
25 oktober 2021 |
3 min
Embodying our higher values gives life to our heart and gives heart to our life. Saddhanandi encourages us to get on with our life by gathering our life around our aspirations.
From the talk Enlightenment as Heart, Life as Whole given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2005.
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The Arising of Samadhi
21 oktober 2021 |
5 min
There’s no true meditation without happiness. Sangharakshita describes Samadhi, often translated as ‘concentration’, as dependent upon the conditions of Sukha, that of happiness and bliss.
From the talk The Stages of the Spiritual Path, part of the series Introducing Buddhism, 1966.
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Shifting States of Being
18 oktober 2021 |
3 min
Here we have Nagesvara discussing samadhi as collectedness, integration of our energies, wholeness, openness, rather than concentration as primary.
From the talk entitled What Is Samadhi part of the online series Body of Bliss: Ways into Samādhi, 2021 Buddhafield.
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A Non-Existing Self
14 oktober 2021 |
2 min
Dhivan talks about some ways in which Buddhists deny the self beginning with how the non-self teaching is presented in the Pali scriptures. From the talk entitled Denying the Self as part of the series Symposium on the Non-Self given at Adhisthana, 2018.
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Giving Shape to Our Ignorance
11 oktober 2021 |
5 min
Yashobodhi recounts how the earliest Buddhist teachings arose in response to questions presented to the Buddha.
From the talk entitled The Alchemy of Wisdom, from a series on the Six Paramitas at a West London Buddhist Centre, 2012.
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The Ultimate Self Surrender
7 oktober 2021 |
5 min
The mind is intrinsically pure. How do we realize the ever present purity of the mind? Tejananda offers his reflections on Buddha Nature through discussing the Myth of Self-Discovery, drawing from an article by Subhuti entitled The Three Myths (Madhamavani, 2003).
Excerpted from the talk The Myth of Self-Discovery given at Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, 2021.
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Hither and Further Shores
4 oktober 2021 |
4 min
Akashadevi expounds on the parable of the raft from the perspective of the hither and further shores.
Excerpted from a talk entitled The Raft given at the West London Buddhist Centre Christmas Retreat, December 2016.
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Let Go, Even of the Dharma
30 september 2021 |
6 min
Maitrisiddhi explores the fourth great thunderclap from the Heart Sutra: All Buddhist teachings are simply Relative Truth; the Highest truth cannot be stated in words, using the simile of the raft.
From the talk entitled The Highest Truth Cannot Be Stated In Words from retreat on the Heart Sutra at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2019.
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One Essential Embodied Existence
27 september 2021 |
7 min
Bodhidasa explores the essence of what the Buddha said it was that he taught illustrated with a personal example of how the Dharma is based around one essential experience.
From the talk entitled A Single Word of Truth given at Sydney Buddhist Center, 2020.
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Two Temperaments
23 september 2021 |
6 min
Vishvapani outlines two approaches to Dharma practice: the ‘hedgehog’ – grounded in direct experience from the senses, and the ‘fox’ who steps outside and beyond, looking for the bigger picture.
From the talk entitled Feeding the Soul, part of the series The Two Arrows: Dukkha to Insight given at Adhisthana, 2020.
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Resisting Dukkha
20 september 2021 |
4 min
Vessantara offers a pithy look into the suffering of suffering and the myriad of strategies that pull us away from tending to what’s happening in the present moment.
From the talk entitled Dukkha Dukkha, part of a series of talks and led meditation from a retreat at Adhisthana on Dukkha and the Unbiased, 2018.
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Reality Shines Through Us
16 september 2021 |
8 min
Sangharakshita explores the ways in which we are all connected with Reality, directly and indirectly, in particular through our friendships with those just a little further along the path.
From the talk entitled The Bodhisattva Hierarchy as part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal, 1969.
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Words of Power
13 september 2021 |
10 min
Saddhanandi paints a picture of how radical and different it was to encounter Buddhism in the mid 1960s. She explores a verse of Zen poetry taking her lead from Sangharakshita's 1965 lectures on the Essence of Zen.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Essence of Zen at Adhisthana, 2019.
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A World Without Suffering
9 september 2021 |
6 min
Bodhivajra talks about Enlightenment in a direct and very down-to-earth way, making the whole notion of Enlightenment more accessible, approachable, and relevant.
From the talk entitled Energy for Enlightenment given at Norwich Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Powerful Positive Magic
6 september 2021 |
6 min
Tantric Buddhism developed outside the monasteries in small groups gathered around magical, shamanic gurus. In this talk Vadanya explores what magic is and how we can bring mystery into the forefront of life as an act of 'war against the ordinary'.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Making Life Magic recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019, as part of the series Tantra Now!
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Experiencing Wisdom Through Faith
2 september 2021 |
4 min
Saccanama explores shraddha, often translated as ‘faith’, as the emotional counterpoint of wisdom. It’s not a foundation for insight to arise, but rather it’s the equivalent of perceptual, cognitive insight experienced through reverence, worship and devotion.
From the talk entitled The Roots of Faith recorded at the Swedish Summer Retreat at Dharmagiri, July 2019. This talk is part of the series ‘To Place the Heart Upon’ - Exploring Faith in Buddhism.
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Reaching Out Into the World
30 augusti 2021 |
4 min
How do we make this Buddhist path available now and into the future? Vidyamala is committed to bringing the Dharma out into the world in a way that they can hear it, practice it, live it.
From the talk entitled What the World Needs - Looking Ahead 50 Years given at the 2017 International Retreat at Adhisthana.
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Supporting a Simple Life
26 augusti 2021 |
4 min
Sraddhagita shares her experience as part of Lama's Pyjamas, a Team Based Right Livelihood that’s part of the London Buddhist Centre. This talk is full of passion and insight into a practice Sraddhagita has been involved in for over 16 years.
From the talk entitled Spreading the Mushrooms given as part of a series on the Six Distinctive Emphasis of Triratna, at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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Livelihood in the Modern World
23 augusti 2021 |
4 min
Buddhism stands for the creation of an ideal society as well as ideal individuals; a society based on spiritual and ethical principles. Sangharakshita considers the substantial effect our work has on us, and applies the Buddha's teaching to work today.
From the talk entitled The Ideal Society: Right Livelihood, part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path, 1968.
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Work Reflects Us Back Like a Mirror
19 augusti 2021 |
2 min
Is work just a necessity or a source of fulfillment? Is a career a hindrance or a support to our happiness and unfoldment as individuals? Should we be aiming at getting the ‘right work/life balance’ or moving beyond such distinctions? Keturaja, calling on decades of experience working in Buddhist businesses, explores Buddhist teachings on right livelihood and reflects on their relevance for us today.
From the talk entitled Why Right Livelihood? Given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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Being Present Matters
16 augusti 2021 |
5 min
Mokshalila is in conversation with Samantabhadri about her work as a massage therapist on a palliative care unit, being alongside those who are nearing the end of their life.
From the talk entitled Meetings At the Edge given at Taraloka Retreat Centre on a retreat called Facing Death, Embracing Life, 2015.
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Our Work Has an Effect
12 augusti 2021 |
5 min
Suddhaka highlights how the thing we spend the most time doing in our lives, our livelihood, impacts our mental states and is therefore an integral part of the path. How can we make our work an expression of our practice? How can our livelihood be the doorway to true happiness?
From the talk entitled Perfect Livelihood given at Brixton Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Shared Values
9 augusti 2021 |
6 min
Parami offers an enthusiastic exploration of the earthy and ethereal details of everyday spiritual practice, especially within the framework of a sense of the 'collective'. Some great and pretty funny stories from early, would-be-revolutionary experiments with co-operative working ("The opiate of the masses has arrived!"), and some wise words from her subsequent experience of trying to square the circle of dealing with one's own individuality within a working sangha.
From the talk entitled Being an Individual Within a Collective Practice given at Windhorse:Evolution, once a large Buddhist team-based 'right livelihood' business based in the UK, 2003
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Looking for the Detail
5 augusti 2021 |
3 min
In a clear talk based on her experiences of work in the civil service, as a mindfulness teacher and in the Buddhist world, Taramani introduces tips on working ethically, meaningfully and in a way that supports spiritual practice. She explains livelihood as a limb of the Eightfold Path, using ideas from Sangharakshita, Steve Jobs, and others.
From the talk entitled Work, Inner Work, and the Search For Meaning given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Eyes Wide Open
2 augusti 2021 |
5 min
How can our livelihood and our networks be a doorway to leading our lives in a way in which our eyes can be wide open rather than our eyes being wide shut? Pasannamati points out that there is more to Perfect Livelihood than the work we do. Outside of our work we have a whole load of choices on how we spend our time and money which impacts other people’s livelihood.
From the talk entitled Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy…reflections of Livelihood and the Networks That Sustain Us given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021.
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Why Mindfulness?
29 juli 2021 |
6 min
Ratnaprabha describes the qualities of mindfulness in a talk about the fifth precept, intoxication and mindfulness.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Fifth Precept given at the West London Buddhist Centre, 2013.
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Reflecting on your Speech
26 juli 2021 |
6 min
Introducing the speech precepts, Bodhilila explains the Buddha's advice on how to communicate effectively. How do you decide when and how to speak, using criteria of helpfulness, truthfulness, and whether or not it is pleasant to hear?
From the talk entitled The Buddha’s Speech given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Going Forth in Speech
22 juli 2021 |
2 min
Marking the 50th anniversary of his own 'Going Forth' in India, Sangharakshita offers us his thoughts on the significance this adventure had for him and reflects on its relation to the Buddha's search for Truth - with particular regard to actions of body, speech, and mind.
From the talk Reflections on Going Forth, 1997.
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Stillness, Simplicity and Contentment
19 juli 2021 |
5 min
Here Candradasa explores the third precept and the Buddha's moral code generally and we get some sense of where we might look to find ways to work effectively with our strongest desires in ways that lessen attachment and help us see reality more clearly.
From the talk entitled Sex and Morality, Going Beyond Puritanism given in Portsmouth, NH, October 2012.
This talk is part of the series Religion Without God.
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Coming to Stillness
15 juli 2021 |
5 min
Drawing on sources from Russell Brand to Tenzin Palmo, Suryadarshini navigates the third precept. Covering sex, relationships, confessional writing, and social media, she offers suggestions for how to start a shift from attention and attachment into stillness, simplicity and contentment.
From the talk entitled Sex and Social Media: From Attention and Attachment to Contentment given at Norwich Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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The Altruistic Aspect of the Bodhisattva
12 juli 2021 |
9 min
What’s in it for me? Our natural human tendency is to take, to grasp, to cling. If you can give though, there is hope, spiritually speaking. Generosity is an attitude of heart and of mind, an attitude of one’s whole being.
Sangharakshita describes the altruistic aspect of the Bodhisattva and the reconciliation of the apparent antithesis between the interests of others and of self by practising the first two of the six Perfections: dana (giving) and shila (ethics or 'uprightness').
From the talk entitled Altruism and Individualism in the Spiritual Life given as part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal, 1969.
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Letting Our Inner Riches Shine
8 juli 2021 |
8 min
Danapriya explores how our inner world reflects to the outer world. How do we want to live in the world? How do our views impact our practice of generosity? Where do we direct the energies of craving and desire?
Excerpted from the talk entitled Giving Is Enjoyable given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Freedom from Oppression
5 juli 2021 |
6 min
Dayapakshini explores the relevance of the First Precept to our lives with extracts from the Abhisanda sutta, especially that of freedom from oppression to limitless numbers of beings.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The First Precept given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Abstention from Violence – Love
1 juli 2021 |
5 min
How can we decide between right and wrong? The Eastern criterion of ethics is psychological rather than theological: ethical behaviour is said to express higher orders of awareness.
Here, Sangharakshita details the first precept, that of abstention from all forms of violence and harm towards other beings. Cultivating the positive aspect of this precept is the embodiment of maitri, love, as expressed through our deeds of loving-kindness.
From the talk entitled The Principles of Ethics: Right Action given as part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path, 1968.
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Awakening Through Collective Practices
28 juni 2021 |
11 min
Siladevi reflects on an aspect of Buddhism that is often played down, but is nonetheless an organic part of Buddhism - that of working together with others to effect change in the world. Excerpted from the talk The Ideal Society and the Ideal Individual entitled given at Manchester Buddhist Centre during a day in commemoration of the death of Bhante Sangharakshita, 30 October 2019.
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The Experience of Awakening
24 juni 2021 |
5 min
Is awakening near or far, is the path sudden or gradual? Dharmashalin presents Sangharakshita’s metaphor on Buddhahood being like an evolutionary process, this time with more emphasis on metta as both an essential basis and method for inviting a sudden shift towards awakening on the basis of a gradual approach.
From the talk Metta As Method and Support For Breaking Through to Buddhahood given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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How Does a Bodhisattva Regard Living Beings?
21 juni 2021 |
6 min
Kulaprabha recounts an episode from the Vimalakirti Nirdesa to draw out how one generates the great love in response to the suffering of beings.
This is the third of four talks exploring Vasubandhu's Four Factors entitled Contemplating the Suffering of Beings given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2010.
In his treatise Generating Bodhi Resolve, Vasubandhu describes them as able to generate the resolve to cultivate and accumulate the bases for the Arising of the Bodhicitta. You can find out more about them in Sangharakshita's books The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism and The Bodhisattva Ideal.
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Moving Towards Timelessness
17 juni 2021 |
5 min
Jnanavaca discusses metta as the foundation of samadhi, taking us back to basics and reminding us to dwell with patience and acceptance in the body.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Metta as the Foundation of Samadhi given as part of the online retreat Towards Insight: Three Myths led by Jnanavaca and Maitreyabandhu at Adhisthana, 2020.
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Early Sangha Buddhist Attitudes to Wealth
14 juni 2021 |
6 min
Jvalamalini introduces us to Vasakha, a generous laywoman disciple of the Buddha. Her story from the early sangha is about the Buddhist attitude to wealth and about the effects of generosity on the donor.
From the talk entitled As Garlands From a Heap of Flowers given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Faith is the Foundation: Virya is the Wall
10 juni 2021 |
5 min
There is an unfolding process within us – in each moment we have a choice to move towards the painful and unskilful, or we can move towards liberation. Faith is the intuition that there is a way of responding to experience that moves us away from suffering and towards liberation. What most deeply matters to us? What conditions allow for the process of flourishing to happen?
Dhammarati calls on the story of Milarepa to draw out the relationship between faith and virya in Dharma practice. From the talk entitled Virya - Bending Towards the Wholesome given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2020, as part of their online series on the paramita of Virya.
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Views Reveal Themselves
7 juni 2021 |
9 min
Intelligent and thought provoking, Candraprabha shares personally about three views, or three attitudes, she's uncovered in the course of her many years of spiritual practice. A helpful exemplification of how we can investigate our underlying attitudes in relation to our ability to live a Dharma life. From the talk entitled Bodhicitta: a Personal Talk from the Moon of the Mind: Bodhicitta Great Gathering, an (online) retreat for women training for ordination and Order Members offered by Taraloka & Tiratanaloka Retreat Centres, 2021.
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Bringing Kindness to Whatever Arises
3 juni 2021 |
4 min
Vajrasakhi leads a 'cherishing' metta bhavana based on the positive precepts. Here she introduces the practice emphasizing the crucial importance of a positive and loving relationship with ourselves. From the talk entitled Positive Precepts Metta Bhavana from the Moon of the Mind: Bodhicitta Great Gathering, an (online) retreat for women training for ordination and Order Members offered by Taraloka & Tiratanaloka Retreat Centres, 2021. Listen to the full meditation on Free Buddhist Audio.
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Seeing Stars
31 maj 2021 |
14 min
In his truly creative and poetic way, Ananda explores how various life experiences have shaped his understanding of the Dharma-Niyama. Something is being shown to us when we are prepared to look.
This short talk was given on the European Order Gathering at Wymondham College, 2013, on the theme of the gathering was 'Karma niyama in the service of the Dharma niyama'.
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Why have a Sangha?
27 maj 2021 |
15 min
Sangharakshita explores the nature of the Buddhist spiritual community and why it is so essential to spiritual life...
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Spiritual Community, part of the series Introducing Buddhism, 1966.
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Investigating Skilfulness
24 maj 2021 |
7 min
Maitrisara explores two kinds of action: skilful and unskilful in the light of understanding, seeing possibilities. Buddhist ethics is as much a matter of intelligence as it is good intention.
From the talk entitled Perfect Action given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021, as part of the Sangha Night series on the Noble Eightfold Path.
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Making Ourselves an Offering
20 maj 2021 |
14 min
Amaladipa explores how losing and finding ourselves in the service of others can be a way of transforming conditioning and suffering.
From the talk entitled Losing and Finding Ourselves in the Service of Others given as part of the Sangha Night series on the Noble Eightfold Path at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021.
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A Buddhist Invitation
17 maj 2021 |
6 min
Dharmashalin evokes the possibility of creating a deeper, fuller and broader life through our relationship to Perfect Vision.
From the Sangha night talk entitled Perfect Vision given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021.
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Metta Bhavana as Insight Practice
13 maj 2021 |
9 min
Bodhidasa discusses the Metta Bhavana and the way it is taught in the Triratna system of meditation. Reflecting on the Karaniya Metta Sutta and Buddhaghosha's 5th century text the Visuddhimagga, Bodhidasa explores how this core practice relates to the Bodhisattva ideal, and how we can expand, refresh and enrich our metta practice in all its stages by re-visiting the structure.
From the talk entitled Beyond Boundaries given at Sydney Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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The Practice of Creating Sangha
10 maj 2021 |
9 min
This is an exploration by Saddhaloka of the distinguishing role of Sangha, spiritual community, in the development and life of the Triratna (formally Western) Buddhist Order, and, in fact, in any kind of Buddhist spiritual life. Saddhaloka here is steady and thoughtful as ever...
From the talk entitled Creating Sangha and Changing the World given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
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Sangha is Togetherness
6 maj 2021 |
13 min
Munisha talks about insights gained from traveling in her early life, including realizing she didn’t know how to get along well with others. Some years later, she discovered the Triratna Buddhist Community where friendship is a basic organizing principle around which everything is based.
From the talk entitled A Life in the Sangha given on Zoom to the Stockholm Sangha to celebrate Sangha Day, in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic, November 2020.
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Growing Very Deep Roots in the Sky
3 maj 2021 |
13 min
Kuladharini reflects on the life of the sangha at the start of the Glasgow Buddhist Centre’s annual rainy season retreat. Here she explores the cosmic and mythic significance in their current work and their approaching going forth from the city premises they have been teaching from for almost 50 years.
Excerpted from the talk of the same title, Growing Very Deep Roots In the Sky, 2021.
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Vajrasatva as Blue Sky
29 april 2021 |
12 min
With a magician-like quality, Jnanavaca introduces us to the pure white Vajrasatva with a talk ranging from Carl Sagan to childhood magic sets, rainbow men in the sky to the moment of death; Jnanavaca offers a vision of reality that transcends time and space.
From the talk Vajrasatva, Time, Space & Rainbows, part of the series The Symbolic World of the Five Buddha Mandala given at London Buddhist Centre’s Winter Retreat 2019.
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The Spiritual Faculties are Embryonic
26 april 2021 |
11 min
Vajradevi reminds us that the word indriya ('faculty') applies to both spiritual and sense faculties and that we can use the latter to strengthen the former. Delighting in the word 'moha' sounding like 'a soft fluffy cloud', Vajradevi draws out the fact that it is the most difficult of the poisons to recognise - greed and aversion being much louder and more colourful. It's also 'a natural state of affairs' until we can create and support conditions to help wisdom flourish. She gives us tips for doing this, reminding us (in the words of Sayadaw U Tejaniya) that 'assumption, presumption and speculation are always the work of moha'.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Moha (Delusion) as a Way of Exploring the Spiritual Faculty of Wisdom, part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind, given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Transformation of Experience
22 april 2021 |
11 min
We want things to be different, that is the force that drives growth but can also be a source of pain. How does the Dharma help us relate to our experience, including the difficult aspects, and help us transform those difficulties into wisdom.
Excerpted from the talk Alchemy of the Heart - Transforming Poison Into Wisdom by Dharmashalin given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2014.
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Diving to the Depths
19 april 2021 |
12 min
Satyalila gives us a clear and practical guide to how our spiritual journey can consist in transforming the 'poisons' (greed, hatred, delusion, pride and envy) with (and ultimately into) the five spiritual faculties (faith, wisdom, mindfulness, samadhi and energy-in-pursuit-of-the-good). It concludes with a look at how the five Buddha mandala offers an imaginative representation of the faculties as qualities of the Buddha's Enlightened mind.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Let Your Poison Be Your Cure given at the Bristol Sangha Retreat at Adhisthana, 2017. The title is a reference from a poem by Louis MacNiece, Thalassa.
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Meditation and Mantra Recitation of Vajrasattva
15 april 2021 |
13 min
Here Sangharakshita orientates us to Vajrasattva, the primordial Buddha of Innate Purity. He introduces the Vajrasattva practice as part of the four indispensable preparatory practices (mula-yogas) of the Vajrayana devotee.
From the talk entitled The Four Foundation Yogas of the Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, part of the series An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, 1968.
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Unadulterated Consciousness
12 april 2021 |
9 min
Dhammadinna explores the various meanings of purity associated with Vajrasattva, including the aspect of innocence as well as authentic, unadulterated consciousness.
From the talk entitled Reflections On Vajrasattva - Purity, Confession and Death given as part of the Vajrasattva Festival Day at the London Buddhist Centre, 2010.
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The Sun that Dwells in Space
8 april 2021 |
8 min
Suryagupta shares a personal and significant story of opening up into a moment of uncertainty, and in it, learning to love, learning to give, later connecting this experience to the Buddha Vairocana.
This is conclusion of the talk entitled Vairocana & the Sunlight of the Enlightened Mind, part of the series The Symbolic World of the Five Buddha Mandala at the London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Paving the Way
5 april 2021 |
10 min
Taranita discusses myth and archetype in relation to our lives, our practice, and building relationships with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Myth & Archetype given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2018 as part of a series on Vairocana and Spiritual Regeneration. This talk follows on from the previous talk on the Dhamma Niyama.
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Angulimala and the Buddha
1 april 2021 |
7 min
“Absolute fearlessness is synonymous with Enlightenment.” -Sangharakshita
Here Aryadhi introduces Amoghasiddhi, the green Buddha of the North, through the Buddha’s quality of fearlessness as illustrated by the story of Angulimala.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Amoghasiddhi - Journey Into Fearlessness given at Norwich Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Encountering the Depths
29 mars 2021 |
6 min
Evoking the mystery, power and courage of the deep-green Buddha Amoghasiddhi, Ksantikara extols us to be brave enough to encounter the depths of our being. And from the depths to gather the power to act, to move towards enlightenment and set ourselves free.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Amoghasiddhi & The Call of the Forest, part of the series The Symbolic World of the Five Buddha Mandala given at London Buddhist Centre's 2019 Winter Retreat.
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The Light + Love of Amitabha
25 mars 2021 |
14 min
Suryagupta calls to mind the the deep red Buddha of love and meditation, Amitabha. Traversing the myth and symbolism of the Buddhist tradition with tales from her own childhood and dream-life, Suryagupta offers up a talk that truly evokes the warm love of the Buddha of the Western realm.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Amitabha & The Infinite Light, part of the series The Symbolic World of the Five Buddha Mandala given at London Buddhist Centre's 2019 Winter Retreat.
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The Light of Compassion
22 mars 2021 |
8 min
Padmasagara draws out the boundless radiant love of Amitabha and the inconceivable nature of true compassion.
Excerpted from the talk Amitabha's Infinite Light given as part of the series Faces of Enlightenment at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Calling to Ratnasambhava
18 mars 2021 |
9 min
Ratnaghosha shares a personal devotional prayer to the Buddha Ratnasambhava, the golden Buddha of the South.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Ratnasambhava given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Facets of Generosity
15 mars 2021 |
10 min
Ratnasambhava, the 'Jewel-Born' Buddha of the Southern realm, exemplifies generosity and abundance. In this talk Moksatara expands upon this theme, looking at how living with an attitude of generosity can create community, bestow abundance and lead to a sense of fearlessness. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre (2019) as part of the series Faces of Enlightenment.
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Akshobhya Calls to Patience
11 mars 2021 |
9 min
Paramabandhu introduces some of the symbolism of Akshobhya - the deep blue Buddha of the Eastern realm, particularly emphasizing patience (ksanti) and how it can help us overcome our own anger.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Patience of the Deep Blue Akshobhya as part of the series The Symbolic World of the Five Buddha Mandala given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Cultivating Mirror-Like Wisdom
8 mars 2021 |
13 min
Bodhilila introduces the characteristic wisdom of the blue Buddha of the Eastern quarter of the mandala, a wisdom that undistortedly reflects experience just as it is.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Akshobhya and the Mirror-Like Wisdom given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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The Characteristics of the Five Buddhas
4 mars 2021 |
13 min
Taranita discusses the Five Buddhas of the Mandala, their characteristics, how their wisdom may manifest itself in everyday life, and how their features may benefit the Western Buddhist practitioner.
From the talk entitled The Five Buddha Mandala given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2007.
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Introducing the Five Buddha Mandala
1 mars 2021 |
8 min
The Tantras (special scriptures of Vajrayana Buddhism) frequently refer to mandalas, circles of symbolic forms. Sangharakshita describes the mandala of the five Buddhas, its use as a symbol of psychological and spiritual integration, and the meaning of its sexual symbolism.
From the talk entitled The Mandala: Tantric Symbol of Integration, part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology given in 1967.
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The Shape of Mind
25 februari 2021 |
14 min
As soon as we bring awareness to our mind states they change. Vidyamala speaks to the importance of allowing for growth and integration in our practice. She speaks of the twin pillars of awareness and love and how mindfulness can lead to a deeper and deeper sense of connection with all of life and how kindness is a natural expression of that.
From the talk entitled Citta - Fragments On Love, part of the series An Exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, given on Gravity and Grace retreat at Rivendell Retreat Centre, 2017.
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Beauty, Love and The Rite of Fascination
22 februari 2021 |
12 min
The Vajrayana, or Tantric Buddhism, is a path of radical transformation that harnesses the energy of life's deepest and strongest experiences. Falling in love is one such experience that can provide great masses of energy to power our spiritual development.
Vadanya reveals how in the Vajrayana we fall in love not with other people but with the person who we can become - with the ideal of the Enlightened mind - especially as experienced in the figure of the Buddha. He explores our attraction to beauty and the qualities of our future self that we are intuitively drawn to. Using the magical rite of fascination we can develop sraddha, respond to our longing and follow the call from beyond.
From the talk entitled Falling In Love, the Vajrayana Way given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019, as part of the series Tantra Now!
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Embracing the Impossible
18 februari 2021 |
8 min
Love (compassion and practising for others) and liberation (wisdom and practising for ourselves) are both essential aspects of the Dharma life. With stories of the Buddha, anecdotes from Maitrisiddhi's own life, and suggestions around how to respond creatively to the planets' ecological crisis.
From the talk Love, Liberation and the Bodhisattva Ideal given on a weekend retreat for local sangha members in the broader community at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2019.
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Love is Everywhere
15 februari 2021 |
13 min
Rumi on Finding the Barriers
Dharmashalin offers his reflections in the first in a three talk series exploring the Rumi quote: 'Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.'
Excerpted from the talk entitled Love Past the Barriers 1: Rumi and Our Stories About What Love Should Look Like given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2021.
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Dhardo Rimpoche: Myth and Friendship
11 februari 2021 |
14 min
Paraga discusses the importance of connecting with both Myth and Kalyana Mitrata as key aspects to help translate Dhardo Rimpoche’s aspect of ‘Radiate Love’ into our Dharma life.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Radiate Love given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre during the 'A Living Bodhisattva' retreat in March 2019.
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A State of Being Beyond Imagination
8 februari 2021 |
12 min
Subhadramati explores integration as a process of meeting Mara in her life and in scenes in the life of the Buddha, and the fulfillment of integration during the Buddha's last days of exquisite love.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Lion's Roar: Why Integration = Love given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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Great Love as Emptiness
4 februari 2021 |
10 min
Here we have Padmavajra talking about the importance of bhavana in our metta practice – the growing of friendly feelings, friendly responses, slowly, gently, like a garden. What you attend to, you become. It is vital that we engage with the practice honestly, starting where we actually are and gradually moving towards non-dual loving kindness, maha maitri, the Great Love that has dissolved the distinction between self and other.
From the talk entitled Introducing the Great Love given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004, the first in a five part series by Padmavajra on all aspects of the Metta Bhavana practice and 'The Great Love' in Buddhist discourse and practice - from metta (loving kindness) itself to Bodhichitta. His starting point here is to source notions of love in traditional teaching from the Pali Canon and in the great Mahayana sutras. A refreshing take on metta and how to cultivate it in your life.
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Gratitude for Life
1 februari 2021 |
13 min
Amitasuri explores what can happen when faced with well-being, illness, ageing and death, and looks at how the Dharma might influence our response. Amitasuri takes her Dharma practice to her work as a Buddhist Hospital Chaplain, where she supports health and well-being through pastoral, religious and spiritual care for staff, patients and their families in a number of hospitals in Greater Manchester.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Living What We Love: A Response to the Four Sights given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Bringing Together Parenting + Meditation
28 januari 2021 |
10 min
Upayavira has been exploring, often through necessity, ways to meditate with children since 2000 when shortly after his ordination he became a parent. He takes the aim of demonstrating that practicing with your young children present is not just possible, there can be some huge benefits in this form of practice.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Meditating with Your Child which includes a led meditation, 2015. Upayavira has led Meditation for Parents workshops at the Buddhafield Festival and at the Buddhafield Village Retreat, as well at some local Buddhist Centres.
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Tiny Steps: Tiny Connections
25 januari 2021 |
17 min
Lilapa talks openly about how the Brahma Viharas inspired and challenged him as a father. Parenting can be very hard, a connection with the Brahma Viharas, also known as The Immeasurables, can support infinitely expansive and positive states of mind.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Parenting and the Brahma Viharas, part of the series Talks from Adhisthana's Weekend Retreat for Parents, given at Adhisthana, 2018.
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Uncertainty as Positive Emotion
18 januari 2021 |
7 min
A Tibetan Story shared by Vessantara about a young boy and his family and the uncertainty of the course of our lives.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Positive Emotion as part of the series The Mandala of Spiritual Practice: Positive Emotion Retreat given on a retreat called The Mandala of Spiritual Practice: Positive Emotion at Adhisthana, 2015.
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Self-Transformation Through Parenting
14 januari 2021 |
6 min
What if our children are seen as aspects of our mind – this moment greed, this moment hatred. The Buddha advises us to ‘be with’ whatever arises, just allowing and then seeing what happens. Amaragita takes a look at Buddhist practice in the light of parenting.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Staying at Home, Dancing with the Universe given at the Buddhafield Festival, 2006.
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Beyond Ordinary Mind
11 januari 2021 |
10 min
Nagapriya talks via zoom on Buddhist practice as a path towards the transcendence of our egocentric tendencies and motivations, which are the cause of our suffering, and the obstacles to our compassionate response to others. Transcendence is what is beyond our self clinging will, and by connecting with it we can begin to live our lives on the basis of a new logic. One motivated by the aspiration to benefit all beings through everything we do.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Transcendent given for the Sydney Buddhist Centre, 2020.
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Mind is Not the Enemy
7 januari 2021 |
11 min
Nagabodhi explores a common misconception about how we’re supposed to stop all thought in meditation. Thought more generally can be very useful and could even be said to be one of the things that makes us human, but it becomes a problem when it runs away with itself and we start living in a ‘secondary reality’ most of the time.
From the talk entitled Direct Experience, part of the series The Two Arrows: Dukkha to Insight given at Adhisthana, 2020.
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Nourishment and Encouragement
4 januari 2021 |
13 min
In the Dhaniya Sutta, the questions arise: ‘how do we move in this world with a freedom to be creative?’ and ‘how often do we follow the addictive tendency?’ Saddhanandi looks at vertical and horizontal nourishment as she explores these questions.
Excerpted from the talk The Dhaniya Sutta - Freedom to be Creative, part of the series Evoking Shakyamuni given at Adhisthana, 2020.
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Embracing Darkness: Embracing Love
31 december 2020 |
6 min
Saddhaloka reflects on the first Buddhist book he read, The Way of the White Clouds, by Lama Govinda, sharing a verse to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of all...
From the fourth talk in a six-part series on the figures on the Wheel of Life entitled Amitabha, given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 1997.
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Faith in the Path of Liberation
28 december 2020 |
11 min
Padmasambhava is a potent symbol of transformation. Here, as part of a Padmasambhava Day Festival, Maitreyi shows us how evoke the help, energy and vision we need to change our lives.
From the talk entitled Heart Advice From the Lotus-Born: 'Never Be Apart From the Causes For Faith to Arise', given at the London Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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There’s A Lot of Potential Within Us
24 december 2020 |
10 min
Kamalashila takes us into the world of the Abhidharma to investigate how positive mind states emerge. He describes the types of Shraddha (confidence, faith or esteem), and their place in Buddhist practice.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Shraddha given for Sangha Night at the West London Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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Where Does the Spiritual Path Begin?
21 december 2020 |
9 min
Practising Buddhism (so much harder than understanding it) involves breaking the chain of the twelve negative links, or nidanas, by moving onto the spiral path, here described in its twelve stages. What is our usual reaction to things that are pleasant, things that are painful and things that are neutral? Sangharakshita gives us a clear description of the beginning of the Spiral Path, that of our response to Dukkha.
From the talk The Stages of the Spiritual Path as part of the series Introducing Buddhism given in 1966.
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What is Truly Beautiful
17 december 2020 |
8 min
Punyamala describes the path of beauty and how we can move from contemplating mundane beauty to the beauty of the enlightened state and in so doing she leads us into an experience of beauty. From the talk entitled 'In Beauty May I Walk' - Beauty As the Fourth Laksana given during the Women's Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, December 2019.
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Choosing Our Intentions
14 december 2020 |
12 min
Is kindness possible here? How does clarity help us open up to love? Maitrisiddhi explores the active and receptive aspects of the Metta Bhavana as expressed through the symbolism of Akshobhya, the Buddha of the East.
From the talk entitled Metta and Akshobhya's Mirrorlike Wisdom, the first of two talks given on "Living in the Mandala"; a retreat on the Brahma Viharas at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2018.
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A Man in Rags
10 december 2020 |
9 min
This is a quietly passionate talk by Jinapriya on the quicksilver nature of the Enlightenment experience - impossible to pin down, utterly transformative. His main theme within the frame of such a big question - 'What is Enlightenment?' - is the struggle to live our lives in the present moment, especially in the face of pain. We are met with a thoughtful series of reflections, stories and images that all look to open up the gates of perception, and prepare the heart for the biggest change imaginable and possible for all. In that sense, this is a truly optimistic talk.
From the talk entitled What is Enlightenment? Given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2003.
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Going Beyond Individual Effort
7 december 2020 |
11 min
Here Vijayasri looks at the culmination of the sevenfold puja by exploring the Transference of merit and self-surrender section. She considers the importance of breaking our individual self view, including the telling of the story of the 1000-armed Avalokitesvara, a symbol of the Triratna Buddhist Order. Excerpt from the talk entitled Transference of Merit and Self-Surrender from the series in our series on Transforming Self and World through looking at the Sevenfold Puja given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre, July 2016.
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An Inexhaustible Treasure
3 december 2020 |
12 min
How can we be helpful? Do we go beyond ourselves to do things for others? Are we inspired by the ways in which we are helpful?
Taravandana explores the meaning of the final verses of the Sevenfold Puja as practiced in the Triratna Buddhist Community. The Transference of Merits verse is based on Chapter 3 of the Bodhicaryavatara, Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva.
Excerpted from the ninth talk in the Sevenfold Puja series at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, on Transference of Merits and Self-Surrender, March 2010.
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A Current That Carries Us
30 november 2020 |
15 min
Spiritual practice can be thought of in terms of developing positive qualities within ourselves. But in a very real sense it also consists in creating sufficiently beautiful conditions within our minds so that something from outside us may be invited in. From the talk entitled Inviting the Enlightened Mind given by Vadanya during the third Great Gathering of 2017 at Padmaloka Retreat Centre.
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What's Actually Going On
26 november 2020 |
9 min
Jayaratna shares his story of about a recent journey to track down his difficulties with the Sevenfold Puja, and what he learned about himself in the process.
From the talk entitled Facing the Sevenfold Puja given at the Shrewsbury Sangha, 2018.
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Bound or Free?
23 november 2020 |
11 min
Most of our life strategies are to avoid pain. We can ask ourselves - Do I want to be bound by suffering, or free from suffering? Aryajaya describes the movement towards the Three Jewels as a development of faith and effective Going for Refuge.
From the talk entitled Commitment Is Key given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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With the Lamp There is the Light
19 november 2020 |
11 min
Here Sangharakshita explores the Four Reliances as he distinguishes the meaning of vijnana (Discriminating Consciousness) and jnana (Transcendental Awareness) and then further distinguishes prajna-paramita (Perfection of Wisdom) from jnana.
Launching his book entitled Wisdom Beyond Words, 1993.
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Introduction to Talking Meditation
16 november 2020 |
9 min
Vajradevi introduces the idea of 'talking meditation', where we carry the thread of awareness through verbal communication. This extends beyond awareness of the speech precepts to being aware of the texture or tone of our own and others' voices, using a 'settled back' stance and giving priority to the thread of awareness/knowing over the content of what's being said. She gives tips for the practice: staying aware of our own minds, aiming to let go of trying and focusing so as to aim for a more panoramic awareness. From the talk Working Mindfully with Communication & Language which is part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind: Bristol Rains Retreat, 2019.
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Taking Delight in Friends
12 november 2020 |
5 min
The Buddha and Ananda once tended a sick monk, neglected by his companions because of his 'uselessness'. Sangharakshita shows that people cannot be treated as 'things' in the spiritual community.
Excerpted from the talk entitled A Case of Dysentry as part of the series Incidents from the Pali Canon, 1982.
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Kalyana Mitrata
9 november 2020 |
14 min
How do we go beyond the duality of subject and object, self and other, to experience the true nature of reality?
There is no real Buddhism if it’s all about self liberation. We have to see other people as like ourselves. Jnanavaca, telling the story of Meghiya, unequivocally draws out the importance of sangha and kalyana mitrata as the means to bring the Dharma to life in the world. Excerpted from the talk What is Sangha & Kalyana Mitrata? From the series entitled The Bi-Tendential Value of Being & The Greater Mandala given by Jnanavaca and Subhadramati at the London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Meeting The Lotus Born
5 november 2020 |
13 min
Silence all around the lake, the light of the sky reflecting on it’s surface, blushing in the colors of sunset. Dusk, twilight, a time of transformation, a time of meditation.
Here, Dayanandi evokes the birth of Padmasambhava, the Lotus Born, who is a historical and mythological figure who established Buddhism in Tibet in the eighth century.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Meeting Padmasambhava in the Cave of the Heart given during the Padmasabhava Day Festival at Manchester Buddhist Centre, October 2011.
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Hidden Spiritual Treasures
2 november 2020 |
13 min
Vidyasaki introduces Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal, his consort and disciple attributed with recording the story of the Great Guru’s establishing Buddhism in Tibet. Offering her perspective as a literary critic, Vidyasaki speaks from her heart about the mythical and historical dimensions of this significant bit of Buddhist history.
Excerpted from the key note talk entitled Padmasambhava and the Naga King given on the Padmasambhava Festival Day, Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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Principle of radical transformation
29 oktober 2020 |
13 min
Previously unreleased and, rather famously, given off-the-cuff at the London Buddhist Centre, Sangharakshita gives an enjoyable and stirring evocation of the great Tantric Guru of Tibet.
From the talk entitled Padmasambhava Talk given in 1979.
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The Three Robes of Padmasambhava
26 oktober 2020 |
17 min
Subhadramati, with characteristic inspiration, shares a memory of Sangharakshita’s last public appearance before his death, and unfolds the significance this image for us as his disciples. She brings this into relationship with our practice of ethics, articulated through the three robes of Padmasambhava.
From the talk The Archetypal Guru and the Ten Precepts given in the context of the 2020 retreat for women private preceptors at Adhisthana, 2020.
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Ethics in their Ultimate Sense
22 oktober 2020 |
15 min
Seeing all beings with the potential for Buddhahood, we are moved to encourage and support that natural momentum towards growth and development. Every act of generosity, loving kindness, no matter how small, is acting in harmony with Reality and the growth of all beings. Vajratara gives us an inspiring glimpse into ethics in their ultimate sense which take their expression in the Bodhicitta.
From a talk entitled The Lady of Tibet Yeshe Tsogyal given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre, August 2008 about Padmasambhava's consort and great disciple.
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The Essence of Padmasambhava
19 oktober 2020 |
8 min
Prasannavira offers insight into the the essence of Padmasambhava – purity, love, skillful means. With a fearless embracing of experience, taking whatever appears as the Path, facing of inconvenience both personal and external deeper truths, we become the change we’d like to see in the world.
From the talk entitled Who Is Padmasambhava? Given for Padmasambhava Day at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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In the Company of Padmasambhava
15 oktober 2020 |
16 min
According to Tibetan tradition, in the bardo, an 'intermediate state' in the endless round of birth and death, we are free for an instant from that round. The Tibetan book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) describes six of these opportunities for escape from reactivity. Here Sangharakshita explores our resistance to facing death and the impact of the esoteric teachings of Padmasambhava.
From the talk Psycho-Spiritual Symbolism in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology, given in 1967.
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Long Ago in Ancient India
12 oktober 2020 |
15 min
Padmavajra tells the tale of Bahiya of the Bark Cloth demonstrate his ability to instantly wake others up to Reality. The Buddha was the first of the Mahasiddhas, or Great Perfected Ones. In the sixth century a new kind of Buddhist practitioner appears, picking up on these aspects of the teachings of the Buddha and opening up a new universe of myth, symbol and imagination.
From the talk entitled The Buddha and the Mahasiddhas, part of the eight-part series Crazy Wisdom of the Mahasiddhas, given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007.
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How does Buddhism speak to us?
8 oktober 2020 |
7 min
Here Sangharakshita explores how Buddhism, being the most rational of religions, appeals no less to the heart than to the head, using the language of myth to do so. Examples are four 'myths' from the Buddha's biography, here correlated with four of Jung's archetypes.
From the talk entitled Buddhism and the Language of Myth, part of the series Ritual and Devotion in Buddhism, 1967.
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Tugging on the Net
5 oktober 2020 |
8 min
Kulanandi focuses on the importance of drawing on myth and symbols in relating to the ideals of spiritual community.
Excerpted from the talk The Spiritual Community As Myth given at Stockholm Buddhist Center, June 2013.
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The Quest for Freedom
1 oktober 2020 |
12 min
Jnanavaca weaves magic and myth with the day to day practice of the Dharma in exploring vimukti, freedom, which arises just before full and perfect Enlightenment in the spiral path.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Freedom Or Death given on Buddha Day 2019 at the London Buddhist Centre.
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The Ultimate Treasure
28 september 2020 |
11 min
A Bodhisattva is the ultimate treasure-seeker, searching for the Chintamani, the wish-fulfilling jewel, which gives all beings that which they truly desire. But how does a Bodhisattva find this gem and what do they do once they have found it? Sadayasihi explores the nature of compassion and how generosity can be both a means of expressing, as well as cultivating, compassion. After all, a Bodhisattva would never keep the Chintamani for themselves…
From the talk entitled What Do You Do With A Wish-Fulfilling Jewel? given at Dublin Buddhist Centre, 2020.
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The Esoteric Refuges
24 september 2020 |
16 min
Previously unreleased, this important lecture introduces and explores further Sangharakshita's distinctive and visionary ideas on the subject of Going For Refuge, drawing out the real meaning of this central act of the Buddhist life.
Poor original recording.
From the talk entitled Levels of Going for Refuge given in 1978.
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Moving Towards Stars
21 september 2020 |
7 min
Maitreyabandhu explores the path to insight in the context of Triratna's system of practice. He does this by exploring the three myths of self-development, self-surrender and self-discovery, as well as spiritual death and spiritual rebirth in the dharma life.
From the talk Exploring Insight: Sadhana and the Goal of Life given in October 2019 during the Autumn Short Order retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre.
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Expressing Gratitude
17 september 2020 |
8 min
The Bodhicaryavatara culminates with verses of sublime beauty expressing a deep and profound desire for the alleviation of suffering. Maitrisara evokes these verses with tenderness and delight, whilst also turning back to that tricky topic of hell.
From the talk entitled Dedication In the Bodhicaryavatara (6 of 6), part of the series The Bodhicaryavatara given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Undermining Certainty
14 september 2020 |
15 min
The whole of the Bodhicaryavatara builds to Shantideva's exposition on Wisdom. Yet often the commentaries skip it, with humbleness and strong sense of biting off more than he can chew Dharmashalin tries to explore how we can engage with this material.
From the talk Wisdom In the Bodhicaryavatara (5 of 6), part of the series The Bodhicaryavatara given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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The Abode of Security
10 september 2020 |
14 min
In this talk Dharmasri helps us discover confession using extracts from pujas such as those from the Sutra of Golden Light and the Vajrasattva puja. Exploring what confession is and is not with an emphasis on self metta and the feeling of liberation that comes from having all of ourselves witnessed by others. From the talk Confession: Refining Our Ethical Sensitivities given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in May 2016 as part of the series on Transforming Self and World through the Sevenfold Puja.
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Unconditional Surrender
7 september 2020 |
14 min
Saccanama explores the three myths of spiritual life and the crisis of the self - reason and will are no longer able to cope. In this excerpt we hear about Shinran’s life with readings on self-power and other-power. Dharmakara becomes Amida – the central myth of the Pure Land schools.
From the talk Faith, the Crisis of the Self and Self-Surrender recorded at the Swedish Summer Retreat at Dharmagiri, July 2019 as part of the series ‘To Place the Heart Upon’ - Exploring Faith in Buddhism.
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Receptivity and Transformation
3 september 2020 |
9 min
Mahasraddha shares how his relationship with the Buddha has been central to his life. Are we open to the teachings of the Buddha? What impact does impermanence have on your life? What does transformation look like in your life?
From the talk entitled Spiritual Death given at Manchester Buddhist Centre as part of the Urban Retreat, February 2020.
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Hatred: A Dangerous Mental Poison
31 augusti 2020 |
11 min
Khemasuri explores the theme of Anger and Patience in Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre. From the talk entitled Gratitude to Everyone given April, 2008 as part of a series on Great Buddhist Texts.
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Effort Characterized by Joy
27 augusti 2020 |
10 min
Dhammadinna shares her thoughts on viriya/vigour as derived from Chapter 7 of the Bodhicaryavatara.
The Bodhicaryavatara is an 8th century text written by Shantideva, a Buddhist monk from the monastic 'university' at Nalanda, India, and Dhammadinna presented this material over three sessions on an Order retreat called "Teaching the Bodhicaryavatara." She says at the beginning that she isn't giving a formal talk and, indeed, the title is her description of what she was doing.... sharing some thoughts on the Bodhicaryavatara.
From the talk Some Thoughts on the Bodhicaryavatara given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, October 2008.
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Don't Wait Another Second to Practice
24 augusti 2020 |
10 min
Surata talks about the nature of Viriya, diligence to practice, to apply oneself, to engage in a steady practice, even when one doesn’t quite feel like it. Calling on Shraddha (faith) we call on diligence that does not lose heart!
Excerpted from the third in a series of four talks on the Bodhisattva ideal entitled Plunging Into The Positive - Kshanti and Virya, given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, March 2011, for men training to join the Triratna Buddhist Order.
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Exploring the Movement of the Mind as Wind
20 augusti 2020 |
6 min
Kamalashila explores the nature of wind as energies moving around in the body as well as outside the body.
Kamalashila has spent a lot of his adult life exploring meditation - and this talk is a lovely little foray into the whole subject as a crucial aspect in life and practice, with special consideration given to reflection on the six elements.
From the talk entitled Simplicity given at Triratna (FWBO) Day, 2004.
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Vision as Outpouring of the Dharma
17 augusti 2020 |
13 min
Rijusiddha looks at how vision gives us the initial insight into truth, how that vision is a heart response and how that vision gives us energy, if maintained, through the ongoing work of transforming ourselves.
From the talk entitled Vision - The Mind Thinks, the Heart Sees as part of two talks on vision and transformation at the 2018 East Anglian Men's Event at Padmaloka Retreat Centre.
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Stepping into the Full Nature of Impermanence
13 augusti 2020 |
11 min
Paramananda introduces Vajrapani and his connection to energy, specifically looking at impermanence and fearlessness when coming into relationship with death.
From the talk entitled Vajrapani and Led Energy Meditation given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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A Steady Persistence
10 augusti 2020 |
5 min
Bhante Sangharakshita talks about viriya as 'vigour' or 'energy in pursuit of the good'. Vajradevi explores this in relation to the mindfulness, including the four right efforts, wise and unwise involvement and the near enemy of viriya. Viriya allows for there to be a continuity of awareness.
From the talk entitled The Spiritual Faculty of Viriya, part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind: Bristol Rains Retreat 2019. (Bristol, UK)
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Virya: Everyday Buddhist Spiritual Practice
6 augusti 2020 |
7 min
Sangharakshita gives us a clear look at Viriya - Energy or Vigour - from the point of view of both subject and object, contrasting with a Hindu story about Indra + a squirrel.
From a talk about the Five Spiritual Faculties entitled The Pattern of Buddhist Life and Work given in 1966 as part of the series Introducing Buddhism.
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The Super Powers of the Dharma
3 augusti 2020 |
9 min
Satyalila offers a clear and practical guide to how our spiritual journey can consist in transforming the 'poisons' (greed, hatred, delusion, pride and envy) with (and ultimately into) the five spiritual faculties (faith, wisdom, mindfulness, samadhi and energy-in-pursuit-of-the-good). This excerpt is focussed on cultivating Wisdom to transform Anger and Hatred.
From the talk entitled “Let Your Poison Be Your Cure” rom the Bristol Sangha Retreat at Adhisthana in May 2017. The title is a reference from a poem by Louis MacNiece, Thalassa.
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Taking In the Perspective of Others
30 juli 2020 |
9 min
Siladevi reflects on an aspect of Buddhism that is often played down, but is nonetheless an organic part of Buddhism – that of working together with others to effect change in the world. From the talk The Ideal Society and the Ideal Individual given at Manchester Buddhist Centre during a day in commemoration of the death of Sangharakshita, 30 October 2019.
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Communication Problems
27 juli 2020 |
15 min
The Buddha's lone voice of sanity once prevented a war. Modern warfare is on a far larger scale, and could involve nuclear weapons. As we are faced with a choice between world peace and eventual disaster, Sangharakshita discusses realistic courses of action for peace activists and others.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Buddhism, World Peace, and Nuclear War given in 1984.
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Kindly Dialogue
23 juli 2020 |
7 min
Vishvapani gave a series of talks in 2011 to promote his book 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011).
Here we have a glimpse into the Buddha’s ability to dialogue with kindness and curiousity as he radiated a force field of loving kindness in a society full of debate and discourse. Rather than getting involved in a tit-for-tat argument, the Buddha tried to understand how others think and what is of value to them.
From the talk entitled The Buddha's Personality, given at London Buddhist Centre as part of the series Gautama Buddha, 2011.
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A New Type of Consciousness
20 juli 2020 |
17 min
What if everyone could see the enormity of their potential and be able to grow into that potential? What if those people then created a community... and that community becomes more & more a force for good in the world? Buddhism teaches us that it is possible to transcend the notion that I exist as a fixed and separate entity in the world and in doing so release a force of unbounded, unconditional love. Jnanavaca explores these questions and more in this thoughtful and thought-provoking talk entitled 'Buddhism & World Problems' (The Bi-Tendential Value of Being & The Greater Mandala - Week 3) given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Loving Caring Intention
16 juli 2020 |
7 min
Spreading Our Goodness Into the World
Sunada shares her personal reflections on simple down home ways to be an activist in a world that at times feels like a living nightmare. How do we as Buddhists respond, individually and as a sangha? And how do we keep our sanity? .
Excerpted from the talk Practice During Times of Chaos and Uncertainty given on Sangha Day at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, USA, 2017.
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Tough Dharma: Moving to a Deeper Place
13 juli 2020 |
9 min
Padmavajra calls on the radical early teaching of the Buddha to activate love as skillful and wise response to those we perceive as causing us harm.
The second talk in Padmavjara's wonderful series on the Dhammapada, the most popular of early Buddhist texts. All of the Buddha's core teachings are here - held in heart and mind there's more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyond...
From the talk Changing Hatred into Love - Dhammapada Verses 3 to 6 recorded at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007, as part of the series Where do we go from here?.
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Instant Response: Taking Responsibility
9 juli 2020 |
12 min
The Buddha and Ananda once tended a sick monk, neglected by his companions because of his 'uselessness'. Sangharakshita shows that people cannot be treated as 'things' in the spiritual community.
From the talk entitled A Case of Dysentry given in 1982 as part of the series Incidents from the Pali Canon.
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Infinite Spaces + Boundless Awareness
6 juli 2020 |
9 min
It is possible to move our sense of who we are, our stories are changeable. Vidyamala invites us into the world of myth, symbol and poetry to challenge our fixed sense of self.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a fluid sense of oneself? Responding to whatever arises with kindness, with love, with compassion, with infinite creative potential.
She finishes emphasising kindness with a wonderful quote from Patrul Rimpoche: "Have a good heart and act with kindness. There is no higher teaching"
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Letting the Words Drop In Deeply
2 juli 2020 |
11 min
The Perfection of Wisdom literature is filled with paradox. Santavajri shares her reflections on the rather baffling concepts presented in The Diamond Sutra and The Heart Sutra. Both relevant and incomprehensible, the true meaning goes well beyond the words themselves.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Approaches to the Perfection of Wisdom given at the London Buddhist Centre’s Women's Class as part of their exploration of the Bodhisattva Ideal, 2011.
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Nothing More to Learn?
29 juni 2020 |
8 min
In describing the qualities of patience, Sangharakshita calls on a story from the Saddharma-Pundarika (The Lotus Sutra) to illustrate the necessity of spiritual receptivity.
From the talk Masculinity and Femininity in the Spiritual Life as part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal, 1969. The full talk explores the third and fourth Perfections: kshanti (forbearance, tolerance or spiritual receptivity) and virya (energy in pursuit of the good).
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What are we Doing when we Meditate?
25 juni 2020 |
7 min
Untangling our Views
Amaragita explodes and expands notions around the practice of paying attention via awareness of the breath, using the deceptively simple exercise of taking just five breaths through the day. We hear how the practice relates to the theory of Buddhist meditation and are encouraged to choose and learn from our direct experience of how we respond to our breath in the moment. There is also a chance to try it out as you listen - and we highly recommend that you do! A moving, quietly revolutionary take on practice for parents, and for anyone who has a full, busy life and needs some tools to take on anxiety and stress. Just five breaths... Recorded on a Five Breaths Meditation Workshop recorded on the Mothers Retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2015. As a companion to her talk, The Possibility of Practice and her guided Meditation on the Three Bodies (physical, emotional, and mental) this workshop is indispensable.
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The Art of Engagement and the Art of Letting Go
22 juni 2020 |
17 min
Sanghadevi shares a story on the development of enlightenment through tales of pilgrimage from the Avatamsaka Sutra, known as the Flower Ornament Scripture. This story illustrates the art of engagement and the art of letting go, combining activity with receptivity, which supports the arising of the unbounded energy of the creative mind.
From the talk entitled Spiritual Receptivity and Spiritual Community given with a series of talks organised by the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2014, called A Year of Spiritual Community Talks.
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The Archetype of Spaciousness
18 juni 2020 |
15 min
Dhatvisvari shares her personal journey of relating to the Mandala of the Five Buddhas. We hear about the dream she had on the eve of her ordination in which she met the white Buddha in the centre of the mandala, Vairocana.
From the talk entitled Vairocana given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Restoration to Wholeness
15 juni 2020 |
9 min
When the whole of oneself is present, something new comes into play - we become more than the sum of our parts. Here we have Ratnaguna describing the stages of integration and positive emotion in the Triratna system of practice.
From the talk entitled The Underlying Pattern of the Spiritual Life given at Manchester Buddhist Centre on 14th April 2012.
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The Faculty of Responsiveness
11 juni 2020 |
8 min
Subhadramati delivers in this exposition on the aspect of ethics that springs out of empathy. As you reflect on others’ their suffering starts to become your suffering – it’s important to find that responsiveness and encourage it to flourish. From this, compassion bursts forth from the heart like a rose.
From the talk entitled Ethics As a Path to Insight given on August 30 2014 at the European Women's Convention held at Adhisthana. The theme of the convention was "The Bodhisattva's Reply: Triratna Paths to Insight."
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The Buddha Appeared at Just the Right Time
8 juni 2020 |
10 min
In this talk Shakyapada introduces the Buddha as a historical figure living in inspiring and uncertain times. He explores the culture and environment through which the Buddha travelled as he was teaching the Dharma and how his teachings were revolutionary. From the talk Spiritual Fire In the Ganges Valley given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in March 2018 as part of our regular Saturday morning Sangha class.
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What is the Deathless?
4 juni 2020 |
13 min
Padmasagara explores the glimpses of the Buddha's liberating vision found in the Ariyapariyesana sutta, focussing on the Buddha's description of Reality in terms of pratitya samutpada (conditionality) and his response to Brahma Sahampati's request to teach the Dhamma. The talk also explores how we can begin to realise this vision for ourselves by responding to the Buddha's exhortation: 'let those who have ears release their faith'.
From the talk The Buddha's Liberating Vision given on the Great Gathering at Padmaloka in February 2019.
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Being and Doing
1 juni 2020 |
10 min
“You don’t have to justify yourself by being useful. You yourself are the justification for your existence.” Sangharakshita, Wisdom Beyond Words In this talk, Vajrapriya explores how this quote by Sangharakshita might affect our spiritual life and practice. Using the terms doing and being, he suggests how we can bring greater stillness into activity, and vibrant energy into calm. From the talk The Greater Mandala of Uselessness given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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Wisdom is Seeing with the Eye of Appreciation
28 maj 2020 |
15 min
Nirvana is described as great bliss, that arises when grasping at self and other has vanished. A stream of uninterrupted creative activity, the Buddha is the supreme example of this. Here Padmavajra offers a deep dive into the Dhammapada, verses 277-279, on impermanence, dukkha and insubstantiality.
From the talk entitled Seeing with Insight - Dhammapada Verses 277 to 279 which is part of the series The Dhammapada - the Buddha's Way of Truth given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007.
This is the fourth talk in Padmavjara's wonderful series on the Dhammapada, the most popular of early Buddhist texts. All of the Buddha's core teachings are here - held in heart and mind there's more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyond...
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A State of Pure Happiness
25 maj 2020 |
6 min
In answering the question 'What is Buddhism?', Sangharakshita identifies higher evolution - the development of higher states of consciousness - with the twelve links in the progressive trend of the Buddha's teaching of conditioned co-production.
In this excerpt we hear about the unification of all our emotional energies in the state of bliss.
May all beings be well and happy, without fear, without jealousy, may they be full of love, faith and joy. Positive emotion is an essential part of the higher evolution.
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From the talk Buddhism and the Path of the Higher Evolution, part of the series The Higher Evolution, 1969.
Love Underpinned by Wisdom
21 maj 2020 |
7 min
Upekkha is a fire in the heart that is steady and constant. Dayajoti gives us a beautiful description of the wisdom aspect of metta, that being upekkha, equanimity.
From the talk entitled Suffering and Joy - Compost For Love given during the setup for Buddhafield Festival 2013 (theme 'Fire in the Heart') on the Four Brahma Viharas.
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An Intuition In Us
18 maj 2020 |
17 min
Vajradevi explores aspects of faith, including faith and receptivity, the relationship of confidence and doubt in our own practice. She goes on to look at how faith and wisdom relate, including right view and how 'faith is wisdom, but not fully realised.'
From the talk Recap On Sati (mindfulness) & Exploring the Faculty of Faith as part of the series Pathways to the Beautiful Mind: Bristol Rains Retreat.
Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Faith: Not Just Sentiment
14 maj 2020 |
8 min
Saccanama offers this glimpse into the meaning of faith from the Buddhist perspective through personal examples from his life and practice.
From the talk entitled Faith: the Key to the Mystery of Life given at Sangha Night at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre.
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Entering Each Other’s Worlds
11 maj 2020 |
12 min
Another cracking talk from Vajratara exploring Metta as a path to insight.
What happens when Metta passes through the fires of sunyata? Insight isn’t a cold, detached featureless state. Insight has it’s own positive character – increasing awareness of others and spontaneous compassionate activity.
From the talk entitled Metta and the Path of Insight given on a Young Womens' Weekend at Taraloka, 2013.
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More Mud: Bigger, Beautiful Lotuses
7 maj 2020 |
9 min
Here we have Parami introducing the most archetypal of all the archetypal Bodhisattvas, the 1000-armed Avalokitesvara. At his heart he holds the chintamani, the jewel of human potential. All of us have this potential within us, just as the lotuses coming up out of the mud. When you find that which fills your heart, share the love!
From the talk launching the 2015 Triratna International Urban Retreat live in Adelaide, Australia. Her theme - and the theme of the whole retreat - is Living In The Greater Mandala, and she brings this alive in the most human, poetic, and inspired of ways.
Her range is broad as she evokes the mandala itself, and the profound, playful path of the Bodhisattva. Calling forth Rumi and Hafiz, the great Buddhist Perfection of Wisdom texts, Keats, Yeats, Robert Hass, and Kenneth White, she illustrates what it looks and feels like to live dedicated to the well being of all as the most natural thing in the world. As always with Parami, her great experience shines through in this talk - a terrific encouragement to anyone thinking of undertaking the Urban Retreat and integrating this perspective of joy into the challenge of everyday life...
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Fearlessness in the Face of Hopelessness
4 maj 2020 |
9 min
Candraprabha, current Chair of Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, offers her reflections on different aspects of compassion. From the talk entitled Green Tara, she who embodies the quintessence of compassion. In good humor she reveals much about her own practice of cultivating fearlessness and courage in the face of hopelessness.
Given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre as part of the series Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, 2019.
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The Human Realm on the Wheel of Life
30 april 2020 |
19 min
On the Wheel of Life, the whole person is symbolised by a boat with passengers, the five skandhas. Ratnaprabha focuses especially on our habit energies, and our habitual preferences. Are we ruled by our likes and dislikes? Is there a creative response? How to the five Buddhas fit in?
From the talk Likes and Dislikes given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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What does it mean to be human?
27 april 2020 |
15 min
Dhammadinna’s gently balanced and encouraging talk explores various perspectives on one of the fundamental questions, and clearly lays out various Buddhist approaches to the nature of our existence and consciousness, especially in relation to the other realms of the Tibetan wheel of life. Cherishing the opportunities is one of the challenges of this reflection - and this is a great way to begin.
From the talk The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Life, part of the series The Four Mind-Turning Reflections given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005.
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Craving in the Modern World
23 april 2020 |
14 min
Padmavajra takes a deep look at the marvellous, terrifying, visionary world of the Bardo Thodol, or 'Tibetan Book of the Dead'.
In this episode, we plunge fearlessly down into the lower realms of the wheel of life to meet the beings who inhabit - and the Buddhas who come to meet them. A sobering but strongly felt evocation of how we make the worlds with our minds - and what we might do to counteract the dangers.
From the talk On Hell and Hungry Ghosts, part 2 of the 8-part series Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol), given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Winter Retreat 2005.
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Vajrasattva, death and the hell realm
20 april 2020 |
11 min
A story from Kalimpong
Sangharakshita shares a story from Kalimpong about being woken up in the middle of the night to a very strange occurrence – he saw a dear friend who had passed several years earlier standing in a deep pit next to his bed. His response was to chant the Vajrasattva Mantra.
Excerpted from the talk Between Twin Sala Trees, part of the series Incidents from the Pali Canon, 1983. This lecture is a series of reflections based around the Buddha's Parinirvana ('death'), stressing the importance of impermanence and explaining episodes recorded in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.
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Insecurity + Competition
16 april 2020 |
20 min
The wheel of life shows the six realms corresponding to six kinds of mental states that can result from our actions. How can we recognise these states in everyday life and what can we do to live with a more fully human life? In this Dharmabyte, Satyajyoti offers this personal talk introducing the realm of the titans and her transformation of competitiveness into appreciation.
Excerpted from Three Personal Talks: Realms of the Wheel where Satyajyoti, Pete and Dharmamayi share their personal experiences of three of the six realms in The Wheel of Life. Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2020.
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The Wheel of Life as a mirror
13 april 2020 |
12 min
Sangharakshita describes in all its wealth of detail, the Wheel of Life. It’s really a painting but a mirror, giving one successively more profound insights into oneself, and revealing the next step in escaping the endless round.
From the talk entitled The Symbolism of the Tibetan Wheel of Life, part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment, 1972.
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Permeating the Shell
9 april 2020 |
7 min
Akashamitra introduces a series of podcasts ('Budcasts') at the North London Buddhist Centre on the theme of the Eight Ways of the Noble Ones with a talk on vision. Why does it start the path? Have we already had path of vision experiences?
From the talk entitled Perfect Vision - How Far Can You Go? Given at North London Buddhist Centre, 2020.
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Working Together to Hold Suffering
6 april 2020 |
13 min
Saraha speaks to several themes from the Sigalaka Sutra. Firstly, friends are helpful, stand by you, give you time. Secondly, those who serve and support society, do we treat them as real people? Do we (as a society) look after them when they are ill? Our Buddhist Centres are here to bring peace, love, and agency with the ability to hold suffering close to your heart. The Sigalaka Sutta guides us on how to treat our fellow human beings.
From the talk entitled Your Liberation Is Bound Up with Mine given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2020.
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Live Like a River Flows
2 april 2020 |
11 min
Ratnavandana offers a personal sharing of her reflections on a six month solitary retreat where she was focussing on the Heart Sutra. With Avalokitesvara as her guide, she was hoping to deepen her understanding of the emptiness of the five skandhas as well as exploring how to bring all the ordinary everyday activities of life into the realm of the sacred.
This excerpt includes a reading evocation on the Five Buddha Mandala.
From the talk Glimpses of Emptiness given on a retreat for mitras held at Taraloka: The Heart Sutra - Thunderclaps of Reality, 2020.
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Good Friends Reflect Us Back
30 mars 2020 |
9 min
Maitreyi shares the story of Meghiya to illustrate the importance of having strong friendships on the spiritual path.
From the talk entitled Sanghakaya and the Heart's Release given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, December 2015.
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Keeping Good Company
26 mars 2020 |
10 min
Here Padmasuri shares stories of friendship between the early Buddhist nuns and the Buddha. Featuring glimpses into the lives of Mahapajapati, Patajara, Dhammadinna, Kisagotami, Mitta, Queen Mallika. Many of these women would have gone forth for friendship, a sort of cradle of friendship, in which the truth teachings would be held and practiced. Just so then, so now.
Exerpted from the talk The Buddha Was a Friend As We Can Be a Friend, the fourth and final in a series of talks to mark the Year of Kalyana Mitrata at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2013.
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Armed with Love Flowers
23 mars 2020 |
9 min
Here Karunadhi introduces us to the Red Rite of Fascination. Friendship emerges from love for our friends, but also can evoke strong attachment. Communication and the samgrahavastu (means of unification) of loving speech are the antidote for grasping and projection.
Excerpted from the talk Spiritual Friendship and the Red Rite of Fascination as part of the series Spiritual Friendship and the Tantric Rites given on a joint Tiratanaloka and Buddhafield retreat for women training for ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Order, 2019.
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Sangha Doesn’t Happen By Chance
19 mars 2020 |
9 min
Suryamati reminds us that the spiritual life is difficult to practice on one’s own. Here we here the story of Meghiya where the Buddha advises that spiritual friendship is needed for the heart’s release.
How do we be a sangha member? How do we help others in their practice of sangha?
Here, we get an introduction to the teaching on the Samgrahavastus, the four means of unification.
From the talk entitled Building the Buddhaland given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2013, as part of a series of talks on Buddhism Through Time and Space.
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A Perfected Universe, A Perfected Self
16 mars 2020 |
10 min
A very interesting introduction to the mandala here from Garava - the idea, the myth, the image, the symbol, the experience. His own practice as an artist affords him a respectful and generous perspective, from which we are able to simply sit back and learn.
Excerpted from the talk Entering the Mandala given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001
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The Mandala Unifies Disintegration
12 mars 2020 |
8 min
We can find mandalas everywhere – in the East, in the West, in art, literature, even in dreams. Mandalas represent a resolution, or the beginnings of a resolution, of a conflict between the conscious and the unconscious.
Sangharakshita explores the symbolism of the mandala, circles of symbolic forms, found in the The Tantras (special scriptures of Vajrayana Buddhism) as a symbol of psychological and spiritual integration.
Excerpted from the talk entilted The Mandala – Tantric Symbol of Integration as part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology, 1967.
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The Vajra: Two Meanings in One
9 mars 2020 |
8 min
We often get ideas about the symbolism of the vajra as being tight and willful. The language of determination can do that!
Jvalamalini looks at the importance of clarity of purpose for simplicity and meaning in life, and the powerful symbol of the vajra. This diamond-thunderbolt symbol is really more about integration then it is about powering through obstacles regardless of what the rest of our being is up to.
From the talk entitled Vajra: Symbol of Integration given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2018.
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Diamond Thunderbolt Way
5 mars 2020 |
10 min
Candradasa takes a personal look at aspects of magic in the East and West, considering its place in Buddhist history and practice and also its meeting with Christianity at the time of the Renaissance. What emerges is a picture of how magic defined in various ways can be a powerful metaphor for the everyday work of Buddhist meditation and ethical practice - with the enchantment of love and wisdom fused the only one we need. The Buddha is the Master of Enchantments and his path - a magical training with him - is available to all. The truly marvelous awaits...
Excerpted from the talk, Religion Without God, Part 4 - Magic For the Modern World, the fourth in the series entitled Religion Without God given in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA, October 2012.
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Journey of Internal Transformation
2 mars 2020 |
13 min
The 'Vajrayana' means 'the way of the vajra'. Satyalila explores and explains how the vajra symbolizes the capacity to transform our darkest and most difficult experience into the liberated energy of awakening. She describes her personal experience of this and concludes with an exploration of the five Buddha mandala as a way of bringing powerful diverse energies into creative, harmonious relationship.
From the talk Imagination, the Vajrayana & Us, part of the series Imagination, the Buddhist Tradition and Us, 2017.
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Dakini as Shapeshifter + Protector
27 februari 2020 |
9 min
Karunasara takes us into the timeless world of the Dakini Vajrayogini, with an explanation of the symbolic meanings found in Tantric imagery and visualization of her, as well as an overview of her spiritual qualities.
From the talk The Symbolic Meaning of Vajrayogini given at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, 2010.
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The Strength of Nothing Hidden
24 februari 2020 |
12 min
We often think that our best defense is to protect ourselves with a barrier between ourselves and the world. On the contrary, the dakini has the complete realization that in the end there is nothing to defend. In enlightenment all we were ever defending was a pattern of defensiveness, you realize there was nothing to defend.
From the talk entitled The Dakini & the Skull Garland by Subhadramati given at London Buddhist Centre, 2020.
Tantric Buddhism is concerned with the direct experience of who we are and what we can become. Its aim is to help us realize our potential by transforming the energy locked in by old habits, fears, and views. This experience cannot be mediated by concepts; it needs to be evoked with the help of symbols.
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Untimely Flowers
20 februari 2020 |
9 min
Here by Sangharakshita recounts one of the stories from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, that of The Episode of Untimely Flowers. Reflections based around the Buddha's Parinirvana ('death'), stress the importance of impermanence.
From the lecture entitled Between Twin Sala Trees as part of the series Incidents from the Pali Canon,1983.
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The Buddha is Eternal
17 februari 2020 |
11 min
In this talk on the Buddha's parinirvana, Vadanya explores how we can use our imagination to have a real living connection with the Buddha, and how we can make our own future potential for enlightenment a source of strength and guidance in our present lives.
From the talk Is the Buddha Dead - For Us given at a Men's Event, Padmaloka Retreat Centre, October 2011, as part of the series entitled Parinirvana Day.
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Return Journey
13 februari 2020 |
11 min
Aryajaya tells the story of The Myth of the Return Journey from the Lotus Sutra in illustrating the meaning and symbolism of Vajrasattva who is associated with purity and the time of death.
From the talk entitled Vajrasattva given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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The Beauty of the Moment
10 februari 2020 |
9 min
The Buddha was a human being who by his own efforts discovered the path towards Enlightenment and was able to communicate this path for others to follow. His life is full of stories that that are of relevance for those of us today who wish to follow the path towards Enlightenment.
Manjurava from a talk entitled Stories of Awakening: Parinirvana given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019, as part of Sub35s.
This human life is precious
an opportunity to awaken
but this body is impermanent
one day I shall die
so this life I must know as
a tiny splash of a raindrop
a thing of beauty that disappears
even as it comes into being.
~Tsongkapa
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The Buddha's Last Journey
6 februari 2020 |
17 min
The Maha Parinirvana Sutra contains a fairly detailed account of the Buddha’s last months of his earthly life. It follows him step by step -- where he went, who he met, how he discoursed, what teaching he gave. By the time he embarked on his last journey he knew he was going to pass away. Being the Enlightened One, he remained calm, reflecting on his last words, his last teaching.
Excerpted from the talk The Tantric Symbolism of the Stupa by Sangharakshita,1972.
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Death is Uncharted Territory
3 februari 2020 |
10 min
There is something profoundly natural and ordinary about death, and yet something quite mysterious. Where do we go? What actually happens? Who or what are we when alive? Nothing changed, from the Buddha’s point of view. Vimalavajri offers reflections on the ultimate unknown, the ultimate mystery, death, inspired by the glimpses of awakening depicted in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.
Excerpted from the talk entitled The Way to the Beyond given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016.
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A Measuring Worm-Richard Wilbur
30 januari 2020 |
14 min
Maitreyabandhu draws out the deeper meaning and finer detail of the poem entitled A Measuring Worm, by Richard Wilbur. In the full talk entitled A New Knowledge of Reality-Buddhism and Poetry, Maitreyabandhu discusses five different poems, each around the theme of death, with the final poem focusing on spiritual rebirth. By discussing the background of the poems and poets, the intricacies of their structure, and bringing in a Buddhist interpretation of the themes raised in the poems, Maitreyabandhu shows us the importance and profundity of poetry and how it can help us to explore Dharmic themes more deeply. Talk given on a special evening at Padmaloka Retreat Centre during the System of Dharma Training retreat in December 2018.
a measuring worm :: richard wilbur
This yellow striped green Caterpillar, climbing up The steep window screen,
Constantly (for lack Of a full set of legs) keeps Humping up his back.
It’s as if he sent By a sort of semaphore Dark omegas meant
To warn of Last Things. Although he doesn’t know it, He will soon have wings,
And I, too, don’t know Toward what undreamt condition Inch by inch I go.
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Poems On Impermanence
27 januari 2020 |
35 min
A well read poem can help us deepen our understanding of Buddhist principles. Achala shares his practice of reflecting on impermanence through poetry. In this Dharmabyte we hear two poems. The first is entitled “Life” by Sangharakshita, the second entitled “Letter to a Nobleman in Kyoto” by Kukai, (774-835 CE), Japanese poet, scholar, painter, engineer, and great Buddhist teacher.
Translated into Marathi by Amitayush. Excerpted from the talk entitled Poems On Impermanence given at Bordoran Retreat Centre, 2012. The English version were changed from their original rendition to enable easier translation. Although the poems do not purport to convey the exact meaning of their original English renditions, I think they still work well as poetry.
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Jellyfish and Kindness
23 januari 2020 |
9 min
We want to be free from suffering and to become free we need to transform ourselves. How do that? Singhamati describes three paths for transformation: self development, self discovery and self surrender. Each path helping us to turn towards and transform different parts of ourselves.
In this track we hear about the path of Self-Development. Excerpted from the talk entitled Three Paths to Transformation: Self Development, Self Discovery, Self Surrender given at Sangha Night at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Understanding Anatta
20 januari 2020 |
11 min
Classic Sangharakshita from the Aspects of the Higher Evolution of the Individual series given in 1970.
Tackling such terms as self, I, individual, and ego, reveals that each can have both a positive and a negative connotation. What is the self, and how can we cultivate true Individuality?
Excerpted from the talk Individuality , True and Self.
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Remembering to Remember
16 januari 2020 |
12 min
Amaragita offers three principles for considering the possibilities of deepening into the Dharma in any situation, and they are are worth remembering - or as she says, remembering to remember! Great, gently radical words that are bold enough to imagine and even assume the possibility of a more compassionate future for all beings. From the talk entitled The Possibility of Practice given as part of the 2015 Mothers Retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2015.
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Pursuing Purity
13 januari 2020 |
17 min
Working in the world is a game, and like any game, we need to know the rules in order to play it.
In this talk, Arthavadin presents his personal experience of working in the world, from a Buddhist perspective, using a series of clear models and vivid images.
From the talk entitled Getting Real given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Men's Event, January 2012.
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It's Not Fair!
9 januari 2020 |
16 min
Life's unfair, what can we do about it? We can practice the Dharma and follow the Buddha's teachings. Kalyanaprabha's sober yet uplifting talk encourages us to do just that.
Excerpted from the talk entitled What to do in an Unfair World given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2013.
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Ill-Fitting Wheel
6 januari 2020 |
13 min
Saddhanandi reads the episode of the Buddha working out whether or not he will teach the Dharma. From the talk entitled Dukkha and the Unbiased given as a series of talks and led meditations from a retreat at Adhisthana on Dukkha and the Unbiased.
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Turning Towards Suffering
2 januari 2020 |
10 min
Excerpted from the talk The Cloud of Suffering by Vessantara as part of a series of talks and led meditation from a retreat at Adhisthana on Dukkha and the Unbiased.
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We Are All Dreaming
30 december 2019 |
11 min
Jnanavaca offers a far-reaching and uncompromising vision of human fellowship based on transcendental ideals: Sangha. With reference to terrorism, romance, consumerism and Star Wars....
This FBA Dharmabyte is from the talk called What The World Knows Now, part of the series Where do we go from here? given at the London Buddhist Centre Winter Retreat, 2016.
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Cracks in the Ice
26 december 2019 |
23 min
This is a gem of a talk, with a wintery theme.
Parami starts by singing 'In the Bleak Midwinter' by Christina Rossetti. She then goes on to bring out the underlying meaning of some of the imagery in the poem.
The first metaphors are about bleakness, with the earth as hard as iron and water like a stone, times when we struggle and it seems as if no growth is possible. She talks about her early experience of doing the metta bhavana and what a radical practice it is.
Transformation is possible because of the impermanent and insubstantial nature of everything.
From the talk In the Bleak Midwinter given in December 2010 at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre.
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The Dharma In Dickens
23 december 2019 |
13 min
It may be Christmas Day but it is also Sangha Night and Ratnaghosha takes the opportunity to explore the Buddhist themes in 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens.
This talk, The Dharma in Dickens, was given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Our Shared Predicament
19 december 2019 |
12 min
Dassini takes us into the Parable of the Burning House from the White Lotus Sutra. Through readings from the sutra and retelling of the parable the main themes of the story are brought out, and the problem at the heart of the parable is revealed, that of unawareness or heedlessness.
From the talk Housebuilder, Now You Are Seen given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2009. The talk concludes with some suggested practices for how to address this problem.
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5000 Arahants
16 december 2019 |
4 min
In a talk looking deeply at the many manifestations, contexts, and practices of ksanti, patience, here Satyaraja shares a story from The White Lotus Sutra about 5000 arahants walking out of the assembly as they believed they had nothing more to learn.
On the theme of spiritual receptivity, from the talk entitled Ksanti – Patience given at Stockholm Buddhist Centre, 8 February 2010.
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Seated Upon the Vulture's Peak
12 december 2019 |
12 min
Sangharakshita takes us to the Vulture's Peak, the summit of earthly existence, where the Buddha begins the White Lotus Sutra by speaking on infinity. With his words, (and the forthcoming myths, symbols and parables of the sutra), we are entreated to go beyond into the purely spiritual world of the transcendental.
From the talk The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment, 1971, part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.
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Indra’s Net
9 december 2019 |
12 min
Indra, the King of the Gods in Hindu Mythology, possesses a number of treasures, one of which is a net made entirely of jewels. According to the Buddha in the Gandavyuha Sutra, “All the Jewels shine in each, and each of them shine in all.”
The universe is just like this. As such, one cannot fully understand any one part of the Dharma unless one understands the whole.
Excerpted from the talk "The Universal Perspective of Mahayana Buddhism" by Sangharakshita, 1971, as part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.
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What is in my heart when I act?
5 december 2019 |
12 min
The spiritual life is about giving up the advantages of the ‘Power Mode’ in exchange for the completely non-violent spiritual quality of the ‘Love Mode.’ Kulanandi offers beautiful and engaging reflections drawing inspiration from the book The Ten Pillars of Buddhism, by Sangharakshita.
From the talk entitled The Power of Love, the Love of Power given in Stockholm Buddhist Centre, 2014.
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Delighting in the Mystery of Others
2 december 2019 |
11 min
Ultimately, one is freed from the state of hatred with a heart of loving kindness.
Vidyavachin offers reflections on the Metta Sutta.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Radiate Love given at the annual sub35 men's weekend at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in November 2018.
This talk is part of the series Radiate Love.
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Cultivating A Mind of Faith
28 november 2019 |
14 min
Suryagupta shares the story of Shantideva, the monk who gave us the exposition of the Bodhicaryavatara, The Way of the Bodhisattva. Born of his direct experience this text is the basis of our Sevenfold Puja where we ritually evoke the many qualities of the Enlightened mind. From the talk entitled Rejoicing in Merits given at London Buddhist Centre (2019) during a six-week drop-in seminar exploring the Sevenfold Puja and the Heart Sutra.
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Living Like a River
25 november 2019 |
7 min
Ratnavandana shares an intensely honest, psychologically intimate, beautifully forensic history of her personal relationship to the practice of upekkha (equanimity) throughout her spiritual life. We hear about ways to assess what is going on in the subtler realms of our experience - and how to look to move beyond them so we too can live like a river...
Excerpted from the talk A Personal Take On Upekkha given as part of the series Brahma Viharas - Bristol Rainy Season Retreat 2015.
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Communicating the Dharma
21 november 2019 |
13 min
The Dharma is the greatest gift we can give. Ratnaghosha encourages us to face our fears to develop confidence and courage to communicate the Dharma with clarity and ease.
From the talk Skilful Means of the Bodhisattva exploring another aspect of Skilful Means, the little known teaching of the four Analytical Knowledges or Pratisamvids.
Given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Making an Effort
18 november 2019 |
12 min
Singhamati invites us to put on Dharma tinted glasses as she explores the very famous summary of the Buddha’s Teaching, found in verse 183 of the Dhammapada, and draws on Sangharakshita’s wisdom as found in the Dhammapada seminars from the 1980’s. It’s a simple, clear teaching offering us the possibility of taking it to heart, living from a more Dharmic perspective with less suffering and greater freedom!
From the talk Skillful Action: "Cease to Do Evil, Learn to Do Good, Purify the Heart" given to launch the Sangha Night theme for 2019 at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre.
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Catching the Arising of Vedana
14 november 2019 |
10 min
Vidyamala explores the crucial place of awareness of vedana if we are to move from reactive states to more creative ones.
From the talk Vedana and Growth given on 'Gravity and Grace' Retreat, 2018, at Rivendell Retreat Centre. This talk is part of the series An Exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta.
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The Training of Confession
11 november 2019 |
10 min
Confession in the Buddhist tradition is a very positive practise. Its about opening oneself up to big mind, opening oneself up to wise conduct.
Dassini looks at the individual nature of practising ethics, the need for metta in response to guilt, how to make a confession effective. From the talk entitled Confession given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre April, 2018.
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Coming Together in Community
7 november 2019 |
9 min
Here Padmavajra discusses the Sangharavastus and the Pratisamvids - a compassion aspect and a wisdom aspect of the Bodhisattva's aspiration to create community as a condition for Enlightenment.
From the talk Freedom From Polarization given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in January 2019.
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Mindfulness is Transformative
4 november 2019 |
11 min
Here Vidyamala gives a rich and personal talk on the Citta section of the Satipatthana Sutta. She introduces the key aspects of this part of the Sutta and then speaks of the importance of allowing for growth and integration in our practice. She speaks of the twin pillars of awareness and love and how mindfulness can lead to a deeper and deeper sense of connection with all of life and how kindness is a natural expression of that. She also speaks of her own practice after the recent death of her father. From the talk Citta - Fragments On Love given on Gravity and Grace retreat at Rivendell 2017.
This talk is part of the series An Exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta.
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The Lineage of Responsibility
31 oktober 2019 |
10 min
Vidyatara was one of the forces behind the development of the Triratna International Council after its foundation in 2011. Here she talks about the structure of the International Council as a bottom-up organization upholding an aspect of the Lineage of Responsibility.
Exerted from the talk Co-Creating Structures That Serve the Arising of the Bodhicitta given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Womens UK and Ireland Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana on February 28, 2014. The theme for the weekend was Appreciation of the Order as a System.
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Imagination as a Key
28 oktober 2019 |
16 min
Dhammadinna speaks about Sangharakshita and his emphasis on imagination as a key to the spiritual life.
From the talk entitled Bhante - Poetry, Myth and Imagination given on the Rainy Season Retreat at Manchester Buddhist Centre, February 2014.
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Great Art and Literature in the Modern West
24 oktober 2019 |
7 min
In the 1980s, 'Independent Arts' ran an ambitious and extremely impressive Arts program through the Croydon Buddhist Centre in London. Here's a first offering from the archive of recordings - an open conversation between Sangharakshita, founder of the Western Buddhist Order, and the renowned poet and scholar Kathleen Raine, one of the founders of the Temenos Academy.
The occasion was the launch of Sangharakshita's book 'The Religion of Art' - and the discussion ranges widely and, at times, controversially through the subject of the Arts considered as a vehicle for spiritual truths. It's full of talking points and challenges to contemporary orthodoxies around art theory. But whatever one's take on the views of the participants, this is a marvellous record of a unique meeting of minds.
Sangharakshita in Conversation with Kathleen Raine, Triratna Arts, 1988.
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A Dharma That Includes Passion and Beauty
21 oktober 2019 |
11 min
How can we have a whole life of value and of meaning?
Subhadramati explores the essential integration of arts and asceticism that Sangharakshita struggled to find in his early years as a monk.
From the talk Beauty and Discipline, part of a series for Dharma Night focusing on Urgyen Sangharakshita's unique contribution to Buddhism. London Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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A Single Slash of Anger
17 oktober 2019 |
11 min
Hatred or ill-will arises when something gets in the way of something we desire. From a mild irritation at being inconvenienced, to violent anger, competitiveness, jealousy, all are forms of ill-will.
Khemasuri explores the theme of anger in Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre. Excerpted from the talk entitled Gratitude to Everyone given on 15th April 2008. Part of a series on Great Buddhist Texts.
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Patience, Pride and Evil Actions
14 oktober 2019 |
7 min
Here Vairocana shares thoughts on patience, pride and evil actions as described in the Bodhicaryavatara, verse 21. Shantidevi reflects that compassion arises upon seeing the suffering of the world and that this manifests in one loosening ones pride. This leads to a fear of the consequences of evil and a delight in Enlightenment itself, or as Shantideva puts it, delight in the Conquerors.
From the talk The Section on Evil from the Dhammapada given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2009.
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Making the Darkness Conscious
10 oktober 2019 |
8 min
Suryadarshini takes us into the forest to meet our shadows, drawing on traditional Buddhist sources and popular cultural references. Her personal approach to the Dharma accesses its universal aspects, and she navigates the darker parts of our experience with curiosity and kindness.
From the talk Shadows in the Forest given at Norwich Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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Walking Through a Wall of Fire
7 oktober 2019 |
6 min
Using the aphorism of Sangharakshita, Peace is a Fire, Sujayini takes us on a journey of personal growth and transformation.
From the talk Peace is a Fire given on a retreat for Young Women at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2015.
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Love When There is No Reason to Love
3 oktober 2019 |
5 min
Satyajyoti gives a talk on Ksanti, the patient forbearance that is the true antidote to anger and ill-will. She shares Santideva's advice on learning to endure pain and discomfort so we can respond with an attitude of love in difficult circumstances.
From the talk Make Your Own Sandals, Part 6 in the 'Path to Awakening' Sangha Night series at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Being More in Tune with the Middle Way
30 september 2019 |
6 min
Here Samantabhadri expertly and imaginatively tackles the theme of Wisdom, using the verses in the third section of Tsongkhapa's short text on the "Three Principle Aspects of the Path". Dharma themes of the laksanas, suffering, niyamas, self - and no-self - are interwoven with more personal reflections, and with thought-provoking quotations - ".... emptiness, activity and compassion are not three things, but one thing looked at from three different points of view...."
This is the third of three talks all based on Tsongkhapa's text, and given on the 2009 UK Women's Order Mitra Event entitled The Path of the Buddha's Delight given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, May 2009.
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Vasubandhu's Four Factors
26 september 2019 |
10 min
Vasubandhu lived in northern India and Nepal in the 4th century CE. He was a renowned teacher in the Sarvastivadin School of Buddhism but later converted to Mahayana Buddhism under the influence of his brother Asanga.
In this talk Kulaprabha introduces us to a work of his dealing with the conditions necessary for the arising of the Bodhicitta - here translated as Bodhi Resolve. In particular, she compares and contrasts Vasubandhu's Four Factors as they are described in this text with Sangharakshita's description and evocation of them in his book 'The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism'.
The Four Factors are:
1. Contemplation of All Buddhas
2. Contemplation of the Faults and Perilous Aspects of the Body
3. Seeking the Most Supreme of All Fruits of the Path
4. Kindness and Pity for Beings
From the talk Vasubandhu's Treatise on Generating Bodhi Resolve given at the London Buddhist Centre, September 2009
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Merit Does Not Equal Insight
23 september 2019 |
5 min
With his customary dry wit and sharp eye Abhaya leads us on the crazy paving path through the Diamond Sutra - a text guaranteed to turn your world upside-down. Some very funny parts to this talk - and some excellent evocations of rigorous Dharma practice as part of the everyday business of life.
In this excerpt we hear readings from the sutra about how merit is not enough for insight to arise. From the talk entitled The Diamond Sutra given at the Triratna (Western Buddhist Order) National Order Weekend 2003.
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The Dharma Door of Non-duality
19 september 2019 |
10 min
The nature of ignorance and the nature of wisdom are the same. How do the Bodhisattvas enter the Dharma door of non-duality? Sangharakshita explains some of the dualities listed in the Vimalakirti Nirdesha Sutra, gives some examples of his own (with tips on how to transcend them), and concludes with Vimalakirti's 'thunder-like silence'.
From the talk entitled The Way of Non-Duality part of the series The Inconceivable Emancipation - Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha, given in 1979.
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A Garland of Going Forth
16 september 2019 |
13 min
This is one of a series of talks on the Therigatha, the songs or poems of the nuns at the time of the Buddha.
Gunasiddhi begins by saying that the songs are trying to communicate a level of spiritual experience to the hearer. The talk contains three themes: Going Forth, Friendship and Impermanence.
In this Dharmabyte we hear about the topic of Going forth which happened in a variety of ways for different reasons for these nuns. For us, we don't go forth in the same way, but there is a huge variety of ways in which we can go forth, in body, speech and mind.
From the talk, Songs of the Elder Sisters, given on a Sangha Retreat organized by the Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2010.
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Bringing Things to Light
12 september 2019 |
9 min
Here we have Kusalasara speaking about the fetter of vagueness, distinguishing it from negative types of doubt.
Doubt can be used to challenge our assumptions, and has a quality of discovering what’s most positive. Vagueness is a force guaranteed to prevent progress.
Excerpted from the talk Breaking the Fetter of Vagueness given as part of the series ‘The Taste of Freedom’ Revisited at the London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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A Completely Different Level of Commitment
9 september 2019 |
7 min
It’s very hard for us to imagine vimutti, (freedom), in it’s fullest and perfect sense. Sharing a funny story about watching ants from his ordination retreat, Akashamitra evokes a delightful analogy about making a commitment on a complete different level when we aspire to enlightenment.
From the talk entitled Breaking the Fetter of Superficiality from the series ‘The Taste of Freedom’ Revisited given at London Buddhist Centre, 2019.
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Finding Freedom in Meditation
5 september 2019 |
16 min
Here Prajnamati offers gentle guidance for meditation inspired by the Anapanasati Sutta. In meditation we choose to center our attention on what arises – initially we may tighten or harden or contract which is movement out of meditation towards hindrance. There is another direction we can go, alternatively we can relax into our experience and move into the point of freedom.
From the talk entitled The Point of Freedom given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, UK, March 2017.
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The Art of Disappearing
2 september 2019 |
10 min
How free would your life be if you gave up unreal expectations? Try to remember something too important to forget. Renunciation is where you are allowing yourself to be obedient to the call of the heart – what do you really want to say ‘yes’ to? One of her telling quotes is " ... there is no spiritual development without renunciation, and no renunciation without spiritual development ..."
Saddhanandi begins this Dharmabyte with a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye called The Art of Disappearing. From the very rich and reflective talk entitled Renunciation - Tasting Freedom, the first of three talks given on the 2009 UK Women's Order / Mitra Event. It's based on the first section of Tsongkhapa's short text "The Three Principle Aspects of the Path".
The other talks in the series are "Generating Bodhi Mind" by Vajratara, and "The Path of the Buddha's Delight" by Samantabhadri.
Given at Taraloka, May 2009
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Uninterrupted Flow of Spontaneous Transcendental States
29 augusti 2019 |
9 min
Why did the Buddha compare the The Dharma-Vinaya having the taste of freedom with the great ocean having the taste of salt? It’s about the direct experience of the qualities of enlightenment. The Dharma-vinaya is an uninterrupted spontaneous flow of spiritual and transcendental states. That flow may crystalise into certain teachings, but should not be identified with it.
Just as the mighty ocean has but one taste, the taste of salt, even so the Dharma-vinaya (Buddhism) has but one taste, the taste of Freedom. (from 'The Udana'). This brilliant and rousing tour-de-force on transcendental freedom is one of Sangharakshita's best-loved lectures.
The Taste of Freedom given in 1979
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Taking Delight in Tasting Freedom
26 augusti 2019 |
17 min
Just as the mighty ocean has but one taste, the taste of salt, even so the Dharma-vinaya (Buddhism) has but one taste, the taste of Freedom. (from 'The Udana'). This brilliant and rousing tour-de-force on transcendental freedom is one of Sangharakshita's best-loved lectures.
The Taste of Freedom lecture was given in 1979.
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Working Towards Wisdom
22 augusti 2019 |
6 min
Metta helps us to disentangle our own self involvement to be able to see the bigger picture. We can only really see things clearly with the eyes of Metta. Vijayasri looks to the life of the Buddha and how he responded to the suffering of the world with metta. This talk entitled Living with Loving Kindness was given at Croydon Buddhist Centre as part of the regular Saturday morning Sangha class, Autumn 2017.
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Total Transformation
19 augusti 2019 |
9 min
The word ‘metta’ is untranslatable, not just from a language perspective, but also in that it is best experienced through our own direct experience. Vidyavachin offers reflections on the Metta Sutta in this talk given at the annual sub35 men's weekend (Young Buddhists) at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in November, 2018. The talk is entitled Radiate Love and is part of a series of the same name.
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Creating Sangha From Within
15 augusti 2019 |
14 min
Is there an inner attitude we can adopt that will naturally lead to the creation of Sangha? Satyadhara poses this question - and addresses it - in his talk on the second Mainland Europe Young Buddhist Convention. He shares his personal experience of being in a small Sangha near Frankfurt in Germany, and draws upon Asangha’s Yogacharabhumi to explore the conditions necessary for building Sangha. The full talk entitled Creating Sangha From Within was given on the second Mainland Europe Young Buddhist Convention in Valencia, Spain, in July 2018.
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Evoking Tara in Response to Climate Change
12 augusti 2019 |
16 min
Sahajatara evokes the current issues surrounding climate change and our relationship to nature in the context of Tara.
From the talk Tara and the Tears of Avalokiteshvara given on the Area Order Weekend at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2015.
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Deepening Our Connection with the World
8 augusti 2019 |
12 min
Bhadra explores how we might revision the Triratana mandala of practice to strengthen our sense of interconnectedness with the world.
From the talk Revisioning Our Relation to the World: Two Icebergs and the Mandala of Practice given at Bristol Buddhist Centre as part of BAM – Buddhist Action Month - 2018.
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Indras Net and Social Action
5 augusti 2019 |
7 min
The development of the individual is fundamental in transforming the world but at the same time it is important to recognize that external conditions can help or hinder us in our development. Vimalavajri talks of her personal involvement in the spheres of politics, feminism and Buddhism.
Using Indra's net as a classic Buddhist image of interconnectedness, the talk explores what the dharma might have to say about social or political action, and asks what helps when we feel overwhelmed or stuck in ill-will. If we really see Indra's net, we will connect more deeply with life at all levels and our action will be more joyful and wholehearted.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Only Connect given at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017.
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A Collective Inner Sleep
1 augusti 2019 |
15 min
We have a collective inner sleep going on when it comes to climate change. In Buddhist terms we call this ‘avidya’, ignorance, which literally means ‘not seeing’ which brings out the active process of ignoring certain aspects of reality, especially those things we believe to be a threat.
This short talk by Dayajoti serves as an introduction to a guided ‘climate’ meditation which can be listened to here: Consensus Trance – Climate. Given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015.
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Climate Crisis Calls for Rapid Transformation
29 juli 2019 |
15 min
Tejopala likens the current global climate crisis to a village with a fire that threatens everyone in it and asks what a community of monks living in such a village might do in such circumstances. He also draws on the advice given by Urgyen Sangharakshita in his talk given in 1984 called 'Buddhism, World Peace and Nuclear War' as to how Buddhists should act to address an overwhelming existential threat, in which Bhante urges civil resistance. Excerpted from the talk Dhamma In a Time of Climate Crisis which explores ways to work to address the climate situation as part of an effective Dharma practice, as well as the dangers that this kind of work can pose for Buddhists when it comes to mental states of anger, fear and mental proliferation (prapanca). This talk was given at the Melbourne Buddhist Centre as part of Buddhist Action Month 2019.
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The Dangers of Habits and Routines
25 juli 2019 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Sangharakshita entitled The Dangers of Habits and Routines.
In this brilliant and accessible approach to the essence of Buddhism, Sangharakshita shows that Buddhism starts with the mind. Mind can be reactive, symbolised by the Tibetan Wheel of Life, or creative, as when one follows the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, described here in detail.
From the talk Mind: Reactive and Creative given in 1967.
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Deeply Deluded
22 juli 2019 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, Deeply Deluded, is by Mahamani from a talk entitled Mind Creates World given as part of the London Buddhist Centre's week-long series exploring Mind Reactive / Mind Creative for the 2018 Urban Retreat.
There is a way to work with our mental states that takes us out of the reactive mode of being into progressive spiritual development. Our minds clouded by aversion, craving and delusion take us away from reality.
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Dana as Practice
18 juli 2019 |
11 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Dana as Practice. Here Samachitta puts the practice of generosity under the microscope in this engaging talk on the first paramita.
When we perform an act of generosity, what exactly is happening? How does it relate to the development of Wisdom? Is there such a thing as purely mental generosity and how effective is it?
This talk explains the 'why', 'what' and how' of Dana-Paramita.
From the talk Dana - the Emotional Life of the Sangha given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2011.
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A Set of Wonders
15 juli 2019 |
9 min
Today’s FBA Dharmabyte is by Suryagupta, the new chair of the London Buddhist Centre. Entitled A Set of Wonders this excerpt is from the talk 40 Years of the LBC: Looking Back and Looking Forward on what Buddhism has to offer to individuals, communities and the world at large.
Given at London Buddhist Centre on the occasion of their 40th anniversary, June 2018.
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Jamyang Khyentse Rimpoche
11 juli 2019 |
13 min
Sangharakshita gives us today's FBA Dharmabyte - an introduction to Jamyang Khyentse Rimpoche, one of the foremost Tibetan Buddhist teachers of his time. Although a Nyingma master, Jamyang Khyentse was a chief exponent of the Rime movement, which brought together the different Tibetan schools to create a more unified tradition. Sangharakshita met him in 1957 and received several initiations from him. Due to Jamyang Khyentse’s spiritual eminence and the significance of these initiations, Sangharakshita regards him as his ‘root guru’.
Excerpted from the talk entitled My Eight Main Teachers in which Sangharakshita describes Triratna’s 'lineage' in a fascinating series of memories and stories. Talk given in the USA, 1990.
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Yogi Chen
8 juli 2019 |
11 min
The missing memoir years of Sangharakshita’s life story has been told by Khantipalo in his book, Noble Friendship. Khantipalo and Sangharakshita spent a year together in India receiving meditation instruction from Yogi Chen, a meditation master in the Cha’an tradition. Sangharakshita describes Yogi Chen as having an intense inner life, full of visions, psychic experiences, and a penetrating insight into the Dharma.
From the talk, Fields of Creativity by Sangharakshita, 2011. A sparkling talk on a theme close to his heart. Full of warmth, wit and stimulating ideas.
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Jagdish Kashyap
4 juli 2019 |
18 min
In today’s FBA Dharmabyte we meet Jagdish Kashyap, Sangharakshita’s first teacher, the Theravadin scholar/monk with whom he lived and studied Pali, logic and Buddhist philosophy at Benares. After higher ordination, on the advice of Jagdish Kashyap, Sangaharakshita moved to the Himalayan border town of Kalimpong, to work for the good of Buddhism. Excerpted from the talk entitled Jagdish Kashyap by Vadanya at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre (15th August 2006), as part of a series on the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist Order.
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Kachu Rimpoche
1 juli 2019 |
12 min
In our FBA Dharmabyte today we are introduced to Kachu Rimpoche by Vajratara one of Sangharakshita’s eight main teachers.
Kachu Rimpoche was a man of great learning, renowned as a deep meditator and visionary, and a gifted sculptor. Rimpoche went out of his way to befriend Sangharakshita. In 1960, on Jampyang Khyentse’s recommendation, Kachu Rimpoche initiated Sangharakshita into the practice of Guru Padmasambhava. At the same time Kachu Rimpoche gave Sangharakshita a new name: Urgyen, the name of Padmasambhava’s mythical homeland. Excerpted from a talk of the same name given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre (4th July 2006), as part of a series on the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist Order.
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Not to be Defined
27 juni 2019 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled 'Not to be Defined' by Jnanavaca. Excerpted from the talk Is A Guru Necessary? Jnanavaca revisits one of Sangharakshita's classic talks from 1970 and gives his contemporary reflections on its abiding relevance. This was given as part of the London Buddhist Centre Dharma Night Series, Bhante Classics, September 2012.
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Engaging with Sangha as Teacher
24 juni 2019 |
5 min
We are pleased to present today’s FBA Dharmabyte entitled 'Engaging with Sangha as Teacher', excerpted from Saddhanandi's talk Spiritual Transmission and Lineage given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Women's Convention, Wymondham 2007. Here Saddhanandi revisits Sangharakshita's own take on the problems faced by practitioners in a contemporary spiritual community. And, with the help of a good sprinkling of quotes and stories from other traditions, she explores the nature of the Sangha as the possible ground for insight itself to arise.
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These Texts Were Meant to be Understood
20 juni 2019 |
8 min
In today’s FBA Dharmabyte, 'These Texts Were Meant to be Understood', Shraddhapa talks about his work translating the Ratnaguna Samcayagatha, a profound Mahayana Sutra from Sanskrit into English.
You can find this text at Shraddhapa's website here.
If you want to financially support Shraddhapa's important work you can donate here.
From the talk For Heroic Spirits Intended - Translating Sanskrit Texts as part of the series For Heroic Spirits Intended given at the annual open retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in 2018.
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Offering Your Life
17 juni 2019 |
9 min
Today's Dharmabyte is 'Offering your Life' by Yashobodhi. In this personal talk Yashobodhi goes into the aspiration to be of benefit to all beings, the pitfalls an aspiring bodhisattva can come across and about the journey from concept to experienced reality and back again. From the talk, Who Wants to Become a Bodhisattva? given at Aryaloka Buddhist Center in the USA, 2016.
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An Inner Journey
13 juni 2019 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is An Inner Journey. This is a fascinating introduction to the mandala from Garava - the idea, the myth, the image, the symbol, the experience. His own practice as an artist affords him a respectful and generous perspective, from which we are able to simply sit back and learn.
From the talk Entering the Mandala given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001
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Knowing Our Patterns
10 juni 2019 |
7 min
Today's FBA Dharmabyte is Knowing Our Patterns by Karunavapi.
We live by patterns, mostly unconsciously. Using personal reflections, poetry and imagery of the Five Buddha Mandala, Karunavapi talks of mandalas as patterns of the unenlightened and enlightened mind. 'Personal mandalas' as the patterning of our own, unenlightened minds and the Five Buddha Mandala as the pattern of the Buddha's enlightened mind. To appreciate the qualities of the Buddha, we can see them like light through a prism splitting into the colours of the five Buddhas of the Mandala.
Excerpted from the talk Mandalas: Mythic and Personal given at Bristol Buddhist Centre during a year long series on the System of Practice.
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Expanding Views
8 juni 2019 |
7 min
Today’s FBA Dharmabyte, is Expanding Views by Nandaraja. How to step outside of polarisation and find freedom of heart and mind. From the talk Empathising with the Enemy given on a People of Colour Sangha Day retreat.
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The Four Limitless States
8 juni 2019 |
11 min
In today’s FBA Dharmabyte, Sangharakshita discusses The Four Limitless States.
In Buddhist practice, the traditional method of choice for effecting positive change in one’s life is meditation. Here Sangharakshita takes a closer look, focussing on the ‘superconscious states’ (characterised in turn by integration, inspiration, permeation, and radiation), the practice of developing universal friendliness, and the distinction between calm and Insight. Talk given in 1976.
From the talk, A Method of Personal Development, given as part of the series Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow.
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Turning Towards
8 juni 2019 |
11 min
Today’s FBA Dharmabyte is Turning Towards by Saddhanandi. How do you make a meaningful practice of loving kindness in a difficult world? How do we turn towards, rather than away...? This is excerpted from the brilliant talk given on the Metta and Insight Retreat, 2015.
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Our Root Fear - Selflessness
8 juni 2019 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today brings us face to face, as it were, with "our root fear", that of selflessness.
From the talk Ethics as Insight Practice by Guhyavajra.
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Be More Than Your Culture
8 juni 2019 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Be More Than Your Culture by Maitreyabandhu.
How do we make the most of life? Buddhism is a non-theistic, practical path of human growth and fulfilment. This series includes highlights from the eight-week course that leads participants step by step along the Buddhist path from mindfulness and emotional strength to receptivity, spiritual death and rebirth. And, as you can see from the talks, Maitreyabandhu always comes back to the here and now; how we put our spiritual insights into practice.
From the talk The Journey and the Guide - Week Four - The Mandala of Positive Emotion.
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Generosity Leads to Happiness
8 juni 2019 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Generosity Leads to Happiness by Vijayasri.
This is another talk in our exploration of The Journey and The Guide. Vijayasri considers how having generosity at the centre of a mandala, based on the positive precepts, can help us to develop positive emotion.
From the talk, Generosity As A Foundation Of Positive Emotion, given at Croydon Buddhist Centre in February 2016 as part of the regular Saturday Morning Sangha Class.
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Supporting Brilliance
8 juni 2019 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Supporting Brilliance by Singhamati.
A heartfelt talk about Integration as a path to wholeness. Looking at the what, how and why of this crucial aspect of the spiritual life. From the talk Integration: a Path to Wholeness. ***
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Integration Mandalas
13 maj 2019 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Integration Mandalas by Vajragupta.
In this talk, exploring the Journey and the Guide, Vajragupta leads us through creating a personal mandala so that we can discover the shape of our lives. He discusses how to use a mandala to shine a light on changes we may wish to make in our day to day conditions. If you want to engage fully with this talk you will need a pencil and paper!
From the talk Using Personal Mandalas to Help Integration given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in January 2016 as part of the regular Saturday Sangha Morning class using Journey and the Guide by Maitreyabandhu.
Bodhichitta and the Bodhisattva Vow
9 maj 2019 |
11 min
and#8220;May I deliver all beings from difficulties; may I eradicate all passions; may I master all dharmas; may I lead all beings to Buddhahood.and#8221; This is the Bodhisattvaand#8217;s resolve upon the awakening of the Bodhi Heart.
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Bodhichitta and the Bodhisattva Vow by Sangharakshita. From the talk The Bodhisattva Vow given in 1969.
This talk is part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.
Our Next Teacher
6 maj 2019 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Our Next Teacher by Ratnaprabha.
In the full talk entitled The Great Way, Ratnaprabha tells the Zen story of the maiden in the mud, explains the attitude of the Mahayana, the Bodhisattva, altruism and how Mahayana is not a school of Buddhism. He finishes with the grand vision of Vairocanaand#8217;s tower from the Gandavyuha Sutra.
Let the Mind Roam
2 maj 2019 |
3 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Let the Mind Roam by Vajradevi.
What are the particular challenges we face in the 21st Century? There are many, and Vajradevi focuses on the mind precepts and our use of technology.
From the talk Ethical Challenges In the Modern World by Vajradevi, given as part of a series at Shrewbury Triratna Centre focusing on the and#8217;21st Century Bodhisattvaand#8217;.
Put Down the Burden
29 april 2019 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Vajrapriya called Put Down the Burden. From the talk entitled Liberty Equality Fraternity from the series called The 21st Century Bodhisattva given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Group. Vajrapriya explores Dr Ambedkarand#8217;s slogan and#8220;Liberty, Equality, Fraternityand#8221;, looking at topics like the New Society, and Subhutiand#8217;s exhortation to start the Dharma Revolution in the West.
Engaging with the Arts
25 april 2019 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Abhayavajra called Engaging with the Arts. What happens when Buddhist practice meets contemporary western art?
Art East presents an evening with Abhayavajra at the London Buddhist Arts Centre, exploring how the Dharma life is expressed in art practice. Interviewed by Maitreyabandhu. Listen to the full talk entitled Painting the Void.
Our Relationship with Art
22 april 2019 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Taradasa called Our Relationship with Arts. This talk asks us to look, and look again, at our relationship to the fine arts. Whether itand#8217;s music, painting, sculpture, performance and#8211; whatever we respond to in the Arts, Taradasa shows how we can approach it as spiritual practice.
Excerpted from the talk entitled Buddhism and the Arts.
Trusting the Process
18 april 2019 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Varasahaya called Trusting the Process. Drawing on her experience as a poet, Varasahaya discusses creativity, imagination, and the writing process as a spiritual practice. She reads some of her poems, and explains the process by which they came to birth, and what she learnt about letting go of self as she grappled with writing. An excellent and very accessible talk given to Sangha night at the West London Buddhist Centre.
Taken from the full talk, Writing as Spiritual Practice.
A Creative Response
15 april 2019 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by the lovely Satyalila called A Creative Response.
Taken from the full talk, Imagination, the Buddha andamp; Us offering a practical and personal perspective on why Sangharakshita has taught that imagination is a vital ingredient in the spiritual life. Full of examples and poetry, the talk invites listeners to recognise and#8211; and harness and#8211; the great power of the imagination which is in all of us, whether or not weand#8217;re aware of it.
The Caste System In India
11 april 2019 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is about The Caste System In India by Amoghasiddhi, a public preceptor in India, who shares about the influence of Dr. Ambedkar on his life and community.
Listen to the Yashosagar, another public preceptor, on this same occasion The Caste System In India.
A Jumbo Indian Retreat
8 april 2019 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte gives us a glimpse into a Triratna retreat in India. Entitled A Jumbo Indian Retreat this excerpt is from the talk My Life and Dr Ambedkar by Chandrabodhi.
Given at Sangha night, North London Buddhist Centre.
Buddhist Revival in India
4 april 2019 |
10 min
Maitrivir-Nagarjuna gives us todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte: Buddhist Revival in India. This excellent talk was recorded for the San Francisco sanghaand#8217;s celebration of the anniversary of the great mass conversion initiated by Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, the great leader of the Dalit community of Indian Buddhists. It is a pretty comprehensive overview of why Dr. Ambdekar converted to Buddhism, the significance of the anniversary itself, and Ambedkarand#8217;s vision of and#8216;prabuddha bharatand#8217;: Enlightened India, and, in fact, an Enlightened world.
From the talk Dr Ambedkarand#8217;s Conversion given in 2009.
Carrying the Torch of Dr. Ambedkar
1 april 2019 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a moving remembrance of Dr. Ambedkar. Carrying the Torch of Dr. Ambedkar is excerpted from the talk Remembering Ambedkar by Sangharakshita. This highly evocative and moving account expounds the later years and death of a true Indian hero: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Dr. Ambedkar founded the Movement of mass conversions by ex-and#8217;Untouchablesand#8217; (and#8216;Dalitsand#8217;) to Buddhism in order to escape the everyday oppressions and active persecutions they were subject to under the Hindu caste system. That movement, begun in 1956 as a deeply political act, continues today and#8211; and Sangharakshita recalls his own involvement, as well as drawing out some robust lessons for contemporary western Buddhists.
We are offered a truly radical vision of a practice of Buddhism that revolutionizes all aspects of how we live. In that sense, this is nothing short of a challenging, if kindly, broadside of a talk.
Talk given at the London Buddhist Centre, 2006
Make a Difference – Women in India
28 mars 2019 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Make a Difference and#8211; Women in India, is excerpted from the talk Triratna Sangha In India and the Work of the India Dharma Trust by Tarahridaya. This talk was given as part of Manchester Buddhist Centreand#8217;s celebration of Dr Ambedkarand#8217;s 60th anniversary of his conversion to Buddhism. She provides a personal recount of the transformative nature of the Dharma and the Triratna Buddhist movement witnessed in India.
Words Count
25 mars 2019 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Words Count, is excerpted from the talk Words Have the Power to Connect Or Create Walls by Aniruddha, an Indian Order Member working as an NVC (Non-Violent Communication) trainer in India. This talk was given in 2009 on his first visit to the Buddhafield Festival and was a great hit.
Learn more about the work of Karuna Trust
Ambedkar: A True Hero
21 mars 2019 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ambedkar: A True Hero, is excerpted from the talk Radical Buddhism and#8211; Changing the Myth of Society by Vajratara about Dr Ambedkar and his relevance to the Western Buddhists.
In a culture of unprecedented freedom, Vajratara asks how we choose which path to follow? This was the question facing Dr Ambedkar who had a burning issue to solve and#8211; untouchability. Vajratara introduces Dr Ambedkar by showing his methods of solving this problem, and how he came to realise more than political, economic or social action was needed. She also explains how he came to choose Buddhism as a way to radically challenge the myth of Indian society. This leaves the question of what myths in our society do we need to challenge, and how do we challenge them?
Talk given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre in August 2014.
Paradigm Shift
18 mars 2019 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Paradigm Shift Parami revisits Bhanteand#8217;s vision of the New Society, sharing her inspiration and love for the radical and transformative power of the Dharma.
This is the third talk entitled Revisiting the New Society in the series The Order as Practice: Shifting Paradigms.
The Seeds of Love
14 mars 2019 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ratnaghosha offers some inspirational reflections entitled Seeds of Love from the talk entitled Choosing the Best. This talk explores the basic choice we have in life and goes into how we can cultivate positive emotion. The topics of motivation, faith and karma are also discussed.
Radical Metta
11 mars 2019 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Radical Metta, Saravantu reminds us of the radical nature of metta by recalling her own journey towards the Dharma, as well as telling some other illustrative stories.
From the talk entitled A Most Appropriate Response.
The New Society
7 mars 2019 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Sangharakshita speaks on: The New Society.
Sangharakshita describes the events of his life that led him to found the Western Buddhist Order, and explains how an individual can join it. He then discusses its relation to the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order and introduces the idea of the nucleus of a new society.
Excerpted from the talk The Nucleus of a New Society given in 1976.
This talk is part of the series Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow.
Sacred Mindfulness
4 mars 2019 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we offer an excerpt from a talk by Vishvapani entitled: Sacred Mindfulness.
A talk given at the Triratna Buddhist Order November 2014 Menand#8217;s UK and Ireland Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana on 1 November 2014. The theme of the weekend was Mindfulness.
Vishvapani writes: and#8220;Weand#8217;re in the middle of the greatest surge in interest related to Buddhism since the 1960s: the secular mindfulness boom. Iand#8217;ve been deeply involved in Triratna for many years and my current experience as a secular mindfulness trainer has me doing everything from teaching meditation to murderers to helping prepare a report on mindfulness for the UK parliament. In this talk I share my reflections on the strengths and limitations of the secular mindfulness movement and#8211; including how it challenges us to rethink our own teaching and our place in the Buddhist world; and explore the and#8216;sacredand#8217; dimension of mindfulness in Triratna Buddhism.and#8221;
From the talk Secular Mindfulness and Sacred Mindfulness.
Friendship Arises From Metta
28 februari 2019 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we offer an excerpt from a talk by Vajratara entitled: Friendship Arises from Metta.
To have friends, we need to learn to be a friend. Friendship is an active practice, not to be left to chance. Using the Buddhaand#8217;s advice to Sigalaka, Vajratara gives some practical guidance on how to be a good hearted, supportive, consistent, beneficial and loving friend.
From the talk entitled How To Be A Friend given at Sheffield Buddhist Center, 2011.
Words and Experience
25 februari 2019 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled Words and Experience Ratnaghosha talks about Milarepaand#8217;s final exhortation from and#8220;The Shepherdand#8217;s Search for Mindand#8221;, which provides a complete path, effortlessly combining devotion and meditation.
He sees how wrong were the fears and hopes of his own mind. Without arrival, he reaches the place of Buddha; Without seeing, he visions the Dharmakaya; Without effort, he does all things naturally.
From the talk entitled The Goal given on the European Triratna Menand#8217;s Convention at Adhisthana on 19 August 2014.
At the Heart of the Sangha
21 februari 2019 |
16 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, At the Heart of the Sangha Dhammamegha speaks about Sangha as Dharma practice and how spiritual community and friendship with the admirable are part of our heritage in Triratna. From the talk Wisdomand#8217;s Gathering: The Difference That Makes a Difference given on the Triratna International Gathering at Adhisthana, 27 August 2017.
In the World, Not of the World
14 februari 2019 |
10 min
The new consciousness that emerges does so in stages. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear from Maitreyabandhu on the particular kind of effort needed in meditation entitled In the World, Not of the World.
From the talk Meditation Essentials: Stages.
Owning Your Shadow
11 februari 2019 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is from a talk given by Vijayasri as a follow up to a showing of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s video on Buddhism, world peace and nuclear war. In Owning Your Shadow Vijayasri explores the concepts of violence and non-violence as aspects of the power mode / love mode relationship, and looks at the Jungian concept of the shadow. We examine the idea that change is possible, but that growth and development requires personal effort, using quotes from Sangharakshita, Jung and President Obama. Vijayasri concludes that one of the ways in which we can change the world is by teaching the Metta Bhavana to as many people as possible.
The full talk, Violence and Non-Violence, was given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in 2016 as part of our regular Saturday morning sangha class.
The Buddha and Trees
7 februari 2019 |
11 min
In our Dharmbyte today FBA Dharmabyte, The Buddha and Trees, Sinhadakini explores the significance of the Roseapple Tree in the story of the Buddhaand#8217;s Enlightenment. She discusses trees in general in Buddhism and goes on to talk about the type of effort needed for Enlightenment. From the talk The Buddha and the Roseapple Tree given on Buddha Day at Norwich Buddhist Centre.
Four-Fold Perfect Effort
4 februari 2019 |
11 min
Our Dharmbyte today FBA Dharmabyte is from Bhante Sangharakshita called Four-Fold Perfect Effort. Discussing the evolution of consciousness, this lecture explains that at the stage of reflexive consciousness, deliberate effort is required for any further progress. Right Effort is fourfold: preventing and eradicating the unskilful, and cultivating and maintaining the skilful.
From the talk, The Conscious Evolution of Man: Right Effort, given in 1968 as part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.
Spiritual Friends
31 januari 2019 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear an excerpt entitled Spiritual Friends. Sujiva explores friendship in general andamp; Spiritual Friendship (Kalyana Mitrata) in particular, drawing upon his personal experience in this heart-felt talk.
The full talk, Facebook Friends, Real Friends, Spiritual Friends, was given at the Auckland Buddhist Centre as a part of a Dharma night series.
The Myth of Ordination
28 januari 2019 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear an excerpt called The Myth of Ordination. Akasaruci gives a personal talk about her experiences of being on the 2018 Akashavana ordination retreat, on which she was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order.
From the talk Akashavana: Heart, Wisdom and Beauty given at her welcome back during Dharma Day on Sunday 29th July 2018 at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre.
Reflections On An Ordination Retreat
24 januari 2019 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we hear from Bodhipakshini in Reflections On An Ordination Retreat. As part of a welcome back evening for new Order members, Bodhipakshini reflects on her experience of the recent 3-month retreat in Spain during which she was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order.
Excerpted from the talk Reflections On An Ordination Retreat, part of the series Ordination: A collection of personal talks.
Connecting with the Order
21 januari 2019 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Abhaya, who has been ordained for 44 years, reflects on how he connects with the order. Connecting with the Order is excerpted from the talk of the same name, available on Free Buddhist Audio.
Metta As Emptiness
17 januari 2019 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Metta as Emptiness by Dayajoti. This excerpt is from the talk Dependent Arising given on the Metta and Insight Retreat, held at Taraloka Retreat Centre, May 2015.
Gestures of Metta
14 januari 2019 |
6 min
What needs to be seen and known in our experience of suffering in order for it to lead to freedom and compassion? Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Gestures of Metta by Saddhanandi. This beautiful collection of thoughts on metta is the introduction to a guided meditation.
The full talk, entitled Metta and Beauty, is from a 12 day meditation retreat on Metta as a Path to Insight given at Taraloka, May 2015.
Spiritual Friends
13 januari 2019 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear an excerpt entitled Spiritual Friends. Sujiva explores friendship in general andamp; Spiritual Friendship (Kalyana Mitrata) in particular, drawing upon his personal experience in this heart-felt talk.
The full talk, Facebook Friends, Real Friends, Spiritual Friends, was given at the Auckland Buddhist Centre as a part of a Dharma night series.
Creating New Pathways
10 januari 2019 |
8 min
What needs to be seen and known in our experience of suffering in order for it to lead to freedom and compassion? Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Creating New Pathways from the talk Living In the Mandala Ratnavandana.
This is her second talk of the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat in Bristol, UK. Here Ratnavandana embarks on a personal sharing of how her life has been transformed by deciding to go and live in the mandala of the Brahma Viharas and the Jinas themselves. Her deep love of the practices represents both an inspired and eminently practical vision of how to orientate yourself on the great map of the wayand#8230;
Full talk includes a guided meditation practice to help you find your feet wherever you are!
This talk is part of the series Brahma Viharas and#8211; Bristol Retreat 2015.
Into the Depths
7 januari 2019 |
11 min
What needs to be seen and known in our experience of suffering in order for it to lead to freedom and compassion? Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Into the Depths from the talk Insight Into Dukkha by Dayajoti. Number eight in a series of talks from a 12-day Metta and Insight Retreat at Taraloka, 2015.
The Buddha’s Decision to Teach
3 januari 2019 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called The Buddhaand#8217;s Decision to Teach by Parami excerpted from the talk Out of Compassion for the World given at our International Retreat at Taraloka, May 08.
The Buddha realised full well how hard it was going to be to communicate what he had discovered to other people and#8211; to us. He knew that the grip of greed, hatred and delusion is very strong. He could imagine how vexatious it might be to teach. Fortunately for us, he could also see our potential. And so out of compassion he taught. Parami explores this theme of the Buddhaand#8217;s compassionate action and how ultimately it came from beyond self, beyond other and#8211; it emerged from his realisation of and#8216;Emptinessand#8217;
The Journey of Descent
31 december 2018 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called The Journey of Descent.
Bhadra introduces the archetypal magician, Padmasambhava. He uses episodes from the magicianand#8217;s life to illustrate how engaging the imagination through ritual and being willing to make the journey of descent are key elements of a fruitful practice.
From the talk: The Art of Ritual and Descent given at a day for men in Bristol.
On The Paving Sprinkled with Perfume
27 december 2018 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called On The Paving Sprinkled with Perfume by Samantabhadri excerpted from the talk: Ritual, A Path to Truth and Self Transcendence.
Speaking at Nottingham Buddhist centre, Samantabhadri gives a keynote talk on ritual and its place and potential within the Triratna Community. She explores ritual as personal experience and in relation to going beyond a fixed self, to the collective, to the imagination, to compassion and to our longing for the transcendental.
The Heart of the Puja
24 december 2018 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called The Heart of the Puja from A Personal Take On the Sevenfold Puja by Amarapuspa. Amarapuspa discusses the Going For Refuge section of the puja, and the Refuges and Precepts, with examples from her own personal journey towards letting go into the puja.
We hear the story of Dhaniya the Cattleman and the session finishes with a series of led reflections asking and#8220;can we be inspired by the example of the Buddha?and#8221;.
This talk was given at Croydon Buddhist Centre in June 2016 as part of our regular Saturday morning sangha class.
The Sheer Amazement of Joy
20 december 2018 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called The Sheer Amazement of Joy. Garavachitta explores The Seven Moods of the Puja as a devotional journey, in this excerpt we hear his thoughts on the Rejoicing in Merits section.
This talk reflects on the stages of the journey and how we can enter it more deeply.
Given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre at Triratna Night on 28 September 2015.
A Potent Practice
17 december 2018 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called A Potent Practice. Amrta talks personally about the practice of puja and also asks us what importance do we place on it in our movement. Is it a secondary practice or a means to awakening the Bodhi Heart!? Given on a menand#8217;s regional Order weekend at Padmaloka September 2010, entitled Thoughts on Puja.
The Sevenfold Puja
13 december 2018 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a full description of The Sevenfold Puja. From the talk entitled Poetry and Devotion in Buddhism: the Sevenfold Puja by Sangarakshita.
The central problem of spiritual life is the mobilisation of our emotional energies, so that what we know can be put into practice. Energies may be blocked, wasted or too coarse, and the Buddhist puja takes us through a series of devotional moods to help liberate them.
This talk is part of the series Ritual and Devotion in Buddhism.
Our True Response
10 december 2018 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Our True Response, from the talk entitled Truthful Communication. Amarapuspa explores the topic of truthful communication starting from the idea that the spiritual life consists of speaking the truth. She discuses whether we are capable of speaking the truth and how the responses of our bodies may help us to spot if we are not being truthful. Amarapuspa also looks at the area of trust in communication and how factual accuracy is important.
This talk was given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in September 2015 as part of the regular Saturday morning Sangha class.
Going Deeper into the Heart of How Things Are
6 december 2018 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Going Deeper into the Heart of How Things Are, from the talk entitled Prajnaparamita, the female Bodhisattva of wisdom, by Vessantara. This excerpt goes into detail of the several mantras associated with this figure. From the series of talks for Sangha Night on Buddhas and Bodhisattva given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre.
The Symbolism of the Cremation Ground
3 december 2018 |
7 min
Are we ready to face our own death, and the total transformation it symbolises? In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, The Symbolism of the Cremation Ground we learn about the eight cremation grounds and the Dakinis who dance there.
From the talk The Symbolism of the Cremation Ground and the Celestial Maidens given in 1971 as part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment.
An Encounter with Padmasambhava in Darjeeling
29 november 2018 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a recollection from Sangharakshita called An Encounter with Padmasambhava in Darjeeling. Padmasambhava, often known as the and#8216;Second Buddhaand#8217;, is famous for converting the demons of Tibet. In this lecture we are given a brief biography of Padmasambhava and an outline of the progressive Nyingmapa practices attributed to him.
N.B. Poor original recording.
From the talk Padmasambhava: Tantric Guru of Tibet, given in 1972.
Nothing to Fear
26 november 2018 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is all about Nothing to Fear. Vajrasara explores the life and teachings of the Buddha as theyand#8217;ve come down through the stories of the tradition. From the talk Tales of a Free Spirit and#8211; 45 Years of the Buddhaand#8217;s Life, given in 2006.
Heroic Warrior
22 november 2018 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is called Heroic Warrior from the talk Shakyamuni Buddha given by Maitreyaraja during the 2016 and#8216;Cosmic Going for Refuge Treeand#8217; retreat at Padmaloka.
Faith as Metta
19 november 2018 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is called Faith as Metta by Saddhaloka from the talk entitled Amitabha. This is the fourth talk in a six-part series on the figures on the Wheel of Life. Saddhaloka introduces us to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of all.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, winter retreat, 1997
Bathed in Light and Love
15 november 2018 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Bathed in Light and Love by Ghosaka. From a contemplative talk entitled Amitabha: Pouring Forth From Stillness on the red Buddha of the west. Meditation, the setting sun, the Great Love, the heart in its proper placeand#8230;
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Winter Retreat 2001
Compassionate Action
12 november 2018 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is called Compassionate Action by Sangharakshita. This excerpt is from Taraloka Retreat Centre, when Sangharakshita inaugurates their new shrine cabin dedicated to Tara and#8211; the radiant Bodhisattva of compassion, inspiration to many who lead a Buddhist life aspiring to beauty and a steady openness in the face of the mysteries of existence.
From the Tears of Avalokitesvara
8 november 2018 |
9 min
In a series about the final mantras of the sevenfold puja, Kamalashila talks about the birth and significance of the bodhisattva Tara in our FBA Dharmabyte today, entitled From the Tears of Avalokitesvara. Excerpted from the short talk The Bodhisattva Tara given at the West London Buddhist Centre.
Peaceful Vajrapani
5 november 2018 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, introduces to another side of the usual wrathful Vajrapani, entitled Peaceful Vajrapani.
From an imaginative yet practical talk entitled Vajrapani by Sanghanistha. Given during the 2016 and#8216;Cosmic Going for Refuge Treeand#8217; retreat at Padmaloka.
Fear and Vajrapani
1 november 2018 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte offers a sensitive and thoughtful exploration of Fear and Vajrapani. This excerpt is from the talk entitled The Blazing Iron Club and the Winged Horse (Winter Retreat Dec 2010) by Vidyadaka.
The Horse and the Rider
28 juni 2018 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is called The Horse and the Rider, an excerpt from the talk entitled Cutting the Bonds by Vadanya, the introduction to a Sangha Night Series at Sheffield Buddhist Centre. and#8216;Total Transformation and#8211; Head, Heart and Gutsand#8217;.
Using an analogy of a rider on a horse, he notes that we often act as if our head (the rider) is the most important aspect of our experience and overlook our emotions and our volition (the horse). However all aspects of our experience need to be addressed if we want to truly transform. Vandanya explores this theme of total transformation by looking at the figure of Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who embodies the and#8216;headand#8217; aspect of Enlightenment.The Seed of the Thus Gone
25 juni 2018 |
10 min
Enlightenment must be within our reach! Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is called The Seed of the Thus Gone, an excerpt from the talk simply titled The Motive by Padmavajra.
This is the first talk in an eight part series by Padmavajra exploring a great classic of Tibetan Buddhism – Gampopaand#8217;s and#8216;Jewel Ornament of Liberationand#8217;.
The work, inspired by devotion to Manjusri, is one of the key texts in the development of the Tibetan Lam Rim teachings. And Gampopa, being one of the two principle disciples of the yogi Milarepa, presents both the monastic Lam Rim approach of Atisha and the Mahamudra meditation teachings of Milarepa himself.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Winter 2008
This talk is part of the series Themes from Gampopaand#8217;s Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
An Army of Compassion
21 juni 2018 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte, An Army of Compassion, is an excerpt from the talk Compassion Embodied by Vajratara.
The Bodhicitta is about the spiritual community, the sangha, because it is only when we work together that we can make an infinite sphere of influence and concern for the suffering of the world.
The Jewel that Arises The Priceless Treasure The Elixir of Life The Supreme Medicine The Tree of Shelter The Feast of Happiness The Rising Moon of the Mind The Brilliant Sun
Embodying Compassion in the World
18 juni 2018 |
10 min
How do we have a creative response to suffering, without either getting overwhelmed or turning away? Our FBA Dharmabyte, Embodying Compassion in the World, illustrates the keep kindness of the Buddha with the story of Kisagotami.
In this talk, given on a work retreat at Taraloka, Maitrisiddhi describes the Bodhisattva Ideal with the myth of Avalokitesvara. She explores the crucial interrelationship between keeping our own personal practice and inspiration at our hearts and being able to continuously act for the benefit of the world.
Excerpted from the talk Avalokiteshvara and the Creative Heart by Maitrisiddhi.
Metaphors and Archetypes
14 juni 2018 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Metaphors and Archetypes from the talk Archetypal Symbolism, Part 2 by Danadasa.
The life story of the Buddha is much more than a historical account – it is a poetic myth full of profound meanings that can resonate with both our conscious minds and our unconscious depths. To fully realize our infinite human potential, we need to harness the power that lies within the vast oceanic depths of our psyches. This talk, which comes in 2 parts, explores the use of the Imagination to broaden our perception of that which is possible.
Our Place is in the Cosmos
11 juni 2018 |
18 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Our Place is in the Cosmos from the talk Approaching a Magical World by Jvalamalini. This is an excerpt from the first of four talks on and#8216;the Cosmic Mythic Vision of the Mahayana.and#8217; Here Jvalamalini explores the faculties of mythos and logos, how theyand#8217;re conditioned by historical context, a suggestion from neuroscience about how imaginal practice might work, and how the integrated Imagination perceives wisdom beyond words.
Chittamatra (‘Mind-Only’)
7 juni 2018 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Chittamatra (and#8216;Mind-Onlyand#8217;) from the talk The Depth Psychology of the Yogachara by Sangharakshita.
The Yogachara School of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and its doctrine of and#8216;Mind-Onlyand#8217; (Chittamatra) crucially influenced the development of Zen. Here the doctrine is related to subjective and absolute idealism in Western philosophy.
Talk given in 1967.
This talk is part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology.
Intellectual understanding is not enough
4 juni 2018 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Intellectual understanding is not enough from the talk The Turning About in the Deepest Seat of Consciousness by Sangharakshita.
The and#8216;turning aboutand#8217; or paravrtti is described in the Yogachara school of Buddhism in terms of the transformation of the eight ordinary kinds of discriminating consciousness into the five Transcendental Wisdoms of the Buddhas.
N.B. Poor original recording.
This talk is part of the series The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism.
Our Illusory View
31 maj 2018 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is another dip into the Yogachara from Subhuti called Our Illusory View.
This is the last in a brilliant four-part series by Subhuti on the Yogachara school of Buddhist philosophy, which provides a comprehensive psychological overview of the workings of and#8216;consciousnessand#8217;. What can we do about the veils of our basic delusions? Where do ethics come into all this? Time to steep ourselves in reality again for another session with Subhuti as he grasps the slippery snake of the mind and tries to help us see which end is which!
Please note, theses and#8216;ramblesand#8217; were given without notes and may contain quotational misrememberings and inevitable slips of the tongue!
Rambles Around the Yogachara: Talk 4, given at London Buddhist Centre, 2003
This talk is part of the series Rambles Around the Yogachara.
What is actually happening?
28 maj 2018 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Arthapriya creatively explores the question: What is actually happening? .
Arthapriya explores the Buddhist understanding of what we call reality, and how it is less common sensical than we might imagine. In particular, he questions how much our and#8216;outside worldand#8217; is in fact so strongly conditioned by our state of mind.
Covering karma, emptiness, impermanence and galaxies, this is a wide ranging talk!
From the talk The Nature of Reality of a series of three talks entitled and#8216;Reality and what to do about itand#8217;, given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, UK, in Nov 2010.
What happens when we stop and listen?
24 maj 2018 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled What happens when we stop and listen? from the talk The Sound of Reality by Padmavajra.
Fabulous stuff. This richly rewarding talk explores the place and function of sound in Buddhist practice and history, as well as within Padmavajraand#8217;s own spiritual life. A wide-ranging cultural journey is made from John Coltrane to Sufi Qawwali, from mantra to Zen poetry, taking in Andre Gide, Renaissanace Neoplatonism and the ancient Pali Verses en route. Not to be missed!
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
The Buddha and Reality
21 maj 2018 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled The Buddha and Reality from the talk The Buddha, God, and Reality by Sangharakshita. Having considered Buddhism (in and#8216;The Buddha and#8211; Man or Supermanand#8217; and and#8216;Evolution: Lower and Higherand#8217;) in terms of process in time, and the Buddha himself as a historical figure, Sangharakshita now uses stories and quotations from the scriptures to show that the Buddha and reality are ultimately outside time.
Talk given in 1966.
This talk is part of the series Introducing Buddhism.
Reality and Intuition
17 maj 2018 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled Reality and Intuition from the talk All One Gorgeous Mistake by Vajradarshini.
A jewelled casket of a talk by Vajradarshini, with poetic accompaniment. Rumi meets Tsongkhapa in the Tavern of Ruin, and Dogen, Milarepa and Nagarjuna join them to talk about and#8216;selfand#8217; and and#8216;worldand#8217;. Joanna Macy turns up too — then many voices, mixed and mingled, explore the experience of being part of an Order and following the Buddhaand#8217;s way. Quite splendid stuff.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Womenand#8217;s Convention, 2005
Perception (Samjna) – A Definition
14 maj 2018 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is called Perception (Samjna) and#8211; A Definition, taken from the 6th talk in the series The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits by Padmavajra.
This is the sixth in a sparkling, wide-ranging, thoroughly comprehensive ten talk series by Padmavajra on and#8216;The Diamond Sutraand#8217;. Down to the nitty-gritty now, with a useful and considered introduction to the nature and workings of perception itself. With a special emphasis too on moving from a utilitarian attitude to other people towards a genuine sense of relationship founded on loving kindness.
Talks given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004 as part of the series The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits.
The Fulcrum of Vedana
10 maj 2018 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from a talk by Kulaprabha called The Alchemy of Happiness, a thoughtful take on the positive emotions cultivated in the and#8216;Brahma Viharaand#8217; meditations.
This excerpt, called The Fulcrum of Vedana, takes a look at the relationship between mindfulness and positive emotion.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order convention, 2007.
Worldly and Unworldly Vedana
7 maj 2018 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is on Worldly and Unworldly Vedana from a series of talks on the Satipatthana: A Path to Insight.
This talk (4 of 8 in the series) is clear, engaging and impassioned. In this full exploration of how to apply mindfulness practice in meditation and our lives, Prasadavatiand#8217;s depth of lived experience and love of satipatthana shines through. This series was given on an intensive meditation retreat at Taraloka for women who have asked for ordination.
Whole Body Breathing
3 maj 2018 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte, Whole Body Breathingis an excerpt from the talk Anatomy of the Breath by Padmadarshini
This talk provides a really good working context to help your meditation practice. Best to lie down comfortably as you listen to Padmadharshiniand#8217;s description of the anatomical and physiological processes involved in breathing. Sheand#8217;s a yoga teacher as well as a meditation teacher and she draws on both those sets of skills to give this talk. And as you lie there, sheand#8217;ll help you tune into your own own body with some very simple exercises and suggestions. Expect to come away with some very practical tips on how to become more aware of your breathing body.
The talk was given on and#8220;One Moment at a Timeand#8221; retreat at Taraloka and is a companion talk to the body scan meditation led by Vidyamala. (The sound quality is a little bit and#8216;fuzzyand#8217; in parts but the content more than makes up for that.)
Working at Your Own Pace
30 april 2018 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte, Working at Your Own Paceis an excerpt from an Anapanasati Retreat led by Viveka.
Vivekaand#8217;s fresh and vibrant take on the traditional practice of anapanasati and#8211; mindfulness with breathing. Using the breath as a stabilizing presence, this series of meditations (including two fully-guided practices) is designed to help us discover the nature of reality itself by encouraging us to notice what is actually happening each moment in a direct and open way. Anapanasati is a complete path to awakening or enlightenment.
Please note that some small noise artefacts can be heard occasionally on these tracks due to a poor original recording.
Retreat recorded at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2003 This talk is part of the series Anapanasati Retreat 2003.
Metta, Contemplative Dialogue
26 april 2018 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is the beginning of a heartfelt conversation between Samantabhadri and Dharmakarunya entitled Metta, Contemplative Dialogue. The two good friends engage in a contemplative dialogue about metta. This dialogue, spontaneous and unscripted, unfolds as a significant exploration of metta. Metta as meditation practice, as an illumination of ordinary living and as a path to insight.
Listen to the whole conversation on Free Buddhist Audio Metta, Contemplative Dialogue
We Are a Flow of Phenomena
23 april 2018 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called We Are a Flow of Phenomena by Dassini from the talk The Therigatha and the Problem of Self. We then hear a verse about no-self from the nun Uttara. This leads on to reflections about how we subtly reinforce a sense of self through feeling embarrassed or irritable.
Stepping Through The Portal
19 april 2018 |
14 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Stepping Through The Portal by Nagapriya from the talk Cherish the Doctrine, Part 1 of a three part series based around the motto of the great Tibetan 20th Century teacher Dhardo Rimpoche and#8211; and#8220;Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Loveand#8221;. Nagapriya takes an unusual angle and#8211; referencing the Spike Jonze movie and#8216;Being John Malkovichand#8217;, he speaks of the Dharma as a portal into the Buddhaand#8217;s mind itself.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Enlightenment Is Possible
16 april 2018 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Enlightenment Is Possible by Saddhanandi from the talk Reflecting On the Life of the Buddha.
This is the first of four talks exploring Vasubandhuand#8217;s Four Factors. In his treatise Generating Bodhi Resolve, Vasubandhu describes them as able to generate the resolve to cultivate and accumulate the bases for the Arising of the Bodhicitta. You can find out more about them in Sangharakshitaand#8217;s books The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism and The Bodhisattva Ideal.
Saddhanandi gave this talk on a meditation retreat for women who have asked for ordination. The complete set of talks is as follows and each one finishes with a led reflection on the theme, given at Taraloka in February, 2010.
Conditions For Generating Bodhi Resolve
12 april 2018 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Conditions For Generating Bodhi Resolve from the talk Vasubandhuand#8217;s Treatise on Generating Bodhi Resolve given at the London Buddhist Centre, September 2009.
In this talk Kulaprabha introduces us to a work of his dealing with the conditions necessary for the arising of the Bodhicitta and#8211; here translated as Bodhi Resolve. In particular, she compares and contrasts Vasubandhuand#8217;s Four Factors as they are described in this text with Sangharakshitaand#8217;s description and evocation of them in his book and#8216;The Meaning of conversion in Buddhismand#8217;.
Grounded in Compassion
12 mars 2018 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is from Visuddhimati called Grounded in Compassion from the talk The Bodhisattva Vision given during the Triratna Urban Retreat, 2015.
Seeing Through
8 mars 2018 |
5 min
In our FBA Dharmabyte today, Seeing Through. Sanghadevi introduces us to Manjughosha who holds the Perfection of Wisdom near his heart and wields a sword that cuts through all the views and attitudes that we suffer from that arenand#8217;t in accordance with that truth.
From the talk Manjughosha given on Sangha Night at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre.
The Bodhisattva’s Cosmic Context
5 mars 2018 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today catapults us into The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Cosmic Context. Another excerpt from a classic Sangharakshita talk entitled The Cosmic Significance of the Bodhisattva Ideal from The Higher Evolution series given in 1969.
The Bodhisattva Spirit
1 mars 2018 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Sangharakshita illustrates the cosmic grandeur of The Bodhisattva Spirit . This is from the talk entitled The Cosmic Significance of the Bodhisattva Ideal from The Higher Evolution series given in 1969.
Keeping Our Hearts Open
26 februari 2018 |
17 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Keeping Our Hearts Open, an excerpt from the talk on Avalokitesvara by Dharmasri. Speaking from the heart, Dharmasri evokes the wish to alleviate the suffering of all beings embodied by the figure Avalokitesvara.
This talk continues the exploration of Transforming Self and World through looking at the seven-fold puja, by exploring the mantra of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Dharmasri introduces us to Bodhisattvas as aspects of the Enlightened mind. We discover the Myth of Avalokitesvara and how this encompasses the desire to end suffering and the understanding of our own limitations in this respect.
We look at the symbolism of different visual forms of Avalokitesvara and consider how mantras are sound symbols which represent visual images that encourage the Bodhisattvas to manifest.
Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2016
One Understands
22 februari 2018 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called One Understands, an excerpt from the talk on Manjusri by Amaraghosha one of a series of talks about archetypal Bodhisattvas. In this excerpt Amaraghosha explores the importance of wisdom in the Buddhist tradition through teachings including the Noble eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.
This talk was given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in 2016 as part of their regular Saturday morning sangha class.
Peaceful Vajrapani
19 februari 2018 |
4 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte is called Our Pure Nature by Sanghanistha. From the talk entitled Peaceful Vajrapani. From the imaginative yet practical talk entitled Vajrapani given during the 2016 and#8216;Cosmic Going for Refuge Treeand#8217; retreat at Padmaloka.
Our Pure Nature
15 februari 2018 |
11 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Our Pure Nature by Aryajaya. From the talk entitled Vajrasattva who is associated with Purity and with the time of death. Aryajaya helps us to engage more deeply with the meaning and symbolism of Vajrasattva.
Bringing Tara Into Being
12 februari 2018 |
5 min
Prepare to be inspired by this FBA Dharmabyte today by Tejasvini called Bringing Tara Into Being. From the talk entitled Green Tara from the Cambridge Buddhist Centre Sangha Night series on the imagination, exploring different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Mind States Make a Difference
8 februari 2018 |
11 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Sagaraghosa called Mind States Make a Difference. From the talk What Do Buddhists Think and#8211; Physics.
Changing Faith
5 februari 2018 |
16 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, entitled Changing Faith, Sangharakshita discusses how Faith (shraddha) arises in dependence on unsatisfactoriness (dukkha).
From the talk The Dynamics of Being given in 1966 as part of the series Introducing Buddhism.
Faith
1 februari 2018 |
18 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, entitled Faith, Subhadramati explores what Buddhism means by faith, pointing us to what exactly we need to have faith in if we are to deepen into life. From the talk of the same name, Faith, given on the Urban Retreat 2016.
Confidence
29 januari 2018 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled Confidence. Confidence in the three jewels is incredibly important for our spiritual lives. Excerpted from the talk of the same title, Confidence, which includes a led meditation.
Our Habitual Mind is Unaware
25 januari 2018 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled Our Habitual Mind is Unaware by Ratnadhya, excerpted from Mind the Gap and#8211; Creating the Creative Space. Given at an introductory meditation weekend retreat in Worcestershire, Ratnadhya addresses the subject of Bardos and what they can teach us about our need to cultivate creative gaps in our lives in which we can just be rather than do. He talks about bardos of scale, from the traditional bardos of life and death, to the bardos that arise quite naturally within a single life, a single year, a single day, even the gaps which can be observable in our moment to moment experience, at least within meditation and#8211; all of them offering opportunities for glimpsing the true nature of our experience, and the possibility of moving from the reactive to the creative mind.
A Mirror in the Wheel
22 januari 2018 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an excerpt from a 1971 talk by Sangharakshita called A Mirror in the Wheel. The Wheel of Life, described here in all its wealth of detail, is not really a painting but a mirror, giving one successively more profound insights into yourself, and revealing the next step in escaping the endless round. From the talk The Symbolism of the Tibetan Wheel of Life from the series https://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/series/details?ser=X13
Why does the Dharma exist?
18 januari 2018 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is another excerpt from a 1968 talk by Sangharakshita called Why does the Dharma exist?. Dharma is the experience of reality, and also the expression of that experience in the form of the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching, especially the law of conditionality. It is the raft that carries you to Enlightenment, the further shore; it is whatever helps you to develop spiritually. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Meaning of the Dharma given in 1968 as part of the series Introducing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
The Dharma Jewel
15 januari 2018 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Dharma Jewel by Sangharakshita. Dharma is the experience of reality, and also the expression of that experience in the form of the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching, especially the law of conditionality. It is the raft that carries you to Enlightenment, the further shore; it is whatever helps you to develop spiritually. This is an excerpt from the talk entitled The Meaning of the Dharma given in 1968 as part of the series Introducing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
Reaching Across Differences
28 december 2017 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Reaching Across Differences Saravantu talks about one of Triratnaand#8217;s emphases and#8211; a unified Order and#8211; by looking inwards. If we turn away from elements of our own character, we will find ourselves turning away from others. A unified Order needs us to be able to turn towards all aspects of ourselves. This is an excerpt from the practical talk entitled An Inclusive Order -Turning Away, Turning Towards, Meeting the Shadows In Ourselves and Others.
Depth of Connection
25 december 2017 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Depth of Connection Nagabodhi shares memories of being in Croydon during the 1970and#8242;s. He describes the beautiful symmetry of the fact that he opened the first shrine room in the Croydon Centre and is now here to open the newly rebuilt shrine room in 2017.
Nagabodhi considers the many eras of Croydonand#8217;s history and shares the idea that a new shrine room is the seed of incalculable journeys for the future.
This is an excerpt from the talk A Sangha Doesnand#8217;t Happen In Space given on 13th May 2017 at the Croydon Buddhist Centre. There is some external noise, in places, on the recording.
Describing Nirvana
21 december 2017 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Describing Nirvana by Sangharakshita. Attitudes connected with goal-seeking are at the root of misunderstandings about the nature of Nirvana, which many consider to be Buddhismand#8217;s and#8216;goaland#8217;. Sangharakshita challenges us to investigate our real motives for wanting to know what Nirvana is. The full talk, entitled simply, and#8220;Nirvanaand#8221; was given in 1966 and is part of the series Introducing Buddhism.
Reflecting on Old Age and Death
18 december 2017 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Reflecting on Old Age and Death, Sangharakshita takes us through a personal ramble through the history of letters and letter writing. As usual the range of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s reflections in this is hugely impressive and#8211; taking in late mediaeval and 18th C. letter culture, provocative takes on Christianity, the Romantic poets and even the economy! Itand#8217;s an education and a genuine, poignant pleasure to hear him evoke a vanishing art, pass on old pieces of knowledge and lore, and remember so vividly a friend now gone with whom he shared, in Keatsand#8217; phrase, and#8216;a mingling of soulsand#8217;.
From the talk Mingling Souls and#8211; Launching Dear Dinoo, Letters to a Friend given in Birmingham, December 2011.
Enlightenment as a Real Possibility
14 december 2017 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Enlightenment as a Real Possibility, Ratnaguna describes the process of transformation in the context of the Five Aspects of the Spiritual Path and#8211; integration, positive emotion, spiritual receptivity, spiritual death, and spiritual rebirth. From the talk The Underlying Pattern of the Spiritual Life given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre on 14th April 2012.
Tethered to Fiction
11 december 2017 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte podcast today is called Tethered to Fiction by Arthabandhu. Spiritual death does not only mean esoteric meditation practices, it means confronting the vagaries and difficulties of life with honesty and courage and seeing what we can learn from them. By opening up to new experiences life becomes more vivid and enjoyable and#8211; if we can just face the fear. From the talk, The Sea As Spiritual Death, given at Young Men Retreat, Padmaloka 2012.
A Network of Relationships
17 augusti 2017 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte podcast today is called A Network of Relationships by Abhayanandi. The Buddha famously said that fellowship is the whole of the spiritual life. Is that really true?! Abhayanandi has been following this teaching notably by living in a residential Buddhist community and working in a team-based right-livlihood business. Hear her inspirational and hard-won reflections on Living Sanghaand#8230; From the talk entitled and#8220;Living Sangha.and#8221;
The Complete Embodiment of Love
14 augusti 2017 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte podcast today is called The Complete Embodiment of Love by Subhadramati. We can see how the Buddha is the embodiment of love in the stories of the Pali Canon. He is completely responsive in an appropriate way to the situation and people at hand.
From the talk entitled, Who is the Buddha, given on the LBC Winter Retreat, 2015.
Anatomy of the Breath
10 augusti 2017 |
13 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast, Anatomy of the Breath, Padmadarshini gives us a really good working context to help our meditation practice. Best to lie down comfortably as you listen to her description of the anatomical and physiological processes involved in breathing. Sheand#8217;s a yoga teacher as well as a meditation teacher and she draws on both those sets of skills to give this talk. And as you lie there, sheand#8217;ll help you tune into your own own body with some very simple exercises and suggestions. Expect to come away with some very practical tips on how to become more aware of your breathing body. This is an excerpt of the full talk of the same name given on and#8220;One Moment at a Timeand#8221; retreat at Taraloka and is a companion talk to the body scan meditation led by Vidyamala. (The sound quality is a little bit and#8216;fuzzyand#8217; in parts but the content more than makes up for that.
Hear the Call to Give
8 juni 2017 |
10 min
In our Dharmabyte podcast today, Hear the Call to Give, Vidyamala reminds us of the Buddhaand#8217;s words that at the very least we can give. Our Bodhisattva journey, giving is the first paramita, the first training, because it is the complete opposite of grasping. Anyone can have a moment of open-handedness! Excerpt from the talk From Pinball Machine to River, a talk given on the Manchester Buddhist Centre Sangha Retreat at Adhisthana on 21 May 2016.
Inspiring Confidence
5 juni 2017 |
6 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled Inspiring Confidence, an excerpt from the talk entitled Sanghakaya and the Heart’s Release about the Sangha Jewel and itand#8217;s place in the spiritual life, given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre on Triratna Night, 14 December 2015.
Maitreyi says, “I had something of an epiphany on first hearing the term Sanghakaya in a talk by Subhuti in India. It seemed to give expression to a whole direction and momentum of my life and practice, while simultaneously both deepening and opening out the mystery of the enlightened mind, expanding beyond any sense of individual consciousness or attainment.”
The Integrating Practice of Compassion
20 april 2017 |
5 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled The Integrating Practice of Compassion, by Munisha. Balancing care for self and other is a practice of integration, an aspect of that practice is to distinguish between self-compassion and self-esteem. From the talk, Self Compassion For the Sake of All Beings, in English to a Swedish audience, 5th March 2016, Dhammagiri Retreat Center, Sweden.
Kindness: A Poem and A Story
17 april 2017 |
8 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is the reading of the poem Kindness, by Naomi Shihab Nye (1952) followed by the back story to the poem. Kindness: A Poem andamp; A Story, by Ratnaguna, is a commentary on two poems: Singapore by Mary Oliver and Kindness by Naomi Shihab Nye. In this excerpt we hear of the latter poem. The full talk, The Tender Gravity of Kindness, was by Ratnaguna on Sangha Night at Stockholm Buddhist Center the 26th of October 2015.
Going Beyond the Cushion
13 april 2017 |
5 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled Going Beyond the Cushionby Amaragita.
Amaragita explodes and expands notions around the practice of paying attention via awareness of the breath, using the deceptively simple exercise of taking just five breaths through the day.
From the talk Meditation Workshop and#8211; Five Breaths a companion to another talk, The Possibility of Practice and her guided Meditation on the Three Bodies (physical, emotional, and mental) this workshop is indispensable. Workshop recorded on the Mothers Retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2015.
12 Minutes On Intention In Meditation
10 april 2017 |
13 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled 12 Minutes On Intention In Meditationby Bodhilila. A very concise introduction to whether you need a specific intention in a meditation session, and if you do, how to set it up. A talk at West London Buddhist Centre Sangha night, as part of a meditation workshop.
Sangharakshita’s Going Forth
6 april 2017 |
11 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled Sangharakshitaand#8217;s Going Forthby Ashvajit. In this excerpt from the talk, Sangharakshitaand#8217;s Life In Kalimpong, Ashvajit evokes Sangharakshitaand#8217;s time in Kalimpong, his setting up of his first Buddhist organisation, and describes some of the wide variety of people that he met. This talk is part of the series Sangharakshitaand#8217;s life story.
Sangharakshita – Early Self-Education
3 april 2017 |
10 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled Sangharakshita and#8211; Early Self-Educationby Vajrapriya. An excerpt from the talk, Sangharakshita: Early Life, Vajrapriya covers the period from his birth up until his arrival in Kalimpong, including his extraordinary wandering days in India. This talk is part of the series Sangharakshitaand#8217;s life story.
In Relationship to Others
16 februari 2017 |
7 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is brought to us by Karunadevi from a talk entitled The Individual, the Group and the Spiritual Community that weand#8217;ve called:In Relationship to Others. Can we retain our individuality while practicing with other people? Are we true individuals, or are we rebels, and are the two really that different? Karunadevi explores the dangers and benefits of practicing within a sangha using the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching on the mental fetters and various commentaries by Sangahrakshita.
In Relationship to Others
16 februari 2017 |
7 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is brought to us by Karunadevi from a talk entitled The Individual, the Group and the Spiritual Community that weand#8217;ve called:In Relationship to Others. Can we retain our individuality while practicing with other people? Are we true individuals, or are we rebels, and are the two really that different? Karunadevi explores the dangers and benefits of practicing within a sangha using the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching on the mental fetters and various commentaries by Sangahrakshita.
Listeners of the Truth
13 februari 2017 |
4 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is an excerpt called Listeners of the Truth by Ratnaguna. Sanghanussati means and#8216;recollection of the Sanghaand#8217; and Ratnaguna looks at the Sangha section of the Tiratana Vandana in Sanghanussati and#8211; Recollection of the Sangha given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre on 21st April 2009.
Choosing Our Path
9 februari 2017 |
5 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is an excerpt called Choosing Our Path from a delightful talk from Vajragupta drawing a lot of significance from a simple image for the connection between Sangha and Commitment by Vajragupta.
Going Beyond Self in Sangha
6 februari 2017 |
4 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is called Going Beyond Self in Sangha an excerpt from the talk Being and Building a Sangha Heart. In 2017 Birmingham Buddhist Centre is turning their energies towards being and building a vibrant Sangha heart for their community. This short talk, given by Singhamati Chair of the Birmingham Buddhist Centre at the launch of this project, explores how the practice of Sangha is essential for insight on the journey towards Enlightenment.
Patience
2 februari 2017 |
6 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is called Patience by Bodhilila. A clear, practical and accessible talk on the third of the Bodhisattva perfections, Ksanti (patience or forbearance). Given at the West London Buddhist Centre Sangha evening, March 2012.
The Importance of Intention
30 januari 2017 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast is delivered by Subhuti entitled The Importance of Intention In the Stage of Positive Emotion. This excerpt from the talk of the same name was given during a retreat on the system of meditation. Subhuti emphasises the importance of intention in the metta bhavana; it is not a practice about feeling good, but transforming our responses; a karmic action which then has a result of feeling happier and more positive.
I want to be happy. You want to be happy.
3 november 2016 |
11 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is brought to you by Maitreyabandhu, called:I want to be happy. You want to be happy. We yearn to be happy, yet we don’t know where to find happiness. The central problem of human life and#8211; we try all sorts of things, it’s like a koan we are all born with. From the talk The Happiness Problem by Maitreyabandhu given as part of the LBCand#8217;s Urban Retreat in June 2009.
Living Sangha
31 oktober 2016 |
9 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is called Living Sangha Abhayanandi, an excerpt from a talk of the same name. Imagine being part of a community marked by autonomy and connection, abundant with supportive love and friendship. The Buddha famously said that fellowship is the whole of the spiritual life. Is that really true?! Abhayanandi has been following this teaching notably by living in a residential Buddhist community and working in a team-based right-livlihood business. Hear her inspirational and hard-won reflections on Living Sanghaand#8230;
Broken Images
27 oktober 2016 |
10 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is from our Triratna Buddhist Community founder, Sangharakshita, entitled: Broken Images, an excerpt from the talk The Journey to Il Convento. The journey symbolises a pilgrimage through the ruins and broken images of Christian civilisation and culture, progressing through a world of archetypal forms, and potentially taking us to the very threshold of Enlightenment. N.B. A few words missing. Talk given in 1984.
Emotion in the Spiritual Life
24 oktober 2016 |
6 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is from our Triratna Buddhist Community founder, Sangharakshita, entitled: Emotion in the Spiritual Life. The central problem of spiritual life is the mobilisation of our emotional energies, so that what we know can be put into practice. Energies may be blocked, wasted or too coarse, and the Buddhist puja takes us through a series of devotional moods to help liberate them. The full talk, Poetry and Devotion in Buddhism: the Sevenfold Puja is part of the series Ritual and Devotion in Buddhism.
Metta As Dependent Arising
20 oktober 2016 |
13 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is an excerpt from retreat! Dayajoti speaks from a Metta as a Path to Insight Retreat (2015) on Metta As Dependent Arising. From a talk of the same title.
The Bodhisattva Vision
17 oktober 2016 |
5 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is an excerpt from The Bodhisattva Vision. Visuddhimati launches the Triratna Urban Retreat on the theme of the greater mandala of uselessness and#8211; a teaching Sangharakshita has given us in 1976 derived from the Ratnagunasamcayagatha Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. From the talk entitled The Bodhisattva Vision.
Twentieth Century Bodhisattva
13 oktober 2016 |
25 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today is brought to you by Dayajoti. Twentieth Century Bodhisattva is an excerpt from the introduction to Buddhist Action Month 2016 in Bristol, England. She focused on three aspects of transforming the world: direct action; creating alternatives; and a shift in consciousness.
The Sea As Spiritual Death
10 oktober 2016 |
6 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today, The Sea As Spiritual Death, is an excerpt from a talk of the same name by Arthabandhu. Image of the sea and the raft, we hold onto our raft, but this brings suffering and#8211; can we let go, enter the sea and become spiritually reborn? This is the question Arthabandhu asks us. Spiritual death does not only mean esoteric meditation practices, it means confronting the vagaries and difficulties of life with honesty and courage and seeing what we can learn from them. By opening up to new experiences life becomes more vivid and enjoyable and#8211; if we can just face the fear. Talk given at Young Men Retreat, Padmaloka 2012.
‘Vision’ and ‘View’
6 oktober 2016 |
7 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today, and#8216;Visionand#8217; and and#8216;Viewand#8217;, is an excerpt from A Vision of Human Existence given by Sangharakshita in 1976. In sanskrit or pali, there’s no word that corresponds with the word ‘philosophy.’ There is one word that is sometimes translated as philosophy, the word darshana, which means ‘to see, a sight, a view, a vision.’ Dharsana represents direct experience, not something mediated by concepts. In Buddhism, the term is ‘drsti’ and#8211; which means a sight, a view, a perspective. This talk is part of the series Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow.
A Prayer to the Moon
18 juli 2016 |
8 min
In our Dharmabyte podcast today, A Prayer to the Moonand#8221;, Paramananda shares a David White poem about the moon as a means of expressing consciousness that is inspired by longing for something greater than us.
Daring to Look In the Mirror
14 juli 2016 |
18 min
In our Dharmabyte podcast today, Daring to Look In the Mirrorand#8221;, Satyalila offers a talk for theme of the European Womenand#8217;s Convention which was and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insight.and#8221; August 27 2014, Adhisthana.
Opening Up and Letting Go
11 juli 2016 |
12 min
In our Dharmabyte podcast today, Opening Up and#038; Letting Goand#8221;, Yashobodhi talks about her personal connection to the tonglen practice and the seven point mind training and about practising tonglen in the moment.
Developing Real Individuality
7 juli 2016 |
11 min
Our Dharmabyte podcast today entitled and#8220;Developing Real Individualityand#8221; is about going forth from the group, and helping others to do so too. From the talk The Individual, the Group, and the Community by Sangharakshita (1971)
A Spiritual Community consists of Individuals; a group does not consist of Individuals. What is individuality? How can an ordinary group support our efforts to transcend the group?
Experience, Then Understanding
4 juli 2016 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast Ratnaghosha brings usand#8220;Experience, Then Understandingand#8221;, a short excerpt from the talk entitled The Goal, the sixth talk given on the European Triratna Menand#8217;s Convention at Adhisthana on 19 August 2014.
The Menand#8217;s Convention, the first to be held at Adhisthana, was based on Milarepaand#8217;s final exhortation from and#8220;The Shepherdand#8217;s Search for Mindand#8221;, which provides a complete path, effortlessly combining devotion and meditation.
Day 5: He sees how wrong were the fears and hopes of his own mind. Without arrival, he reaches the place of Buddha; Without seeing, he visions the dharmakaya; Without effort, he does all things naturally.
Mindfulness Really is The Way
30 juni 2016 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast Vajratara delivers and#8220;Mindfulness Really is The Wayand#8221;, a short excerpt from the talk, Insight In The Everyday. Satipatana is a practice of bringing awareness to what is going on in your experience. A dynamic process that is continuous and ultimately the key to Insight. More than just focusing on our present experience, it’s also being aware of the significance of each moment.
Talk given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 11th December 2007, as part of a series on stories and symbols.
Knowing the Dangers, Seeking the Noble
27 juni 2016 |
10 min
Fear is the great modern disease. Helping to create the conditions of fearlessness is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast is entitledand#8220;Knowing the Dangers, Seeking the Nobleand#8221; by Dhivan. Here, Dhivan draws out some of the continuing significance of the story of the noble quest, as a kind of blueprint for the model of the Dharma life as heroic self-development. From the talk The Buddhas Noble Quest given at a Sangha evening at Bristol Buddhist Centre.
The Gift of Fearlessness
23 juni 2016 |
6 min
Fear is the great modern disease. Helping to create the conditions of fearlessness is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast is entitledand#8220;The Gift of Fearlessnessand#8221; by Sangharakshita from the talk Altruism and Individualism in the Spiritual Life Talk given in 1969 as part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.
It’s Not Fair!
20 juni 2016 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast is aptly namedand#8220;It’s Not Fair!and#8221; by Kalyanaprabha. Lifeand#8217;s unfair, what can we do about it? We can practice the Dharma and follow the Buddhaand#8217;s teachings. Kalyanaprabhaand#8217;s sober yet uplifting talk encourages us to do just that. Excerpt from the talk: What to Do In An Unfair World.
Karma with a Twist
16 juni 2016 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast entitled, and#8220;Karma with a Twistand#8221;, Subhuti clearly describes how unwholesome mental states influence how we interpret our experience. This is why we begin with sila (ethics) on the path. From the talk, Rambles Around the Yogachara: Talk 1, part of the series Rambles Around the Yogachara by Subhuti. the Yogachara school of Buddhist philosophy, which provides a comprehensive psychological overview of the workings of and#8216;consciousnessand#8217;. This talk introduces the whole (complex!) subject with an admirable easy humour, leading us through the mazy twists and turns of the mind. We wonand#8217;t even try to sum it up here and#8211; listen and marvel in an appropriately bewildered kind of wayand#8230; Please note, theses and#8216;ramblesand#8217; were given without notes and may contain quotational misrememberings and inevitable slips of the tongue! Talk given at London Buddhist Centre, 2003
Breaking Through with Awareness
13 juni 2016 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast entitled, and#8220;Breaking Through with Awarenessand#8221;, we are reminded that awareness is the great dissolver of negative emotions. At times in the spiritual life we may need considerable energy to overcome obstacles, such as negative emotions, psychological conditionings, rational thinking, and even the sense of and#8216;timeand#8217; itself. How, when, and where can we break through? From the talk Breaking Through into Buddhahood by Sangharakshita given in 1969.
Glimpses of Vision
9 juni 2016 |
15 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast is a short talk by Nityabodha given as part of the LBCand#8217;s Urban Retreat in June 2009 entitled and#8220;Glimpses of Visionand#8221;.
Fluidity in Our Nature: The Sea
6 juni 2016 |
7 min
Weand#8217;ve titled todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast, and#8220;Fluidity in Our Nature: The Seaand#8221;. In this gentle talk, Arthabandhu gives us the image of the sea and the raft. We hold onto our raft, but this brings suffering and#8211; can we let go, enter the sea and become spiritually reborn? This is the question Arthabandhu asks us. Spiritual death does not only mean esoteric meditation practices, it means confronting the vagaries and difficulties of life with honesty and courage and seeing what we can learn from them. By opening up to new experiences life becomes more vivid and enjoyable and#8211; if we can just face the fear. From the talk, The Sea As Spiritual Death, given at Young Men Retreat, Padmaloka 2012.
A Conversation About Poetry
2 juni 2016 |
13 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast, and#8220;A Conversation About Poetry and#8220;, from Maitreyabandhuand#8217;s Book Launch of his two new books: The Journey and the Guide; and Yarn, a new collection of poems. In conversation with Visuddhimati, he discusses his life, his writing, and stresses the importance of making time to do nothing.
At the North London Buddhist Centre, 28th September 2015.
A Darkness Was Ripped From My Eyes
30 maj 2016 |
13 min
Weand#8217;ve titled todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast and#8220;A Darkness Was Ripped From My Eyesand#8221;, a line from the poem, Singapore, by Mary Oliver, recited with commentary offered by Ratnaguna. As our eyes open to the lives of others, we try to run away from what we do not like. We think there is nothing we can do, or is there?
From the talk, The Tender Gravity of Kindness, by Ratnaguna, a commentary on two poems: Singapore by Mary Oliver and Kindness by Naomi Shihab Nye. Talk given by Ratnaguna on Sangha Night at Stockholm Buddhist Center the 26th of October 2015.
The Tree is Teaching Us
26 maj 2016 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast is called and#8220;The Tree is Teaching Usand#8221; by Suchitta. The birth of a tree is no different from our own and#8211; dependent on conditions and the elements. Every part of the body changes according to it’s nature, no different from the tree. From the talk The Defects of Samsara and Cultivating the Desire For Enlightenment.
Tangled Up in Sorrow
23 maj 2016 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast Vadanya gives us and#8220;Tangled Up in Sorrowand#8221;, an excerpt from the talk Wisdom In The World. It’s through not knowing the truth about the way things are that we create all sorts of destruction, unhappiness and sorrow for ourselves and those around us.
What is Insight?
19 maj 2016 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast, and#8220;What is Insight?and#8221; Dayajoti and Saddhanandi talk about Metta as an ungraspable co-arising, inseparable from mindfulness, which expresses itself in different ways. What is Metta, What is Insight is the final talk in a series from a 12 day meditation retreat on metta as a path to insight from May 2015.
What is Metta?
16 maj 2016 |
15 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast, and#8220;What is Metta?and#8221; Dayajoti and Saddhanandi talk about Metta as an ungraspable co-arising, inseparable from mindfulness, which expresses itself in different ways. What is Metta, What is Insight is the final talk in a series from a 12 day meditation retreat on metta as a path to insight from May 2015.
Awareness of Self
12 maj 2016 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte podcast today is entitled and#8220;Awareness of Selfand#8221; by Sangharakshita. Forgetfulness and distraction are the rule in ordinary life, but awareness and a and#8216;fullness of mindand#8217; is at the heart of human growth and development. Sangharakshita distinguishes four dimensions of awareness, each with its own qualities: awareness of things, self, others, and reality. From the talk Levels of Awareness: Right Mindfulness given in 1968 as part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.
The Process of Transformation
11 maj 2016 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast Sangharakshita reminds us that real transformation begins with the dawn of insight or clear vision. In this excerpt entitled and#8220;The Process of Transformationand#8221; Sangharakshita describes the opening of the Dharma Eye in terms of seeing things as they really are and#8211; upturning the four topsy turvy views.
From the talk The Transcendental Eightfold Path given in 1994 as part of the series Two Lectures to a Conference on the Nature of Reality – Buddhism as Transformation.
‘Knowing’ as a Lived Experience
9 maj 2016 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast, Parami gives us and#8220;and#8216;Knowingand#8217; as a Lived Experienceand#8221; from the talk Living In The Greater Mandala. A bodhisattva is a being intent upon awakening for the sake of all beings. Most of us, most of the time, are not as awake as we could be. We create suffering by trying to fit reality into our picture of how we think things should be and#8211; the bodhisattva helps us see how unhelpful this is. This was the introductory talk for the 2015 Triratna International Urban Retreat.
Metta as Quite Ordinary and Everyday
2 maj 2016 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast entitled and#8220;Metta as Quite Ordinary and Everydayand#8221;, Jvalamalini gives a very personal and helpful take on the metta bhavana (loving kindness) practice, recounting her history with it and the kinds of areas she has worked with over the years in order to learn to love herself and others as deeply as she can, specifically here how metta is very simple, practical and not necessarily out of the ordinary.
From the talk and#8220;A Personal Take On Metta Practiceand#8221; given as part of the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat on the Brahma Viharas.
Shraddha – A Curious Intuition
28 april 2016 |
5 min
Drawing out concepts from the Dhammapadaand#8217;s verses, Padmavajra explores the qualities of faith (or shraddha) in this Dharmabyte podcast entitled and#8220;Shraddha and#8211; A Curious Intuitionand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;Changing Hatred into Love and#8211; Dhammapada Verses 3 to 6and#8243; given in 2007, and part of a larger series and#8220;The Dhammapada and#8211; The Buddhaand#8217;s Way of Truthand#8221;.
To Make the Imperfect Perfect is Enough to Love it
25 april 2016 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte podcast from Vajrapriya entitled To Make the Imperfect Perfect is Enough to Love it, he discusses the fact of suffering or dukkha as part of being human. What are we to do? We can love what is, and in doing so make the imperfect perfect. From the talk entitled, and#8220;Loving What Isand#8221; given in January 2008.
Blake’s Idea of the ‘Devouring’ Aspect of Mind
21 april 2016 |
9 min
Sangharakshita reflects on William Blakeand#8217;s concept of the and#8220;devouringand#8221; aspect of mind and how it relates to the chain of conditionality in todayand#8217;s FBA Podcast entitled Blakeand#8217;s Idea of the and#8216;Devouringand#8217; Aspect of Mind. From the talk entitled, and#8220;Fields of Creativityand#8221; given in 2001.
Dukkha to Compassion
18 april 2016 |
11 min
Dayajoti gives us todayand#8217;s FBA Podcast entitled Dukkha to Compassion. From the talk entitled, and#8220;Bodies of Earth and#8211; Beyond Me and Mine and#8211; Dukkhaand#8221; given on a two-week womenand#8217;s retreat at Eco-Dharma in May of 2012.
Understanding Anatta (‘No Self’)
14 april 2016 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Podcast we hear more vintage Sangharakshita in Understanding Anatta (and#8216;No Self’). Everything we know about the self is in constant change and flux. You cannot understand what is meant by anatta until you know this truth. From the talk and#8220;Individuality, True and Falseand#8221; that tackles such terms as self, I, individual, and ego, reveals that each can have both a positive and a negative connotation. What is the self, and how can we cultivate true Individuality? Talk given in 1970.
Nothing Is Standing Still
11 april 2016 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Podcast Nothing Is Standing Still Sangharakshita describes the characteristic of anitta as the whole universe is one vast set of processes, all interrelated. From the talk, and#8220;The Texture of Reality,and#8221; given in 1966, a lecture dealing with the three marks (lakshanas) of conditioned existence and their transcendence via the three liberations (vimokshas).
Living in Harmony With Truth
7 april 2016 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear from Parami, our international Order Convenor, about how dukkha is not living in harmony with truth of conditioned existence and how it is metta that is the volitional response to interconnectedness. Living in Harmony With Truthis an excerpt from the talk Living in Harmony With Truth is from the talk and#8220;The Awakening Heart,and#8221; the first talk in the series of the same name. It touches on aspects of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s and#8216;system of meditationand#8217;, and most specifically the area of positive emotion. Parami is an ideal guide for this sort of material, steeped as she is in study and practice engaged with in the light of the and#8216;Bodhichittaand#8217;, and the Bodhisattva Ideal itself.
All Conditioned Things…
4 april 2016 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, All Conditioned Thingsand#8230; is an excerpt from the talk Seeing with Insight and#8211; Dhammapada Verses 277 to 279 by Padmavajra. All of the Buddhaand#8217;s core teachings are here and#8211; held in heart and mind thereand#8217;s more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyondand#8230; Talk recorded at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007 This talk is part of the series The Dhammapada and#8211; the Buddhaand#8217;s Way of Truth.
Coming Back to Gladness
31 mars 2016 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a little gem from an infectiously delightful talk by Sanghaketu on the subject of joyful resonance with others (mudita) as part of the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat on the Brahma Viharas. In Coming Back to Gladness he really gets into his subject here! And his sense and experience of gladness comes across beautifully through laughter and reflection on the boon of good friends. From the talk A Personal Take On Mudita by Sanghaketu given in March 2015.
Joy and Compassion
28 mars 2016 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled Joy and Compassion, an excerpt from Suffering and Joy and#8211; Compost For Love by Dayajoti. This talk was given during the setup for Buddhafield Festival 2013 (theme and#8216;Fire in the Heartand#8217;) on the Four Brahma Viharas.
The Spiritual Community of Individuals
24 mars 2016 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, The Spiritual Community of Individuals Sangharakshita describes his understanding of true sangha. In creating a spiritual community people need to eschew completely the use of the and#8216;power modeand#8217; in interacting with each other. This contrasts strongly with ordinary and#8216;groupsand#8217;, where relationships are often based on authority, sometimes the authority of a personal God. Talk given in 1979.
Ethics and Compassion
21 mars 2016 |
10 min
Parami comes out strong in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ethics and Compassion. The Buddha realised full well how hard it was going to be to communicate what he had discovered to other people and#8211; to us. He knew that the grip of greed, hatred and delusion is very strong. He could imagine how vexatious it might be to teach. Fortunately for us, he could also see our potential. And so out of compassion he taught. Parami explores this theme of the Buddhaand#8217;s compassionate action and how ultimately it came from beyond self, beyond other and#8211; it emerged from his realisation of and#8216;Emptinessand#8217;.
From the talk Out of Compassion for the World by Parami given at Triratna (FWBO) International Retreat at Taraloka, May 08
Metta – a Thread That Connects
17 mars 2016 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a short excerpt from Metta and#8211; a Thread That Connects by Singhamati. This talk was given on a Young Womensand#8217; Weekend at Taraloka. Itand#8217;s a personal and poetic talk exploring Metta as a thread that connects us to ourselves, others, the world and reality.
A New Way to Metta
14 mars 2016 |
6 min
When you are relaxed, it’s much easier to love. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, A New Way to Metta Ratnaguna introduces a new way to approach the Metta Bhavana, the development of loving kindness. This excerpt is from the talk Metta Bhavana: Letting Kindness Happen given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre in February 2012. Ratnaguna introduces a new way to approach the Metta Bhavana,the development of loving kindness. This excerpt is from the talk Metta Bhavana Letting Kindness Happen given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre in February 2012.
Precepts as Poetry
10 mars 2016 |
7 min
The five precepts are an expression of position emotion and#8211; they are like poetry in motion. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Precepts as Poetry is an excerpt is from the talk Generosity As A Foundation Of Positive Emotion. Vijayasri considers how having generosity at the centre of a mandala, based on the positive precepts, can help us to develop positive emotion.
This talk was given at Croydon Buddhist Centre in February 2016 as part of the Dharma study group on The Journey and The Guide by Maitreyabandhu
Kusala Karma = Skillful Action
7 mars 2016 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Kusala Karma = Skillful Action Vajragupta explores the meaning of kusula karma, that being skillful action. It’s not about being right, it’s about what’s human, what’s kind, what’s mindful.
From the talk Positive Emotion given at Croydon Buddhist Centre in January 2016 in a study group on The Journey and The Guide by Maitreyabandhu.
Fear, Terror, and Heroic Virtues
3 mars 2016 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Fear, Terror, and Heroic Virtues is an exploration of the cremation ground as a symbol of transformation. Are we ready to face our own death, and the total transformation it symbolises? From the talk “The Symbolism of the Cremation Ground and the Celestial Maidens” by Sangharakshita given in 1971.
Why We Fear Death
29 februari 2016 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte explores four reasons Why We Fear Death drawn by Kulaprabha from the Abhaya Sutta in the Pali Canon. Itand#8217;s a lovely segment from a larger talk looking at the roots of fear, how it relates to change and transformation in spiritual practice, and how we can live more fearlessly.
From the talk System of Meditation Retreats and#8211; Spiritual Death, Fear and Fearlessness.
What is a Committed Buddhist?
25 februari 2016 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte speaks here on the challenge of building a Buddhist movement. In What is a Committed Buddhist? he discusses the need for Buddhist movements to be run only by committed Buddhists and who actually practice the Buddhaand#8217;s teachings, not by those who merely have an intellectual interest. But how can one know who is a committed Buddhist?
From the talk and#8220;Commitment and Spiritual Communityand#8221;, part of a series entitled and#8220;A New Buddhist Movement and#8211; the Meaning of the FWBOand#8221;.
Mind and the Nature of Commitment
22 februari 2016 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte features Dhammarati on the topic of Going for Refuge. In Mind and the Nature of Commitment he talks about setting the mind to purified intention and making correction after failure and#8211; crucial aspects in cultivating a committed Buddhist practice.
From the talk and#8220;A System of Trainingand#8221;.
A Passage from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta
18 februari 2016 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte gives a short introduction by Sangharakshita to the Pali Canon in and#8221;A Passage from the Mahaparinibbana Suttaand#8221; and#8211; one of the earliest and most well-known Buddhist texts.
From the talk and#8220;The Disappearing Buddhaand#8221;.
The Buddha’s Parinirvana
15 februari 2016 |
5 min
Padmavajra brings us into contact with the depths of the Diamond Sutra in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, with this segment entitled and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Parinirvanaand#8221;. Drawing on the story of the Buddhaand#8217;s final days, he illustrates the principle of practicing perfect generosity by giving of oneself freely and unsupported.
From the talk and#8220;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits: Talk 3and#8243;, part of the series and#8220;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limitsand#8221;.
Have We Really Arrived?
11 februari 2016 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte brings us around to our final podcast on the Five Buddha Mandala. In Have We Really Arrived?. Kamalashila brings it all right back into this present moment.
From the talk Absorption and#8211; After the Enlightenment.
How do you get used to being Enlightened? What happened to the Buddha in the weeks after his breakthrough experience? Kamalasila explores these questions in two ways and#8211; using the framework of the system of meditation to shed light on the process that unfolded in the Bodhisattvaand#8217;s mind and body as Enlightenment dawned; and connecting us imaginatively with the symbolism and image of Muchalinda, the great serpent, coiling his body protectively round the meditating Buddha.
Waking up to Cosmic Consciousness
8 februari 2016 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled Waking up to Cosmic Consciousness from a talk by Vajratara called The White Sovereign Buddha Vairocana.
Keep your head down and carry on, don’t look into the light! If we do look up and see reality, it’s not bleak as we fear it will be but rather absolutely beautiful. When you wake up to cosmic consciousness it’s a joy and celebration.
Falling into Space: Amoghasiddhi
4 februari 2016 |
7 min
We continue our exploration of the Five Buddha Mandala in the northern realm. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from the talk Touching the Void by Jnanavaca. In Falling Into Space: Amoghasiddhi Jnanavaca relates events in Joe Simpsonand#8217;s popular mountaineering book and#8216;Touching the Voidand#8217; to aspects of Buddhist practice.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Amoghasiddhi: The Practical Aspect of Enlightenment
1 februari 2016 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Amoghasiddhi: The Practical Aspect of Enlightenment, Sangharakshita introduces us to Amoghasiddhi, described as the practical aspect of enlightenment, the mysterious activity of the enlightened mind. It may be an activity of non-activity, but very efficacious none-the-less.
An excerpt from The Mandala: Tantric Symbol of Integration by Sangharakshita, 1967, part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology.
The Buddha’s Introduction to the Worship of Amitabha
28 januari 2016 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, The Buddhaand#8217;s Introduction to the Worship of Amitabha, Sangharakshita gives voice to this poetic Buddhist scripture describing the wonderful Pureland of the Buddha Amitabha.
From the talk The Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutra by Sangharakshita
Amitabha’s Acceptance
25 januari 2016 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Amitabhaand#8217;s Acceptance, Saddhaloka introduces us to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of alland#8230;
The full talk entitled Amitabha was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, winter retreat, 1997
Invocation to Ratnasambhava
21 januari 2016 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an Invocation to Ratnasambhava recited by Gambhiranandi, written by Vessantara, to open a Full Moon Puja dedicated to Ratnasambhava. Given at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in August 2015 as part of the regular Saturday Sangha Morning class.
Exalted Beauty
18 januari 2016 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Ratnaprabha offers a delightful story of Nanda and the dove-footed nymphs in a track weand#8217;re calling: >Exhaulted Beauty.
Ratnasambhava represents the beauty of appreciation, one of the most positive functions that one can develop. In the appreciative mode, nothing is ugly. The story of the Buddhaand#8217;s half brother, Nanda, helps illustrate how we can use more immediate desires as motivators on the path. We can shift from appropriation to appreciation.
From the talk Ratnasambhava and the Path of Beauty, the 8th talk from the The Mandala of the Five Buddha given at Padmalokaand#8217;s 2012 Winter Retreat.
Akshobya: The Dark Blue Buddha
14 januari 2016 |
5 min
Having now entered the mandala, in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we meet Akshobya: The Dark Blue Buddha. From the talk The Mandala: Tantric Symbol of Integration by Sangharakshita, 1967.
The Tantras (special scriptures of Vajrayana Buddhism) frequently refer to mandalas, circles of symbolic forms. Sangharakshita describes the mandala of the five Buddhas, its use as a symbol of psychological and spiritual integration, and the meaning of its sexual symbolism.
This talk is part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology.
Opening to the Mandala
11 januari 2016 |
4 min
Our theme on mandalas continues as we hear from Ratnavandana who has been teaching on the Brahma Viharas for decades using the Five Buddha Mandala as a basis for their exploration. The FBA Dharmabyte we choose is entitled Opening to the Mandala, an excerpt from the talk Living In the Mandala.
This is the second talk of the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat in Bristol, UK, 2015, led by Ratnavandana who embarks on a personal sharing of how her life has been transformed by deciding to go and live in the mandala of the Brahma Viharas and the Jinas themselves. Her deep love of the practices represents both an inspired and eminently practical vision of how to orientate yourself on the great map of the wayand#8230;
The Bodhimanda
7 januari 2016 |
4 min
Our theme on mandalas continues with todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte as we learn about the origins of the mandala in Buddhist practice. An excerpt from the third talk on The Mandala of the Five Buddhas, Ratnasambhava and the Mandala by Ratnaprabha. Here he describes the early origins of the mandala as the Bodhi-manda, the circle of awakening.
Given at Padmalokaand#8217;s 2012 Winter Retreat on the Mandala as part of the series The Mandala of the Five Buddhas.
Personal Mandalas
4 januari 2016 |
6 min
We continue our opening theme for 2016 on mandalas with todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Jvalamalini offers a gentle and thorough introduction to mandalas, in this excerpt the focus is on our personal lives. What’s central is what is most important to us. and#8220;Personal Mandalasand#8221; is an excerpt from the full talk entitled Introduction to Mandalas, given at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, UK.
Vajrasattva: Purification
31 december 2015 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, by Sangharakshita, is an introduction to what is likely the most important of the four mula-yogas, the indispensable preparatory practices of the Vajrayana devotee. and#8220;Vajrasattva: Purificationand#8221; is an excerpt from The Four Foundation Yogas of the Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, given in 1968 as part of the series An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Impermanence of This Body
28 december 2015 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, by Punyamala, is entitled and#8220;Impermanence of This Bodyand#8221;. An excerpt from the talk of the same title, Punyamala eloquently reminds us that the Buddhist vision is unique, summed up by the Buddha’s last words, “Impermanent are all conditioned things, with mindfulness, strive on.” This talk was given at Taraloka on a mitra retreat called Reflection: A Path of Wisdom
Retracing our Steps on the Path
24 december 2015 |
8 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s writings and poems this month. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled and#8220;Retracing our Steps on the Pathand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;A Life for the Dharmaand#8221;, by Sangharakshita, a moving, often beautiful evocation of the great Indian teacher Atisha, whose work had a profound influence on the development of Buddhism in Tibet. Sangharakshita presents Atishaand#8217;s life as both a challenge and an inspiration to all who wish to practice the Dharma and discover its relevance in the world today.
Talk given in 1999. This talk is part of the series Three Lectures to the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order.
If we are mentally confused and find ourselves not making progress on the spiritual path, we have to go back to meditation. But suppose our meditation is unsatisfactory and we are troubled be all sorts of wandering thoughts? If we cannot concentrate, we have to get back to shila, ethics. An ethical life is an integrated life, the more integrated the easier we will be able to meditate. But suppose our practice of ethics is difficult? Causing harm, taking the not given, false or harsh, useless or disharmonious speech, and so on, we need to get back to the path of regular steps.
Before Dawn
21 december 2015 |
2 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s writings and poems this month. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;Before Dawnand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;Hercules and the Birdsand#8221;, read by the author and published by Windhorse Publications, Glasgow, 1990.
Life is King
17 december 2015 |
2 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s writings and poems this month. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;Life is Kingand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;Conquering New Worldsand#8221;, read by the author and published by Windhorse Publications, Glasgow, 1986.
Orpheus in the Underworld
14 december 2015 |
2 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s writings and poems this month. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;Orpheus in the Underworldand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;Conquering New Worldsand#8221;, read by the author and published by Windhorse Publications, Glasgow, 1986.
The Caves
10 december 2015 |
6 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s writings and poems over the next few weeks. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from and#8220;The Caves of Bhajaand#8221;, a moving poem in memory of Dharmachari Anagarika Maha Dhammavira, written, introduced and read by Sangharakshita. Full talk available here: and#8220;The Caves of Bhajaand#8221;.
The Elder Revealed – Gentleness Prevails
7 december 2015 |
9 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s writings and poems over the next few weeks. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Elder Revealedand#8221;, an excerpt from his own elegant and moving unpublished story, Sanghrakshita evokes the spiritual efforts of a monk who occupies the and#8216;Holy Manand#8217;s Caveand#8217; above an Indian village at the time of the Buddha. From and#8220;The Caveand#8221;, read by the author.
Questioning our friends affectionately leaves them feeling as if they are not being questioned at all. Allowing answers to emerge from the deep, hidden aspects of ourselves, reveals our deepest truth. Hear Sumana’s feelings about the Buddha, a wandering monk, and his spiritual efforts under the inspiration of the Dharma.
The Lotus of Compassion
3 december 2015 |
2 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s poems over the next few weeks. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;The Lotus of Compassionand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;Conquering New Worldsand#8221;, read by the author and published by Windhorse Publications, Glasgow, 1986.
The Bodhisattva’s Reply
30 november 2015 |
3 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s poems over the next few weeks. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Replyand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;Conquering New Worldsand#8221;, read by the author and published by Windhorse Publications, Glasgow, 1986.
The Modern Bard
26 november 2015 |
2 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s poems over the next few weeks. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;The Modern Bardand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;An Autobiographical Sequence of Poemsand#8221;, read by the author and recorded at FWBO celebrations in London, September 1990.
The White Calf
23 november 2015 |
4 min
Weand#8217;ve been moved to share an abundant handful of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s poems over the next few weeks. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a poem entitled and#8220;The White Calfand#8221;. Selected from and#8220;An Autobiographical Sequence of Poemsand#8221;, read by the author and recorded at FWBO celebrations in London, September 1990.
A Dharmic Framework for Total Transformation
19 november 2015 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled and#8220;A Dharmic Framework for Total Transformationand#8221;, an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Karma and the Consequences of Our Actionsand#8221; by Ratnadharini.
There is nothing wrong with our experience, it’s how we interpret it. The Five Niyamas help us understand that total transformation is possible by shifting our habitual means of seeing things. Is it random? Is it fate? Why do the conditions that arise in our lives, arise? Where does the possibility of change lay? What makes total transformation possible? A Dharmic framework gives us the key…
The fourth talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8216;Four Mind Turningsand#8217; of the Tibetan tradition. Here Ratnadharini takes us a little closer into the whole, often misunderstood area of karma in Buddhist thinking. She draws out the important details of the process that we call and#8216;actions and consequencesand#8217; and#8211; but her emphasis is always on putting what we learn into practice in real life, with other real people. Talk given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005 This talk is part of the series The Four Mind-Turning Reflections.
The Act of Making a Refuge
16 november 2015 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled and#8220;The Act of Making a Refugeand#8221;, an excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Search For Refugeand#8221; by Padmavajra. At the time of the Buddha, life was unsafe, people sought refuge in sacred groves, natural shrines and blessed trees to seek protection from the dangers in the world. Explaining the three levels of Dukkha, Padmavajra gives us a clear pathway to understanding the movement within us to make refuges, and what those true refuges really are.
Second in a series of five talks given at Padmaloka, March 2009 on the study theme and#8216;Going for Refugeand#8217;.
Seeing Both Sides
12 november 2015 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled and#8220;Seeing Both Sidesand#8221;, an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Lightening the Loadand#8221; by Karunagita.
A great talk from Karunagita, author of A Path For Parents, with some key practical insights for anyone trying to figure out how to go deeper with their practice while raising children. We get a moving evocation of parenting as a distinct context for working with our conditioning, our views, and for learning to break our habits in order to cultivate ever deeper levels of awareness and love.
And as you might expect, all the earned wisdom of this talk is actually applicable to everyone who wants to find the path to practice in every moment. A splendidly encouraging, properly challenging talk in that respect.
Concepts: A Map of Reality
9 november 2015 |
11 min
Transcendental insight is free of intellectual thought, but it doesn’t just arise out of nowhere. Nobody can tell you the difference between theory and direct experience and#8211; you just know it. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, from Yashobodhi, is entitled and#8220;Concepts: A Map of Realityand#8221;, an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Inquisitive Mind, Thinking and Awakeningand#8221;.
Imagining a New Sort of Consciousness
5 november 2015 |
6 min
Sometimes we can’t imagine an adult consciousness. What you are doing when you sit down to meditate to foster, to reveal to yourself a greater consciousness. Sometimes children have a sense of this greater consciousness, remembering back can help us tap into our aims as meditators. Your child consciousness naturally relates to the world as if it relates to you. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled and#8220;Imagining a New Sort of Consciousnessand#8221;, an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Meditation Essentials and#8211; Week Five and#8211; Self Dies to Lifeand#8221; by Maitreyabandhu.
Practising the Breath with a Witness
2 november 2015 |
6 min
We hear how the practice relates to the theory of Buddhist meditation and are encouraged to choose and learn from our direct experience of how we respond to our breath in the moment. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is entitled and#8220;Practising the Breath with a Witnessand#8221;, from the talk and#8220;Meditation Workshop and#8211; Five Breathsand#8221; by Amaragita.
Sangha as a Radical Alternative to Capitalism
29 oktober 2015 |
33 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte explores a topic deriving from one of the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;Sangha as a Radical Alternative to Capitalismand#8221;, from the talk and#8220;Sangha As a Radical Alternative to Capitalism and Modern Youth Cultureand#8221;.
Young Peoples facilitator Kara Moses talks about why industrialised Capitalist society presents us with particularly challenging conditions for Buddhist practise, and how the Sangha provides a radical positive alternative.
Talk given at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre on Triratna Day 2013.
Triratna in the Context of Contemporary Buddhism
26 oktober 2015 |
34 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte begins a last week of topics deriving from our ongoing exploration of the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;Triratna in the Context of Contemporary Buddhismand#8221;, excerpted from the talk and#8220;Sangha in the Context of Contemporary Buddhismand#8221;.
Parami delivers an excellent talk that reflects on how Triratnaand#8217;s approach squares up with that of other traditions, and how we might continue to work on our practice of sangha as an integral part of our personal practice of the Dharma.
Deepening the Practice of Spiritual Community
22 oktober 2015 |
17 min
Viriyalilaand#8217;s appreciation of and gratitude for spiritual friendship shines through in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Deepening the Practice of Spiritual Communityand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;Three Perspectives on the Practice of Spiritual Friendshipand#8221;, this talk continues our exploration of the last of the Six Emphases of Triratna.
Talk given at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, November 2010
The Importance of Spiritual Friendship
19 oktober 2015 |
19 min
The FBA Dharmabyte podcast today introduces spiritual friendship, a particularly dominant feature of the Triratna Community, in a talk entitled and#8220;The Importance of Spiritual Friendshipand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;, here Sangharakshita concludes his talk on the Six Emphases with a beautiful reflection on his deep friendship with the great Tibetan Lama, Dhardo Rinpoche.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
Painting the Void
15 oktober 2015 |
14 min
Abhayavajra is the featured speaker in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, the subject of an interview by Maitreyabandhu in a talk entitled and#8220;Painting the Voidand#8221;. He gives a lovely account of how his Buddhist practice and his creative life intersect and intermingle and#8211; giving us a window into why one of Triratnaand#8217;s Six Emphases is the importance of the arts in spiritual life.
The Spiritual Value of the Arts
12 oktober 2015 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte introduces one of the more unique of the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;The Spiritual Value of the Artsand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;, Sangharakshita speaks about the importance that the arts have in cultivating sensitivity to beauty and inspiration in the spiritual life.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
Lama’s Pyjamas: A Story of Right Livelihood
8 oktober 2015 |
10 min
Claudine Edwards tells us her story of Team-Based Right Livelihood in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Lamaand#8217;s Pyjamas: A Story of Right Livelihoodand#8221;. From the longer talk and#8220;New Society Weekend 2011and#8243;, this short excerpted talk presents a great example of the benefits and creativity of this way of working, as we continue our exploration of the Six Emphases of Triratna.
Talk given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2011
Team-Based Right Livelihood
5 oktober 2015 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte continues our series on the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;Team-Based Right Livelihoodand#8221;, from the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;. Here Sangharakshita draws out the central importance of Right Livelihood in the spiritual life, in particular the Triratna model of team-based Right Livelihood businesses, and what the features of these endeavors should look like.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
Commitment is Primary, Lifestyle is Secondary
1 oktober 2015 |
9 min
Sangharakshita speaks to one of the central emphases of the Triratna Buddhist Community in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast, expanding on the meaning of the phrase and#8220;Commitment is Primary, Lifestyle is Secondaryand#8221;. Excerpted from the talk and#8220;Twenty Years on the Middle Wayand#8221;, he explores our traditionand#8217;s principle of an Order that places its weight on genuine Going for Refuge rather than the conditions a person was born into or lifestyle.
Talk given in 1987.
Unified, not Unisex
28 september 2015 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte continues our series of podcasts on the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;Unified, not Unisexand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;, here Sangharakshita outlines the Triratna principle of open ordination to men and women on equal terms, and an Order that accepts those of all lifestyles, races, class and sexual orientation and#8211; a quite revolutionary stance in the Buddhist world.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
Understanding Going for Refuge
24 september 2015 |
12 min
Viveka gives a great introduction to the meaning of Going for Refuge in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Understanding Going for Refugeand#8221;, continuing our exploration of the Six Emphases of Triratna. From the talk and#8220;Going for Refugeand#8221;, she speaks to the question of what it is to look to the and#8216;Three Jewelsand#8217; as a response to our dissatisfaction.
Talk given at San Francsisco Buddhist Center, 2006
Centrality of Going for Refuge
21 september 2015 |
17 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte continues our exploration of the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;Centrality of Going for Refugeand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;, here Sangharakshita gets to the core of what unites all Buddhist traditions and#8211; the act of Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels. As such, the Triratna Community takes this as a central principle .
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
Finding the Heart of the Dharma Traditions
17 september 2015 |
13 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Vishvapaniand#8217;s usual good-natured and reflective approach is just the thing to expand our look at Ecumenical Buddhism as he looks at how Sangharakshitaand#8217;s initiative in founding Triratna might be viewed in terms of the unity of Buddhism.
Entitled and#8220;Finding the Heart of the Dharma Traditionsand#8221; this excerpt from the talk and#8220;Three Jewels Buddhism and#8211; Finding the Heart of the Dharma Traditionsand#8221; continues our exploration of the Six Emphases of Triratna.
Talk given at the national Order weekend, Wymondham College, March 2008
Ecumenical Buddhism
14 september 2015 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte introduces the first of the Six Emphases of Triratna in a talk entitled and#8220;Ecumenical Buddhismand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;, here Sangharakshita explains that unlike many Buddhist lineages, Triratna critically engages with and draws from the depth and breadth of the whole Buddhist tradition.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002.
Reflecting on Core Triratna Features
10 september 2015 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, called and#8220;Reflecting on Core Triratna Featuresand#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;. It begins with a lovely personal note from Sangharakshita regarding the loss of his eyesight, and his reflections on the beginnings and some of the important features of Triratna (the former FWBO) that those in our community should consider.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002..
The Six Distinctive Emphases of Triratna
7 september 2015 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today begins a two-month long series of podcasts around the topic of the Six Emphases of the Triratna Buddhist Order. Our introductory Dharmabyte is called and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of Triratnaand#8221; from the talk and#8220;Looking Back and#8211; and Forwardand#8221; by Sangharakshita. Here he celebrates the 40th anniversary of the FWBO (or Triratna Buddhist Order as it is now named) with a reflection on what makes our tradition unique from other Buddhist traditions.
Talk given at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, April 2007.
The Buddha as Transcendental Guest
3 september 2015 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Buddha as Transcendental Guest from the talk The Symbolism of Offerings and Self-Sacrifice by Sangharakshita. In this lecture we are shown how the symbolism of ritual offerings originated in the Hinayana and Mahayana, and later flowered with the Tantric offerings, particularly the offering of the Mandala.
From the talk The Symbolism of Offerings and Self-Sacrifice part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment 1971.
Aligning yourself with the Karma Niyama
31 augusti 2015 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Aligning yourself with the Karma Niyama from the talk Spiritual Death and Rebirth, a New Perspective On the Dharma Niyama by Subhuti.
The stages of spiritual death and rebirth are key to the system of meditation, they represent the culimination and fulfilment of the Buddhas vision. During this talk given at Padmaloka Subhuti explains some new elements of Sangharakshitas thinking about how they relate to the Niyamas, particularly the Dharma niyama and#8211; exciting, and challenging stuff.
Overcoming Fear
27 augusti 2015 |
12 min
Are we ready to face our own death, and the total transformation it symbolises? Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Overcoming Fear by Sangharakshita. Fear, terror, and heroic virtues: the cremation ground as a symbol of transformation. Talk given in 1971.
From the talk The Symbolism of the Cremation Ground and the Celestial Maidens, part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment.
Love and Emptiness
24 augusti 2015 |
3 min
Love is a force affecting a miraculous transformation. Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Love and Emptiness by Padmavajra. This is the first in a five part series by Padmavajra on all aspects of the Metta Bhavana practice and and#8216;The Great Loveand#8217; in Buddhist discourse and practice and#8211; from metta (loving kindness) itself to Bodhichitta. His starting point here is to source notions of love in traditional teaching from the Pali Canon and in the great Mahayana sutras. A refreshing take on metta and how to cultivate it in your life.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Magic Rites
20 augusti 2015 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Magic Rites. From the talk, The Symbolism of Colours and Mantric Sound, where Sangharakshita explores the rich symbolic significance of colour and sound, highlighting their role as crucial agents of transformation. The lecture concludes with a brief introduction to the figure of Manjughosha, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
Talk given in 1971.
This talk is part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment.
Seeing Stars
17 augusti 2015 |
14 min
It may not be fashionable to speak of visions and angels, but Ananda goes there by looking more deeply at our everyday experiences. Our FBA Dharmabyte today, a true gem, is called Seeing Stars is a short talk by Ananda in the session and#8216;Intensity of engagement with the Dharma lifeand#8217;, given on the European Order Gathering at Wymondham College, August 10 2013.
The Theme of the gathering was and#8216;Karma niyama in the service of the Dharma niyamaand#8217;.
Not Just a Matter of Recitation
13 augusti 2015 |
10 min
The essential act that makes one a Buddhist is Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Then oneand#8217;s life begins to centre on spiritual, not mundane values. Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Not Just a Matter of Recitation by Sangharakshita from the talk Going for Refuge given in 1965. This talk is part of the series The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism.
Misapprehensions and Misunderstandings
10 augusti 2015 |
11 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Misapprehensions and Misunderstandings. What if all of our emotional and spiritual problems were caused by an incorrect understanding of our true nature? Vajrapriya explores the Buddhaand#8217;s insight that our commonsense assumptions about ourselves are the source of our suffering.
Unpicking those assumptions is the first step to the arising of a wisdom that leads to an expansive and liberating way of relating to others and the world. From the talk, The Selfless Mind, talk 2 in a series of 4 talks entitled and#8216;Powers of the Mindand#8217; given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, April 2011.
No Labels in Reality
6 augusti 2015 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today drops us into the realm of ritual with a No Labels in Reality. One of the dominant themes in The Diamond Sutra is animitta samadhi, no-thing is supported by any other thing, there is no gift, no giver, no receiver.
Excerpted from The Diamond Sutra, a gem of a talk by Abhaya. With his customary dry wit and sharp eye he leads us on the crazy paving path through the Diamond Sutra and#8211; a text guaranteed to turn your world upside-down. Some very funny parts to this talk and#8211; and some excellent evocations of rigorous Dharma practice as part of the everyday business of life. Watch out too for an intriguing discussion of the sutra as Vajrapani and as a zen masterand#8230; Great stuff! Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order national Order weekend 2003
Avalokitesvara in the Heart Sutra
3 augusti 2015 |
18 min
Avalokitesvara plays a key role in the Heart Sutra. In our FBA Dharmabyte today, Avalokitesvara in the Heart Sutra , Taranita charts the history and symbolism of this archetypal figure across Buddhist history and cultures.
Overcoming Demons
30 juli 2015 |
16 min
Our FBA Dharmabytetoday is an introduction to Padmasambhava:: Overcoming Demons. Padmasambhava, often known as the and#8216;Second Buddhaand#8217;, is famous for converting the demons of Tibet. From the talk Padmasambhava: Tantric Guru of Tibet by Sangharakshita, 1972.
Ksitigarbha’s Jewel
27 juli 2015 |
4 min
Our FBA Dharmabytetoday is from Vajratara entitled: Ksitigarbha’s Jewel. If you really want to have everything, the teaching of Ksitigarbha is not to just give you what you want, but rather to help you change your mind. That state of mind is the bodhicitta, the heart-mind of enlightenment. From the talk, Ksitigarbha given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre (2nd May 2006), as part of a series on the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist Order.
Manjusri Mantra with Harmonies
23 juli 2015 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today drops us into the realm of ritual with a Manjusri Mantra with Harmonies. From a special Sevenfold Puja recorded on at Jikoji Retreat Center, California, 2008 on a Triratna Buddhist Order Convention. This excerpt is lovely harmonic chanting of the Manjushri (Manjugosha) mantra.
Listen to the full puja and#8211; itand#8217;s unusual to hear these rituals performed in Sanskrit and English, so a real treat for all ritual lovers courtesy of Satyadhana, the puja leader. Thereand#8217;s also a special section of chanting at the end, wishing long life for Punya, a much-loved member of the Order who was seriously ill at the time of recording.
Receiving the Green Tara Sadhana
20 juli 2015 |
11 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Receiving the Green Tara Sadhana. Hereand#8217;s an excerpt from a great treat from Taraloka Retreat Centre, where Sangharakshita inaugurates their new shrine cabin dedicated to Tara and#8211; the radiant Bodhisattva of compassion, inspiration to many who lead a Buddhist life aspiring to beauty and a steady openness in the face of the mysteries of existence. From the talk, On Tara, by Sangharakshita.
The Conversion of Shariputra
16 juli 2015 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Conversion of Shariputra by Sangharakshita, from the talk The Meaning of the Dharma given in 1968.
Dharma is the experience of reality, and also the expression of that experience in the form of the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching, especially the law of conditionality. It is the raft that carries you to Enlightenment, the further shore; it is whatever helps you to develop spiritually.
This talk is part of the series Introducing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
The Mystery of the Buddha
13 juli 2015 |
9 min
Even more storytelling! Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Mystery of the Buddha, the beginning of a short talk by Khemasuri where she Khemasuri tells the story of Angulimalaand#8217;s meeting with the Buddha. From a talk of the same title, The Mystery of the Buddha.
The Story of Hatthaka
9 juli 2015 |
11 min
More storytelling! Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Story of Hatthaka an excerpt from the talk of the same title by Ratnaprabha. A brilliantly told story from the Pali Canon, about Hatthaka, who used the 4 sangraha vastus, the four means of creating a sangha, to do exactly that. The four are: generosity, kindly speech, good works or action and exemplification. Ratnaprabha explains these in the companion talk: The 4 Sangraha vastus.
The Story of Little Ugly
6 juli 2015 |
6 min
Best-known stories brought together humour and lightness in Buddhist scriptures. Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Story of Little Ugly from the talk, Encounters with Enlightenment, by Saddhaloka, the author of a book of re-tellings of stories from the Pali Canon, the oldest collection of texts about the life and teachings of the Buddha. Here Saddhaloka talks about the tradition of storytelling in Buddhism, and recounts some of his own favourites. His obvious love of the tales comes shining through and#8211; sit back and enjoyand#8230;
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001
The Opening of the Buddha Eye
2 juli 2015 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Opening of the Buddha Eye by Sangharakshita. This excerpt, from the lecture, The New Man Speaks, celebrates the anniversary of the Buddhaand#8217;s decision to teach, with an account of the events just after his Enlightenment, given in 1971.
The Praise of Pinghiya
29 juni 2015 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Praise of Pinghiya, an excerpt from, and#8220;Pinghiyaand#8217;s Praises Of The Way To The Beyondand#8221;, a talk given by Vadanya at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 19th February 2008. Part of a series on stories and symbols.
Becoming a Sage – On Faith
25 juni 2015 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Becoming a Sage and#8211; On Faith by Paramananda. Faith, or confidence, not in the Buddha as a supernatural power, but rather recognizing him as a human being, even on the archetypal level. The Buddha represents us and our quest for Enlightenment. From the talk Becoming a Sage and#8211; the Buddhaand#8217;s Struggle, a talk for Buddha Day at the West London Buddhist Centre, celebrating the Buddhaand#8217;s long struggle leading up to his Enlightenment.
Myth as Call to Action
22 juni 2015 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Myth as Call to Action from the talk At Home In the Cosmos; Myth, Magic and Us by Jvalamalini given at Bristol Sangha Night talk as part of the Building the Buddhaland series.
The Buddha as Hero
18 juni 2015 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called The Buddha as Hero. Buddhism is sometimes seen as weak or negative. Using examples from the Pali Canon and Mahayana texts, this lecture shows that, on the contrary, heroic and positive qualities are essential in the Buddhist spiritual aspirantand#8217;s quest for Enlightenment.
From the talk, The Heroic Ideal in Buddhism, given in 1969.
What Should we be Doing as Buddhists?
15 juni 2015 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called What Should we be Doing as Buddhists? Inspired by a poem from Sangharakshita entitled The Bodhisattvas Reply, Vajragupta outlines ways in which Western religious groups have historically approached engagement with social issues. Vajragupta suggests three ways in which we can work together to transform ourselves and so create a better world.
This talk, entitled, The Bodhisattvas Reply, was given at the Triratna International Retreat 2014 held at Adhisthana on 24 May 2014.
Peace and Tranquillity – Upeksha
11 juni 2015 |
2 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Peace and Tranquillity and#8211; Upeksha from the 1968 talk, Reason and Emotion in the Spiritual Life: Right Resolve by Sangharakshita.
We all need to find emotional equivalents to our intellectual understandings if our spiritual practice is to progress. The lecture outlines the positive emotions stressed in Buddhism, and concludes with a brief explanation of the stages of the Sevenfold Puja.
This talk is part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.
Bringing Together Head and Heart
8 juni 2015 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Bringing Together Head and Heart by Ratnavandana.
Continuing the series of personal talks on each of the Brahma Viharas from the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat, Ratnavandana shares an intensely honest, psychologically intimate, beautifully forensic history of her personal relationship to the practice of upekkha (equanimity) throughout her spiritual life. We hear about ways to assess what is going on in the subtler realms of our experience and#8211; and how to look to move beyond them so we too can live like a riverand#8230;
From the talk, A Personal Take On Upekkha, available in the full retreat format on The Buddhist Centre Online.
What Buddhas Do
4 juni 2015 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called What Buddhas Do. An excerpt from a talk by the same name, given by Maitreyi as part of Sangha Night and to mark the Year of the Buddha at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre.
Double Vajra – Unifying Contradictions
1 juni 2015 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called Double Vajra and#8211; Unifying Contradictions. Lokeshvara explores the symbolism of the double vajraand#8230;this excerpt is from a short talk of the same title, Double Vajra and#8211; Unifying Contradictions, the first in a series of talks on a field in Norfolk on the Green Man of Buddhism retreat.
Five Spiritual Faculties
28 maj 2015 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, entitled: Five Spiritual Faculties is from 1966. Sangharakshita points out possible potentially misleading assumptions concerning Buddhism, and describes three principal avenues to a practical spiritual life. An excerpt from the talk, The Approach to Buddhism, part of the series Introducing Buddhism.
The Most Difficult Questions
25 maj 2015 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled The Most Difficult Questions. Here Arthapriya explores the Buddhist understanding of what we call reality, and how it is less common sensical than we might imagine. In particular, he questions how much our and#8216;outside worldand#8217; is in fact so strongly conditioned by our state of mind.
From the talk entitled The Nature of Reality and#8211; Covering karma, emptiness, impermanence and galaxies, this is a wide ranging talk! First talk in a series of three entitled and#8216;Reality and what to do about itand#8217;, given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, UK, in Nov 2010.
Non-Self In Buddhist-Psychology
21 maj 2015 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an excerpt from Non-Self In Buddhist-Psychology by Kamalashila. The Buddha taught from his vision of interconnected conditionality which showed him that nothing is fixed or permanent. It is a radical, extraordinary vision. His way of looking at the human psyche, the mind, heart or soul, reflects this. If there is no permanent self, no lasting person, what is there, because there clearly isnand#8217;t nothing! In this talk Kamalashila will explore some new ways of looking at ourselves, others, and the world we think we live in. This Dharmabyte is excerpted from the talk by the same title, Non-Self In Buddhist-Psychology.
Time Traveling to the Time of the Buddha
18 maj 2015 |
11 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled Time Traveling to the Time of the Buddha. Amoghavajra takes us back 2,500 years to the Kingdom of Magadha in Northern India to the birth of a boy called Kassapa. He grows up happily and as he gets older he becomes less and less worldly. This is the beginning of the legendary tale of Kassapa, who becomes known as a superb meditator and was foremost among the bhikkus for practising austerities. From the talk and#8220;The Tale of Maha-Kassapaand#8221; given on retreat at Dhanakosa Buddhist Retreat Centre in Scotland.
The Story of Angulimala
14 maj 2015 |
7 min
OurFBA Dharmabyte today is The Story of Angulimala by Suriyavamsa from the talk, and#8220;Like The Moon Released From A Cloud.and#8221; Suriyavamsa tells us the story of the murderer Angulimala, who has a complete change of heart after trying to catch and kill the Buddha and finding it impossible. The tale illustrates how enlightenment canand#8217;t be grasped or understood by ourselves as we are; it requires a fundamental shift of quality, not quantity. Angulimala shows us a way of attaining the higher perspective of the Buddha through surrender, accepting training and service. Talk given during Padmalokaand#8217;s Summer Retreat, July 2011.
How Can One Know the Buddha?
11 maj 2015 |
13 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, How Can One Know the Buddha?, we here from Sangharakshita from the talk, and#8220;The Disappearing Buddha.and#8221; The Buddha adopted the appearance and speech of his different audiences, and gave discourses on the Dharma which instructed, inspired, fired, and delighted. Then he would just disappear and leave them wondering, and#8216;Who is the Buddha?and#8217; Talk given in 1994.
Reality’s Unfolded, What’s Next?
7 maj 2015 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is brought to us by Vajratara entitled:Reality’s Unfolded, What’s Next? Vajratara condenses nearly 50 years of the Buddhas life, using stories from the Pali Canon to show how the Buddha built a spiritual community that lasts to this day. Transcending the conflict between the desire to withdraw and the desire to engage, the Buddha wanders northern India out of compassion, teaching the Dharma by his presence and his words. From the talk, and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Gift To The World.and#8221;
Myth Evoking Inner Reality
4 maj 2015 |
11 min
Just how does one explain the taste of a mango? Vadanya gives us todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled:Myth Evoking Inner Reality. Here, Vadanya illustrates just how rich myth and symbols are to elucidate the inner reality of the Buddha’s experience. From the talk entitled, Brahmas Request, given as part of a series of talks on Stories and Symbols at Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 31st October 2006.
Stories from the Pali Canon
30 april 2015 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Stories from the Pali Canon, Saddhaloka talks about the tradition of storytelling in Buddhism, and recounts some of his own favourites. His obvious love of the tales comes shining through and#8211; sit back and enjoyand#8230;Saddhaloka is the author of a book of re-tellings of stories from the Pali Canon, the oldest collection of texts about the life and teachings of the Buddha. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001
Six Objects of Worship
27 april 2015 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Six Objects of Worship, Sangharakshita explains the the first three of six garavas: Satta, Dharma, Sangha. From the talk, and#8220;Discerning the Buddhaand#8221;, given in 1986. In trying to discern the Buddha, we are trying to discern the highest kind of being: an Enlightened One. The Buddha, it seems, considered that the Dharma and#8211; the truth and#8211; is higher still. Does this mean that there were reaches of the spiral of development that he had not yet explored?
A Rung in the Ladder
23 april 2015 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte A Rung in the Ladder, Satyalila shares quite personally about her writing as spiritual practice. From the talk, and#8220;Daring to Look In the Mirrorand#8221; given on the 2014 at the European Womenand#8217;s Convention held at Adhisthana, the theme of the convention was and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insight.and#8221;
Entering Into A Life in the Dharma
20 april 2015 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is by Saddhaloka, the new chair of the College of Public Preceptors. Much easier said then done, Entering Into a Life in the Dharma begins with a strong heartfelt response, a feeling of ‘coming home’ and is challenged by our many distractions, confusions and the pressures of our life. We keep forgetting what is most important. From the talk of the same title given by Saddhaloka at the Ordination Training Weekend in February 2015.
Setting Intention for Equanimity
16 april 2015 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Setting Intention for Equanimity, Ratnavandana shares an intensely honest, psychologically intimate, beautifully forensic history of her personal relationship to the practice of upekkha (equanimity) throughout her spiritual life. We hear about ways to assess what is going on in the subtler realms of our experience and#8211; and how to look to move beyond them so we too can live like a riverand#8230;
From the talk, and#8220;A Personal Take On Upekkhaand#8221; given as part of the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat at Bristol Buddhist Centre. The full archive of this retreat is available on The Buddhist Center Online.
The Boundlessness of Metta
13 april 2015 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, The Boundlessness of Metta, Jvalamalini gives a very personal and helpful take on the metta bhavana (loving kindness) practice, recounting her history with it and the kinds of areas she has worked with over the years in order to learn to love herself and others as deeply as she can. Here she speaks on an initial experience of vision that arose of profound well-being.
That work is both extraordinary and everyday, and the fruits of it is named beautifully as simply the ability to go deeper with the practice itself.
From the talk, and#8220;A Personal Take On Metta Practiceand#8221; given as part of the 2015 Rainy Season Retreat at Bristol Buddhist Centre. The full archive of this retreat is available on The Buddhist Center Online.
Seeing Beauty in Nature
9 april 2015 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Seeing Beauty in Nature, Jnanavaca continues the seminar series exploring Eros and Beauty, drawing inspiration from Keats on the ascent of beauty. From the talk and#8220;Eros and Beauty and#8211; Jnanavaca On Fireand#8221; given at the London Buddhist Center, 9th March 2015.
The Perfectly Enlightened Mind
6 april 2015 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, The Perfectly Enlightened Mind, Padmavajra offers a beautiful reading of the opening verses of Bodhicaravatara and#8211; the Entry of the Way into Enlightement, by Shantideva. The Bodhicitta is one of those terms that you need to get a feeling for and#8211; translating it as ‘the enlightened mind’ doesn’t quite do it justice. From the talk and#8220;Eros and Beauty and#8211; Manjughosha, Love and Beautyand#8221; given 23rd March 2015, London Buddhist Center.
Transforming the World
2 april 2015 |
22 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Transforming the World, Khemasuri explores the message of Transforming the World in The Sutra of Golden Light at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre 2008. Talk given on 17th June 2008 as part of a series on Great Buddhist Texts.
Buddhism and Culture
30 mars 2015 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Buddhism and Culture, Sangharakshita illustrates how it is only possible to change the world fundamentally when we are receptive to the influence of higher spiritual dimensions. From the talk of the same name, Buddhism and Culture, given in 1976 as part of the series Transformation of Life and World in the Sutra of Golden Light.
Gathering Wisdom
26 mars 2015 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Gathering Wisdom, we hear from Vidyadevi during the opening of the new Sangharakshita Library at Adhisthana.
Sangharakshita, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order, has long dreamed of starting a new library to house his collection of 11,000 books on Buddhism, the Dharma and literature (including extensive reference and poetry collections). Vidyadevi, one of the people who helped make it happen, introduces the new library as it finally opens its doors. Her passion for this project and her love of books is both infectious and challenging as she speaks about a library with its eyes as firmly on the future as on the past. The full talk, Gathering Wisdom While We May and#8211; The Opening of the Sangharakshita Library includes a great introduction and conclusion by Vajragupta on the genesis and future of the Sangharakshita Library.
Two Routes to Samatha
23 mars 2015 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Two Routes to Samatha, Viveka describes the many mindfulness practices and two routes to samatha. From the talk Mindfulness as Sadhana given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Convention 2005.
Stories to Orientate our Psyche
19 mars 2015 |
16 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Stories to Orientate our Psyche, Ratnaghosha shares how stories are the primary way in which the imagination orients our psyche. Listen to Ratnaghosha’s telling of this most famous story in the life of the Buddha and#8211; his going forth. This talk was given to launch the new Sangha Night at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre.
Going Forth as Skilled Action
16 mars 2015 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Going Forth as Skilled Action, Maitreyabandhu adds a liveliness and concreteness to the theme of going forth. From the talk Positive Emotion and#8211; Skilled Action given during a 4-day retreat in May 2013, at Dharmagiri retreatcenter, Sweden. Maitryeabandhu gave four seminars on and#8216;The five great stages of spiritual lifeand#8217;, as it is viewed and practiced within the Triratna Buddhist community. He draws substantially on the writing and teaching that Sangharakshita and Subhuti has produced in recent years.
Understanding Anatta
12 mars 2015 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled: Understanding Anatta. Tackling such terms as self, I, individual, and ego, reveals that each can have both a positive and a negative connotation. What is the self, and how can we cultivate true Individuality? Talk given in 1970. From the talk Individuality, True and False, by Sangharakshita, part of the series Aspects of the Higher Evolution of the Individual.
Radically Renouncing Blame
9 mars 2015 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled: Radically Renouncing Blame, an excerpt from the full talk by the same name. As part of our Saturday Sangha mornings, Vijayasri presented an inspiring talk which looks at the Radical aspects of practice which form the Croydon Buddhist Centreand#8217;s new vision.
Experiencing Suffering
5 mars 2015 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled: Experiencing Suffering. Stay in the gap with our difficult emotions to be with one’s suffering and#8211; this is the place of the spiritual warrior. From the talk and#8220;The Defects and Dangers of Samsaraand#8221;, by Maitreyi, the final talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8216;Four Mind Turningsand#8217; of the Tibetan tradition.
The Story of Self
2 mars 2015 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled: The Story of Self. From the talk and#8220;Suffering and Joy and#8211; Compost For Loveand#8221; by Dayajoti, given during the setup for Buddhafield Festival 2013 (theme and#8216;Fire in the Heartand#8217;) on the Four Brahma Viharas. Includes a reading of the Mallikaa Sutta.
How Is the Buddha Land Relevant to Us?
26 februari 2015 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Building the Buddha Landand#8221; by Sangharakshita. In this excerpt he answers the question, and#8220;How Is the Buddha Land Relevant to Us?and#8221;, using the sphere of creativity and the arts as an example. Part of the series and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipation and#8211; Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdeshaand#8221; given in 1979.
At Home with Myth
23 februari 2015 |
6 min
Jvalamalini brings us todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, an excerpt from her talk and#8220;At Home In the Cosmos; Myth, Magic and Usand#8221;. She explains that we can start effectively reading the Mahayana sutras by first becoming and#8220;At Home with Mythand#8221; as a way of accessing aspects of spiritual experience that are unreachable through logic alone.
What is the Buddha Land?
19 februari 2015 |
9 min
Sangharakshita answers the question, and#8220;What is a Buddha Land? in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte.
From the talk and#8220;Building the Buddhalandand#8221; and part of the excellent series and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipation and#8211; Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdeshaand#8221; given by Sangharakshita in 1979.
Reading the Sukhavativyuha Sutra
16 februari 2015 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Pure and Impure Buddhalands and#8211; This Very Place, the Lotus Paradiseand#8221; by Taranita. He begins the talk by and#8220;Reading the Sukhavativyuha Sutraand#8221;, a text that expounds on the grandeur and wealth of riches available in the Pure Land. Taranita addresses the practical skepticism that often comes up in the face of the flowery language of the sutra, and suggests we look at it symbolically and mythically. Talk given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2015
Death Has 10,000 Doors
12 februari 2015 |
16 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is from the rather fabulous talk and#8220;Death and the Buddhistand#8221; by Danavira. Weand#8217;ve titled this and#8220;Death Has 10,000 Doorsand#8221;. Danavira is one of the best speakers we know and#8211; he is very funny, can do poetic and profound, tends to the chaotic in his style, and has a particular genius for this kind of thing; this kind of thing being talking about death. The whole talk is a kind of respectful joyride through the hardest subject of all and#8211; sit back and enjoy a thoroughly adult treat thatand#8217;s likely to blow the heart wide open. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Menand#8217;s Event 2000
The Finite Nature of Life
9 februari 2015 |
36 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Finite Nature of Lifeand#8221; is from Paramananda. Beginning the talk with a poem, he explores the importance of coming into relation with suffering, especially regarding our own and othersand#8217; death. If we do not take on the finite nature of our lives, we cannot practise effectively.
One Big Mistake
5 februari 2015 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,and#8220;One Big Mistakeand#8221; Padmakumara gives us much to consider in the areas of existential suffering, incompleteness, and the wrong view that external things can be relied on for happiness. From the talk and#8220;I Read the News Today, Oh Boyand#8221; and#8211; A talk on real practice in the sometimes painfully real worldand#8230;
Making the Best Use of Our Time – Practice the Dharma!
2 februari 2015 |
8 min
Sangharakshita rouses us with todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, entitled and#8220;Making the Best Use of Our Time and#8211; Practice the Dharma!and#8221;. From the 1996 talk and#8220;Intellect, Emotion, and Willand#8221; given at the opening of the Manchester Buddhist Centre.
Sangha as Bodhicitta Practice
29 januari 2015 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sangha as Bodhicitta Practiceand#8221;, Vajratara suggests that of the Bodhicitta practises we might take up and#8211; the puja or the various reflections on the suffering of beings and#8211; the most useful and effective Bodhichitta practice is the practice of sangha, of spiritual community. Now thereand#8217;s a thought! From the talk, and#8220;Generating Bodhi Mindand#8221; given at Taraloka, May 2009.
Our Reaction to Suffering
26 januari 2015 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Our Reaction to Sufferingand#8221;, Kulaprabha offers quite personal reflections on our responses to suffering. From the talk and#8220;Contemplating the Suffering of Beingsand#8221; given at Taraloka.
Hiding the Dharma in Story
22 januari 2015 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Hiding the Dharma in Story,and#8221; Vajratara reminds us how the lifeand#8217;s inspirations our found in the stories passed on to us. From the talk, Purna and the Perfumed Chamber and#8211; Stories From Early Sanskrit Buddhism, given on March 2012 UK Women National Order Weekend. The theme of the weekend was Delighting in the Buddha through Story and#8211; from dreadlocked ascetics, the taming of dragons, lost in the desert, and conversing with gods.
Downwards and Backwards
19 januari 2015 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Downwards and Backwards,and#8221; Maitridevi shares the myth of Persephone as pathway of moving backwards and downwards into the depths of oneand#8217;s being. From the talk, and#8220;The Tender Gravity of Kindnessand#8221; that explores how this myth can influence our practice of the metta bhavana.
What Money Can’t Buy
15 januari 2015 |
35 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, entitled and#8220;What Money Canand#8217;t Buyand#8221;, Vaddhaka has a close look at the nature of capitalismand#8217;s economic theory. How are we as buddhists supposed to engage with an economic system that arguably elevates egoistic craving into the position of a high virtue?
What is Wrong Livelihood?
12 januari 2015 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;What is Wrong Livelihoodand#8221;, is excerpted from a 1968 talk by Sangharakshita, and#8220;The Ideal Society: Right Livelihoodand#8221;. Here he discusses what could be considered wrong livelihood, based on the Buddhaand#8217;s teachings in the scriptures.
The Spirit of Cooperative Work
8 januari 2015 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;The Spirit of Cooperative Workand#8221;, Parami looks at Sangharakshitaand#8217;s encouragement of cooperative work and Team-Based Right Livelihood businesses, examining the history of these types of businesses in the Triratna Buddhist Community as well as how we can keep the energy and momentum behind them alive.
Four Essential Features of Right Livelihood
5 januari 2015 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Sangharakshita lays out the and#8220;Four Essential Features of Right Livelihoodand#8221;, particularly the team-based Right Livelihoods that are a distinct emphasis of the Triratna Buddhist Community. This excerpt is from a lovely 2001 talk by Sangharakshita that is well worth revisiting often, entitled and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221;.
Medical Work in India as Dhamma Practice
31 december 2014 |
9 min
Starting the new year with a series on Right Livelihood, todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Medical Work in India as Dhamma Practiceand#8221; features Karunaprabha, an Indian Order Member, who tells the story of how her medical work in the slums of Pune led to her becoming a Buddhist.
Altruistic Activity as Insight Practice
28 december 2014 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Altruistic Activity as Insight Practiceand#8221; draws from an evening of discussion with Sangharakshita in which he was asked to discuss whether one could see altruistic activity as a support for insight in light of the illness of the world.
Supports to Insight
25 december 2014 |
35 min
Karunagita gives todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Supports to Insightand#8221; . Given at the European Womenand#8217;s Convention at Adhisthana, one of a series of talks on the topic and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insightand#8221;.
Transcending Paradigms
22 december 2014 |
19 min
Continuing our exploration of Insight, todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is one from Khemasuri on and#8220;Transcending Paradigmsand#8221; . Given at the European Womenand#8217;s Convention at Adhisthana, one of a series of talks on the topic and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insightand#8221;.
Living Dharma in South Africa
18 december 2014 |
20 min
Another talk in our exploration of Insight, todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte from Dhammamegha entitled and#8220;Living Dharma in South Africaand#8221; was the second talk in a panel called and#8220;Spreading the Dharma as a Path to Insightand#8221;, given at the European Combined Order Convention held at Wymondham College on 23 August 2014.
Life is a Gift – Triratna in Barcelona
15 december 2014 |
17 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Amalasiri gives a lovely talk entitled and#8220;Life is a Gift and#8211; Triratna in Barcelonaand#8221;, beginning a series of podcasts from now to the end of the year exploring the topic of insight. This talk was given at the European Combined Order Convention, the theme of which was and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insightand#8221;.
The Buddha Prevents a War
11 december 2014 |
17 min
Sangharakshita recounts for us in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte the Rohini incident in which and#8220;The Buddha Prevents a Warand#8221;. The Buddhaand#8217;s lone voice of sanity in this story is a wonderful template for us to work from when considering realistic courses of action in the modern world to promote peace and end warfare. Excerpted from the talk and#8220;Buddhism, World Peace and Nuclear Warand#8221; given in 1984.
Buddhism and Activism
8 december 2014 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Lokabandhu speaks on the topic of and#8220;Buddhism and Activismand#8221;, describing how becoming an active force for good in the world through direct social engagement is an integral part of Buddhist practice. Part of the longer talk and#8220;Buddhism, Social Engagement, and Non-Violent Direct Actionand#8221; given in the Dharma Parlour at the 2010 Buddhafield Festival.
Introducing Eco Dharma
4 december 2014 |
26 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Amalaketu talks about Eco Dharma at Colchester Buddhist Centreand#8217;s Sangha Night series on Engaged Buddhism. Entitled and#8220;Introducing Eco Dharmaand#8221;, he maps out the possible Buddhist response to the environmental crisis.
Sangha as Alternative Culture
1 december 2014 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we present an excellent talk from Young Peoples Facilitator Kara Moses entitled and#8220;Sangha as Alternative Cultureand#8221;. Kara talks about why industrialised Capitalist society presents us with particularly challenging conditions for Buddhist practise, and how the Sangha provides a radical positive alternative.
Lalitaratna Rejoices in Bhante
27 november 2014 |
17 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we complete our series on Sangharakshita, his life and his friendships with and#8220;Lalitaratna Rejoices in Bhanteand#8221;. This talk is another in a set recorded during a celebration of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s birthday in 2010, featuring the lively and humorous reminiscences of Lalitaratna.
Akasasuri Rejoices in Bhante
24 november 2014 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we listen while and#8220;Akasasuri Rejoices in Bhante,and#8221; expressing her appreciation for the role that Sangharakshita has played in the spiritual life of herself and others. This talk was recorded during a celebration of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s birthday in 2010.
Paramachitta Rejoices in Bhante
20 november 2014 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Paramachitta Rejoices in Bhanteand#8221;, Paramachitta reflects on the positive qualities of her honored teacher, Sangharakshita, on the occasion of his birthday in 2010.
Recollections of Going Forth
17 november 2014 |
15 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Recollections of Going Forthand#8221;, Sangharakshita reflects back on his time in India, early in his spiritual career, when he made the decision to go forth into homelessness, pursue the Buddhist path and follow in the Buddhaand#8217;s footsteps.
Sangharakshita and Triratna
13 november 2014 |
32 min
Dharmashalin returns in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte with part two of his overview of the spiritual life of Sangharakshita. In and#8220;Sangharakshita and Triratna,and#8221; we continue the story principally through the development of Triratna from a dream to an international Buddhist community.
Sangharakshita: The Early Years
10 november 2014 |
28 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sangharakshita: The Early Years,and#8221; Dharmashalin gives us an overview of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s early life and spiritual path before founding the Triratna Buddhist Community. A great primer for those wanting to know a bit more back-story about our teacher.
The Dharma Challenges our Views
6 november 2014 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Dharma Challenges our Views,and#8221; Satyaraja asks us What’s most important to us? What do we devote our time to? He reminds us that we don’t like uncertainty, and yet, when we strive to gain insight to see things as they really are, we realize we have to stay open and receptive to the mystery of ourselves.
From the words of Padmasambhava: I do not have I do not understand I do not know
Two Great Shifts in One’s Being
30 oktober 2014 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Two Great Shifts in One’s Being,and#8221; Vajratara shares her thoughts on going forth, leaving behind ones old habits, and going for refuge towards what is real, what is possible, what is beautiful and#8211; the goal of the spiritual life. From the talk and#8220;The Bodhicaryavataraand#8221; given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 18th March 2008. Part of a series on Great Buddhist Texts.
The Bodhisattva and Evolution
27 oktober 2014 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Bodhisattva and Evolution,and#8221; Sangharakshita introduces the figure of the Bodhisattva, who embodies the principle of perpetual self-transcendence. This is an excerpt from the talk, and#8220;The Bodhisattva Principleand#8221;.
Living Collectively: Sangha as Teacher
23 oktober 2014 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Living Collectively: Sangha as Teacher,and#8221;Saddhanandi shares some wisdom from Jack Kornfield on spiritual community and living collectively. She then describes having confidence in the Order and developing Sangha as the authentic teacher. From the talk and#8220;Spiritual Transmission and Lineageand#8221; a detailed, intimate and heartfelt talk looking at the relationship between a Dharma follower and her/his teacher.
Prajna as Aesthetic Appreciation
20 oktober 2014 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Prajna as Aesthetic Appreciation,and#8221; Padmavajra offers a little insight into seeing not-self. From the fourth talk in his wonderful series on the Dhammapada, the most popular of early Buddhist texts.
Speaking About the Goal
16 oktober 2014 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte we hear from Ratnaghosha from the Menand#8217;s Combined Convention in and#8220;Speaking About the Goal.and#8221; Words and descriptions cannot fully encapsulate transcendental experience. Inspired by verses from Milarepaand#8217;s final exhortation from and#8220;The Shepherdand#8217;s Search for Mindand#8221;, which provides a complete path, effortlessly combining devotion and meditation:
Without arrival, he reaches the place of Buddha; Without seeing, he visions the dharmakaya; Without effort, he does all things naturally.
This is an excerpt from the sixth talk given on the European Triratna Menand#8217;s Convention at Adhisthana on 19 August 2014, entitled and#8220;The Goal.and#8221;
Hearing the Cuckoo’s Cry
13 oktober 2014 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte we hear from Maitreyabandhu from the Menand#8217;s Combined Convention in and#8220;Hearing the Cuckoo’s Cry.and#8221; Reading haiku, Maitreyabandhu brings us to reflect on our shared understanding of the goal of insight and enlightenment.
This is an excerpt from the second talk given on the European Triratna Menand#8217;s Convention at Adhisthana on 19 August 2014, entitled and#8220;Against Avoiding Pain.and#8221;
Acting in Accordance with our Values
9 oktober 2014 |
9 min
Subhadramati shares her insights on ethics in todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte: and#8220;Acting in Accordance with our Values,and#8221; an excerpt from a the talk and#8220;Ethics As a Path to Insight.and#8221; Practicing ethics leads to greater happiness, springs out of our empathy for others, and eventually becomes free of any notion of self and other. Given on August 30 2014 at the European Womenand#8217;s Convention held at Adhisthana on the theme of and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insightand#8221;.
A New Poem From Sangharakshita
6 oktober 2014 |
6 min
We are delighted to dedicate todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte to poetry. Not just any poetry, but and#8220;A New Poem From Sangharakshita,and#8221; read by Parami at the European Womenand#8217;s Convention held at Adhisthana, August 30 2014.
Six Guides to Insight and a Touch of Magic
2 oktober 2014 |
18 min
Danapriya brings us ourFBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Six Guides to Insight and a Touch of Magic.and#8221; The fourth and last (short) talk in a panel called and#8220;Spreading the Dharma as a Path to Insightand#8221;, given at the European Combined Order Convention held at Wymondham College on 23 August 2014.
The theme of the convention was and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Reply: Triratna Paths to Insightand#8221;.
Three Facets of Imagination
29 september 2014 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled: and#8220;Three Facets of Imagination,and#8221; an excerpt from the beginning of a two-part series by Maitreyabandhu called and#8220;A Further Reach and#8211; Imagination and the Radical.and#8221; Drawing on his experience as an artist, poet and Buddhist practitioner, in these two improvised talks Maitreyabandhu shares his reflections on the role of the imagination on the spiritual life.
Three Propositions
25 september 2014 |
5 min
OurFBA Dharmabyte today is entitled: and#8220;Three Propositions.and#8217;and#8221; Candradasa presents he Buddhaand#8217;s three basic propositions: the nature of reality; how we see things and suffering; and transforming yourself. From Religion Without God, Part 1 and#8211; A Radical Community of Values The first talk in a four-part series looking at how you can have a full spiritual life as a 21st Century person without recourse to blind faith or setting yourself against the rational world we find ourselves in.
The Dakini, the ‘Lady of Space’
22 september 2014 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Dakini, the and#8216;Lady of Space,and#8217;and#8221; Sangharakshita evokes the image of space, the sky, infinite, deep blue, and perfectly pure and introduces us to the Dakini, a strong symbol of freedom.
A Dharma jewel within a Dharma jewel: from the talk and#8220;A Taste of Freedomand#8221; given in 1979. Just as the mighty ocean has but one taste, the taste of salt, even so the Dharma-vinaya (Buddhism) has but one taste, the taste of Freedom. (from and#8216;The Udanaand#8217;). This brilliant and rousing tour-de-force on transcendental freedom is one of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s best-loved lectures.
The Things We Bow Down To
18 september 2014 |
9 min
Vajratara delivers todayand#8217;s DharmabyteFBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Things We Bow Down To.and#8221; Weand#8217;ve got this nagging feeling that things are just not right. What do we go for refuge from? What do we go for refuge to?
From the talk, and#8220;Padmasambhava and the King of Tibetand#8221; given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007.
Padmasambhava at Work
15 september 2014 |
9 min
Find magic and ritual in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Padmasambhava at Work.and#8221; Parami shares what itand#8217;s like ordaining someone and#8211; a channel to the transcendental. She talks about her personal link with Sangharakshita and the birth story of Padmasambhava and his taking Buddhism to Tibet and#8211; the marriage of cognition, feeling and emotion. From the talk and#8220;Energy At Its Most Abundantand#8221; by Parami given as part of a three talk series at Windhorse:Evolution, a large and successful Buddhist team-based right livelihood business.
What is freedom?
11 september 2014 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;What is freedom?and#8221; Sagaraghosa offers a pithy talk exploring the Buddhaand#8217;s practical suggestions to find greater freedom in oneand#8217;s life and#8211; genuine freedom that does not rely on external factors to give a sense of freedom. From the talk, and#8220;The Liberated Mind,and#8221; third in a series of four talks given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre in 2011 on the theme and#8216;The Powers of Mind.and#8217;
The Bardo of Dream
8 september 2014 |
4 min
According to Tibetan tradition, in the bardo, an and#8216;intermediate stateand#8217; in the endless round of birth and death, we are free for an instant from that round. The Tibetan book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) describes six of these opportunities for escape from reactivity. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Bardo of Dream,and#8221; Sangharakshita describes the second of the six bardos, the bardo of dreams. From the and#8220;Psycho-Spiritual Symbolism in the Tibetan Book of the Deadand#8221; given in 1967 in the series and#8220;Aspects of Buddhist Psychology.and#8221;
The Moon and Flowers
4 september 2014 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Moon and Flowers,and#8221; Ratnadharini beautifully explores the concepts of karma and#8211; our effect on others, and on the world. Includes a quote from Ryokan on the moon and flowers. From the talk and#8220;Karma and the Consequences of Our Actions,and#8221; given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005, the fourth talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8220;The Four Mind-Turning Reflectionsand#8221;.
Unifying Symbolism of the Vajra
1 september 2014 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Unifying Symbolism of the Vajra,and#8221; Sangharakshita describes the symbolism of samsara and nirvana in the vajra. From the talk and#8220;The Symbolism of the Sacred Thunderbolt or Diamond Sceptre of the Lamasand#8221; from the and#8220;Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenmentand#8221; series given in 1971.
Unmindfulness Defined
28 augusti 2014 |
11 min
Forgetfulness and distraction are the rule in ordinary life, but awareness and a and#8216;fullness of mindand#8217; is at the heart of human growth and development. Sangharakshita gives us todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Unmindfulness Defined,and#8221; from the 1968 talk and#8220;Levels of Awareness: Right Mindfulness.and#8221; This talk is part of the series The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.
Taking Awareness Deeper
25 augusti 2014 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Taking Awareness Deeper,and#8221; Paramabandhu draws on many years of experience as a consultant psychiatrist and Dharma teacher. He invites us to consider the lessons Buddhist techniques around meditation and mindfulness training can bring to the field of mental health and#8211; especially to problems with depression and addiction. In this excerpt, he talks about taking awareness deeper to really get a sense of impermanence ‘in our bones’.
From the talk, and#8220;Mindfulness for Just About Everything,and#8221; given at San Francisco Buddhist Center, 2006
Fill your Heart with Love
21 augusti 2014 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Fill your Heart with Love,and#8221; Vanaraji shares a personal story of learning that if you fill your heart with love, there’s no room for anything else. The full talk, and#8220;The Metta Suttaand#8221; was given at the Womenand#8217;s Night Class at the LBC on July 12th 2012 and includes a lovely reading of the sutra.
Be Here Now, Is It Enough?
18 augusti 2014 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Be Here Now, Is It Enough?and#8221; Ratnaprabha reminds us that discomfort is caused by avoiding discomfort. Relief from suffering is found when we drop our concerns and are present in this moment. But is mindfulness alone enough structure for complete transformation? A systematic approach to changing ones habits and engaging with sangha are both important in our approach to practice. An excerpt from the talk titled and#8220;The Structure of Buddhism.and#8221; West London Sangha night, May 2012.
Breath is Essential to Life
14 augusti 2014 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Breath is Essential to Lifeand#8221; is an excerpt from the talk titled and#8220;Anatomy of the Breath.and#8221; This talk provides a really good working context to help your meditation practice. Best to lie down comfortably as you listen to Padmadharshiniand#8217;s description of the anatomical and physiological processes involved in breathing. Sheand#8217;s a yoga teacher as well as a meditation teacher and she draws on both those sets of skills to give this talk. And as you lie there, sheand#8217;ll help you tune into your own own body with some very simple exercises and suggestions. Expect to come away with some very practical tips on how to become more aware of your breathing body.
The talk was given on and#8220;One Moment at a Timeand#8221; retreat at Taraloka and is a companion talk to the body scan meditation led by Vidyamala.
Living in an Unfair World
11 augusti 2014 |
9 min
Lifeand#8217;s unfair, what can we do about it? We can practice the Dharma and follow the Buddhaand#8217;s teachings. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Itand#8217;s Not Fair!and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;What to Do In An Unfair Worldand#8221; by Kalyanaprabha. A sober yet uplifting talk encourages us to practice the Dharma in the face of unfairness.
Simplicity of Lifestyle
7 augusti 2014 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Simplicity of Lifestyle,and#8221; Amritamati talks about how we can practice simplicity in our lives: whatever our lifestyle is or whatever we want our lifestyle to be, from parenting to becoming a celibate and#8216;Anagarikaand#8217;. This Dharmabyte is excerpted from the full talk of the same name, and was given on a weekend retreat at Tiratanaloka for women who are training for Ordination.
The First Sight (Old Age)
4 augusti 2014 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is by the delightful Ratnasuri titled and#8220;The First Sight (Old Age).and#8221; When Siddhartha Gautama was a young man, itand#8217;s said that he was so struck by three particular observations that he felt he had no choice but to make a radical change in his life. These were the traditional and#8216;three sightsand#8217;: old age, sickness and death in his fellow human beings. This is the first of those three talks, available in the series: and#8220;The Three Sights.and#8221;
Meeting Another’s ‘Environment’
31 juli 2014 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a curious exploration entitled and#8220;Meeting Another’s ‘Environment’.and#8221; Sharing the teaching of Lin Chi on and#8216;environmentand#8217; and how we meet a whole container of history, memories, emotions when we meet another. With stories about Hakuin, the Samurai and the Order Member Saghasen in India, this little excerpt packs a punch! From the talk and#8220;The Bliss Bestowing Hands of the True Individualand#8221; of the and#8220;Tangling Eyebrows with Zen Mastersand#8221; series given at Padmaloka Retreat Center.
Seeing the Mind By Not Seeing It
28 juli 2014 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Seeing the Mind by Not Seeing It,and#8221; is an excerpt from the 1965 talk, and#8220;Seeing Into One’s Own Nature and Realising Buddhahoodand#8221; by Sangharakshita. We are instructed by the Buddha that and#8216;Mind cannot be seen,and#8217; and yet the Zen Master directs us to and#8216;See the Mindand#8217;. How is the contradiction to be solved?
The World Is Unknown
24 juli 2014 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled: and#8220;The World Is Unknown,and#8221; by Vajragupta. The world is unknown, we cannot possibly know what the world is in itself. What we call the world is much more a relationship, and it’s all rather mysterious. Exploring Buddhist practices of non-separateness, the elements, change and transformation, Vajragupta beautifully unveils our connection with nature.
From the talk: We Live In a Beautiful World: Buddhism and Nature
What is Life?
21 juli 2014 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;What is Life?,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk Awareness of Nature by Dharmasakhya. Quoting the poem, Leisure, by WH Davies, Dharmasakhya makes a beautiful case for more simplicity in oneand#8217;s life.
Building Sangha
17 juli 2014 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Building Sangha,and#8221; is by Vajrasara who explores the value of spiritual community, ways to encourage fuller harmony, and the many opportunities in friendship for waking up. From the talk: and#8220;Building Sangha, Creating Harmony.and#8221;
Overcoming Spiritual Individualism
14 juli 2014 |
6 min
Wide open is the door of the deathless! Let those who are prepared to listen, put forth their faith! Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Overcoming Spiritual Individualism,and#8221; is an excerpt from The Buddhaand#8217;s Victory, by Sangharakshita. Given on the full moon in May celebrating the anniversary of the Buddhaand#8217;s Enlightenment and his victory over the demon Mara. Here, Sangharakshita describes how the Buddha, following his full and perfect Enlightenment, interacts with Brahma Sahampati who implores him to communicate the truth that he has discovered. Talk given in 1987.
A Society Inspired by Bodhicitta
10 juli 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is titled and#8220;A Society Inspired by Bodhicittaand#8221; by Sangharakshita. We hear of Queen Vaydevi and the series of sixteen meditations as illustration to create a spiritual community without the use of the and#8216;power modeand#8217; in interacting with each other. This contrasts strongly with ordinary and#8216;groupsand#8217;, where relationships are often based on authority, sometimes the authority of a personal God.
From the talk Authority and the Individual in the New Society, 1979.
The First of the Four Gifts
7 juli 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;The First of the Four Gifts,and#8221; is an excerpt from The Four Gifts,
Healing by Forgiveness
3 juli 2014 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Healing by Forgiveness,and#8221; is an excerpt from Love Your Enemy, the fourth in a five part series by Padmavajra on all aspects of the Metta Bhavana practice and and#8216;The Great Loveand#8217; in Buddhist discourse and practice and#8211; from metta (loving kindness) itself to Bodhichitta. Here, Padmavajra reminds us that we cannot control events, citing the poem Life is King by Sangharakshita. With readings from King Lear, John Middleton Murray and Chekov, Padmavajra explores the aspect of forgiveness in healing and connecting with others.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Bhaisajyaraja: The Healing Aspect of Buddhahood
30 juni 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Bhaisajyaraja: The Healing Aspect of Buddhahood,and#8221; is an excerpt from The Archetype of the Divine Healer, identifiable in Egyptian and Greek myths, also appears in the White Lotus Sutra as both the Medicine Buddha and the Good Physician.
Talk given in 1971 as part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.
Individual Connection with Nature
26 juni 2014 |
3 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an extract from the talk and#8220;Buddhism and Ecologyand#8221; by Akuppa, a fascinating, challenging and, in the end, realistically affirming look at Buddhist practice in the face of global climate crisis. In this section entitled and#8220;Individual Connection with Nature,and#8221; we here Akuppaand#8217;s concluding remarks and the reading of a poem by Sangharakshita, The Veil of Stars.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention, 2005
Embarking on an Inner Journey
23 juni 2014 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an extract from the talk and#8220;Entering the Mandalaand#8221; by Garava, and#8220;Embarking on an Inner Journeyand#8221;. Here, he speaks of entering the Mandala; embarking on an inner journey; letting go of the past; and preparation for the journey. A very interesting introduction to the mandala here from Garava and#8211; the idea, the myth, the image, the symbol, the experience. His own practice as an artist affords him a respectful and generous perspective, from which we are able to simply sit back and learn.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001
Imagery, Myth and Symbol
19 juni 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an extract from the talk and#8220;Mahayana Buddhist Scripturesand#8221; by Nagapriya entitled: and#8220;Imagery, Myth and Symboland#8221;. Nagapriya gives an overview of the vast literature of Mahayana Buddhism in this talk. He discusses how the new texts emerged, why so many are still preserved, and how they found legitimacy in the larger Buddhist tradition. He also lays out how Mahayana texts are different than those of the Pali Canon, why they emphasize imagination and myth, and why it remains useful for modern Buddhists to explore them despite their length and repetition.
Talk given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009, as part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism.
How does Buddhism speak to us?
16 juni 2014 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an extract from the talk and#8220;Buddhism and the Language of Mythand#8221; where Sangharakshita explores the question: and#8220;How Does Buddhism Speak to us?and#8221;. Buddhism is the most rational of religions. But it appeals no less to the heart than to the head, using the language of myth to do so. This talk is part of the series Ritual and Devotion in Buddhism.
Dogen on Practice as Enlightenment
12 juni 2014 |
2 min
Are you looking at the wall? Or is the wall gazing at you? Another cracking take on Zen and#8211; the sutras, the experience, the dangers and the fruits… Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called: and#8220;Dogen on Practice as Enlightenmentand#8221; by Padmavajra. This is from the third in an excellent 8-talk sequence by Padmavajra on Zen Buddhism titled: and#8220;Wall Gazingand#8220;. The series is full of colourful stories and challenging insights from the lives of the great Masters of China and Japan. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004 as part of the series Tangling Eyebrows with Zen Masters.
Direct Pointing
8 juni 2014 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is called: and#8220;Direct Pointingand#8221; by Sangharakshita. What is the mind? What is projection? What higher states of mind are accessible? Zen challenges us to look directly within our own minds to find out. From the talk, and#8220;A Direct Pointing to the Mind of Manand#8221; given in 1965 as part of the series The Essence of Zen.
The Mind Is Everywhere
5 juni 2014 |
6 min
From the fabulous talk, and#8220;What is Mind?and#8221; we bring you a sparkling Dharmabyte entitled: and#8220;The Mind Is Everywhereand#8221;. Using Milarepaand#8217;s song, the Shepherdand#8217;s Search for Mind, Dhammadinna takes us on a wild, and very specific ride, in defining subjective versus objective mind. You cannot understand the mind, because that would be the mind knowing itself!
This is the first talk in a series of talks from the Order Convention in 2001 offering different perspectives on the Abhidharma and exploring from a personal perspective what the study of the 51 Mental Events can tell us about our minds and how they work. Based on the classic Tibetan text and#8216;Necklace of Clear Understandingand#8217;, this is a terrific, clear introduction to the whole area of how to and#8216;Know Your Mindand#8217;and#8230; Released to complement the Dharma Training Course module and#8216;Know Your Mindand#8217; (year four, module 4). Talk given at Wymondham, 2001
Everyone Needs the Dharma: Milarepa’s Song
2 juni 2014 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Everyone Needs the Dharmaand#8221;, is a lovely reading of one of : Milarepaand#8217;s Songs by Sangharakshita. Talk given in 1979.
The Wisdom Hearer
29 maj 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;The Wisdom Hearerand#8221;,is an excerpt from the fabulous talk and#8220;The Sound of Realityand#8221; by Padmavajra. In this section we hear Hakuinand#8217;s poem of Awakening along with Padmavajraand#8217;s reflections on the nature of sound, impermanence and insubstantiality. Vanish into emptiness and silence!
Solitude and Meditation
26 maj 2014 |
23 min
In our Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Solitude and Meditationand#8221; Paramananda introduces the challenges and rewards of solitude, meditation as a form of solitude, and how being alone can enhance the experience of connection.
What does it mean to ‘know’ the Buddha?
22 maj 2014 |
9 min
Our Dharmabyte today asks and#8220;What does it mean to and#8216;knowand#8217; the Buddha?and#8221; Sangharakshita asks how, if at all, such a man can be defined or categorised.
Face To Face With Reality
19 maj 2014 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we bring you and#8220;Face To Face With Reality.and#8221; Vadanya draws on the Pali Canon and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy to explore how coming face to face with reality is liberating and expansive and#8211; but also very uncomfortable for our habitual small self. Our Dharmabyte is just the beginning of the talk, for the rest: and#8220;Face to Face with Reality.and#8221;
Symbols of Religion
15 maj 2014 |
8 min
Our Dharmabyte today is titled and#8220;Symbols of Religionand#8221; from a recording of Sangharakshita in Conversation with Kathleen Raine. In this excerpt they discuss depictions of the Cross through the ages; Yakshas (kindly demons); the Renaissance, human selfhood and the spirit; Ravenna mosaics; the Stations of the Cross considered as art; and the stupa.
In the 1980s, and#8216;Independent Artsand#8217; ran an ambitious and extremely impressive Arts program through the Croydon Buddhist Centre in London. Hereand#8217;s a first offering from the archive of recordings and#8211; an open conversation between Sangharakshita, founder of the Western Buddhist Order, and the renowned poet and scholar Kathleen Raine, one of the founders of the Temenos Academy.
The occasion was the launch of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s book and#8216;The Religion of Artand#8217; and#8211; and the discussion ranges widely and, at times, controversially through the subject of the Arts considered as a vehicle for spiritual truths. Itand#8217;s full of talking points and challenges to contemporary orthodoxies around art theory. But whatever oneand#8217;s take on the views of the participants, this is a marvellous record of a unique meeting of minds.
The Stupa Emerges in The White Lotus Sutra
12 maj 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is titled and#8220;The Stupa Emerges in The White Lotus Sutra)and#8221; by Sangharakshita from the talk Five Element Symbolism and the Stupa. In this excerpt, we hear about how the and#8216;The Stupa of Abundant Treasuresand#8217; in The White Lotus Sutra emerges. Sangharakshita explains the origins of the Buddhist stupa and its connections with the five elements. Talk given in 1971. This talk is part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.
Transforming the World into a Spiritual Community
8 maj 2014 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from the strong visionary talk by Sangharakshita, A Blueprint for a New World, given in 1976. Our Dharmabyte today is titled and#8220;Transforming the World into a Spiritual Community.and#8221; Is it possible to create a society in which all social, economic, and political arrangements will support the development of true individuality? In this lecture a number of principles essential to the successful transformation of our current society are discussed.
Life As An Order Member
5 maj 2014 |
20 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear Aryabandhu speaking about and#8220;Life As An Order Member.and#8221; One year after ordination, Aryabandhu talks about his experience of life as an order member. The third in a series of four talks given to men training for ordination on the and#8216;What Is the Orderand#8217; retreat.
Aspiration and Joining the Order
1 maj 2014 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Aspiration and Joining the Orderand#8221;, Saddhanandi takes us through a set of very thought-provoking reflections. She is forthright indeed about the difficulties and joys of cultivating faith in the Dharma and makes very plain the consequences we can expect in our life as and when that faith arises. The full talk, entitled, and#8220;Enlightenment as Heart, Life as Wholeand#8221; is peppered with examples from her own practice. The audience clearly appreciates her sense of humour and#8211; which is often at her own expense.
The event was recorded in a very large marquee on a rainy day and despite that the sound quality is still OK!
One of the Lines of Acceptance of the WBO Ordination ceremony is and#8220;For the Attainment of Enlightenment, I Accept This Ordination.and#8221; We took that line as the theme of an International Sangha Gathering for women who had asked for ordination, held at Taraloka in 2005 . This was one of two keynote talks on the event.
First Glimpses: Diamond Sutra and The Sutra of Wei Lang
28 april 2014 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from the well-loved account of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s spiritual journey entitled: and#8220;First Glimpses: Diamond Sutra and#038; The Sutra of Wei Langand#8221;. The History of My Going for Refuge is an inspiring autobiographical lecture taking up Sangharakshitaand#8217;s story from his earliest experiences of Buddhism and telling how he came progressively to understand the centrality of Going for Refuge in the Buddhist life. Talk given in 1988.
Ordination Will Change Your Life
24 april 2014 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a personal account from Padmavajra, one of the main teachers at Padmaloka Retreat Centre for men. In and#8220;Ordination Will Change Your Lifeand#8221; he evokes the Three Jewels as the great love of a life centred on the heartand#8217;s concerns. The full talk entitled, and#8220;First Loveand#8221; was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2005
Why Ordination, Why An Order
21 april 2014 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we hear and#8220;Why Ordination, Why An Orderand#8221; is from a talk given on a weekend retreat for women mitras at Tiratanaloka. In this excerpt, Maitreyi shares her personal journey of requesting ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Order. From the full talk: and#8220;Why Ordination, Why An Orderand#8221;.
What is Mindfulness Practice?
17 april 2014 |
38 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from Vishvapani entitled:and#8220;What is Mindfulness Practice?and#8221; As interest in mindfulness grows in across society, Vishvapani looks at the path beyond an eight-week course and asks, what is the real significance of mindfulness practice? He identifies the key elements that are present from the very start of mindfulness practice and describes how the same elements work at many levels and can become a path to liberation.
This is an excerpt from the full talk and#8220;Mindfulness and Liberationand#8221; given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, May 2013
Body and Mind
14 april 2014 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;Body and#038; Mindand#8221; is an excerpt from Foundations of Mindfulness by Kamalashila. In this section he suggests focusing on two of the four traditional foundations: awareness of body and awareness of mind, thought, mood and mental state. This clear talk by Kamalashila is about the significance of mindfulness for the Buddhist path, from the perspective of the four foundations of mindfulness as taught by the Buddha in the Satipatthana sutta.
The Nature of Other
10 april 2014 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;The Nature of Otherand#8221; is an excerpt from the aptly named talk, and#8220;Awareness is Revolutionaryand#8220;, by Vajratara. Given on a Young Womensand#8217; Weekend retreat this talk explores Sangharakshitaand#8217;s aphorism and#8216;Awareness is Revolutionaryand#8217;. Exploring the revolution that greater awareness can bring to our lives:greater freedom, perspective and choice!
Being Present to Experience
7 april 2014 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Being Present to Experienceand#8221; we have Maitreyabandhu speaking in his usual playful, engaging way on vedana, success, being present to our experience, and recognizing the gap between our thoughts and our direct experience. This is an excerpt from Week 4 of his Dharmic Receptivity Series given at the London Buddhist Centre, Monday, 17 May 2014.
Turning Towards Experience
3 april 2014 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we continue podcasting from the Tonglen Retreat with this excerpt from Day 3:and#8220;Turning Towards Experienceand#8221;Here Saddhanandi talks about turning towards whatever is unsatisfactory in our experience and holding that in the wider framework of spacious awareness. Excerpted from the full talk entitled and#8220;Self Tonglenand#8220;.
Introduction to Tonglen Retreat
31 mars 2014 |
13 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Introduction to Tonglen Retreatand#8221; Saddhanandi beautifully and skilfully presents her vision for the Tonglen retreat held in March 2014 at Taraloka. Weand#8217;ve been posting all week from this Triratna Order Retreat and are pleased to share this and#8216;offering to the worldand#8217;.
Defining Imagination
27 mars 2014 |
5 min
For our FBA Dharmabyte today we chose an excerpt titled and#8220;Defining Imaginationand#8221; by Subhuti from the Rambles Around the Imagination 1 and#8211; Defining Imagination. Following on from a recent set of conversations with Sangharakshita, Subhuti gives the first in a series of Rambles on the important subject of Imagination. What is imagination and why is it important not just in our spiritual lives but in terms of what it means to be human.
Illumined Imagination
24 mars 2014 |
19 min
In our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Illumined Imagination,and#8221; Maitreyabandhu shares anecdotes from his experience to draw out spiritual principles coming through ordinary experience. The full talk is about Avalokitesvara and was given on the LBCand#8217;s Winter Retreat at Sibford, Oxfordshire in December 2010.
Blending Reason and Reverence
20 mars 2014 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Blending Reason and Reverenceand#8221; is an excerpt from The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits: Talk 1, by Padmavajra. Blending the intellectual and the devotional, here Padmavajra describes the setting of the sutra exploring simplicity and awareness.
This is an excerpt from the first in a sparkling, wide-ranging, thoroughly comprehensive ten talk series by Padmavajra on and#8216;The Diamond Sutraand#8217;. We are taken through the work stage by stage, and here we begin with the opening scenes and the text itself as a revelation of Realityand#8230; Talks given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004 This talk is part of the series The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits.
The Heart Sutra – Sunyata
17 mars 2014 |
18 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a short talk by Taranita entitled: and#8220;The Heart Sutra and#8211; Sunyata.and#8221; Sunyata is central to the Heart Sutra, and here Taranita discusses this subtle Buddhist teaching and#8211; often translated as Empitness or Voidness. In doing so, amongst other things, he compares Christian transubstantiation with Buddhist insubstantiality.
Living by Cause and Effect
13 mars 2014 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Living by Cause and Effectand#8221; is an excerpt from the series Tangling Eyebrows with Zen Masters. Padmavajra here is looking at the nature of impermanence and how all living beings are without a fixed and permanent nature. From the talk Entering Through Your Practice given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004.
Engaged Ethics
10 mars 2014 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Engaged Ethics, Parami gives us a perspective on the nature of Mahayana ethics and#8211; marked by compassion and wisdom and maximizing connectedness. The energizing effect of engaged ethics is a tool for living life fully for the benefit of others. From the talk The Awakening Heart.
Pointing to Something Real
6 mars 2014 |
15 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Pointing to something Realand#8221; is the beginning of Launch of the LBC Year of Dharmic Receptivity by Jnanavaca. In true form, Jnanavaca delivers.
Ritual, Metaphor and Poetry
3 mars 2014 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Ritual, Metaphor and Poetryand#8221; is a beautiful excerpt on communication as exchange of energy and experience. Happy is the mind that is steeped in totality, Dhammadassin reveals the ritual in the world through poetry and metaphor. The full talk Standing on Emptiness: View, Meditation, and Action was given at the Western Buddhist Order Women’s National Order weekend, August 2004.
The Buddhist View on Rebirth
27 februari 2014 |
4 min
Vessantara is back from his three year long retreat and has many insights to share. Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a preview for next Saturdayand#8217;s full-length FBA Podcast. In and#8220;The Buddhist View on Rebirthand#8221; Vessantara dives deep as he describes how awareness continues to arise after death and#8211; there is continued experience but no and#8216;Iand#8217; to have that experience. The full talk Karma, Rebirth and the Deep Boundless Dharma was given at the Triratna Buddhist Order UK and Ireland Menand#8217;s Order Weekend at Adhisthana on 1 February 2014.
The Origins of the Stupa
24 februari 2014 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is dedicated to Dhardo Rinpoche, and#8220;The Origins of the Stupa.and#8221; In this segment Sangharakshita explains the origins of the Buddhist stupa. From the talk, Five Element Symbolism and the Stupa, given in 1971, is part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra. Weand#8217;ve dedicated this to Dhardo Rinpoche to help support a stupa being built in his honor at one of our Triratna Centres in America.
The Buddha’s Visions
20 februari 2014 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a lovely reading, and reflection on, and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Visions.and#8221; Here we have Candradasa reading to us, quite poetically, as the Buddha recalls his previous lives and the vision of the lotuses. He then reflects on faith and experience in practice. From the talk and#8220;Religion Without God, Part 3 and#8211; Death and the Biggest Questions of Alland#8221;, the third talk in a four-part series looking at how you can have a full spiritual life as a 21st Century person without recourse to blind faith or setting yourself against the rational world we find ourselves in.
Metta Bhavana: Letting Kindness Happen
17 februari 2014 |
18 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;Metta Bhavana: Letting Kindness Happenand#8221; is a short talk by Ratnaguna about the metta bhavana, or development of loving kindness. Talk given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre in February 2012.
The Karaniya Metta Sutta
13 februari 2014 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, takes us deep into the Pali Suttas as practice. Here, Padmavajra chants and#8220;The Karaniya Metta Suttaand#8221; as the opening to his talk, and#8220;The Power of Loveand#8221;, which will be podcast in full this weekend.
Adhistana Is ACE
10 februari 2014 |
19 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Adhistana is ACEand#8221; is a short talk by Dharmashalin as part of the theme of and#8216;Adhisthana as Blessingand#8217; on the UK and Ireland Menand#8217;s Order Weekend held at Adhisthana, on 3 November 2013
Bhante – Teacher and Friend
6 februari 2014 |
19 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8216;Bhante and#8211; Teacher and Friendand#8221; a talk by Dhammadinna, first in a symposium of talks about Sangharakshita given at the UK and Ireland Area Order weekend at Adhisthana on 7th December 2013.
‘Development’ and Communicating Dharma
3 februari 2014 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled: and#8220;and#8216;Developmentand#8217; andamp; Communicating Dharmaand#8221; is an excerpt from the talk: and#8220;Psychology of Spiritual Developmentand#8221; by Sangharakshita given in 1967. Here, Bhante discusses the The meaning of and#8216;developmentand#8217; and the problem of communicating the Dharma. This talk is part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology.
Adhisthana, Emptiness and Butterflies
30 januari 2014 |
24 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte , and#8220;Adhisthana, Emptiness and Butterflies,and#8221; is a talk by Saraha as part of the theme of and#8216;Adhisthana as Blessingand#8217; on the UK and Ireland Menand#8217;s Order Weekend held at Adhisthana, on 3 November 2013
Intensity At Taraloka
27 januari 2014 |
12 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a short talk on the theme of and#8216;Intensity of engagement with the Dharma lifeand#8217; by Singhamati titled: and#8220;Intensity At Taralokaand#8221;. Given on the European Order Gathering at Wymondham College, August 10 2013. The Theme of the gathering was and#8216;Karma niyama in the service of the Dharma niyamaand#8217;.
Cherishing the Lotus
23 januari 2014 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a short talk on the theme of and#8216;Intensity of engagement with the Dharma lifeand#8217; by Amlanadhi titled: and#8220;Cherishing the Lotusand#8221;. Given on the European Order Gathering at Wymondham College, August 10 2013. The Theme of the gathering was and#8216;Karma niyama in the service of the Dharma niyamaand#8217;.
Stepping Through Dharma Portals
20 januari 2014 |
10 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an interesting blend of SciFi and Dharma Study titled and#8220;Stepping Through Dharma Portalsand#8221;. From the talk and#8220;Cherish the Doctrineand#8221; by Nagapriya, Part 1 of a three part series based around the motto of the great Tibetan 20th Century teacher Dhardo Rimpoche and#8211; and#8220;Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Loveand#8221;. Here, Nagapriya reminds us that in order to appreciate the meaning of symbols, one needs to engage the imagination. Further, in trying to understand the Dharma one can only go so far with rational understanding and#8211; one must engage the imagination. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Men’s Event January
Meditative Experience
16 januari 2014 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is titled: and#8220;Meditative Experienceand#8221; from the 1967 talk by Sangharakshita titled Meditation: the Expanding Consciousness. In this excerpt, Bhante explains the the three stages of meditation: samata, samapatti, and samadhi.
Samata is the experience of tranquility, calm and equanimity of mind as discursive mental activity recedes. Samapatti represents an immense variety of experiences. Described as attainments in meditation from changes in temperature and seeing multi-colored lights to flashes of insight. Samadhi is carefully described as a blissful state, translucent, free from the dichotomy of subject and object, as consciousness in expanded from the mundane to the transcendental.
Imagination and Dreaming Angels
13 januari 2014 |
8 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is from Vajratara titled: and#8220;Imagination andamp; Dreaming Angelsand#8221;. Here Vajratara explores the fifth pillar of the Triratna Buddhist Order: Imagination as mystery, magic and myth. She describes how in the Sangha, in the Sangha we aspire to, the distinctions between each other are transcended and#8211; which is a mysterious and wonderful thing. From the talk: Dreaming Angels given on the December 2012 National Order Weekend for women.
The Buddha and Imagination
9 januari 2014 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;The Buddha andamp; Imagination,and#8221; is an excerpt from Kamalashilaand#8217;s talk and#8220;Tranquillity, Imagination and Insightand#8221;, a book relaunching of Buddhist Meditation. Here, Kamalashila explores the Buddhaand#8217;s emphasis on mind, and the presence of imagination. and#8220;All solutions and all problems come from the mind.and#8221; The full talk will be podcast next Saturday.
The Divine Eye as Vertical Imagination
6 januari 2014 |
5 min
In the Pali scriptures, do we have a word for and#8216;imagination?and#8221; In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Sangharakshita offers his thoughts in and#8220;The Divine Eye as Vertical Imagination.and#8221; Vertical imagination is a creative force, enabling us to rise above ourselves. Quoting William Blake seeing the host of heavenly spirits in the sun, we are called to evoke the power of our imaginative faculty. This is an excerpt from the book launch of Living Ethically, available at Windhorse Publications.
The Mystery of the Dhamma Niyama
2 januari 2014 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Mystery of the Dhamma Niyamaand#8221; Subhuti concludes the first talk in one of his Rambles Around Reality series. Here he describes the Dhamma Niyama as having itand#8217;s own conditioned laws which are potentially working within us. Using the metaphor of the stream, our effort, our karma puts us in the current, but the current itself is the Dharma Niyama and#8211; mysterious patterns in conditionality that take us well beyond ourselves.
Beyond Ethics
30 december 2013 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Beyond Ethicsand#8221; is the introduction to the first talk in a series exploring how our ethical practice can extend toward that which would be the natural responses of an Enlightened Being, taking into consideration the Niyamas. From the talk: Beyond Ethics, Part I By Subhadramati and Silapiya given at the London Buddhist Centre.
Sunyata Mantra
26 december 2013 |
3 min
Sunyata, (Sanskrit, also shunyata; Pali: suññat), in Buddhism, translated into English as emptiness, voidness, openness, spaciousness, is a Buddhist concept which has multiple meanings depending on its doctrinal context. (Wikipedia)
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is simple. The and#8220;Sunyata Mantraand#8221; was recorded on retreat and is now being shared on Free Buddhist Audio. From the Anapanasati Web Extras provided by Viveka, from the retreat led in 2003.
Vajrasattva – The Aspect of Purity
23 december 2013 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, takes us further into the archetypal realm of the Buddhaand#8217;s and Bodhisattvas. Here Sangharakshita introduces us to and#8220;Vajrasattva – The Aspect of Purityand#8221;. This is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Bodhisattva Hierarchyand#8221; by Sangharakshita given in 1969.
The Diamond Sutra as Zen Master
19 december 2013 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyteand#8220;The Diamond Sutra as Zen Masterand#8221; we hear Abhaya in an an intriguing discussion of the sutra as Vajrapani and as a zen master. From the talk and#8220;The Diamond Sutraand#8221; where Abhaya leads us on the crazy paving path through the Diamond Sutra and#8211; a text guaranteed to turn your world upside-down. Some very funny parts to this talk and#8211; and some excellent evocations of rigorous Dharma practice as part of the everyday business of life.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order national Order weekend 2003
Vajrapani: The Power Aspect
16 december 2013 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Vajrapani: The Power Aspectand#8221; is an excerpt from and#8220;The Bodhisattva Hierarchyand#8221; by Sangharakshita. After a full explanation of the importance of being receptive to those more developed than ourselves, we are introduced to the ten stages (bhumis) of the Bodhisattva path and to the four principal types of Bodhisattva who embody this path. Here we meet: Vajrapani.
Mantra von Amitabha
12 december 2013 |
2 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a ritual chant of devotion: and#8220;Mantra von Amitabhaand#8221; by Nagadakini recorded in Essen, Germany.
The Qualities of Amitabha
9 december 2013 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Qualities of Amitabha and#8220; Sangharakshita gives voice to the poetic Buddhist scripture The Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutra describing the wonderful Pureland of the Buddha Amitabha.
The Jewel of the Mandala
5 december 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Jewel of the Mandalaand#8221; is an excerpt from the fourth talk in a six-part series on the figures on the Wheel of Life. Saddhaloka introduces us to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of alland#8230; Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, winter retreat, 1997
The Bodhisattva Tara
2 december 2013 |
22 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a tribute to and#8220;The Bodhisattva Taraand#8221; by Kamalashila. From a series about the final mantras of the sevenfold puja, Kamalashila talks about the birth and significance of the bodhisattva Tara.
Tara – The Quintessence of Compassion
28 november 2013 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Tara and#8211; The Quintessence of Compassionand#8221; by Sangharakshita. From a thorough and thought-provoking talk explaining the Bodhisattva Path we are introduced to several Bodhisattvas, in this excerpt we meet Tara. From the talk and#8220;The Bodhisattva Hierarchyand#8221; given in 1969.
Bodhisattva as Dharma Teacher
25 november 2013 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Bodhisattva as Dharma Teacher and#8220; by Padmavajra from the 7th talk in and#8220;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limitsand#8221; series. Here Padmavajra talks about Diamond Sutra logic and giving the Dharma. He includes a quote from Sangharakshita from Wisdom Beoynd Words that elucidates the Bodhisattva as Dharma teacher.
Not Mere Socialising
21 november 2013 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Not Mere Socialisingand#8221; by Sangharakshita from the talk and#8220;Intellect, Emotion, and Willand#8221; given at opening of the Manchester Buddhist Centre in 1996. In this excerpt Sangharakshita talks about kalyana mitrata and people coming to Centres forming sangha as being much deeper than mere socialising.
Sangha as Coral Reef
18 november 2013 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Sangha as Coral Reef and#8220; by Saddhanandi. In this excerpt from the talk and#8220;Spiritual Transmission and Lineageand#8221; we hear a comparison of the sangha with a coral reef and#8211; delicate, beautiful and very sensitive to pollution. Saddhanandi explores the nature of the Sangha as the possible ground for insight itself to arise.
The Voice That Says ‘Be Generous’
14 november 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;The Voice That Says and#8216;Be Generousand#8217;and#8221; by Vajratara. To have friends, we need to learn to be a friend. Friendship is an active practice, not to be left to chance. In this excerpt from the talk and#8220;How to Be a Friendand#8221; Vajratara points out the a friend reminds us of our own ethical values.
Sangharakshita: A Friend to the Order
11 november 2013 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabytetitled and#8220;Sangharakshita: A Friend to the Order,and#8221; Bhante is making good his intention to follow up and#8216;The History of My Going For Refugeand#8217; with another lecture looking at his relation to the rest of the Order titled and#8220;My Relation to the Orderand#8220;. He considers his position as the WBOand#8217;s [Triratna's] founder and what his continuing role will be, as others take on the responsibility of conferring ordinations themselves. Talk given in 1990.
A Community of Hearers
7 november 2013 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;A Community of Hearers,and#8221; Parami starts off the International Womenand#8217;s Order Convention with an inspiring window into the practice of Sangha, of gathering together in harmonious relationship with one another that keeps third jewel shining. In this excerpt she describes the sangha as a community of hearers and#8211; those who engage in the action of listening and the action of receptivity. From the talk titled and#8220;Sangha Vandanaand#8221; given at the Womenand#8217;s International Order Convention 2011.
A Single Stream of Dharma Activity
4 november 2013 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a lovely description of Sangharakshita weand#8217;re calling and#8220;A Single Stream of Dharma Activityand#8221; given by his editor Kalyanaprabha on the occasion of launching his recent book and#8216;Dear Dinoo: Letters to a Friendand#8216;. She shares two remarkable aspects about Sangharakshita: the ordinary and the extraordinary along with reflections on kindness and his embodiment of a single stream of Dharma activity.
Compassion: An Intrinsic Part of Reality
31 oktober 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Compassion: An Intrinsic Part of Reality,and#8221; by Vijayamala is an excerpt from an excellent, personal set of reflections entitled and#8220;Compassionate Koans and#8211; the Heart of the Matterand#8221;. Here she shares her thoughts on compassion as an intrinsic part of reality referring to Mandarava in and#8216;The Life and Liberation of Padmasambhavaand#8217; and describing how Bodhisattvas, messengers of the Dharma and embodiments of compassion, continue to suffer for lifetimes.
Dakinis: Forces To Be Integrated
28 oktober 2013 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Dakinis: Forces To Be Integrated,and#8221; is an excerpt from the previously unreleased talk from 1979 entitled simply and#8220;Padmasambhavaand#8221; by Sangharakshita. In this short excerpt of the full talk, rather famously, given off-the-cuff at the London Buddhist Centre, Sangharakshita gives us a lively description of the dakini as a force to be integrated.
Padmasambhava’s Song
24 oktober 2013 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Padmasambhavaand#8217;s Song,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Padmasambhava and the King of Tibetand#8221; by Vajratara. Hereand#8217;s another tour-de-force from Vajratara, looking to approach the great figure of Padmasambhava and#8211; the and#8216;Second Buddhaand#8217; and#8211; through his famous meeting with the King of Tibet. As ever, a provocative, fully engaged and fully engaging take on the Dharma and the challenges that face us on the Path. Talk given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007
Padmasambhava’s Teachings
21 oktober 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Padmasambhavaand#8217;s Teachings,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Padmasambhava: Tantric Guru of Tibetand#8221; by Sangharakshita given in 1972. Padmasambhava, often known as the and#8216;Second Buddhaand#8217;, is famous for converting the demons of Tibet. In this lecture we are given a brief biography of Padmasambhava and an outline of the progressive Nyingmapa practices attributed to him.
Death is Certain
17 oktober 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Death is Certain,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Deathand#8221; by Vajradarshini. Here she talks about disassociating from our own death and how our death really is not that significant. In imagining this, knowing this, there is freedom. The third talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8216;Four Mind Turningsand#8217; of the Tibetan tradition.
Cutting the Rope
14 oktober 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Cutting the Rope,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Touching the Voidand#8221; by Jnanavaca. Here he talks about the analogy of and#8216;cutting the ropeand#8217; and taking responsibility. In the full talk Jnanavaca relates events in Joe Simpsonand#8217;s popular mountaineering book and#8216;Touching the Voidand#8217; to aspects of Buddhist practice. Look out for some wonderful quotes and#8211; from T.E. Lawrence to Einstein. Inspiring stuff all roundand#8230; Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Why Are We So Afraid?
10 oktober 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Why Are We So Afraid?,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Dying to Liveand#8221; by Vidyamala. Here she talks about being present with fear in the face of impermanence. In the full talk, Vidyamala gives a strong account of working with suffering and sorrow in life, and of transforming experience into one characterized by contentment and a sense of meaning. From her own practice of living with chronic pain comes a sane and unsentimental perspective that affords us all a measure of genuine optimism as we meet the trials of the world: bereavements and losses of all kinds can be met with a kindness and awareness that gently ease the burden, allowing something of peace to enter our lives again.
When Reality Knocks…
7 oktober 2013 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;When Reality Knocksand#8230;,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;What is Enlightenment?and#8221; by Jinapriya. When Reality knocks at the door we sometimes need to own painful experience and surrender. His main theme within the frame of such a big question and#8211; and#8216;What is Enlightenment?and#8217; and#8211; is the struggle to live our lives in the present moment, especially in the face of pain.
Gesture of Fearlessness
3 oktober 2013 |
26 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Gesture of Fearlessness,and#8221; is a short talk by Lokeshvara given during the Buddhafield East Green Man of Buddhism Retreat where he shows that benefiting others overcomes fear.
Tasting Fear
30 september 2013 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Tasting Fear,and#8221; by Kulaprabha is an an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Spiritual Death, Fear and Fearlessness.and#8221; Spiritual Death is about death of our fixed, bounded self, the self that is made up of bundled habits and preferences and views and#8211; especially views about existence and non-existence. So donand#8217;t be surprised if, when contemplating the impermanence and unreliability of that small self, you taste fear. Itand#8217;s natural enough in the circumstances. After all, fine to talk loftily about and#8216;dying to oneand#8217;s egoand#8217;, but who will be left after thatand#8217;s done? Where will and#8216;Iand#8217; be?
Fighting Against Change
26 september 2013 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an excerpt titled and#8220;Fighting Against Change.and#8221; Sagaraghosa reminds us through the telling of the story of Kisa Gotami that we are not making a mistake if we find life difficult sometimes. On the other hand there is a possibility of freedom from dukkha if we accept things what cant be changed. From the talk and#8220;What Do Buddhists Think and#8211; Physicsand#8221; given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, December 2012.
Launch of The Buddhist Vision
23 september 2013 |
9 min
For todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we offer a recently re-discovered little lost delight and#8211; Sangharakshita and Subhuti launching each otherand#8217;s books and clearly enjoying themselves. Sangharakshitaand#8217;s in fine humour and#8211; and itand#8217;s great to hear him read and quote from the bible! Is that a twinkle in his voice? In this excerpt, and#8220;Launch of The Buddhist Visionand#8221; Sangharakshita launches Subhutiand#8217;s book by reminiscing about early discussions on and#8216;what Buddhism isand#8217; and#8211; religion, philosophy or science. To listen to the full launch, see and#8220;Launch of The Buddhist Vision and the Dhammapada by Sangharakshita and Subhuti.and#8221;
Freedom from Raga
19 september 2013 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Freedom from Ragaand#8221; is an excerpt from a thoughtful and enlightening talk by Maitreyi titled, and#8220;The Root of Good.and#8221;
The Three Fetters
16 september 2013 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from Sangharakshita titled: and#8220;The Three Fetters.and#8221; The Fetters of self-view, doubt, and dependence on moral rules and religious observations are described in this excerpt from the full talk, and#8220;Stream Entry: the Point of No Returnand#8221; given in 1975.
Karma Niyama
12 september 2013 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled,and#8220;Karma Niyama,and#8221; we hear an excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Five Niyamas and the Evolution of the Human Brainand#8221; by Vaddhaka. Here Vaddhaka illustrates the volitional mental order, or Karma Niyama, that which guides our moral or ethical choices.
Radical Interconnectedness
9 september 2013 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Radical Interconnectedness,and#8221; Satyanandi looks at radical interconnectedness and the nature of mind as it meets the world.
In the full talk, and#8220;How We See the World,and#8221; she takes the listener on a very intriguing trip through the myriad worlds of consideration that arise when view, experience and reality meet. Her starting point is science and its various models for how the universe works and#8211; from mechanism to quantum physics.
Enlightenment as Non-Experience
5 september 2013 |
5 min
Elucidating the other side of the coin, in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,and#8220;Enlightenment as Non-Experience,and#8221; Sangharakshita explores the alternative to considering Enlightenment as experience. Nirvana is the experience you have when you stop experiencing. The full talk, and#8220;Enlightenment as Experience and as Non-Experienceand#8221; was given in 1975.
Enlightenment as Experience
2 september 2013 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,and#8220;Enlightenment as Experience,and#8221; Sangharakshita exposes a modern disease of frustrated craving for experience. He suggests that spiritual life is better seen in more concrete ways; as growth, work, and duty. The full talk, and#8220;Enlightenment as Experience and as Non-Experienceand#8221; was given in 1975.
Five Hundred Parasols
29 augusti 2013 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we draw from Dayamalaand#8217;s talk on and#8220;Building the Buddhalandand#8221;
In this segment of the talk entitled, and#8220;Five Hundred Parasolsand#8221; she references the early chapters of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa as a poetic example of the relationship between individual spiritual practitioners and the greater universe of all sentient beings and the Cosmic Bodhicitta.
The Buddha in Relation to His Society
26 augusti 2013 |
6 min
Vishvapani looks back to the Buddhaand#8217;s day in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8211; introducing his book on the Buddha in a talk called and#8220;The Buddha and Societyand#8221;
In this segment, and#8220;The Buddha in Relation to His Societyand#8221; he looks at how the Buddha likely engaged with the political and social atmosphere of the times. Did he have a concern with the larger sphere of social life, and does the approach we take as Buddhists in the modern era need to be different?
Changing Self and Society
22 augusti 2013 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an segment from Sangharakshitaand#8217;s 1976 talk and#8220;A Blueprint for a New Societyand#8221;
Entitled and#8220;Changing Self and Societyand#8221; he discusses two common views regarding changing the world and#8211; changing the system, and changing the individual and#8211; and how they are not mutually exclusive.
Meeting Suffering
19 augusti 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from Maitrisaraand#8217;s talk and#8220;Meeting the Suffering of the World and#8211; Compassion in Actionand#8221; given as the last talk of Dharmapala collegeand#8217;s and#8220;40 years of the New Societyand#8221; seminar.
Entitled and#8220;Meeting Sufferingand#8221; she talks about the unique challenge of our age, having a global awareness of suffering, and she opens up the basic question for Buddhists and#8211; how do we engage with it meaningfully?
The Burning Monk
15 augusti 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from Devamitraand#8217;s riveting talk and#8220;Quang Ducand#8221; given at the London Buddhist Center.
In this segment entitled and#8220;The Burning Monkand#8221; Devamitra discusses the motivations behind Quang Ducand#8217;s self-immolation in Vietnam and its after-effects, which raises many challenging questions about ethics and acting for the sake of others. An excellent talk and#8211; donand#8217;t miss the rest of it!
Why Be a Warrior?
12 augusti 2013 |
17 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from Dharmashalinand#8217;s longer talk given at Padmaloka on the topic of becoming a Dharma warrior.
Entitled and#8220;Why Be a Warrior?and#8221; he pulls in accessible examples from pop culture and his personal experiences to illustrate the qualities of a peaceful Dharma warrior and speak to the meaning of developing in this way for our spiritual lives.
Young People and the Dharma
8 augusti 2013 |
26 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte entitled and#8220;Young People and the Dharmaand#8221; is from Lindsay Hannah in an address to members of the European Buddhist Union gathered at Taraloka.
Here she shares an array of thought-provoking practical ways that Centres could inspire more young people to practice the Dharma.
Starting a Young Person’s Group
5 augusti 2013 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is one of several short segments about the New Society from the talk and#8220;New Society Weekend 2011and#8243; given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre. In it, thoughts on various topics were offered by young people in the Triratna Buddhist Community.
In this segment, entitled and#8220;Starting a Young Personand#8217;s Group,and#8221; Ben Niblock speaks on a personal level about his experiences with developing programs for young sangha members and#8211; the doubt and uncertainty of teaching the Dharma, discovering oneself by building supportive practice conditions for others, and the challenge of bringing the special energy of this environment into new groups and new places.
Choice in Young People’s Practice
1 augusti 2013 |
17 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is one of three short talks on the topic of and#8220;Inspiring Young People with the Dharmaand#8221; given at given at Sheffield.
Entitled and#8220;Choice in Young Peopleand#8217;s Practice,and#8221; Vidyaruci speaks on the wealth of choice for young people and the importance of getting clear on making the right choices in order to seize every opportunity available to practice well going forward in life.
Inspiring Young People
29 juli 2013 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is one of three short talks on the topic of and#8220;Inspiring Young People with the Dharmaand#8221; given at given at Sheffield.
Entitled and#8220;Inspiring Young People,and#8221; Kate, a member of the young sangha, offers her thoughts on being a young person in the Triratna Buddhist Community and about getting engaged in the workings of the sangha.
The Dharma is Received
25 juli 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a set of closing remarks from Padmavajra following Guhyavajraand#8217;s talk and#8220;Concepts, Symbol and Dharma as Sambhogakayaand#8221; given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre on a Going for Refuge Retreat in 2001.
Entitled and#8220;The Dharma is Receivedand#8221; Padmavajra reflects on Dharma Day and the importance of that moment of the first full understanding of the Buddhaand#8217;s teachings by Kondanna.
What Do We Celebrate on Dharma Day?
22 juli 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a segment from Sangharakshitaand#8217;s talk and#8220;The New Man Speaksand#8221; given in 1971.
Entitled and#8220;What Do We Celebrate on Dharma Day?and#8221; here Sangharakshita speaks to the meaning of the Buddhist Dharma Day festival and#8211; a commemoration of the first impact of the enlightened man on the unenlightened world.
Gratitude for the Bodhi Tree
18 juli 2013 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is drawn from Sangharakshitaand#8217;s talk and#8220;Looking at the Bodhi Treeand#8221; given in 1999.
Entitled and#8220;Gratitude for the Bodhi Treeand#8221; in this segment Sangharakshita brings our attention to an overlooked story immediately following the Buddhaand#8217;s Enlightenment, in which the Buddha expresses deep gratitude to the tree which sheltered him and#8211; a lesson in both gratitude and in how the Buddha regarded the natural world.
Awakening to the Earth
15 juli 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a segment from Satyajitand#8217;s talk and#8220;Awakening to the Earth and#8211; An Inconceivably Vast Undertakingand#8221; given at Buddhafieldand#8217;s Green Earth Awakening event in May 2013. Satyajit is one of the founders of the Buddhafield festival and has spent many years exploring the connections between Buddhism and work to change the world for the better.
Entitled and#8220;Awakening to the Earthand#8221; here Satyajit poetically evokes the deep feelings of beauty and potential in life when we make contact with the natural world, and how this connection inspires us to share those feelings with others.
An Understanding of Nature
11 juli 2013 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is another segment from an early series of talks in 1976 by Sangharakshita on the Sutra of Golden Light.
Entitled and#8220;An Understanding of Nature,and#8221; this piece is from the talk and#8220;Nature, Man and Enlightenmentand#8221;. Sangharakshita here reveals a richer way of understanding nature and seeing it in its spiritual depths and#8211; bringing in the concepts of cyclic existence and the furthest reaches of perception and cosmos.
Man’s Use of of Nature
8 juli 2013 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from an early series of talks in 1976 by Sangharakshita on the Sutra of Golden Light.
Entitled and#8220;Manand#8217;s Use of Nature,and#8221; itand#8217;s part of the talk and#8220;Nature, Man and Enlightenmentand#8221;. In the sutra, the struggle and resolution of the conflict between our desires and aspirations are symbolically portrayed by the figures of the Monk and Drdha, the Earth-Goddess. Here, Sangharakshita discusses manand#8217;s use of natural resources, and the Buddhist duty to become loving stewards of our environment.
Deep Ecology
4 juli 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from Kamalashila, stemming from the deep connections he feels between Buddhist practice and the environment.
Entitled and#8220;Deep Ecology,and#8221; itand#8217;s a short segment of his excellent talk called and#8220;Buddhism and the Natural World: Deep Ecology, Deep Dharmaand#8221;. Here he relates deep ecology to the ethics and insight of practicing the Dharma.
Indra’s Net
1 juli 2013 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is entitled and#8220;Indraand#8217;s Net,and#8221; by Akuppa. It is an excerpt of Akuppaand#8217;s full talk called and#8220;Buddhism and Ecology,and#8221; which will be featured later this week. Here, Akuppa discusses a commonly-used symbol when we speak about Buddhist principles and ecology, Indraand#8217;s Net. He asks how Indraand#8217;s Net works well as a metaphor, and perhaps where it falls short.
Reverence as a Path
27 juni 2013 |
19 min
What do we revere? Is reverence a Buddhist practice? When we bow, does it mean we are unworthy?
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is from Suvarnaprabha of the San Francisco Buddhist Center. In and#8220;Reverence as a Path,and#8221; Suvaranaprabha explores and#8220;the problem of how to translate knowing into beingand#8221; with quotations by Urgyen Sangharakshita, Lama Suyra Das, and Shunryu Suzuki.
The Spiritual Community
24 juni 2013 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is from one of the founders of the San Francisco Buddhist Center. In this excerpt from and#8220;The Individual, the Group and the Spiritual Communityand#8221; Karunadevi explores the dangers and benefits of practicing within a sangha using the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching on the mental fetters and various commentaries by Sangahrakshita.
Ethics and Speech: What Am I Trying to Say?
20 juni 2013 |
28 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an interesting, down to earth talk from the Director of the San Francisco Buddhist Center. In and#8220;Ethics and Speech: What Am I Trying to Say?and#8221; Padmatara discusses the ethics of speech as well as authenticity, kindness and miscommunication. She has been working with ways to bring more awareness to her own communication and is still learning from resistance and obstacles along the way.
Bodhicitta Arising With Collective Practice
17 juni 2013 |
17 min
In our FBA Dharmabyte today, Viriyalila conjures up the image of the rock tumbler to explore how the practice of sangha creates jewels. But itand#8217;s the granite bottomed rivers in NH that gets evoked and#8211; in their crystal clarity and beauty may the Bodhicitta arise. and#8220;Bodhicitta Arising through Collective Practice,and#8221; is one of three short talks given at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, November, 2010 titled and#8220;Three Perspectives On the Practice of Spiritual Friendshipand#8221;.
Simile of the Heartwood
13 juni 2013 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is from the Chair of Aryaloka, Dayalocana. This excerpt and#8220;The Heartwood of Aryaloka,and#8221; is from the full talk: and#8220;The Simile of the Heartwood.and#8221; Here, Dayalocana asks: What is the heartwood of Aryaloka? Celebrating 25 years of Dharma practice, Aryaloka is situated on a street named Heartwood Circle, giving her good cause to reflect on The Simile of the Heartwood, from the Majjhima Nikaya.
The Bodhisattva at Play
10 juni 2013 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is from the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community, Sangharakshita. In and#8220;The Bodhisattva at Play,and#8221; he explores how a Bodhisattvaand#8217;s work is like the play of an elephant. Delightful and fun, this talk was given in 1969 as part of and#8220;Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal,and#8221; and is titled and#8220;Masculinity and Femininity in the Spiritual Life.and#8221;
Rebecoming
6 juni 2013 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today titled: and#8216;Rebecomingand#8217;, by Ratnadharani, explores the distinction between skilful and unskilful as a process of re-becoming or rebirth.
From the fourth talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8216;Four Mind Turningsand#8216; of the Tibetan tradition titled and#8216;Karma and the Consequences of Our Actions.and#8217;
What does it mean to be human?
3 juni 2013 |
11 min
and#8220;What does it mean to be human?and#8221; We have choices and possibilities, pleasure and pain. Our FBA Dharmabyte is an exploration of the balance of karma and karma vipaka. From the talk and#8220;The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Lifeand#8221; by Dhammadinna, the second in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8220;Four Mind Turningsand#8221; of the Tibetan tradition.
The Knowledge of Suchness
30 maj 2013 |
4 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a reading from the and#8216;Perfection of Wisdomand#8217; titled: and#8220;The Knowledge of the Suchness of the Skandhasand#8221;. From the guided and#8220;Reflection on the Five Skandhasand#8221; in the series and#8220;Night Lily Garden of the Midnight Way and#8211; Emptiness and the Great Compassionand#8221; by Kulaprabha.
The Dharma is Everywhere
27 maj 2013 |
23 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a beautiful short talk by Aryashila of the Croydon Buddhist Centre. In and#8220;The Dharma is Everywhereand#8221; she uses the challenging poetry of Leonard Cohen and others, as well as her own deep life experience, to show that reality does not conform to ordinary wishes, but yet facing it squarely can be supremely uplifting, not sad.
Talk given at the Sangha evening of the West London Buddhist Centre.
The Buddha As Bodhisattva
23 maj 2013 |
5 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a preview for Saturdayand#8217;s Podcast. In and#8220;The Buddha As Bodhisattvaand#8221; be prepared for the odd surprise as Dhivan considers the relationship between what we think we may know about the Buddha, and what the historical evidence suggests. In this excerpt he shares the traditional story of the Buddha as Bodhisattva including four biographies of the Buddha and a reading from the Lalitavistara Sutta.
From the talk and#8220;What Do We Really Know About the Buddha?and#8221; given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2008.
As Stars…
20 maj 2013 |
9 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today takes into the heart of The Diamond Sutra. In and#8220;As Starsand#8230;and#8221;, Padmavajra gives us the last teaching: as stars; a fault of vision; a lamp; a mock show or magicianand#8217;s illusion. Here, the sutra becomes poetry, the world is illuminated differently, for a time. And we cannot help but be moved by the vision of ourselves made luminous.
From tenth and final talk in a sparkling, wide-ranging, thoroughly comprehensive series by Padmavajra on and#8216;The Diamond Sutra: Taking the Mind to itand#8217;s Limits and#8211; Talk 10and#8242;.
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
16 maj 2013 |
23 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte today we present a short talk exploring impermanence and interconnectedness by Carunalaka titled: and#8220;Whatand#8217;s Love Got To Do With It?and#8221;
The Context of Perfect Vision
13 maj 2013 |
8 min
The Eightfold Path is divided into Paths of Vision and of Transformation. In our FBA Dharmabyte today and#8220;The Context of Perfect Visionand#8221; Sangharakshita illustrates how perfect vision can arise, and concludes by showing how Buddhists have communicated their vision of reality in conceptual and imaginative terms.
Talk given in 1968.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.and#8221;
Vision of Life
9 maj 2013 |
4 min
A vision of emptiness is key to spiritual alchemy. Our FBA Dharmabyte today is an exploration of the transformative magic that is Bodhichitta practice. and#8220;Vision of Lifeand#8221;, by Padmavajra, is excerpted from the talk and#8220;Death and Desireand#8221; part of and#8220;The Alchemy of Loveand#8221; series given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004.
Working with Energy
6 maj 2013 |
20 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Working With Energy,and#8221; is a short, personal talk by Singhamati given given at the 2011 National Young Triratna Buddhists Weekend retreat exploring the theme of and#8216;Energy for Enlightenmentand#8217;.
Appreciating Silence
2 maj 2013 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8220;Appreciating Silence,and#8221; is a little gem of an excerpt from the talk: and#8220;No Dependence on Words and Lettersand#8221; by Sangharakshita, 1965. One of our earliest recordings in the FBA archive!
and#8220;Some things we know from experience, some things we apprehend only at second-hand. In confusing these two, we miss the essence of Zen.and#8221;
Gratitude and Receptivity
29 april 2013 |
5 min
Into the Diamond Sutra we go and#8211; Subhutiand#8217;s arrival and questioning dialogue with the Buddha. Much food for thought to be had here as the Diamond begins to cut under the skin of thingsand#8230;
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte: and#8220;Gratitude and Receptivityand#8221; from the talk and#8220;The Diamond Sutra: Taking Mind to itand#8217;s Limits and#8211; 2and#8243; from the fascinating and comprehensive series on and#8220;The Diamond Sutraand#8221; by Padmavajra.
Talks given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Becoming More Natural
25 april 2013 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;and#8220;Becoming More Natural,and#8221; Kamalashila encourages us to approach meditation as a kind of prayer that exposes artificiality through awareness of experience as it brings to into being greater authenticity and truth.
Excerpted from the well-loved talk and#8220;Simplicityand#8221; by Kamalashila, 2004.
Thunder-Like Silence
22 april 2013 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Sangharakshita speaks on the power of silence by introducing us to Vimalakirtiand#8217;s and#8220;and#8220;Thunder-Like Silence.and#8221;
From the talk and#8220;The Way of Non-Dualityand#8221; given in 1979 as part of the series and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipation and#8211; Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha.and#8221;
Self, Other and Emptiness
18 april 2013 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8220;Self, Other and Emptiness,and#8221; Parami speaks from her heart and wealth of experience. In the full talk, and#8220;Out of Compassion for the World,and#8221; she explores the theme of the Buddhaand#8217;s compassionate action and how ultimately it came from beyond self, beyond other and#8211; it emerged from his realisation of and#8216;Emptinessand#8217;.
View, Meditation and Action
15 april 2013 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8220;View Meditation andamp; Action,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Standing on Emptinessand#8221; by Dhammadassin. This lovely, thoughtful exploration of the traditional Buddhist path of ethics, meditation and wisdom, uses poetry and the ideas of contemporary science to evoke the mystery that lies at the heart of practice.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order women’s national Order weekend, August 2004
Going Beyond Fixed ‘Ego’
11 april 2013 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8220;Going Beyond and#8216;Egoand#8217;,and#8221; Jinapriya delivers on the quicksilver nature of the Enlightenment experience. Going beyond fixed and#8216;egoand#8217;, checking oneand#8217;s ambitions as they always look to a future; and the journey to the moment.
From the quietly passionate talk: and#8220;What is Enlightenment?and#8221; given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2003.
Just Be Friendly
8 april 2013 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Just Be Friendly,and#8221; we took a sampling from a very forthright and passionate talk by Vajratara, titled and#8220;Chetul Sangye Dorje.and#8221; She may be talking about the great contemporary Tibetan teacher, but her main focus is on the need to practice the Dharma for others as part of a meaningful community. Vajratara argues her case with a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision.
The Dharani: Spell of Protection
4 april 2013 |
4 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte, today is a preview for this weekendand#8217;s full length FBA Podcast. In and#8220;and#8220;The Dharani: Spell of Protection,and#8221; Candradasa shares his thoughts on The Rite of Protection. From the talk: and#8220;Magic For the Modern Worldand#8221; from the and#8220;Religion Without Godand#8221; series given at the Portsmouth Buddhist Center, 2012.
Compassionate Action
1 april 2013 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8220;Compassionate Action,and#8221; Sangharakshita talks about Chetul Sangyu Dorje, his teacher who gave him the Green Tara sadhana practice. Green Tara the radiant Bodhisattva of compassion, inspiration to many who lead a Buddhist life aspiring to beauty and a steady openness in the face of the mysteries of existence.
From the talk given to inaugurate Taralokaand#8217;s new shrine cabin dedicated to Tara, titled: and#8220;On Tara.and#8221;
Mantric Sound
28 mars 2013 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8220;Mantric Sound,and#8221; Sangharakshita explores this fascinating symbol of the Enlightened Mind.
From the talk, and#8220;The Symbolism of Colours and Mantric Soundand#8221;, given in 1971 as part of the series and#8220;Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment.and#8221;
Sound Offering to Padmasambhava
25 mars 2013 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sound Offering to Padmasambhava,and#8221; is the mantra chanted at the end of the Sevenfold Puja practiced in the Triratna Buddhist Community. Chanted by Vipulakirti, the mantra includes beautiful harmonies.
No End to Love
21 mars 2013 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;No End to Love,and#8221; Padmavajra describes how love is constant, continuous and spontaneous. This talk, and#8220;Introducing the Great Love,and#8221; was given at the beginning of an intensive retreat focused on the Metta Bhavana meditation practice, the Development of Loving Kindness.
A Creative Response
18 mars 2013 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;A Creative Response,and#8221; Subhuti encourages us to and#8220;Ignite your heart!and#8221; Duality is inherently unsatisfactory. By opening yourself up to the sufferings of the world, you open up to a transcendental force, which is the only real solution to the problem of suffering.
An excerpt from the talk, and#8220;Eight Verses for Training the Mind: Talk 4,and#8221; part of the series and#8220;Eight Verses for Training the Mind.and#8221;
The Buddha’s Creativity
14 mars 2013 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Creativity,and#8221; Vishavapani looks behind the veils of history, legend and the texts themselves to conjur a vivid, felt image of the Buddhaand#8217;s personality. From the talk and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Personalityand#8221; given during the launch of and#8216;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8217;.
Tibetan Art as Religious Art
11 mars 2013 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Tibetan Art as Religious Artand#8221; Sangharakshita talks about how every aspect of traditional Tibetan life is infused with religious significance, not least Tibetan architecture and iconographical painting, the topics of this lecture.
From the talk and#8220;Symbols of Tibetan Buddhist Artand#8221; given in 1968 as part of the series and#8220;An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.and#8221;
Beauty as a Gateway to Wisdom
7 mars 2013 |
27 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Beauty as a Gateway to Wisdomand#8221; Srivati talks on creativity as a way of life, especially when that life is in flux and the ground of our being is shifting. Through her own poetry and reflections on writing and art, Srivati evokes an aesthetic path into the very heart of Reality.
Talk given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, Great Gathering 2000
Art and Transformative Communication
4 mars 2013 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Art and Transformative Communicationand#8221; is an excerpt from the highly acclaimed talk, and#8220;Art and The Spiritual Lifeand#8221; by Sangharakshita, 1969.
and#8220;Art is the organisation of sensuous impressions that express the artistand#8217;s sensibility and communicate to his audience a sense of values that can transform their lives.and#8221;
Ted Hughes on the Bardo Thodol
28 februari 2013 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Ted Hughes on the Bardo Thodol and#8221; Candradasa reads a fascinating, poetic rendering of this ancient Buddhist text on death and dying.
From the talk, and#8220;Death and the Biggest Questions of Alland#8221; 2005, as part of series: and#8220;Religion Without Godand#8221; given at the Portsmouth (NH, USA) Buddhist Center, 2012.
Life – For A Limited Time Only
22 februari 2013 |
59 min
In this weekand#8217;s FBA Podcast and#8220;Life and#8211; For A Limited Time Only,and#8221; Suriyavamsa begins with the inevitability of death and some of our habitual attitudes to death and suffering, reading from contemporary poets. He brings out the Buddhist perspective that life and death are not separate, but parts of the same process. This talk was given at Parinirvana Day 2010 at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre.
The Mahaparinirvana Sutta
21 februari 2013 |
17 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Mahaparinirvana Suttaand#8221; Sangharakshita takes us through a beautiful retelling of the Buddhaand#8217;s last days. From the talk, and#8220;The Tantric Symbolism of the Stupaand#8221; by Sangharakshita, 1971, part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment.
Does the Buddha Exist After Death?
18 februari 2013 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Does the Buddha Exist After Death?and#8221; Sangharakshita explores this centuries old question.
From the talk, and#8220;The Meaning of Parinirvanaand#8221; by Sangharakshita, 1972.
The Psychical Energies of the Stupa
14 februari 2013 |
10 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Psychical Energies of the Stupaand#8221; Sangharakshita takes us through a poetic and magical journey of the psychical energies of the five elements within and around us. From the talk, and#8220;Five Element Symbolism and the Stupaand#8221; by Sangharakshita, 1971, part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.
Verses of Confession
11 februari 2013 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte , continues on our Parinirvana/Vajrasattva/Confession as Practice theme. Titled and#8220;Verses of Confession,and#8221; Padmavajra is exploring the transformative magic that is Bodhichitta practice. In this excerpt he reflects on the Verses of Confession of Faults and#8211; powerful expressions of the human situation, small-mindedness in the context of life and death, concluding with a reading of the confessional verses from the Sevenfold Puja.
From the talk and#8220;Death and Desire,and#8221; the second in a great three-part series on and#8216;The Alchemy of Loveand#8216; given at Padmaloka, 2004.
Shifting the Centre of Gravity: Confession
7 februari 2013 |
11 min
and#8220;And there he saw a man beating that drum. Then from the sound of the drum he heard these confessional verses.and#8221;
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Shifting the Centre of Gravity: Confession,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk, and#8220;The Spiritual Significance of Confession,and#8221; by Sangharakshita, 1976.
Loving Samsara
4 februari 2013 |
18 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte , and#8220;Loving Samara,and#8221; is a talk specially recorded by Viveka Chan in San Francisco for the LBCand#8217;s Parinirvana Festival Day, 2012, entitled and#8216;He Who Was So Kindand#8217;.
Life as an Order Member
31 januari 2013 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is an excerpt from a personal talk and#8220;Life as an Order Memberand#8221; by Lokeshvara, the last in a series of four talks given to men training for ordination on the and#8216;What Is the Orderand#8217; retreat at Padmaloka, 2011.
The Bodhisattva as Hero
28 januari 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Bodhisattva as Hero,and#8221; by Sangharakshita is from the talk and#8220;The Heroic Ideal in Buddhismand#8221; given in 1969.
Buddhism is sometimes seen as weak or negative. Using examples from the Pali Canon and Mahayana texts, this lecture shows that, on the contrary, heroic and positive qualities are essential in the Buddhist spiritual aspirantand#8217;s quest for Enlightenment.
Talk given in 1969.
The Compassionate Hearer
24 januari 2013 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Compassionate Hearer,and#8221; Padmavajra puts us in touch with Bodhichitta as song. Here he shares with us the Shurangama Sutra on OM MANI PADME HUM, the mantra of Avalokitesvara, the one who hears the cries of the world.
From the richly rewarding talk and#8220;The Sound of Realityand#8221; given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004.
Buddhist Dragons
21 januari 2013 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Buddhist Dragons,and#8221; Sangharakshita shares a few thoughts on the naga, or Buddhist Dragon. From the talk, and#8220;Protectors of the Dharmaand#8221; in the and#8220;Transformation of Self and Worldand#8221; series on The Sutra of Golden Light by Sangharashita, 1976. In this series Sangharakshita here shows how one of the most popular of Mahayana Sutras takes on the idea of transformation, and finds the beauty that awaits us in the dream that is also like Reality.
Dr. Ambedkar and Social Revolution
17 januari 2013 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled: and#8220;Dr. Ambedkar and Social Revolutionand#8221; from the recently released talk, and#8220;Dreaming Angels.and#8221; In this excerpt Vajratara evokes the social revolution of Dr Ambedkar. A revolution, she says, which is still needed to overthrow unhelpful attitudes in society, free the disadvantaged and give meaning to those who long for a higher life.
Talk given at the Womenand#8217;s National Order Weekend, December 2012.
Bodhichitta Arising
14 januari 2013 |
8 min
The real Bodhichitta is neither individualistic nor altruistic. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Bodhicitta Arisingand#8221; Sangharakshita talks with us about Stream Entry, a radical transformation in the nature of Going for Refuge, and the four levels of the arising of the Bodhichitta.
This is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Looking Ahead a Little Wayand#8221; by Sangharakshita in 1999.
Diversity in the Triratna Buddhist Order
10 januari 2013 |
17 min
We decided to publish a short talk today for our FBA Dharmabyte: and#8220;Diversity in the Triratna Buddhist Order,and#8221; by Saddhanandi given in 2003.
Saddhanandi, and#8216;She who delights in Faithand#8217;, is the Chair of Taraloka Retreat Centre for Women. Here she talks about her own life, past and present, as a process of uncovering the true art of living.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;Diversity in the Western Buddhist Orderand#8221;.
Transforming the World
7 januari 2013 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Transforming the World,and#8221; has us reflecting on the question: Is it possible to create a society in which all social, economic, and political arrangements will support the development of true individuality? From the talk, and#8220;A Blueprint for a New Worldand#8221; by Sangharakshita given in 1976 as part of the series and#8220;Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow.and#8221;
Peace Arising
3 januari 2013 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Peace Arising,and#8221; Candradasa describes the unskillfulness of guilt and the positive mental states of hri and apapatrapya in the process of peace arising.
Candradasa is the director of Dharmachakra, the charity that brings you Free Buddhist Audio and thebuddhistcentre.com.
From the talk and#8220;Sex and Morality: Going Beyond Puritanismand#8221; as part of the series, and#8220;Religion Without Godand#8221; given at the Portsmouth Buddhist Center, Portsmouth, NH, USA.
Finding Inner Peace
31 december 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Finding Inner Peace,and#8221;asks: Is Peace Enough? Are we able to meet even the little frustrating moments with calm, positive intent? With a beautiful reading from the Dhammapada we are reminded that when we can meet anger and hatred with love, it does have a positive effect in the world.
This short, thoughtful reflection is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Buddhism and Peaceand#8221; given by Parami at Manchester Buddhist Centre on 30th July 2011 in the series Buddhism and the Big Questions.
Befriending One’s Self In Meditation
27 december 2012 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Befriending Oneand#8217;s Self In Meditation,and#8221; is short talk by Bodhilila given at the London Buddhist Centre meditation day on July 15th 2012.
Bodhilila has worked as a musician, massage therapist, counsellor and teacher. She lives in a women’s community and teaches meditation and Buddhism at the West London Buddhist Centre.
My Practice in Everyday Life
24 december 2012 |
6 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today,and#8221;My Practice in Everyday Life,and#8221; is one of a series of short talks given for the Triratna [FWBO] International Urban Retreat of 2009, where Order Members from around the world speak about their life and practice.
Kamaladevi is an Order Member living and working in Auckland, New Zealand. Here she talks about doing the mindful and#8220;danceand#8221; of self and other in her work at a busy community library.
The Creative Experience
20 december 2012 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today,and#8221;The Creative Experience,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Art and the Spiritual Lifeand#8221; by Sangharakshita in 1969.
and#8220;Art is the organisation of sensuous impressions that express the artistand#8217;s sensibility and communicate to his audience a sense of values that can transform their lives.and#8221; Using his own definition, Sangharakshita investigates the relevance of art and the artist to higher evolution.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;The Higher Evolution.and#8221;
Writing as Spiritual Practice
17 december 2012 |
9 min
In our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Writing as Spiritual Practice,and#8221; Srivati guides us through a beautiful path of poetry, love and awareness, following the golden thread to get out of the way and just let go.
From the talk and#8220;Becoming a Citizen of the Present,and#8221; a thoughtful, sympathetic talk by Srivati on the most delicate of tasks in any life and#8211; how to live in the present moment.
Talk given to the Western Buddhist Order national Order weekend, 2001
The Buddha as Poet
13 december 2012 |
13 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;The Buddha as Poet,and#8221; takes an intimate look at poetry as the language of the and#8216;souland#8217;. From the talk and#8220; Sangharakshita In Conversation with Kathleen Raineand#8221; an open conversation between Sangharakshita, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order, and the renowned poet and scholar Kathleen Raine, one of the founders of the Temenos Academy.
The Song of the Windhorse
10 december 2012 |
4 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today is a poem read by Parami as an affectionate tribute to her teacher, Urgyen Sangaharakshita. and#8220;The Song of the Windhorse,and#8221; is from the talk and#8220;Energy At Its Most Abundant,and#8221; a previously unreleased talk given as part of a three talk series at Windhorse:Evolution, a large and successful Buddhist team-based right livelihood business.
Talk gIven in Cambridge, 2002
The Preciousness of Human Birth
6 december 2012 |
2 min
What can we make of our lives in this rich consumer societ y? Our FBA Dharmabyte today,and#8221;The Preciousness of Human Birth,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Lifeand#8221; by Dhammadinna given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005.
The Demon of Materialism
3 december 2012 |
20 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today,and#8221;The Demon of Materialism,and#8221; is the first of three short talks given on Padmasambhava Day, exploring the demons that we meet in the contemporary world, and how to transform them.
The Centrality of Emotion
29 november 2012 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte , Padmavajra shares his thoughts on and#8220;The Centrality of Emotion.and#8221; Catching up with what we know and transforming emotion. From the talk and#8220;Introducing the Great Loveand#8221; the first in a five part series on all aspects of the Metta Bhavana practice and and#8216;The Great Loveand#8217; in Buddhist discourse and practice and#8211; from metta (loving kindness) itself to Bodhichitta.
Dhardo Rimpoche, A Spiritual Friend
26 november 2012 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte ,and#8221;Dhardo Rimpoche, A Spiritual Friend,and#8221; Sangharakshita recalls his own personal friendship with the great Tibetan Lama, Dhardo Rimpoche. From the talk and#8220;The Six Distinctive Emphases of the FWBOand#8221; given at Padmaloka in 2002. Note the FWBO is now the Triratna Buddhist Community.
Going Through the Motions
22 november 2012 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte ,and#8221;Going Through the Motions,and#8221; is a thoughtful description of the fetter and#8216;silavrataparamarshaand#8217; and#8211; reliance on rites and rituals and#8211; by Sangharakshita. How do we do things with our whole hearts? From the talk and#8220;Entering the Sanghaand#8221; given on Sangharakshitaand#8217;s first visit to Buddhafield in 2007.
Aspiration Manifesting in Daily Life
19 november 2012 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Aspiration Manifesting in Daily Lifeand#8221; is a lovely Dharma gem from the talk and#8220;Enlightenment as Heart, Life as Whole.and#8221; In the full talk Saddhanandi takes us through a set of very thought-provoking reflections as she explores the difficulties and joys of cultivating faith in the Dharma.
Given at Taraloka, May 2005.
Genuine Spiritual Community
15 november 2012 |
4 min
We continue to listen to Sangharakshitaand#8217;s thoughts on creating sangha in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Genuine Spiritual Community.and#8221; From the talk and#8220;The Sangha or Buddhist Communityand#8221; given in 1968 as part of the series and#8220;Introducing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.and#8221;
Why Have a Sangha?
13 november 2012 |
15 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Why Have a Sangha?and#8221; Sangharakshita explores the nature of spiritual friendship and why it is so essential to spiritual life. From the talk and#8220;The Spiritual Communityand#8221; given in 1966 as part of the series and#8220;Introducing Buddhism.and#8221;
Ethics is an Expression of Humanity
8 november 2012 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Ethics is an Expression of Humanity,and#8221; Dhammadinna reminds us that human birth is not accidental but is due to past skilful karma.
What does it mean to be human? Dhammadinnaand#8217;s gently balanced and encouraging talk explores various perspectives on one of the fundamental questions, and clearly lays out various Buddhist approaches to the nature of our existence and consciousness, especially in relation to the other realms of the Tibetan wheel of life.
From the talk and#8220;The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Lifeand#8221; given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005
Who creates Spiritual Community?
5 november 2012 |
7 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today explores the question: and#8220;Who creates Spiritual Community?and#8221; by Sangharakshita. Where is the spiritual community to be found? What do the members of the spiritual community do for themselves, for one another, and for the world?
From the talk: and#8220;The Meaning of Spiritual Communityand#8221; given in 1975 as part of the series and#8220;Human Enlightenmentand#8220;.
Consciousness: Individual and Collective
1 november 2012 |
7 min
Today we bring you yet another classic FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Consciousness: Individual and Collectiveand#8221; by Sangharakshita from the 1983 talk and#8220;The Bodhisattva Principleand#8220;. Collective consciousness is the closest description of what we have come to call the spiritual community. A group of truly human individuals who share enlightenment as their ideal, who, in traditional Buddhist language go for refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the spiritual community is the expression of the Bodhisattva principle in the world.
The Revolution of the Metta Bhavana
29 oktober 2012 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;sFBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;The Revolution of the Metta Bhavana,and#8221; Khemasuri challenges us to ask ourselves what we can do individually and collectively by taking risks in our community, reminding us that collective change is not comfortable.
Taking a risk herself in the title of the talk, this is an excerpt from and#8220;Building an Ethical Underworld and#8211; Lessons from the Mafiaand#8221; given at the Buddhafield Festival, Devon, 2007.
Buddha Nature – Practice is Paramount
25 oktober 2012 |
4 min
Our FBA Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Buddha Nature – Practice is Paramount,and#8221; features Dhammarati in the midst of an indispensable exploration of everyday practice of the Dharma in the beautiful light of the Tathagathagarbha Sutra. From the fantastic talk, and#8220;Breaking the Mouldand#8221; given at Triratna [FWBO] Day, London 2003
Ksanti in Sangha
22 oktober 2012 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Satyaraja beautifully describes the need for and#8220;Ksanti in Sangha.and#8221; Ksanti, translated as and#8216;patienceand#8217; and is especially called for when encountering differing views on living a spiritual life.
From the talk and#8220;Ksanti and#8211; Patienceand#8221; given on Sangha Night at Stockholms Buddhistcenter, 8 February 2010, the theme for the spring session being practicing the Dharma with concern for others.
Living the Buddhist Life: Community Life
18 oktober 2012 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Living the Buddhist Life: Community Lifeand#8221; is an excerpt from a conversation between Maitreyabandhu and Subhadramati as part of an evening entitled and#8216;The Dakini of Friendshipand#8217; which took place during the LBCand#8217;s Urban Retreat in 2010.
Living The Buddhist Life: Upping the Ante
15 oktober 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Living The Buddhist Life: Upping the Ante,and#8221; is an excerpt from a conversation between Maitreyabandhu and Subhadramati as part of an evening entitled and#8216;The Dakini of Friendshipand#8217; which took place during the LBCand#8217;s Urban Retreat in 2010.
The True Basis of Leafness
11 oktober 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The True Basis of Leafnessand#8221; is a true Dharma gem on the interconnectedness of all things from Paramiand#8217;s talk and#8220;The Awakening Heart.and#8221;
Jedi Knights and Bodhisattvas
8 oktober 2012 |
7 min
Weak Good overcomes Strong Evil in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Jedi Knights and Bodhisattvas.and#8221; Parami evokes the Bodhicitta mind-heart with a vision towards interconnectedness in this excerpt from the talk and#8220;The Awakening Heartand#8221; given at Taraloka Retreat Centre.
The Zen Approach
4 oktober 2012 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Zen Approach,and#8221; Sangharakshita describes the individual schools in Zen Buddhism and offers three misunderstandings about Zen. From the talk and#8220;A Special Transmission Outside the Scripturesand#8221; given in 1965.
Dew in Zen Poetry
1 oktober 2012 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is by the lovely Vajradarhini speaking again on poetry in the Buddhist tradition. and#8220;Dew in Zen Poetryand#8221; is a beautiful exploration of this well-loved image of impermanence.
From the talk and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Deathand#8221; given as part of a series on the and#8216;Four Mind Turningsand#8216; of the Tibetan tradition given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005.
Energy in Pursuit of the Good
27 september 2012 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Energy in Pursuit of the Good,and#8221; Sangharakshita shares the story of Indra and the squirrel as we learn of one of the Five Spiritual Faculties: Energy. Is such a life of everyday Buddhist spiritual practice possible in the West?
From the talk and#8220;The Pattern of Buddhist Life and Workand#8221; given in 1966 as part of the series and#8220;Introducing Buddhism.and#8221;
‘Faith’ Followers and ‘Doctrine’ Followers
24 september 2012 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;and#8216;Faithand#8217; Followers and and#8216;Doctrineand#8217; Followersand#8221; Suvarnaprabha explores the variety of styles of practice and individuality withint the sangha. From the talk and#8220;What is the Sangha?and#8221; a wonderful introduction to the idea of spiritual community in Buddhism, one of its greatest potential gifts to the West.
Talking About Sunyata
20 september 2012 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled: and#8220;Talking About Sunyataand#8221; Nagapriya explores the style of thought involved in conceptualizing sunyata and#8211; speaking in terms of what it isnand#8217;t so as not to limit its definition.
Excerpted from the talk, The Philosophy of Emptiness given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009 as part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism.
Seeing Emptiness
17 september 2012 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, comes to us from the talk and#8220;Simplicityand#8221; by Kamalashila titled: and#8220;Seeing Emptinessand#8221;. Here he suggests a direct approach to emptiness by seeing the free and spacious nature of things, watching the motion in the mind and recognizing the elusive nature of thoughts.
Talk given at FWBO Day, 2004
Beginning to Notice
13 september 2012 |
7 min
FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Beginning to Noticeand#8221; Padmavajra takes us far into the strong experience of Going Forth into homelessness where we begin to notice sickness, old age and death. With the end of intoxication, the beginning of deep awareness arises.
From the talk and#8220;The Buddha, Hakuin, Birth and Deathand#8221; delivered at Padmaloka Retreat Centre for men as part of the series and#8220;Tangling Eyebrows with Zen Masters.and#8221; (2004)
Sadness and Awakening
10 september 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from the talk and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Deathand#8221; by Vajradarshini titled Sadness and Awakening.and#8221; This is a beautiful piece on the hardest of subjects. Using zen poetry and a happily wide-ranging series of quotations (from Tibetan lamas to Ezra Pound), Vajradarshini explores her own fatherand#8217;s death as a way to approach attitudes to death and dying.
Continuous Spiritual Death – Continuous Spiritual Rebirth
8 september 2012 |
63 min
FBA Podcast, and#8220;Continuous Spiritual Death and#8211; Continuous Spiritual Rebirthand#8221; Padmavajra speaks about the stages of spiritual death and rebirth, specifically how to prepare for them, how they can be seen in all the stages of the path, as well as where they lead.
Talk given on a Kula Gathering at Padmaloka, 2012.
The Finger Pointing at the Moon
6 september 2012 |
7 min
FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Finger Pointing at the Moonand#8221; we are taken on another journey with Sangharakshita into the Essence of Buddhism. The finger pointing to the moon is compared with the third fetter: clinging to ethical rules and religious observances. From the talk and#8220;The Nature and Development of Buddhismand#8221; by Sangharakshita.
The Parable of the Raft
3 september 2012 |
10 min
Amidst the complexity of Buddhist teachings, we can discern a distinctive essence lying behind the various historical forms which developed to convey the Buddhaand#8217;s oral message. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Parable of the Raftand#8221; Sangharakshita describes the essence of Buddhism: the parable of the raft and the advice to Mahaprajapati Gotami. Excerpted from the talk and#8220;The Nature and Development of Buddhism.and#8221;
Four Means of Unification of the Sangha
30 augusti 2012 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Four Means of Unification of the Sanghaand#8221; Suvarnaprabha offers a thoroughly delightful guide as she explores the subject and#8220;What is the Sangha?and#8221; with a depth of feeling that comes startling through at times. An introduction to the idea of spiritual community in Buddhism this is a human and grounded presentation of one of the Dharmaand#8217;s best kept secrets, one of its greatest potential gifts to the West.
The Unsupported Practice of Generosity
27 augusti 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Unsupported Practice of Generosityand#8221; is an inspiring excerpt from the third in a sparkling, wide-ranging, thoroughly comprehensive ten talk series by Padmavajra on and#8216;The Diamond Sutraand#8216; given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits.and#8221;
Sharing Without Reservation
23 augusti 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sharing Without Reservation and#8221; is an inspiring short talk by Sue Susnik, a mitra in the Triratna Buddhist Community. This was given on a New Society Weekend 2011 from members in the Young Buddhistand#8217;s Sangha.
The Four Sanghrahavastus
20 augusti 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Four Sanghrahavastusand#8221; takes us into the heart of the Mahayana tradition and#8211; the Four Means of Unification and#8211; generosity, kindly speech, beneficial activity, and exemplifying. The Sutraand#8217;s hero, Vimalakirti, was a master of the Bodhisattvaand#8217;s and#8216;Skilful Means.and#8217;
From the talk and#8220;On Being All Things to All Menand#8221; by Sangharakshita, given in the series: and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipation and#8211; Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha.and#8221;
Who Can We Trust?
16 augusti 2012 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Who Can We Trust?and#8221; Saddharaja poses the question in the face of the three things mankind has traditionally relied upon: God, the Father, the group, and material possessions. He then explores what we really needand#8230; a mountain of confidence embodied in the figure of Akshobya. Includes a description of Akshobyaand#8217;s appearance in the Bardo. From the talk, and#8220;Akshobya,and#8221; given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Winter Retreat 2001
The Show of Wealth
13 augusti 2012 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Show of Wealth,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Padmasambhava and the King of Tibetand#8221; another tour-de-force from Vajratara. Looking to approach the great figure of Padmasambhava and#8211; the and#8216;Second Buddhaand#8217; and#8211; through his famous meeting with the King of Tibet. As ever, a provocative, fully engaged and fully engaging take on the Dharma and the challenges that face us on the Path.
Talk given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007
The Bodhisattva’s Gifts
9 augusti 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Gifts,and#8221; by Padmavjra, is from the third talk in the series: and#8220;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limits.and#8221; Padmavajra takes a look into the world of the Bodhisattva and the six Perfections of Wisdom, especially dana and#8211; generosity which forms an essential basis of Buddhist practice and of life.
Dana = Generosity
6 augusti 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Dana = Generosityand#8221; is brought to us by Sangharakshita, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community. An excerpt describing the practice of dana from the brilliant talk and#8220;Altruism and Individualism in the Spiritual Lifeand#8221; given in 1969 as part of the pivotal series and#8220;Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.and#8221;
Neither God Nor Man
2 augusti 2012 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Neither God Nor Manand#8221; is brought to us by Sangharakshita, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community. After an account of the Buddhaand#8217;s life, Sangharakshita asks how, if at all, such a man can be defined or categorised. The full talk, and#8220;Who is the Buddha?and#8221; is part of the series Introducing the and#8220;Three Jewels of Buddhismand#8221; given in 1968.
Why Choose Buddhism?
30 juli 2012 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Why Choose Buddhism?,and#8221; Sangharakshita points out possible potentially misleading assumptions concerning Buddhism, and describes three principal avenues to a practical spiritual life. This track is from the talk and#8220;The Approach to Buddhismand#8221; given in 1966 as part of the series and#8220;Introducing Buddhism.and#8221;
Facing the Truth
26 juli 2012 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Facing the Truth,and#8221; Vidyamala leads us through the art of being with change in the moment. From the beautifully strong and popular talk, and#8220;Dying to Live.and#8221;
Vidyamala shares from her own practice of living with chronic pain comes a sane and unsentimental perspective that affords us all a measure of genuine optimism as we meet the trials of the world: bereavements and losses of all kinds can be met with a kindness and awareness that gently ease the burden, allowing something of peace to enter our lives again.
Faith as Surrender, Faith as Emergence
23 juli 2012 |
8 min
Faith is longing for what is possible, lucidity to what has value, and conviction as to what is real. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Faith as Surrender, Faith as Emergenceand#8220;, is a little gem from the talk: and#8216;We Know What Youand#8217;ve Studied, But What Have You Seen?and#8216; by Kulaprabha.
When Reality Knocks on the Door
19 juli 2012 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;When Reality Knocks on the Doorand#8221; is a selection from the talk and#8220;What is Enlightenment?and#8221; by Jinapriya. This is a quietly passionate talk on the quicksilver nature of the Enlightenment experience and#8211; impossible to pin down, utterly transformative. When Reality knocks at the door are we able to own painful experience and surrender?
Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2003
Come and See for Yourself
16 juli 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Come and See for Yourselfand#8221; is a selected Dharmabyte from the talk and#8220;Introducing Buddhismand#8221; delivered to teacher-training students in 1966. In this excerpt, Sangharakshita explores tolerance and the freedom to grow and shows that there is no place for God in Buddhism. The full talk serves as an excellent general introduction to Buddhism.
Taking Awareness Deeper
12 juli 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Taking Awareness Deeper,and#8221; by Paramabandhu, is from the comprehensive and invaluable talk titled and#8220;Mindfulness For Just About Everythingand#8221; given at the San Francisco Buddhist Center in 2006. Drawing on many years of experience as a consultant psychiatrist and Dharma teacher, he invites us to consider the lessons Buddhist techniques around meditation and mindfulness training can bring to the field of mental health and#8211; especially to problems with depression and addiction. The talk evokes the Buddha in the Satipatthana Sutta to explore the four traditional foundations of mindfulness and discuss their potential use in therapeutic contexts.
What is Freedom?
9 juli 2012 |
17 min
The great ocean is strange and wonderfuland#8230; and#8220;Just as the mighty ocean has but one taste, the taste of salt, even so the Dharma-vinaya (Buddhism) has but one taste, the taste of Freedomand#8221;- The Udana. In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;What is Freedom?and#8221; Sangharakshita explores how the Dharma vinaya is both strange and wonderful.
From the cracker of a talk, and#8216;The Taste of Freedomand#8216; given in 1979.
Salutation to the Three Jewels!
5 juli 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Salutation to the Three Jewels and#8211; The Tiratana Vandanaand#8221; is a classic Buddhist salute to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. This is chanted every day the world over by practitioners from different Buddhist communities and#8211; a true touchstone for practice. Chanted by Vipulakirti
Celebrating Dharma Day
2 juli 2012 |
8 min
We bring to you todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte on the eve before the full moon in July: and#8220;Celebrating Dharma Day.and#8221; Here Sangharakshita shares the story of the Buddhaand#8217;s first teaching, the Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma, or Dharmachakra. From the talk: and#8220;The Word of the Buddhaand#8221; given in 1972.
A Touch of Magic – The Dharanis
28 juni 2012 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;A Touch of Magic and#8211; The Dharanisand#8221; is another gem from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha Series: and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipationand#8221; by Sangharakshita. The Sutraand#8217;s hero, Vimalakirti, was a master of the Bodhisattvaand#8217;s and#8216;Skilful Meansand#8217;, discussed here in terms of the Magical Formulae. From the talk and#8220;On Being All Things to All Menand#8221; given in 1979.
What is ‘Magical Action’?
25 juni 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;What is and#8216;Magical Actionand#8217;?and#8221; is a little gem from the Vimalakirti Nirdesha Series: and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipationand#8220;. Sangharakshita reminds us that the aim of spiritual life is complete emancipation, but that this aim and#8211; and in fact the whole of existence and#8211; is inconceivable. From the talk and#8220;The Magic of a Mahayana Sutraand#8221; given in 1979.
Relationships with Reality
21 juni 2012 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Direct and Indirect Relationships with Realityand#8221; is a subtle exploration of the direct and indirect connections with the depths of Reality. From the talk and#8220;The Bodhisattva Hierarchyand#8221; by Sangharakshita given in 1969.
Mahayana Scriptures
18 juni 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Mahayana Scripturesand#8221; by Nagapriya is an overview of the vast literature of Mahayana Buddhism. He discusses how the new texts emerged, why so many are still preserved, and how they found legitimacy in the larger Buddhist tradition. In the full talk, Mahayana Buddhist Scriptures, he further explores ow Mahayana texts are different than those of the Pali Canon, why they emphasize imagination and myth, and why it remains useful for modern Buddhists to explore them despite their length and repetition. Talk given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009 This talk is part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism.
Shariputra’s Worries
14 juni 2012 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte takes us into the wonderful, magical, mythical world of Vimalakirti Nirdesha. In and#8220;Shariputraand#8217;s Worriesand#8221; we are warned of the danger of getting sidetracked when worrying about little things when what we really need to do is find and#8220;The Way of Non-Duality.and#8221; Talk given in 1979 as part of the series and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipation and#8211; Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdeshaand#8221; and will be featured in Saturdayand#8217;s podcast.
The Richness of the Vimalakirti Nirdesha Sutra
11 juni 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Richness of the Vimalakirti Nirdesha Sutraand#8221; is an introduction to one of the seven themes in the sutra, The Way of Non-Duality, from chapter nine of the work, The Dharma Door of Non-Duality. The full the talk and#8220;The Way of Non-Dualityand#8221; was given in 1979 as part of the series and#8220;The Inconceivable Emancipation and#8211; Themes from the Vimalakirti Nirdeshaand#8221; and will be featured in Saturdayand#8217;s podcast.
Ritual, Metaphor and Poetry
7 juni 2012 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Ritual, Metaphor and Poetryand#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Standing on Emptiness: View, Meditation, and Actionand#8221; by Dhammadassin. This beautifully weighted talk challenges us to look at how we think and how we act, and is rooted in a moving fidelity to experience as the ground of our inspiration. One to be treasured!
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order women’s national Order weekend, August 2004
Ryokan’s Poems
4 juni 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a lovely introduction to and#8220;Ryokanand#8217;s Poemsand#8221; from the inspiring talk by Padmavajra titled and#8220;Bliss Bestowing Hands.and#8221; Packed with poetry and typically robust Zen reflections, this talk makes sure we are left with a heightened sense of the present moment as our only ground of being. From the not-to-be-missed series and#8220;Tangling Eyebrows with Zen Masters.and#8221;
Creative, Committed and Clear
31 maj 2012 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyteand#8221; Sangharakshita speaks on the positive counterparts of the Three Fetters: Creative, Committed andamp; Clear.and#8221; From the talk and#8220;Entering the Sanghaand#8221; given on Sangharakshitaand#8217;s first visit to the Buddhafield Festival, Devon 2007.
Tension Between Self and Other
28 maj 2012 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Tension Between Self and Other,and#8221; by Kavyasiddhi is from the accessible talk, and#8220;Learning the Metta Bhavanaand#8221; given on a retreat open to people of all levels of meditation experience. Here she shares a personal account working with the tension arising between focusing on oneand#8217;s self and focusing on the needs of others.
Meghiya – Readings from the Pali Canon
24 maj 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is a lovely reading of the story of and#8220;Meghiyaand#8221; by Sangharakshita.
Beautifully read by Sangharakshita, these readings are taken from the oldest scriptural texts and evoke the real spirit of early Buddhism and#8211; the struggles, the joys and the triumphs of ordinary people who followed the path to Truth.
The and#8220;Readings from the Pali Canonand#8221; was recorded in 2000 to mark the Digital Legacy project to begin transferring Dharmachakraand#8217;s archive to digital format!
Creating Spiritual Friendship
21 maj 2012 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Paramabandhu offers us ways of and#8220;Creating Spiritual Friendship.and#8221; Includes a reading of the lovely poem on compassion titled The Unseen Flower by Sangharakshita.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, May 2001
Sincerity, Thoroughness, and Strenuousness
17 maj 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sincerity, Thoroughness, and Strenuousness,and#8221; is a thoughtful look at the synthesis of the total Buddhist tradition emerging in the western world. Sangharakshita points out that as a living religion, Buddhism is very new in our western cultures. The Chinese occupation has had enormous effects on Tibetan Buddhism. What future does it have, and what can Western Buddhists learn from its unique heritage? From the talk and#8220;The Future of Tibetan Buddhismand#8221; given in 1968, part of the series: and#8220;An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.and#8221;
The Three Yanas in Tibetan Buddhism
14 maj 2012 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Three Yanas in Tibetan Buddhism,and#8221; Sangharakshita explores how in Tibetan Buddhism we can learn about all three yanas and#8211; the Hinayana, the Mahayana and the Vajrayana. From the talk and#8220;The Future of Tibetan Buddhismand#8221; given in 1968.
The Bardo of Life, An Extraordinary Opportunity
10 maj 2012 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Bardo of Life, An Extraordinary Opportunity,and#8221; Padmavajra explores the great text that reveals the realms between death and new life, where anything is possible in the Bardo and#8211; the and#8216;intermediate stateand#8217;. and#8221; From the first talk in the series and#8220;Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol).and#8221;
Buddhism Beyond Samsara
7 maj 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Buddhism Beyond Samsaraand#8221; takes us into the reflections of Vajradarsini on practicing purely with insight in mind. Buddhism is not being better at samsara nor is it relying on the material plane. From the talk and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Deathand#8220;, part of a five part series titled and#8220;The Four Mind Turnings.and#8221; given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre for women training for ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Order.
Flowers from the Dhammapada
3 maj 2012 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte is a closer look into the chapter titled and#8220;Flowersand#8221; from the and#8220;Dhammapadaand#8220;, by Padmavajra. The ideal student masters the realm of death by entering the transcendental path while discerning the Verses of Truth.
How to Hold a Vision
30 april 2012 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is brought to us by the delightful Saddhanandi and#8220;How to Hold a Visionand#8221; from the talk and#8220;Enlightenment as Heart, Life as Whole.and#8221; Are we nourished or are we burdened by our ideals? Ideals need to be well-rooted in our heartsand#8230; beyond the worldly windsand#8230; not an abstraction, our vision is our direction and our orientation that guides us along the way.
The Buddha’s Gratitude
26 april 2012 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte is on and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Gratitudeand#8221; discussing the importance of gratitude for the spiritual life, even for the Buddha following his Enlightenment. The talk, and#8220;Looking at the Bodhi Tree,and#8221; given in 1975 by Sangharakshita, is as relevant today as it was then.
Bahiya – In the Seen Only the Seen…
23 april 2012 |
7 min
This weeks FBA Dharmabyte,and#8221;Bahiya and#8211; In the Seen Only the Seenand#8221; is a reading from the book and#8216;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8217; (Quercus, 2011) by Vishvapani. The original talk, Imagining Gautama, is part of series launching the book from February 2011.
What is Enlightenment?
19 april 2012 |
10 min
This weeks FBA Dharmabyte titled: and#8220;What is Enlightenment?and#8220;, from the talk, and#8220;Enlightenment as Experience and as Non-Experienceand#8221; by Sangharakshita exposes a modern disease of frustrated craving for experience. Sangharakshita suggests that spiritual life is better seen in more concrete ways; as growth, work, and duty.
Practising Purely
16 april 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Practising Purely,and#8221; by Varjadarshini, is from the third talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8220;Four Mind Turningsand#8221; of the Tibetan tradition titled: and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Death.and#8221;
Trying to Make Samsara Work
12 april 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is brought to us by Maitreyi titled: and#8220;Trying to Make Samsara Workand#8220;. Another gem from the talk and#8220;The Defects and Dangers of Samsaraand#8221; where Maitreyi looks at pleasure and suffering in the context of samsara and#8211; compassionate responses to self and other, and how to loosen the bondsand#8230;
Talk given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005
This talk is part of the series and#8220;The Four Mind-Turning Reflectionsand#8220;.
The Four Rivers of Samsara
9 april 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Four Rivers of Samsaraand#8221; is from the second talk from the 2009 UK Womenand#8217;s Order / Mitra Event titled and#8220;Generating Bodhi Mindand#8221; by Vajratara. She guides us through the second section of Tsongkhapaand#8217;s short text on and#8220;The Three Principle Aspects of the Pathand#8221;. The verses contain some strong and striking images for what it feels like being caught in Samsara and they come to life in Vajrataraand#8217;s talk. She relates how she nearly came to death herself swept away by a Indonesian river and that was just an ordinary river current, never mind the current of Samsara!
Cultural, Political and Social Change
5 april 2012 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Cultural, Political and Social Changeand#8220;, is an extract from a question and answer session with Sangharakshita at the Croydon Buddhist Centre in November, 2004. The full recording can be found here: and#8220;An Evening with Sangharakshita.and#8221;
Samsara and Nirvana
2 april 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, takes us right to the heart of the matter with and#8220;Samsara and Nirvanaand#8220;, by Maitreyi. From the talk and#8220;The Defects and Dangers of Samsaraand#8221; where Maitreyi looks at pleasure and suffering in the context of samsara and#8211; compassionate responses to self and other, and how to loosen the bondsand#8230;
Talk given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005
This talk is part of the series and#8220;The Four Mind-Turning Reflectionsand#8220;.
Positive Emotion and The Spiritual Life
29 mars 2012 |
11 min
This weeks FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Positive Emotion and The Spiritual Lifeand#8220;, is an extract from the legendary series by Sangharakshita, and#8220;Buddhism for Today and Tomorrowand#8221; given in 1976. From the talk and#8220;A Method of Personal Developmentand#8220;, the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community speaks eloquently about how the practice of friendliness can bring about profound change in oneand#8217;s life.
Who Benefits?
26 mars 2012 |
8 min
This weeks FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Who Benefits?and#8220;, is a revisit to last weekendand#8217;s full talk podcast, and#8220;Brahama Viharas and the Key Momentand#8221; by Kulaprabha. In this extract, Kulaprabha reflects on who benefits when we engage in a process of cultivating loving kindness through the Brahma Vihara meditation practices.
Samadhi – Concentration in the Fullest Sense
22 mars 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,and#8221;Samadhi and#8211; Concentration in the Highest Senseand#8221; is track from the talk and#8220;Buddhism and the Path of the Higher Evolutionand#8221; by Sangharakshita.
In answering the question and#8216;What is Buddhism?and#8217;, Sangharakshita identifies higher evolution and#8211; the development of higher states of consciousness and#8211; with the twelve links in the progressive trend of the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching of conditioned co-production. Talk given in 1969 as part of and#8220;The Higher Evolutionand#8221; series.
Priti: The Intensity of Rapture
19 mars 2012 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte takes us into the blissful realm of Priti from a talk on the spiral path by Sangharakshita. and#8220;Priti: The Intensity of Raptureand#8221; is a selected Dharmabyte from the talk and#8220;The Stages of the Spiritual Pathand#8221; given in 1966 as part of the series and#8220;Introducing Buddhism.and#8221;
Virya – Energy in Pursuit of the Good
15 mars 2012 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Virya and#8211; Energy in Pursuit of the Good,and#8221; is from an inspiring talk by Prajnadevi titled: and#8220;The Perfection of Energy.and#8221; Virya is the sort of energy that overflows and is fed by the Dharma, it is the ability to be spontaneous and in the moment in pursuit of the Good.
Dharmavichaya – Introspection of Mind and Mental Events
12 mars 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte takes us into the fascinating world of mind and mental events. and#8220;Dhammavichaya and#8211; Introspection of Mind and Mental Events,and#8221; is a crucial stage in the spiral path of spiritual development. The full talk, titled and#8220;What is Mind?and#8221; is from a series of talks from the Order Convention in 2001 offering different perspectives on the Abhidharma and exploring from a personal perspective what the study of the 51 Mental Events can tell us about our minds and how they work.
Mindfulness
8 mars 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, simply titled and#8220;Mindfulness,and#8221; by Paramabandhu, is from the comprehensive and invaluable talk titled and#8220;Mindfulness For Just About Everythingand#8221; given at the San Francisco Buddhist Center in 2006. Drawing on many years of experience as a consultant psychiatrist and Dharma teacher, he invites us to consider the lessons Buddhist techniques around meditation and mindfulness training can bring to the field of mental health and#8211; especially to problems with depression and addiction. The talk evokes the Buddha in the Satipatthana Sutta to explore the four traditional foundations of mindfulness and discuss their potential use in therapeutic contexts.
Seven Bodhyangas
5 mars 2012 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Seven Bodhyangas,and#8221; by Sangharakshita, is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Mind: Reactive and Creative.and#8221; Here, Sangharakshita describes in detail the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, a creative spiral path of spiritual development.
The Golden Drum
1 mars 2012 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Golden Drum,and#8221; by Sangharakshita, is an excerpt from the talk and#8216;The Bodhisattva’s Dreamand#8217;. The Bodhisattva Ruchiraketu dreams of a golden drum radiating golden light which fills a totally transformed worldand#8230; Talk given in 1976. This talk is part of the series and#8216;Transformation of Life and World in the Sutra of Golden Lightand#8217;.
Samsara and The Three Laksanas
27 februari 2012 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Samsara andamp; the Three Laksanas,and#8221; by Dhammadinna, is from the first talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8216;Four Mind Turning Reflectionsand#8216; of the Tibetan tradition. This introductory talk by Dhammadinna is an ideal entry point to the world of the mind-turnings. Seen as foundations for the building of practice, the reflections encourage us to make life meaningful in the face of a relentlessly ungovernable reality. Here she explores seeing conditioned existence in terms of the three laksanas and ways of giving up craving without harmful side effects. A strong look in the mirror of the heart. Talk given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005
The Five Skandhas
23 februari 2012 |
5 min
Skandha is another of those untranslated terms and#8211; it literally means a trunk of a tree! In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Sangharakshita offers his understanding of the and#8220;The Five Skandhas.and#8221; From the inspiring talk, and#8220;The Awakening of the Bodhi Heartand#8221;, from the 1969 series and#8220;Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.and#8221;
What Karma Is
20 februari 2012 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;What Karma Isand#8221; Nagapriya offers a good, pithy introduction to the traditionally thorny and rather misunderstood area of karma and rebirth, teasing out its relationship to Buddhist ethics in general. This excerpt is from the talk and#8220;Understanding Karma and Buddhist Ethicsand#8221; given in Manchester, 2003
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras
18 februari 2012 |
43 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Podcast is another reading from The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. This one, and#8220;A Hitchhikerand#8217;s Guide to the Perfection of Wisdom Sutrasand#8221; Chandana talks about the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, a category of Sutras in the Mahayana tradition.
Knowledge of the Suchness of the Skandhas
16 februari 2012 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is another reading from The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. This one, and#8220;A Reading of the Suchness of the Skandhasand#8221; beautifully shared with us by Kulaprabha from the talk, and#8220;Reflection on the Five Skandhasand#8220;, the second guided reflection in the series and#8216;Night Lily Garden of the Midnight Way and#8211; Emptiness and the Great Compassionand#8217;.
and#8220;As stars, a fault of vision, as a lamp, a mock show, dew drops or a bubble, a lighting flash or a cloud, so we should view that which is conditioned.and#8221;
A Reading of the Heart Sutra
13 februari 2012 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte today is and#8220;A Reading of the Heart Sutraand#8221; is just that, and itand#8217;s very beautifully read indeed! This is an excerpt from the talk, and#8220;Reflection on the Five Skandhasand#8221; by Kulaprabha, the second guided reflection in the series and#8216;Night Lily Garden of the Midnight Way and#8211; Emptiness and the Great Compassionand#8217;.
The Diamond Sutra’s Fundamental Insight
9 februari 2012 |
7 min
Although innumerable beings have been led to nirvana, no being at all has been led to nirvana. Sangharakshita eloquently delivers todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Diamond Sutraand#8217;s Fundamental Insightand#8221; from the talk and#8220;The Diamond Sutraand#8221; given in 1969.
Seeing with Insight
6 februari 2012 |
8 min
Seeing is a good word to describe the dawning of insight. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Seeing with Insightand#8221; is from the fourth talk in Padmavjaraand#8217;s wonderful series on the Dhammapada, the most popular of early Buddhist texts. All of the Buddhaand#8217;s core teachings are here and#8211; held in heart and mind thereand#8217;s more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyondand#8230;
This material is intended for use with the Dharma Training Course for Mitras (see our and#8216;Studyand#8217; section, year three).
Talk recorded at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2007
The full talk, also titled and#8220;Seeing with Insightand#8220;, is part of the series The Dhammapada and#8211; the Buddhaand#8217;s Way of Truth.
In Response to the Buddha
2 februari 2012 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;In response to the Buddhaand#8221; Sangharakshita explores how we come into contact with the Buddha through our intellect, emotion and our will. From the talk and#8220;Intellect, Emotion and Willand#8221; given at the opening of the Manchester Buddhist Centre in 1996.
Integration
30 januari 2012 |
4 min
Exploring the first of the four and#8216;superconscious statesand#8217; todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;Integrationand#8221; by Sangharakshita takes us in for a closer look at the energies of both the conscious and unconscious mind and how the process of integration leads to greater harmony and ease.
Excerpted from the talk, and#8220;A Method of Personal Development,and#8221; given in 1976 as part of the series and#8220;Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow.and#8221;
The Clouded Dragon
26 januari 2012 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Clouded Dragonand#8221;, is an excerpt from a gem of a talk from Abhaya. With his customary dry wit and sharp eye he leads us on the crazy paving path through the Diamond Sutra and#8211; a text guaranteed to turn your world upside-down. Sharing his love for one of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s poems titled The Clouded Dragon, Abhaya makes some excellent evocations of rigorous Dharma practice as part of the everyday business of life.
This is an excerpt from the talk titled and#8220;The Diamond Sutraand#8221; given at the Triratna Buddhist Order National Order weekend 2003
Life Gone Forth is Wide Open
23 januari 2012 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Life Gone Forth is Wide Openand#8221;, Padmavajra takes us into the strong experience of Going Forth into homelessness. Sometimes life presents us with extremely difficult choices that seem to set us apart from those we love. Through personal reminiscence and classic Zen poetry that evokes a truly rich awareness, we see the Buddha, Hakuin, Dogen and Ryokan as they struggle to make sense of this fleeting world of form.
This excerpt is from the talk and#8220;The Buddha, Hakuin, Birth and Deathand#8221; given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
This talk is part of the series and#8220;Tangling Eyebrows with Zen Masters.and#8221;
Four Reasons Why We Fear Death
19 januari 2012 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Four Reasons Why We Fear Death and#8220;, Kulaprabha explores the Abhaya Sutta on the theme of spiritual death. The death of our fixed, bounded self, the self that is made up of bundled habits and preferences and views and#8211; especially views about existence and non-existence. So donand#8217;t be surprised if, when contemplating the impermanence and unreliability of that small self, you taste fear. Itand#8217;s natural enough in the circumstances. This is an excerpt from the full talk and#8220;Spiritual Death, Fear and Fearlessnessand#8221; focussing on the Abhaya Sutta.
This talk was given on retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre in 2008.
The Third Great Stage of the Path
16 januari 2012 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Third Great Stage of the Pathand#8221;, Sangharakshita talks about the process of spiritual death as the cultivation of unselfishness. This talk, titled, and#8220;The Path of Spiritual Developmentand#8221; is a book launch for and#8216;The Essential Sangharakshitaand#8217; published by Wisdom Publications.
Recorded 2009 at Essen, Germany. Talk translated in German.
What is Gratitude?
12 januari 2012 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;What is Gratitude?and#8221;, Sangharakshita reflects on the Buddhaand#8217;s achievement of Enlightenment, drawing our attention to an often overlooked feature of this great event and#8211; the Buddhaand#8217;s expression of gratitude to the tree that sheltered him. A timely look at ways to cultivate this essential positive emotion.
This is an excerpt from the talk Looking at the Bodhi Tree given in 1999.
Death and Clarity
9 januari 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Death and#038; Clarityand#8221;, by Vajradharshini brings us a beautiful piece on the hardest of subjects. Using zen poetry and a happily wide-ranging series of quotations (from Tibetan lamas to Ezra Pound), Vajradarshini explores her own fatherand#8217;s death as a way to approach attitudes to death and dying. This excerpt, from the talk: and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Death,and#8221; focusses on practice, a sense of urgency and being in the moment, she asks us: how do we want to spend our time?
The Dharma is Everywhere
5 januari 2012 |
23 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Dharma is Everywhere, is a beautiful short talk by Aryashila of the Croydon Buddhist Centre exploring impermanence. She uses the challenging poetry of Leonard Cohen and others, as well as her own deep life experience, to show that reality does not conform to ordinary wishes, but yet facing it squarely can be supremely uplifting, not sad. Talk given at the Sangha evening of the West London Buddhist Centre.
What Can We Be Sure Of?
2 januari 2012 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;What Can We Be Sure Of?and#8221; is a taste of Jnanavacaand#8217;s fabulous take on Einstein, Schroedinger, and all that stuff you wished you understood about quantum physics but despaired of ever knowing so as to impress at partiesand#8230; Well, now you can learn all about it — as well as how it relates to Dharma practice and the Buddhaand#8217;s view of a truly luminous Reality. Very classy stuff from a great speaker with the most infectious laugh on the planet! We wonand#8217;t give any more away here — settle back and enjoy a brain-expanding, soul questioning except from the talk, and#8220;Buddhism and Quantum Physicsand#8221; given at the Triratna Buddhist Order Convention, 2005
Enlightenment is Different for Each of Us
29 december 2011 |
4 min
More listening joy from Vajradharshini in todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Enlightenment is Different for Each of Us.and#8221; From the talk and#8220;We Have a Huge Barrel of Wine But No Cupsand#8221;, this is another splendid journey around the idea of Enlightenment, using the languages of surrender and discipline from the Sufi context. It’s as heady as a sumptuous wine, but also sobering and down to earth, whether we’re “following a railing in the dark” or and#8220;wandering inside the red world”. Drink up!
Talk given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2005
On Creativity
26 december 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;On Creativityand#8221;, is from a sparkling talk by Sangharakshita titled and#8220;Fields of Creativityand#8221; on a theme close to his heart. Full of warmth, wit and stimulating ideas.
Talk given in 2001.
Positive Change
22 december 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Positive Changeand#8221; is brought to us by Sangharakshita himself, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community.
In Buddhist practice, the traditional method of choice for effecting positive change in oneand#8217;s life is meditation. Here Sangharakshita takes a closer look, focussing on the and#8216;superconscious statesand#8217; (characterised in turn by integration, inspiration, permeation, and radiation), the practice of developing universal friendliness, and the distinction between calm and Insight.
From the talk and#8220;A Method of Personal Developmentand#8221; given in 1976 as part of the series Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow.
The Greatest Tragedy
19 december 2011 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Greatest Tragedyand#8221;, Subhuti invites us to look into the tragedy of not knowing what we want. He shares his thoughts on the nature of Samsara, contact with the Dharma and realisation as the deepest happiness.
This is and#8216;Eight Verses for Training the Mindand#8217;: Talk 1 from the four-part series on this Tibetan text attributed to Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa.
Everyone Needs the Dharma – Milarepa’s Song
15 december 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Everyone Needs the Dharma and#8211; Milarepaand#8217;s Songand#8221; has Sanghrakshita delightfully reciting words from the song. The Dharma is defined as whatever contributes to the development of the individual.
In the full talk, and#8220;Western Buddhists and Eastern Buddhismand#8221; Sangharakshita emphasizes the importance of distinguishing Buddhism as a universally applicable path of development from the specifically Eastern cultural forms it has been associated with in the past, and explains why an authentic, non-sectarian Buddhist movement is needed in the West.
Talk given in 1979.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;A New Buddhist Movement and#8211; the Meaning of the FWBO.and#8221;
Buddhism and the Mind
12 december 2011 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is titled and#8220;Buddhism and the Mindand#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Meditation: the Expanding Consciousnessand#8221; by Sangharakshita. A traditional exposition of Buddhist meditation looking at why we meditate; preparation for meditation; the five meditation practices designed to counteract the five mental poisons; and the three stages of meditation.
Talk given in 1967.
Pratitya Samutpada (Conditioned Co-production)
8 december 2011 |
16 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Pratitya Samutpada (Conditioned Co-production),and#8221; takes us right to the heart of the matter: How the Buddha sees things. Subhuti, with his sharp clarity and clear vision, explores one of the central teachings of the Buddha and#8211; that things arise and pass away in dependence upon conditions.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order National Order Weekend, Wymondham 2006
What is the Middle Way?
5 december 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, titled and#8220;What is the Middle Way?and#8221; is extracted from the talk and#8220;Twenty Years on the Middle Wayand#8221; by Sangharakshita. The Middle Way can be explored through three levels of application: ethics, psychology and metaphysics. Sagharakshita explores the extreme views associated with each as he points the way towards the Middle Way.
Talk given in 1987
What is the Spiritual Community?
1 december 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;What is the Spiritual Community,and#8221; is an extract from the well-loved talk and#8220;The Individual, the Group, and the Spiritual Communityand#8221; by Sangharakshita. Posing the questions: What is individuality? What is the difference between a group and a spiritual community? How can an ordinary group support our efforts to transcend the group?
Talk given in 1971.
Don’t Leave Your Values at Home
28 november 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Donand#8217;t Leave Your Values at Home,and#8221; Khemasuri passionately shares the case for embracing personal responsibility and community engagement as a way of effecting social change in our troubled world. This track from the talk, and#8220;Building an Ethical Underworld and#8211; Lessons from the Mafiaand#8221;, given at the Buddhafield Festival, Devon, 2007.
Doubt from Faith
24 november 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Doubt from Faith,and#8221; takes us into some crazy stuff as we hit koan country! In this track, Padmavajra explores materialist versus religious world views, spiritual life without God and the dialectic between Great Faith and Great Doubt. Uncompromising stuff towards a more profound level of awareness and#8211; steer to the deep!
FBA Dharmabyte from the full talk, and#8220;Great Doubt,and#8221;, featured in this Saturdayand#8217;s full podcast.
Rememberance of Freedom
21 november 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Rememberance of Freedom,and#8221; by Kulaprabha, is from a meditation and#8211; a led reflection from the recording titled and#8220;Reflection on the Eight Freedomsand#8221;. Let yourself be led through this reflection and take up the challenge of seeing just what positive circumstances we already have to doand#8230; Well, to do what with them? Therein lies the freedom and the challenge.
This is another in the series of talks from Taraloka inspired by Gampopaand#8217;s text and#8211; and#8216;The Jewel Ornament of Liberationand#8217;, December 2007
Please note this talk is a led meditation.
The Establishment of Taraloka
17 november 2011 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Establishment of Taraloka,and#8221; Sangharakshita shares his rejoicings of the opening of the new retreat centre for women, Taraloka. This track is from the talk, and#8220;Buddhist Dawn in the West,and#8221; in which Sangharakshita outlines what led him to found the Triratna [FWBO] Community. In addition to sharing his thoughts about Taraloka, he discusses developments in ordinations conducted by senior Order Members and a new Buddhist magazine.
Talk given in 1986.
Tara as Embodiment of Practice for Others
14 november 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Tara as Embodiment of Practice for Others,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk, and#8220;Chetul Sangye Dorjeand#8221; by Vajratara given at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007
The Nearness of Tara
10 november 2011 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Nearness of Tara,and#8221; is an excerpt from the talk, and#8220;Contemplating the Qualities of the Tathagatasand#8221; by Samantabhadri, given at Taraloka in February, 2010.
Interconnectedness and the Awakening Heart
7 november 2011 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Interconnectedness and the Awakening Heartand#8221; Parami explores the theme of the Buddhaand#8217;s compassionate action and how ultimately it came from beyond self, beyond other and#8211; it emerged from his realisation of and#8216;Emptinessand#8217;. The Buddha realised full well how hard it was going to be to communicate what he had discovered to other people and#8211; to us. He knew that the grip of greed, hatred and delusion is very strong. He could imagine how vexatious it might be to teach. Fortunately for us, he could also see our potential. And so out of compassion he taught.
FBA Dharmabyte from the full talk, and#8220;Out of Compassion for the World,and#8221; given at the Triratna International Retreat at Taraloka, May 2008
The Three Characteristics of Conditioned Existence
3 november 2011 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Three Characteristics of Conditioned Existenceand#8221; Sangharakshita illustrates how perfect vision can arise, and concludes by showing how Buddhists have communicated their vision of reality in conceptual and imaginative terms.
FBA Dharmabyte from the full talk, and#8220;The Nature of Existence: Right Understanding,and#8221; given in 1968 as part of the series and#8220;The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path.and#8221;
Fear and Dread
31 oktober 2011 |
13 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Fear and Dreadand#8221;Kulaprabha explores spiritual death and#8211; death of our fixed, bounded self, the self that is made up of bundled habits and preferences and views, especially views about existence and non-existence and#8211; with reference to the first of two Pali Canon suttas.
From the talk: and#8220;Spiritual Death, Fear and Fearlessnessand#8221; given at the Taraloka, May 2008 as part of the System of Meditation retreats.
Indra’s Net and The Web of Life
27 oktober 2011 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Indraand#8217;s Net andamp; The Web of Life,and#8221; Akuppa traces positive lessons to be learned from simply observing and engaging with natureand#8217;s patterns and processes and#8211; and invites us all to prepare to be awestruck as a necessary first step.
From the talk: and#8220;Buddhism and Ecologyand#8221; given at the Triratna [Western Buddhist Order] Convention, 2005
The Effect of Reflecting on Suffering
24 oktober 2011 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Effect of Reflecting on Sufferingand#8221; Maitreyi looks at pleasure and suffering in the context of samsara and#8211; compassionate responses to self and other, and how to loosen the bondsand#8230;
This Dharmabyte is from the talk and#8220;The Defects and Dangers of Samsara,and#8221; given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005 and is part of the series and#8220;The Four Mind-Turning Reflections.and#8221;
Metta Bhavana: A Most Important Practice
20 oktober 2011 |
5 min
From Padmavajraand#8217;s wonderful series on The Dhammapada we bring you todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte:and#8220;Metta Bhavana: A Most Important Practice.and#8221; All of the Buddhaand#8217;s core teachings are here and#8211; held in heart and mind thereand#8217;s more than enough in the Dhammapada to take us as far in our practice as we can imagine, and then on beyondand#8230;
From and#8220;Changing Hatred Into Love and#8211; The Dhammapada Verses 3 to 6,and#8221; part of the series and#8220;The Dhammapada and#8211; The Buddhaand#8217;s Way of Truthand#8221;
The Positive Restructuring of Consciousness
17 oktober 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is from our founder and teacher Sangharakshita: and#8220;The Positive Restructuring of Consciousness.and#8221; In Buddhist practice, the traditional method of choice for effecting positive change in oneand#8217;s life is meditation. Here Sangharakshita takes a closer look, focussing on the and#8216;superconscious statesand#8217; (characterised in turn by integration, inspiration, permeation, and radiation), the practice of developing universal friendliness, and the distinction between calm and Insight.
From the talk: and#8220;A Method of Personal Development,and#8221; 1976.
Cherishing Living Beings
13 oktober 2011 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Cherishing Living Beingsand#8221;, Subhuti tenderly takes us into the meaning of cherishing and#8211; looking after others, caring for them, and engaging in small acts of kindness. From the first talk in the series and#8220;Eight Verses for Training the Mind (talk 1).and#8221;
and#8220;May I always cherish all beings, With the resolve to accomplish for them The highest good that is more precious Than any wish-fulfilling jewel.and#8221;
Talk given at Madhyamaloka, Birmingham, 2004
This Dharmabyte excerpt is part of the series and#8220;Eight Verses for Training the Mind.and#8221;
Ethics and Compassion
10 oktober 2011 |
10 min
Our Dharmabyte today continues on the theme of Ethics with Parami sharing her thoughts on and#8220;Ethics and Compassion.and#8221; Parami explores this theme of the Buddhaand#8217;s compassionate action and how ultimately it came from beyond self, beyond other and#8211; it emerged from his realisation of and#8216;Emptinessand#8217;.
and#8220;Out of Compassion for the Worldand#8221; was given at FWBO [Triratna] International Retreat at Taraloka, May 2008
Buddhism and The Mind
6 oktober 2011 |
9 min
Our Dharmabyte today, and#8220;Buddhism and The Mind,and#8221; takes us back to 1967 with Sangharakshitaand#8217;s lecture: and#8220;Meditation: the Expanding Consciousness.and#8221; The mind has depths and heights of which we are not normally aware, Buddhism squarely places our attention in a very practical way on the development of Mind. Meditation is something to be experienced, not talked about!
Images of Integration
3 oktober 2011 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Images of Integration,and#8221; Viveka explores the many, diverse faces of mindfulness practice and#8211; breaking down the ideological barriers that can so often divide when we try to figure out what, exactly, does constitute mindfulness meditationand#8230;
Dharmabyte from the full talk: and#8220;Mindfulness as Sadhanaand#8221; given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention 2005
The Eight Worldly Winds
29 september 2011 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte titled and#8220;The Eight Worldly Windsand#8221; is from the forth talk and#8220;Eight Verses for Training the Mindand#8221; by Dharmachari Subhuti.
and#8220;May none of this ever be sullied By thoughts of the eight worldly concerns. May I see all things as illusions And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.and#8221;
Talk given at Madhyamaloka, Birmingham, 2004
This Dharmabyte excerpt is part of the series and#8220;Eight Verses for Training the Mind.and#8221;
Seeing into One’s Own Nature
26 september 2011 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Seeing into Oneand#8217;s Own Natureand#8221; is from the talk and#8220;Zen and the Psychotherapeutic Processand#8221; by Sangharakshita. With a metaphysical, transcendental penetration into the ultimate depths of oneand#8217;s own true nature, far behind the mind, in a new dimension all together, one emerges into Buddhahood.
Faith as Metta
22 september 2011 |
6 min
From the talk titled and#8220;Amitabhaand#8221;, we bring you todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Faith as Metta.and#8221; Saddhaloka introduces us to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of alland#8230;
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, winter retreat, 1997
The Bodhisattva Path
19 september 2011 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte by our teacher, Sangharakshita, is titled and#8220;The Bodhisattva Pathand#8221;. Can the Eternal be reached by following a path in time? Excerpted from the talk and#8220;The Buddha and the Bodhisattva: Eternity and Time,and#8221; part of the series and#8220;Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal,and#8221; 1969.
Everything Just Beginning
15 september 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Everything Just Beginningand#8221; is by Amaraketu from the talk and#8220;Doubt as Path.and#8221; Beginning with a quote from Sungsan, he reminds us that we donand#8217;t know whatand#8217;s going to happen, everything is just beginning.
This is a preview to next Saturdayand#8217;s full length podcast.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2005.
Metta Sutta in Pali
12 september 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a lovely chanting of the Metta Sutta in Pali. by Dassini, Chair of the Glasgow Buddhist Centre.
The Growth and Potential of Buddhism in India
8 september 2011 |
8 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte Lokamitra speaks to the Triratna Buddhist Order in Bodh Gaya on the history of the modern Buddhist movement in India. In and#8220;The Growth and Potential of Buddhism in Indiaand#8221; he draws parallels between Dr. Ambedkarand#8217;s and Sangharakshitaand#8217;s approach to the Dharma, particularly their common emphasis on social change.
This excerpt is from the 2009 International Convention where Lokamitra addresses the stunning rebirth and growth of Buddhism in India, the positive work undertaken by the TBMSG and FWBO in the region, and the potential for Buddhists in India to have an impact on the future of their country and the rest of the world.
Recorded 2009 at Bodh Gaya, India. Includes translations.
My Life, Work and Practice (2009 International Urban Retreat)
5 september 2011 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte takes us again into the lives and practices of members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. Here Lokabhandhu shares and#8220;My Life, Work and Practiceand#8221; from the series of short talks given for the and#8220;Triratna (FWBO) International Urban Retreat of 2009. In his talk he reviews his daily meditation practice, the challenges thrown up by working on his own at home, and his fascination with other spiritual teachers and paths.
Lokabandhu lives in Glastonbury, UK, where he works for the Triratna Buddhist Communityand#8217;s and#8216;Development Teamand#8217;.
Join us for the 2011 International Urban Retreat: www.theurbanretreat.org
A Day in My Life (2009 International Urban Retreat)
1 september 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte takes us back to the first Triratna International Urban Retreat held in 2009. Shantidevi shares and#8220;A Day in My Lifeand#8221; one of a series of short talks where Order Members from around the world speak about their life and practice.
Shantidevi speaks about a day in her life in Melbourne, Australia as part of the 2009 International Urban Retreat.
For more information on this years Urban Retreat see: www.theurbanretreat.org
Being Alive vs. The Deadly Grip of Routine
29 augusti 2011 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we are propelled back through time to 1966 as Sangharakshita challenges us to consider and#8220;Being Alive vs. The Deadly Grip of Routineand#8221; from the talk The Pattern of Buddhist Life and Work in the series Introducing Buddhism. Opening with a rousing story from India about how Buddhists are greeted in India and moving to consider the dangers of a repetitive lifestyle stealing oneand#8217;s enthusiasm for a spontaneous and lively spiritual life.
Talk given in 1966.
The Wisdom Hearer
25 augusti 2011 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Wisdom Hearerand#8221; is an extract from the richly rewarding talk The Sound of Reality exploring the place and function of sound in Buddhist practice and history, as well as within Padmavajraand#8217;s own spiritual life. Beginning with Hakuinand#8217;s verses of Awakening, Padmavajra very beautifully explores how hearing and#8211; really hearing and#8211; can lead us to Insight.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
The Buddha of Infinite Light
22 augusti 2011 |
11 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a tribute to Amitabha by Saddhaloka titled: and#8220;Verses to Amitabhaand#8221;. Saddhaloka introduces us to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of alland#8230; by sharing an invocation to Amitabha written by Lama Govinda and published in and#8220;The Way of the White Cloudsand#8221;. This track is from the the fourth talk in a six-part series on the figures on the Wheel of Life titled simply and#8220;Amitabha.and#8221;
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, winter retreat, 1997
I Bow Down To Compassion
18 augusti 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;I Bow Down To Compassionand#8221; is a preview to next Saturdayand#8217;s FBA Podcast and#8220;Compassionate Koans and#8211; The Heart of the Matter,and#8221; containing an excellent, personal set of reflections by Vijayamala on the relationship between our longing and our pain.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Womenand#8217;s Convention, 2005
Bodhichitta, Vows and Prisms of Light
15 augusti 2011 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte Sangharakshita shares a few thoughts on and#8220;Bodhichitta, Vows andamp; Prims of Lightand#8221;from the talk and#8220;The Bodhisattva Vowand#8221;.
and#8220;May I deliver all beings from difficulties; may I eradicate all passions; may I master all dharmas; may I lead all beings to Buddhahood.and#8221; This is the Bodhisattvaand#8217;s resolve upon the awakening of the Bodhi Heart.
Talk given in 1969.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.and#8221;
The Monkey Attitude and The Kitten Attitude
11 augusti 2011 |
10 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Monkey Attitude and The Kitten Attitudeand#8221;comes from the talk Masculinity andamp; Femininity in the Spiritual Life from Sangharakshitaand#8217;s wholly inspiring Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal Series. After exploring Patience and Vigor, the third and the fourth Paramitas, in this excerpt Sangharakshita explores the attitudes inherent in self-reliance (jnana/the path of Wisdom) and reliance on divine power outside of oneself.
Talk given in 1969.
Devotion, Dharma and Faith: Tibetan Buddhism
8 augusti 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Devotion, Dharma andamp; Faithand#8221; is an excerpt from Saturdayand#8217;s FBA Podcast and#8220;Learning from Tibetan Buddhism and#8211; A Personal Accountand#8221; by Vessantara. A lovely, thoughtful talk that pays tribute to the effect of one ancient form of Dharma in a modern practitionerand#8217;s own life.
Given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention 2005.
Buddha Puja – India Style
4 augusti 2011 |
3 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a short and#8220;Buddha Pujaand#8221; chanted by Chandrabodhi from the original and#8216;Dharmachakra Tapesand#8217; catalogue, with some wonderful chanting done India style! Check out the other recordings which include some very ethereal flute songs: Chanting Indian Style.
Heaps of Merit and Offering Up Gratitude
1 augusti 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Heaps of Merit andamp; Offering Up Gratitudeand#8221; the whole practice of Puja, offerings to the Buddha, that which we value most. This excerpt is from the seventh talk in a sparkling, wide-ranging, thoroughly comprehensive ten talk series by Padmavajra on and#8216;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limitsand#8217;.
Talks given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Three Kinds of Faith
28 juli 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte explores and#8216;Three Kinds of Faithand#8217; brought to us by Dhammadinna in a poignant talk title and#8216;The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Life.and#8217;. Sraddha has three aspects: cognitive, emotional and volitional. Like a wish-fulfilling gem, Faith allows us to achieve unsurpassable Enlightenment.
This is the second talk in a five-part series from Tiratanalokaand#8217;s retreat on the and#8216;Four Mind Turningsand#8217; of the Tibetan tradition.
Jewel as Symbol of True Self
25 juli 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,, and#8220;Jewel as Symbol of True Selfand#8221;, is from the talk and#8220;The Jewel in the Lotusand#8221; by Sangharakshita,
The jewel is the most precious of all material things, therefore a fitting symbol of the True Self. This jewel is consciousness itself and#8211; once it comes to light it shines forth in itand#8217;s original splendor.
This talk is part of the Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra Series given in 1971.
The Parable of the Burning House
21 juli 2011 |
12 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Parable of the Burning Houseand#8221;, Sangharakshita begins by reading from the White Lotus Sutra and follows with an explanation of the symbolism of the house. We are reminded of the importance of responding to and#8216;the call of the Divineand#8217;.
The talk from which todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte is extracted is titled: Transcending the Human Predicament, which is part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra given in 1971.
Robins, Despair, Earthquakes and Other People
18 juli 2011 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is lovely excerpt from the talk titled and#8220;Contemplating the Suffering of Beingsand#8221; by Kulaprabha, titled and#8220;Robins, Despair, Earthquakes andamp; Other People.and#8221;
This is the third of four talks exploring Vasubandhuand#8217;s Four Factors given on a meditation retreat for women who have asked for ordination. In his treatise Generating Bodhi Resolve, Vasubandhu describes them as able to generate the resolve to cultivate and accumulate the bases for the Arising of the Bodhicitta. You can find out more about them in Sangharakshitaand#8217;s books The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism and The Bodhisattva Ideal .
Taraloka, February, 2010.
The Three Lakshanas: Anitya
14 juli 2011 |
24 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a short talk by the lovely Jnanaketu titled and#8220;The Three Lakshanas: Anityaand#8221;, part of three part series of talks given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in 2006.
All conditioned things are impermanentand#8230; Not just a truism, but the central teaching of Buddhism upon which so much else follows. Jnanaketu starts off a three-part series on the lakshanas, or and#8216;marksand#8217; of conditioned existence, by tackling this most crucial of insights that is easy to say but a great challenge to live by.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;The Three Lakshanas.and#8221;
The Parable of the Rain Cloud
11 juli 2011 |
13 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is the classic reading of the and#8220;and#8220;The Parable of the Rain Cloudand#8221; from The White Lotus Sutra. The reading is followed by a thought-provoking and beautiful explanation of this Buddhist teaching by Sangharakshita.
This talk, and#8220;The Rain of the Dharmaand#8221;, was given in 1994 in the USA.
Emptiness – a Strategy for Being
7 juli 2011 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Emptiness and#8211; A Strategy for Being,and#8221; Samantabhadri expertly and imaginatively tackles the theme of Wisdom, using the verses in the third section of Tsongkhapaand#8217;s short text on the and#8220;Three Principle Aspects of the Pathand#8221;.
Excerpted from the talk, and#8216;The Path of the Buddhaand#8217;s Delightand#8217;, this is part of a three part series all based on Tsongkhapaand#8217;s text, and given on the 2009 UK Womenand#8217;s Order Mitra Event.
Given at Taraloka, May 2009
Sunyata as Conditioned Co-Production
4 juli 2011 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sunyata as Conditioned Co-Productionand#8221; comes to us from Nagapriya as he explores the important concept of sunyata in Mahayana Buddhism. Nagapriya explains how sunyata reformulates the fundamental Buddhist concept of conditioned co-production in the talk and#8220;The Philosophy of Emptiness.and#8221;
Talk given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009
This talk is part of the series Visions of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Unity of View, Meditation and Action
30 juni 2011 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we enter into the quiet, reflective world of Dhammadassin as listen to a single track titled The Unity of View, Meditation andamp; Action from the beautiful talk titled: Standing on Emptiness and#8211; a preview to Saturdayand#8217;s full podcast.
Talk given at the Triratna Buddhist Order women’s national weekend, August 2004
The Buddha and His Message
27 juni 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Buddha andamp; His Messageand#8221; Sangharakshita speaks to us about who the Buddha was vs. what the Buddha said. Sometimes we are told, the Buddha didnand#8217;t say anything at all.
The Bodhisattva ideal was emphasized by those among the early Buddhists who considered that they could learn from the Buddhaand#8217;s life and activity as well as from the doctrines he taught; from his compassion as well as from his wisdom.
From the talk, and#8220;The Origin and Development of the Bodhisattva Idealand#8221;, given in 1969.
This talk is part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.
A Creative Response
23 juni 2011 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,, and#8220;A Creative Responseand#8221; comes to us from the comprehensive and thought-provoking series of talks on the Tibetan text: and#8216;Eight Verses for Training the Mindand#8217; by Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa.
This excerpt is from fourth and final talk in the series.
and#8220;In brief, directly or indirectly, May I give all help and joy to my mothers, And may I take all their harm and pain Secretly upon myself.and#8221; and#8220;May none of this ever be sullied By thoughts of the eight worldly concerns. May I see all things as illusions And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.and#8221;
Talk given as part of a series, and#8216;Eight Verses for Training the Mindand#8217;, at Madhyamaloka, Birmingham, 2004
Giving Attention to Experience
20 juni 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, comes to us from the talk and#8220;Simplicityand#8221; by Kamalashila: and#8220;Giving Attention to Experienceand#8221;. Meditation is kind of a prayer for authenticity and truthand#8230; it is the Buddhist path of becoming more natural.
Talk given at FWBO Day, 2004
Virya/Energy and The New Society
16 juni 2011 |
8 min
The Bodhisattvas descend, the Bodhichitta is called down, and Parami is off and rolling on her favourite subjectand#8230; and#8220;Energy andamp; The New Societyand#8221; is todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte. and#8220;We must remember to remember to not forget what to remember.and#8221; Exploring Shantidevaand#8217;s and#8216;Bodhicharyavataraand#8217; in relation to the creation of The New Society from the talk and#8220;Energy At Its Most Abundantand#8221;.
Talk given in Cambridge, 2002
Maturing Mindfulness
13 juni 2011 |
5 min
What happens when mindfulness matures? Weand#8217;re completely familiar with mindfulness, and weand#8217;ve hardly scratched the surface. What connects us to our own unfolding nature? Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Maturing Mindfulness, is an intimate look into the Anapanasati Sutra with Dhammarati in the sparkling talk Breaking the Mould, an indispensable exploration of everyday practice of the Dharma in the beautiful light of the Tathagathagarbha Sutra.
Talk given at FWBO Day, London 2003
Manjughosha’s Sword
9 juni 2011 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Manjughoshaand#8217;s Swordand#8221; is an excerpt from the talk and#8220;Cutting Away the Oldand#8221; by the very dynamic Dharmachari Abhaya.
Swords and#8211; lots of swords and#8211; as he explores the deep significance of Manjughosha/Manjushri and the blade he uses to cut deep into ignorance and the suffering it leads us into. In this track we are invited to visualize the symbols of swords as we are reminded of Zorro, Excalibur and other sword fights in films.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2003
The Five Spiritual Faculties
6 juni 2011 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte,, and#8220;The Five Spiritual Facultiesand#8221; is from one of our earliest recordings of Sangharakshita: and#8220;A Special Transmission Outside the Scripturesand#8221;, 1965.
How does Faith, Wisdom, Energy, Concentration and Mindfulness manifest in our lives? How do they relate to each other in our experience?
This excerpt is from a talk in the series and#8220;The Essence of Zenand#8221;.
Marking the New Name: Triratna Buddhist Community (2010)
2 juni 2011 |
19 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Marking the New Name: Triratna Buddhist Communityand#8221;, is a short talk by Padmavajra before leading the seven-fold puja at the International Sangha Gathering, Taraloka, May 2010 marking our movementand#8217;s name from the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order to the Triratna Buddhist Community. The Community of the Three Jewels: The Buddha, The Dharma, and The Sangha.
With Mindfulness, Strive
30 maj 2011 |
3 min
With Mindfulness, Strive. Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, is a verse chanted within the context of A Western [Triratna] Buddhist Order Ordination Ceremony.
Conducted by Sangharakshita, this talk is part of the series Ritual and Devotion in Buddhism.
‘Knowing’ the Buddha
26 maj 2011 |
3 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we preview our next podcast, and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Personalityand#8221; by Vishvapani with the segment: and#8220;and#8216;Knowingand#8217; the Buddhaand#8221;. This is from the third talk in the Vishvapaniand#8217;s new series launching the book and#8220;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8221;. (Quercus, 2011)
and#8220;The suttas give us a vividly real Buddha who walks the roads, inhabits the cities and the plains, an untamed free spirit, a powerful presence who we can know but we cannot necessarily comprehend.and#8221;
Vishvapani is a well known figure in the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a regular contributor on the BBCand#8217;s and#8216;Thought for the Dayand#8217;.
Talk given at the London Buddhist Centre, February 2011.
Mara’s Attack on the Buddha
23 maj 2011 |
5 min
In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we continue our theme on the Buddhaand#8217;s Enlightenment with and#8220;Maraand#8217;s Attack on the Buddhaand#8221;. This Dharambyte is from the quietly passionate talk, and#8220;What is Enlightenment?and#8221; by Jinapriya on the quicksilver nature of the Enlightenment experience and#8211; impossible to pin down, utterly transformative. Here we meet Mara, the demon or trickster who represents our deepest fears, our doubts, our lack of confidence. We are met with a thoughtful series of reflections, stories and images that all look to open up the gates of perception, and prepare the heart for the biggest change imaginable and possible for all.
Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2003
The Buddha: Legend and History
19 maj 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Buddha: Legend andamp; Historyand#8221; offers us a glimpse of the talk, Imaging Gautama, from the major new series of talks by Vishvapani to mark the launch of his new book: and#8216;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8217; (Quercus, 2011).
Vishvapani recollects his religious studies and lessons on the Four Sights, which is not found in the suttas relating to Gautama. Does this mean it didnand#8217;t happen? Here Vishvapani traces the the development of a legendary story and other examples of details in the Buddha legend missing from the Pali Canon.
Talk given at the Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2011.
What is Enlightenment?
16 maj 2011 |
10 min
In celebration of Wesak, the Buddhaand#8217;s Awakening, todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte takes us right to the heart of the matter: What is Enlightenment? and#8216; From the 1975 lecture by Sangharakshita titled and#8220;The Ideal of Human Enlightenmentand#8221;, we are concisely and beautifully reminded of the three aspects of Awakening in the Buddhist tradition: i. radiant, pure clear awareness entirely transcending duality; ii. an intense, overflowing love and compassion for all that lives; iii. an inexhaustible mental and spiritual energy, absolute spontaneity and creativity continuously bubbling up.
This talk is part of the series and#8220;Human Enlightenmentand#8221;.
The Buddha’s Time and Place
12 maj 2011 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, we highlight a major new series of talks by Vishvapani to mark the launch of his new book: and#8216;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8217; (Quercus, 2011). and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Time and Placeand#8221;, is an excerpt from the first talk, and#8220;Searching for the Buddhaand#8221;, from a major new series by Vishvapani to mark the launch of his new book: and#8216;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8217; (Quercus, 2011). Vishvapani is a well known figure in the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a regular contributer on the BBCand#8217;s and#8216;Thought for the Dayand#8217;.
Here we meet the Buddha set firmly in his own historical context, with space too for the legendary and particular reference to the natural world. The Buddha discovered the natural world and made it accessible to his disciples. If we return the Buddha to his time and place then we can find out the lessons that are relevant now: Life is uncontrollable and we find Wisdom in opening to that; To heal our relationship with nature, we must first heal ourselves, and that the transformation that occurs is on every level, not just the conscious.
Ancient India comes alive as we wander with the Buddha, facing his fears amongst the ghosts of the jungle. There is much that is important for reflection here and#8211; the Dharma made fascinating by dint of the authorand#8217;s depth of engagement with Buddhist practice and the sheer breadth of his cultural reference.
Talk given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, January 2011.
Engaging with the Historical Buddha
9 maj 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Engaging with the Historical Buddhaand#8221; offers us a glimpse of the talk, Searching for the Buddha, from the major new series of talks by Vishvapani to mark the launch of his new book: and#8216;Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened Oneand#8217; (Quercus, 2011).
The act of engaging with the historical Buddha is an act of imagination. Discarded bits of rag, the texture of his face, the color of his skin, his physical form and his presence as it was compared to a Lionand#8217;s Roar, and other elements of the natural world.
Talk given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2011.
Letting the Mind Go, Sitting with Mindfulness
5 maj 2011 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Letting the Mind Go is brought to us by Viveka in a talk titled and#8220;Mindfulness as Sadhanaand#8221;, given at the Womenand#8217;s Triratna Buddhist Order Convention in 2005. Touching in on our conditioning and confidence to become Enlightened, Viveka reminds us that there is nothing to be afraid of when letting go of the mind. Calling on the image of the vast ocean with references to Suzuki Roshi on water and waves and#8211; Big Mind and Milarepaand#8217;s Song of the Yogiand#8217;s Joy, this little Dharmabyte is sure to inspire.
Faith, from the Higher Evolution Series
2 maj 2011 |
4 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, elucidated by Sangharakshita himself, is titledFaith from the Higher Evolution Series, specifically the fifth talk: Buddhism and the Path of Higher Evolution. Faith in the context of Higher Evolution is the response of our total being responding to something higher, something beyond, something transcendental. The longing to give ourselves to the Three Jewels completelyand#8230;it is the response of what is ultimate in us with what is ultimate in the universe.
This talk was delivered in 1969.
Faith that Enlightenment is Possible
28 april 2011 |
23 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Faith that Enlightenment is Possible, is a substantial extract from Saddhanandiand#8217;s very personal, humorous and inspiring talk: Enlightenment as Heart, Life as Whole. and#8220;She who delights in faithand#8221; shares many of her own stories from her life in the Order and her relationship to her belief in whether Enlightenment is possible. What is Enlightenment and what is our response to this possibility? Trembling with the potential to experience a state of pure, clear awareness extending in all directions, a state of knowledge and#8211; direct unmediated spiritual vision, a state of profound overflowing love and compassion for all beings, a state of inexhaustible mental and spiritual energy, a state of uninterrupted creativity, a state of perfect unconditioned freedom from all subjective limitations. Do you use faith as an authority in your life?
This talk was given on the International Sangha Gathering for women who had asked for ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Order, held at Taraloka in 2005.
The Four Noble Truths and Perfect Vision
25 april 2011 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, The Four Noble Truths andamp; Perfect Vision, comes to us from one of Sangharakshitaand#8217;s earliest recordings. From the series: The Buddhaand#8217;s Noble Eightfold Path we offer you two tracks from the first talk in the series: The Nature of Existence: Right Understanding given in 1968. Sangharakshita illustrates how perfect vision can arise, explores the three levels of suffering and truths of conditioned existence, and how all of this can be transcended.
The Meaning of the Prajnaparamita Mantra
21 april 2011 |
6 min
Continuing with our theme of The Heart Sutra, todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte leads us into and#8216;The Meaning of the Prajnaparamita Mantra.and#8217; Going beyond the unconditioned, going beyond even the distinction of the conditioned and the unconditioned, going, going, gone beyond. Selection from the talk titled and#8216;The Heart Sutraand#8217; by Sangharakshita, 1967.
Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra (The Heart Sutra) in Sanskrit
18 april 2011 |
8 min
Our Dharmabyte today takes us into the heart of Buddhist ritual, into the heart of the sevenfold puja, with a special chanting of the and#8220;Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutraand#8221; and#8211; The Heart Sutra and#8211; in Sanskrit. The entire puja is recited in both Sanskrit and English, a real treat for all ritual lovers courtesy of Satyadhana, the puja leader. This Sevenfold Puja was recorded at the North American Order Convention in 2008.
The Hymn to Perfect Wisdom
14 april 2011 |
4 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, Kulaprabha shares a reading of and#8216;The Hymn to Perfect Wisdomand#8216; from and#8216;The Perfection of Wisdom in 8000 Linesand#8217;. This is the first track in the talk of the same title, and#8216;On the Hymn to Perfect Wisdomand#8216;, which will be featured in this Saturdayand#8217;s FBA Podcast.
Misunderstandings of Karma
11 april 2011 |
11 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, we meet Sangharakshita in his usual uncompromising form as he explores common and#8220;Misunderstandings of Karma.and#8221; From the comprehensive and excellent introductory talk, Karma and Rebirth given in 1970.
Characteristics of Mind
7 april 2011 |
9 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, we continue to explore the theme of Karma by taking a deeper look into the and#8220;Characteristics of Mind.and#8221; by Dhammadina. What are those five characteristics? Clarity, Cognition, Momentary, Conditioned, Karma. Beautiful and accessible this little Dharma nugget shows us clearly how habitual karma manifest through our mental events. Selected from the popular talk and#8220;What is Mind?and#8220;
Visions of Hell’s Extreme Sufferings
4 april 2011 |
7 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, and#8220;Visions of Helland#8217;s Extreme Sufferingsand#8221;, we continue our exploration of the third of the Four Mind Turning Reflections: Karma. Here, Padmavajra offers a clear explanation of the Buddhaand#8217;s teaching particularly: Not everything we experience now is the result of Karma or unskillful actions. From the second talk in the series Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol).
Self-Grasping and the Strong Bonds of Karma
31 mars 2011 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte continues on the theme of Karma and#8211; the third of the Mind Turning Reflections. Here, the inspiring Vajratara likens Karma to a swift river and iron chains exploring imagery in the verses from Tsongkhapaand#8217;s text and#8220;The Three Principle Aspects of the Pathand#8221;. and#8220;Self-Grasping and the Strong Bonds of Karmaand#8221;, is selected from the talk and#8220;Generating Bodhi Mind.and#8221;
Essential Expressions of Karma
28 mars 2011 |
9 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte features a beautiful reading of the opening verses of The Dhammapada, one of the oldest Buddhist texts. and#8220;Essential Expressions of Karmaand#8221; is the opening track of the talk and#8220;Karma and the Consequences of Our Actionsand#8221;, which will be our next full length podcast on Saturday. Given by the lovely Ratnadharini, this talk was given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005 and is part of the series The Four Mind-Turning Reflections.
Every Moment Favourable
24 mars 2011 |
6 min
Itand#8217;s a really good thing to be born a human being. Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte by Padmavajra, Every Moment Favourable is an extract from the talk and#8220;Initiation into the Alchemy of Loveand#8221;.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte is from the talk and#8220;The Initiation into the Alchemy of Love,and#8221; the first in a great three-part series titled and#8220;The Alchemy of Love.and#8221;
Desire and Resolve
21 mars 2011 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte Desire and Resolve, Srivati touches into the Five Vinyatas including Desire and Resolve illustrated in the story of Bahiya of the Bark Garment. Simply put, if we desire freedom we can liberate ourselves.
Dharmabyte from the talk titled and#8220;Becoming a Citizen of the Presentand#8221; given on the Western Buddhist Order National Order Weekend, 2001
Regarding Life Itself
17 mars 2011 |
14 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, Regarding Life Itself Sangharakshita suggests that spiritual life is better seen in more concrete ways; as growth, work, and duty. What is our usual approach to life? What do we turn to? From the talk: and#8220;Enlightenment as Experience and as Non-Experienceand#8221;, our next full length podcast.
Talk given in 1975.
Human Birth is Not Accidental
14 mars 2011 |
6 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte the lovely Dhammadinna reminds us that we are not hear by chance: Human Birth is Not Accidental but a result of our previous skillful actions. A quick look at the nature of ethics and human enlightenment as natural from the talk The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Life.
Talk given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005
This talk is part of the series The Four Mind-Turning Reflections.
Benefits of our Human Life
10 mars 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, Benefits of our Human Life is the opening track from the talk and#8220;This Precious Human Lifeand#8221; by Kulaprabha.
Given at Taraloka Retreat Center, February 2008, this series of talks on the Four Reminders or Four Mind-Turnings are inspired by Gampopaand#8217;s and#8216;Jewel Ornament of Liberationand#8217;.
Mindfulness of Reality
7 mars 2011 |
5 min
In this star Dharmabyte, an extract from the talk:Mindfulness of Reality, Kulananda takes us into the heart of the matter: everything is change. Itand#8217;s enough to make anyone think twice. Or a thousand times. And still get nowhere. But fear not and#8211; this is a clear, concise, eminently human and straightforward tour of the last of the traditional four levels of mindfulness. And Kulanandaand#8217;s approach is born of his experience of over twenty yearand#8217;s teaching on just this kind of thing. Ready? Then in we goand#8230;
Kulananda/Michael Chaskalson has published widely on many aspects of Buddhism and meditation, and runs a variety of mindfulness-based stress reduction programmes for use in personal and business life.
Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2000
Recollection of Death
3 mars 2011 |
17 min
In todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, The Recollection of Death, Sangharakshita leads us with mindfulness into the practice of recollecting Death to overcome craving. From the lecture and#8220;The Meaning of Parinirvana,and#8221; our next full length podcast feature.
Talk given in 1972 by Urgyen Sangharakshita.
The Story of Bahiya
28 februari 2011 |
7 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte brings you a special reading of the story of Bahiya of the Bark Garment from the Pali Canon. Read to us by Srivati in the context of her talk and#8220;Becoming a Citizen of the Present.and#8221;
Talk given to the Western Buddhist Order national Order weekend, 2001
Life is too Short to Waste
24 februari 2011 |
3 min
Our Dharmabyte today reminds us that Life is Too Short to Waste. Brought to us by the dynamic and passionate Padmavajra from the talk titled and#8220;Death and Desireand#8221; part II of a three-part series titled and#8220;The Alchemy of Loveand#8221;. Using Shantidevaand#8217;s and#8216;Bodhicharyavataraand#8217; as a root text, he brings us face to face with the big questions implicit in any life that seeks to embrace change and impermanence as facts of Reality.
Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004
Dying with Fearlessness
21 februari 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte features the lovely Vajradharshini in an excerpt from her talk and#8220;The Transitoriness of Life and the Certainty of Death.and#8221; In and#8220;Dying with Fearlessnessand#8221; we are reminded that at the time of death only the Dharma is of benefit.
Talk given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre 2005.
Death as Loss or Death as Gateway
17 februari 2011 |
5 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte moves us into the theme of Death as the Buddhaand#8217;s Parinirvana is celebrated across the Buddhist world. and#8220;Death as Loss or Death as Gatewayand#8221; is an extract from Vidyamalaand#8217;s talk and#8220;Dying to Liveand#8221;, which will be our next featured full length podcast. Confronted with impermanence and death the questions of who and what we are burn into us. Bereavements and losses of all kinds can be met with a kindness and awareness that gently ease the burden, allowing something of peace to enter our lives again.
Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Womenand#8217;s Convention 2003
Reality as Change – Poetry and Impermanence
14 februari 2011 |
6 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte: Reality as Change and#8211; Poetry and Impermanence is from a thoughtful and sympathetic talk by Srivati on the most delicate of tasks in any life and#8211; how to live in the present moment. Exploring the subtle aspects of past and present, of memory and expectation, we encounter impermanence as the touchstone of our experience through the practice of writing and#8211; especially poetry. Dharmabyte selected from the talk, and#8220;Becoming a Citizen of the Present.and#8221;
Talk given to the Western Buddhist Order national Order weekend, 2001
The Suffering of a Wasted Life
10 februari 2011 |
12 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Suffering of a Wasted Lifeand#8221; is a track from the inspiring talk and#8220;Generating Bodhi Mindand#8221; by the dynamic Vajratara of Sheffield Buddhist Centre. Our speaker beautifully guides us through the second section of Tsongkhapaand#8217;s short text on The Three Principle Aspects of the Path as she challenges us to examine our own suffering created in not living fully to our potential.
Talk given at Taraloka, May 2009.
The Six Perfections
7 februari 2011 |
8 min
Todayand#8217;s Dharmabyte, and#8220;The Six Perfectionsand#8221; is a reminder from our last podcast where Nagapriya beautifully and clearly led us through his understanding of and#8220;The Ideal of Universal Awakeningand#8221;. In this little golden Dharma-nugget we are reconnected with the Six Perfections, a reading from the Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva, and the 10 Bhumis or stages of the Bodhisattvaand#8217;s Path.
This is from the second talk in a five-part series called Visions of Mahayana Buddhism given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009.
Buddhist Conversion and The Bodhichitta
3 februari 2011 |
5 min
Welcome to Dharmabytes! In and#8220;Buddhist Conversion andamp; The Bodhichittaand#8221;, Sangharakshita, the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community, introduces the talk and#8220;The Arising of the Bodhicittaand#8221;. Here, in his classic form, Urgyen Sangharakshita describes the act of Conversion within Buddhist practice. Two contradictory trends that are discernible in the spiritual life: withdrawing from the world and compassion for it. The arising of the Bodhichitta or and#8216;Will to Enlightenmentand#8217; resolves this dichotomy.
Talk given in 1965.
Dharmabytes – The Buddha and Reality
25 januari 2011 |
4 min
Welcome to the first installment of our new Dharmabytes podcast, where Free Buddhist Audio serves up a bite-sized portion of Dharma from the wealth of audio talks in our archives. In this excerpt from Sangharakshitaand#8217;s talk and#8220;The Buddha, God and#038; Reality,and#8221; he clarifies the gap between the clouded lenses of space and time through which we see the world and the and#8216;clear visionand#8217; that comes with Enlightenment, as achieved by the Buddha.
Talk given in 1966. Part of the series Introducing Buddhism.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.