Vilasamani gives an introduction to the twelve links on the wheel of life, specifying how the spiral path emerges from the gap between feeling and craving. Talk given at West London Buddhist Centre , 2016. Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud...
Apr 25, 2020•46 min•Ep. 454
Here we have Maitreyi talking about communicating through symbols, this time round through the hub of the wheel of life. Talk given at Mid Essex Buddhist Centre , February 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud...
Apr 18, 2020•47 min•Ep. 453
Vadanya launches a series of talks on three great Buddhist symbols that describe the way things are: the wheel of life, the spiral path, and the ultimate goal of Enlightenment. Together they form a guide to escape from the ultimate vicious circle into the complete freedom and fulfilment of Awakening. Here, Vadanya explores on the wheel by describing the symbolism of each of the four concentric rings which make up this rich representation of samsara, the never-ending repetition of habitual patter...
Apr 11, 2020•53 min•Ep. 452
Instead of the traditional description of the Fourth Noble Truth - the Eightfold Path - 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? He looks at three stories from Buddhist tradition that explore the true meaning of Sangha - the Anuruddhas, the Pure Land and the passage from the Vimalakirti Ni...
Apr 04, 2020•49 min•Ep. 451
Kalyana Mitrata is spiritual friendship, even 'the lovely intimacy', the need for close and supportive connections with others in treading the path. Ratnaprabha explores why the Buddha said spiritual friendship is 'the whole of the Buddhist Life'. Is it as important now as it was in the Buddha's time? Is a Kalyana Mitra the same thing as a guru or teacher? How can we make the intimate connections in our lives really stimulating and nourishing? How do we learn to communicate kindly and openly? Ta...
Mar 28, 2020•41 min•Ep. 450
Vajratara introduces the theme of spiritual friendship or kalyana mitrata. What is spiritual friendship? How is it distinguished from ordinary friendship? How can we make friends? What is the difference between vertical and horizontal friendship? Using stories, personal anecdotes and images she introduces the overall theme to prepare for more talks in this series, which focusses on the tantric rites and friendship. This talk is part of the series Spiritual Friendship and the Tantric Rites , give...
Mar 21, 2020•53 min•Ep. 449
Ratnaghosha reflects on how friendships and connections are woven into the tapestry of his life, how other people give our lives a sense of richness and abundance. In the sangha, people are passing on the Dharma through their relationships – living, breathing Dharma is passed on through spiritual friendship. The Buddha was the original spiritual friend, exemplifying for us that Enlightenment demands communication. From a series of talks given during the Year of Kalyana Mitrata at the Cambridge B...
Mar 14, 2020•55 min•Ep. 448
Satyajyoti introduces the tantra: Buddhism to set life aflame through deep personal transformation of our direct experience. Out with abstractions and theory, it's time to act 'as if your turban was on fire!' In the words of Sangharakshita, 'making Buddhism respectable is the last thing we should do'. In her introductory talk, Satyajyoti outlines five key principles of Tantric Buddhism and explains the tantric equivalents of the three Buddhist refuges, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Recorded at ...
Mar 07, 2020•43 min•Ep. 447
When we approach the Dharma and looking at Buddhism try to imagine the people from who it comes, the communities from which it arises. In the origins of Indian Tibetan Buddhism there isn't a lot of material available, and there are lots of secrets! Padmavajra rounds out a series of talks at the C ambridge Buddhist Centre (UK, 2017) on the Tantric Path with this thought-provoking investigation into the spiritual intimacies of Buddhist sangha. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporte...
Feb 29, 2020•56 min•Ep. 446
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 situ...
Feb 22, 2020•36 min•Ep. 445
HHere Saddharaja describes the rainy season in India and its role in the origin of confession practice in Buddhism. He goes on to describe the different kinds of confession practice, their benefits and how they totally differ from confession in other religions. He also introduces the The Sutra of Golden Light 's nexus, Chapter 3, The Chapter on Confession with it's great import and beauty. The second of four talks given during the Open Retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in October 2019. *** Hel...
Feb 15, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 444
The Buddha's Parinirvana marks the final passing of the Buddha two and a half millennia ago. It is an opportunity not just to contemplate on impermanence, but also to rejoice in the example of the Buddha's life and in the precious opportunity our own lives present us with. Dhammadinna delivers in this talk given at Parinirvana Festival at London Buddhist Centre , 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma...
Feb 08, 2020•33 min•Ep. 443
Vishvapani beautifully explores Sangharakshita's poem 'Padmaloka' in which he looks forward to his own death. It's a poem about death, rebirth and nature, and Vishvapani connects it to other poetry which it echoes. This talk was given a week after Sangharakshita's death in November 2018 at Cardiff Buddhist Centre . *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for ne...
Feb 01, 2020•29 min•Ep. 442
Punyamala explores the Buddhist teachings of impermanence and shares reflections on how to live with the fact of death, using her recent experience of death. This is the Second in a series of four talks given on the four reminders given at Taraloka Retreat Centre called Reflection: A Path of Wisdom. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharm...
Jan 25, 2020•33 min•Ep. 441
Saccanama offers this thought-provoking talk exploring insight into anatta. What happens when one loses control and renounces the self? Recorded at the Swedish Summer Retreat at Dharmagiri Retreat Centre, July 2019. This talk is part of the series 'To Place the Heart Upon' - Exploring Faith in Buddhism . *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for news and new ...
Jan 18, 2020•56 min•Ep. 440
When things go wrong in our life we can see them as an obstacle to an ideal spiritual life feel we should be leading. But there's another way of looking at difficulties, and instead of trying to get rid of difficulties, we could be welcoming them as opportunities. Vajratara draws on the Tibetan Mind Training tradition, as well as the Pali Suttas to examine how we can make adversity our teacher and the ground in which wisdom and compassion can grow. Given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre , 2018. *** He...
Jan 11, 2020•31 min•Ep. 439
A series of personal exchanges with Subhuti about the central issues of life. Subhuti is among the most prominent and experienced of Western Buddhists. He has spent the past forty-odd years practising the Buddha's teachings and travelling the world helping make it possible for others to do the same. Hosted by Subhadramati during his Presidential visit to the London Buddhist Centre , which he was instrumental in founding in 1978. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subs...
Jan 04, 2020•54 min•Ep. 438
Jnanavaca explores the myths and parables of the glorious White Lotus Sutra. This week he unpacks the wisdom of the parable of the Burning House. Includes some questions from the audience. Dharma Night at the London Buddhist Centre , April 6th 2015. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud...
Dec 28, 2019•56 min•Ep. 437
After considering the history and the meaning of the title, Sangharakshita provides a summary of The White Lotus Sutra's dramatic structure, with brief explanations of the significance of certain details. Talk given in 1971. This talk is part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra . *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow...
Dec 21, 2019•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 436
Parami evokes the reality of interconnectedness in relation to the second Dasadhamma - My life is dependent on others. I am sustained by the gifts of others - She talks about how the experience of interconnectedness is supported by wisdom, and results in compassionate activity. This talk is part of the series The Order as Practice: Shifting Paradigms given at Adhisthana, 2015. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces o...
Dec 14, 2019•59 min•Ep. 435
Ratnaguna shares with us his great love for the Vimalakirti Nirdesa, a Buddhist Mahayana text he's gone back to again and again and again since 1979. He explores how a Bodhisattva should regard living beings, or how they should develop the Great Love for them, according to the mysterious character Vimalakirti. Talk given at Stockholm Buddhist Center , 27 May 2013. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma insp...
Dec 07, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 434
Drawing on Bhante's paper on the Ten Pillars from 1984, the Dhammapada and the Mind Turning teachings, Dhammadinna talks about the paradigm shift we make in our ethical practice from power mode to love mode, and the renunciation of power and blame through which we enter into experience of forgiveness and ksanti. This talk is part of the series The Order as Practice: Shifting Paradigms. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size...
Nov 30, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 433
Here we have Dharmashalin exploring the question: Who is Milarepa and more importantly how is he relevant to us? He's an incredibly rich character, but what stands out first and foremost is the profound example of transformation, redemption even, that he found in the course of his life. This brings hope to all of us, he changed so we can change… Talk given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre , 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - b...
Nov 23, 2019•49 min•Ep. 432
Saddhanandi is the Chair of Adhisthana and a preceptor. She was for many years the Chair of Taraloka retreat centre. She was a close friend of Bhante Sangharakshita and is noted for her warmth, friendliness and skills as a Dharma teacher. It is a real treat to have her at Sangha Night to share her thoughts on the Buddha Shakyamuni. This talk is part of the series Buddhas and Bodhisattvas given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subs...
Nov 16, 2019•46 min•Ep. 431
Sanghamani with a great second talk from the 2019 Triratna International Gathering. Her theme on this Alchemy of the Dharma weekend is how we can transform ourselves in order to transform our communities. And she leads with fearlessness in discussing her own work and practice in this regard. As a fundraiser at the cutting edge of the practice of connection – trying to forge a sense of mutually vital relationship with strangers (who are not necessarily pleased to find you at their door!) – Sangha...
Nov 09, 2019•45 min•Ep. 430
A wonderful first talk of the 2019 International Gathering, whose theme is 'Alchemy of the Dharma'. The utterly delightful Ratnaguna takes us through the true miracle of transforming ourselves via magic of a practice in which we also learn to let ourselves change. This is a beautiful, reflective, funny take on the challenges of the Dharma life. Ratnaguna's breadth of reference is itself a joy: taking in Greek philosophy, Hans Christian Andersen, and writings on the nearness of death to life in a...
Nov 02, 2019•51 min•Ep. 429
What is the Bodhicitta and how do we become receptive to it? Vajratara talks about the paradox behind the Bodhicitta: how it is an experience beyond any personal attainment, yet it arises in us. How can we hold both perspectives? Using the framework of the '3 myths' of the Dharma life, Vajratara evokes the qualities and attitudes we develop to prepare ourselves for the Bodhicitta. A journey around the Suttas and Sutras, stories and poetry, evoking the development of the Bodhicitta. Talk given at...
Oct 26, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 428
In this talk, Sarvananda looks at how our engagement with the arts can help us move from literal mindedness to an imaginative engagement with Buddhist myth and symbol. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre during the 2019 East Anglian Men's Retreat. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud...
Oct 19, 2019•50 min•Ep. 427
The Buddha said the world is on fire, fueled by our greed hatred and delusion. Jnanavaca explores how we can raise ourselves to meet the challenges faced by humankind on both an individual and global basis. Can Metta be cultivated so that in can burn brightly with the brilliant flames of peace? Talk given at London Buddhist Centre , 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, t wo times a week...
Oct 12, 2019•59 min•Ep. 426
To succeed at anything, we need to think; to go about it in a way that's actually going to work. Vadanya examines different metaphors that help us to bring our reasoning and wisdom into action to make spiritual progress. He highlights the importance of creating the right conditions to grow and flourish, particularly the importance of spiritual friendship. Part 5 in the 'Path to Awakening' Sangha night series at Sheffield Buddhist Centre , 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a suppo...
Oct 05, 2019•45 min•Ep. 425
