Free Buddhist Audio

In "Standing on Emptiness" Dhammadassin eloquently invites us into 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! Talk given at the Triratna Buddhist Order women's national weekend, August 2004

In today's FBA Podcast, Kamalashila delivers: 'Absorption – After the Enlightenment'. 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. Please note, there are a few words missing around the start of this talk. Talk given on the FWBO International Retreat at Taraloka, May 2008

In today's FBA Podcast, Parami delivers true to form: "Energy At Its Most Abundant" on the topic of 'virya' – 'energy in pursuit of the good'. This talk was given as part of a three talk series at Windhorse:Evolution, a large and successful Buddhist team-based right livelihood business. A good, strong (sometimes even idealistic!) evocation of the co-operative spirit of Buddhist work and of spiritual practice in general, with particular reference to Shantideva's 'Bodhicharyavatara'. With a thoughtful look at Padmasambhava, and an affectionate tribute to her own teacher, Urgyen Sangaharakshita, whose poem 'The Song of the Windhorse' forms the root text for this talk. Talk given in Cambridge, 2002

In today's FBA Podcast, we give you "The Buddha's Vision", the last talk in the "Gautama Buddha" series launching Vishvapani's new book "Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One". (Quercus, 2011) 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? In his final take on the Buddha's journey of the heart and mind, Vishvapani focuses in on the Buddha's experience before, during and 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. A fitting conclusion to a wonderfully insightful series. Includes an adroit discussion of the issues around imagination and historical evidence, and how we can usefully approach the Pali texts as literature. Talk given in Bristol, February 2011. This talk is part of the series Gautama Buddha.

In today's FBA Podcast, we give you the fourth talk in the "Gautama Buddha" series titled: "The Buddha and Society", from the launch of Vishvapani's new book "Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One". (Quercus, 2011) The Buddha as a radical, as a holy man, as pragmatist, as tamer of demons, as visionary – in this wide-ranging, riveting talk Vishvapani gives us all these and more, and all in relation to the society Gautama took part in. Some provocative words and questions from the Buddha and from our speaker as we try to get to grips with a world vastly different from our own. What was the Buddha's social vision, and what can we learn from it? This is essential listening and holds some surprising insights into the life and times of a great sage in and out of his own culture and history. Talk given in Birmingham, February 2011.

In today's FBA Podcast, Vishvapani delivers "The Buddha's Personality", the third talk in his dynamic new series from the launch of the book "Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One". (Quercus, 2011) Great artists have tried and failed to grasp the essence of the Buddha's character. Beyond the narrative and the drama, what was the Buddha actually like? And what can be gleaned from the diverse sources that tell us about him? In this reflective talk Vishavapani 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. Vishvapani is a well known figure in the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a regular contributer on the BBC's 'Thought for the Day'. Talk given at the London Buddhist Centre, February 2011.

Today's FBA Podcast, is the second talk in a major new series of talks by Vishvapani to mark the launch of his new book: 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011). In "Imagining Gautama", originally subtitled, 'Approaching The Buddha As An Historical And As A Mythic Figure', 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. Features a question-and-answer session. Talk given at the Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2011. Check out our blog for more on this fascinating series.

In today's FBA Podcast, we present: "Searching for the Buddha", the first in a major new series of talks by Vishvapani to mark the launch of his new book: 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011). Vishvapani is a well known figure in the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a regular contributor on the BBC's 'Thought for the Day'. In this talk we meet the Buddha set firmly in his own historical context, with space too for the legendary and particular reference to the natural world. Vishvapani explores the presence of nature in the Pali suttas, exploring its significance in the texts, in our own contemporary mental landscapes and in the imaginative life of a country and its people. 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 – the Dharma made fascinating by dint of the author's depth of engagement with Buddhist practice and the sheer breadth of his cultural reference. Features an extended question-and-answer session (NB, poor sound quality on the questions themselves). Talk given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, January 2011.

In today's FBA Dharmabyte, Punyamala delivers a rich, comprehensive talk: From Enchantment to True Delight – Reflections On Stream Entry. Here, she sets out the path from effective to Real Going For Refuge using the framework of breaking the first three fetters and gaining Stream-entry. Punyamala confidently asserts that Stream-entry is attainable in this lifetime. Using Sangharakshita's terms for these fetters – habit, superficiality and vagueness – she gives clear, practical guidance, in a gently encouraging way, about how to weaken the fetters and develop spiritually. Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention, 2009

In today's FBA Podcast, "This Way Up – Living the Spiral Path" Saraha delivers a beautiful and engaging talk seeped in the Pali Canon. Leading with the Vatthupama, Simile of the Cloth, Sutta, Saraha gives us a very detailed look into the stages of spiritual development as described in the Lokuttara Paticcasamuppada Sutta – The Spiral Path.

Today's FBA Podcast, "Why Read the Sutta Nipata?", by Suriyavamsa, is a thorough and engaging exploration of the why and what of suttas, how they were traditionally passed on through the ages and Kukai's description of how a sutta works on the rational, imaginative and cosmic-mythological levels. Includes beautiful readings on the themes of: skillful speech, grief and fearing death, humility, pleasure, avoiding arguments and worldly desire, finishing with the much loved 'Pingiya's Praises of the Way to the Beyond.'

In the talk On the Hymn to Perfect Wisdom' Kulaprabha beautifully explores these verses of devotion from 'The Perfection of Wisdom in 8000 Lines' and they apply to us, in our lives, in our world.

In celebration of the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the Triratna Buddhist Community, (formally the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) we bring you an moving and engaging talk by Subhuti: "Awake to the Cries of the World" the keynote talk from the FWBO celebrations a decade ago. How do we respond to the suffering in the world? Subhuti speaks from his experience of years trying to answer that question – the joys and pitfalls of trying to 'help' as part of a committment to the Bodhisattva Ideal. Complete with an introduction by Padmavajra on Avalokiteshvara. Talk given on FWBO Day, 2001.

Today's FBA Podcast is titled "Karma and the Consequences of Action". The fourth talk in a five-part series from Tiratanaloka's retreat on the 'Four Mind Turnings' of the Tibetan tradition. Here Ratnadharini takes us a little closer into the often misunderstood area of karma in Buddhist thinking. She draws out the important details of the process that we call 'actions and consequences' – 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.

In The Alchemy of Love Padmavajra explores the transformative magic that is Bodhichitta practice. A short introduction to the theme here – setting the context for the series and introducing us to Shantideva, whose treatise on Bodhichitta practice (the Bodhicharyavatara) forms the basis of the wonders to be explored Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004 This talk is part of the series The Alchemy of Love.

In Enlightenment as Experience and as Non-Experience, 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. Talk given in 1975.

In this talk "This Precious Human Life" Kulaprabha skillfully points out that it's not every human life that is precious. Preciousness comes when our human life has arrived at the unique occasion of the 'Eight Freedoms' and at the right juncture of the 'Ten Endowments' – and when we have a faithful heart. Given at Taraloka Retreat Center, February 2008 this talk is one of a series of talks on the Four Reminders or Four Mind-Turnings inspired by Gampopa's 'Jewel Ornament of Liberation'.

In "The Meaning of Parinirvana", Sangharakshita gives a lecture celebrating the anniversary of the Parinirvana or 'death' of the Buddha. It outlines six basic meditation practices crucial to the attainment of the 'Deathless': Enlightenment. N.B. Last few words missing. Talk given in 1972 by Urgyen Sangharakshita.

In this thoughtful, sympathetic talk, "Becoming a Citizen of the Present", Srivati expounds on the most delicate of tasks in any life – 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 storytelling (Bahiya of the Bark Garment) and the practice of writing – especially poetry. A lovely set of challenges to become 'citizens of the present' and inhabit properly our own potential for change. Talk given to the Triratna (Western) Buddhist Order National Order Weekend, 2001

In this talk, "Dying to Live" 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. 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. Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Women's Convention 2003

In this talk, "Generating Bodhi Mind" Vajratara guides us through the second section of Tsongkhapa's short text on "The Three Principle Aspects of the Path". The verses contain some strong and striking images for what it feels like being caught in Samsara and they come to life in Vajratara'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! At the end of the talk she suggests that of the Bodhicitta practises we might take up – the puja or the various reflections on the suffering of beings – the most useful and effective Bodhichitta practice is the practice of sangha, of spiritual community. Talk given at Taraloka, May 2009.

In this talk, "The Ideal of Universal Awakening" Nagapriya 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. This is the second talk in a five-part series called Visions of Mahayana Buddhism given at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2009.

"Great Compassion Penetrates into the Marrow of the Bones" – A stirring and penetrating talk by Dhammadinna around the image that a Bodhisattva's compassion runs as deep as their very bones. Nagarjuna, Milarepa and others add their voices as Dhammadinna makes an emotionally resonant but clear-eyed attempt to lay out the ground of a practice that is moving towards the development of Bodhichitta. Why bother? she asks us, and shows how open-heartedness can respond realistically and well to suffering in our own lives and in the lives of others. Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention, 2009

In this talk, "Out of Compassion for the World", Parami explores the theme of the Buddha's compassionate action and how ultimately it came from beyond self, beyond other – it emerged from his realisation of 'Emptiness'. The Buddha realised full well how hard it was going to be to communicate what he had discovered to other people – 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. Talk given at FWBO International Retreat at Taraloka, May 08

In this talk "Loving What Is" Vajrapriya shares his own nitty gritty practice of dealing with hatred, clearing the way for a more mettaful response. "Metta is what arises when you realize that being human isn't easy." With an introduction by Jnanavaca. To read about some of our volunteers who helped make this talk available, please see our post on Triratna News.

In this talk, "Demon of Choice" Aryadhara works with a team from the Young People's Group in Cambridge (England) to give a series of short talks under the theme "Taming the Demons of the Modern World" in celebrating Padmasambhava, the Great Guru of Tibet. Choice is something we all have – we have the choice to act the way we act, the choice in the way we live our lives, which is very positive. The Demon of Choice is more about consumerism which can alienate us from our deeper selves. This type of choice keeps us in a superficial state of alienation preventing us from asking deeper questions such as what gives our lives meaning? Transforming the Demon of Choice involves overcoming doubt, the practice of renunciation, and living simply.

In "What Do We Really Know About the Buddha?" Dhivan delivers a lovely talk with the odd surprise as he considers the relationship between what we think we may know about the Buddha, and what the historical evidence suggests. As Dhivan sifts the information that's come down to us, we meet several different versions of a human being as he blurs with the archetypal presence he has also come to represent. Yet whichever manifestation we prefer, more than anything this talk 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."

In this talk Subhuti gives a concise and inspiring account of the Honeyball Sutta. Starting with some background to his work in Hungary amongst the oppressed Gypsies there, he presents the Buddha's understanding on the basis for civil, in fact all kinds of, strife. The Buddha's analysis takes the form of a nidana chain beginning with actual experience, that when we begin to proliferate or move away from facts to interpretations inevitably leads us into a secondary reality that easily leads to conflict with others, who have different versions of reality. A brilliant talk, covering ground rapidly but concisely bring together the Buddha's wisdom both in terms of transforming society and how we work within meditation, in fact we need to employ the same tools in both situations.

In this talk Jinananda gives us some practical tips on good communication and healthy relationships. He brings in the Buddha's words from the Sigalaka Sutta to illustrate some of the ways relationships were managed in the Buddha's time. Pointing out that different kinds of relationships require different sets of duties and dynamic ways of relating, he notes that we should be mindful of how we are fulfilling those relationships from our own end. Jinananda discusses the fact that even Buddhists, who are supposedly always kind and helpful, are not always so, even in stories from the Pali Canon. He reminds us, however, that this is normal, and that relating skilfully to each other is a truly immense challenge – difficult for even the most experienced Buddhists and not to be taken lightly. Talk given at the West London Buddhist Center

In this talk Saddhanandi draws on over 25 years of experience living and practicing in spiritual communities as she explores the conditions that she trusts give rise to Wisdom Beings. We live in a culture that encourages us to look out for the individual – just look after yourself and never mind about others. Collective practice, the practice of community, has a dynamic alchemy all of its own – like a coral reef lots of creatures live in it, and it is very susceptible to pollution. The development of the Individual is the development of the Sangha, and the development of the Sangha is the development of the Individual. Saddhanandi is the Chair of Taraloka Retreat Centre in England. This talk was given during the Triratna International Sangha Retreat hosted by Taraloka and Buddhafield in May 2010.

In this talk 'Ksanti (Patience)', Satyaraja beautifully explores how friendship is probably the main way we exemplify the altruistic dimension of the spiritual life. Ksanti, often translated as Patience, is one of the Six Perfections practiced by the Bodhisattva, one in whom the Bodhicitta, the Awakened Heart, has arisen. Patience is explored here in three aspects: with ourselves, with other people, and in spiritual receptivity. One needs to learn patience when working with other people to help build a spiritual community. Not in the sense of endurance, ksanti in its true form is an aspect of metta, of love. Loving people for who they actually are, not who we would like them to be. Friendship really starts when you meet bits in others you don't like and you keep going, deepening your connection. Talk given at the Stockholm Buddhist Centre in February 2010.

Nagabodhi's account of his visits to see Dhardo Rimpoche, the great Tibetan teacher based in Kalimpong, is by turns moving, funny and revealing. The story of a remarkable man – someone who embodied the spirt of the Bodhisattva – who continues to inspire practitioners the world over years after his death. A rare opportunity to hear from someone who spent time with Rimpoche at his famous school, whose motto says it all: "Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Love"… Talk given at Windhorse:Evolution, Cambridge, UK

In 'Everything Matters – Turning Consumerism on its Head', Vajradarshini points out that we live in a world of things and there's a world of practice in things. As consumerism is defined as 'to destroy', we are challenged to find ways to turn consumerism on its head and find the Truth in our relationship to Things. Accompanied by Kavyasiddhi reading both poetry and prose, this beautiful Dharma gem is worth hearing again and again. Talk given at the 2010 International Sangha Retreat.

This podcast talk by Dharmavadana is a great exploration of how poetry can be an ally in the spiritual life, and analyzes the ways in which it occupies a similar atmosphere to meditation. Talk given at West London Buddhist Center To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

This fantastic talk by Akuppa, given at the 2006 Buddhafield Festival, focuses on how Buddhist practice weaves together with social awareness, and what an Earth Community built on sustainable values might look like. (Please note: there are a few minutes missing at the start, and the original recording was very poor. But it's worth it!) Talk given at Buddhafield Festival, 2006 To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

In 'Mindfulness of Reality', the excellent Kulananda (Michael Chaskalson) brings a welcome compass to the maze of Buddhist teachings around the nature of existence itself. After all, it's not easy, is it? Impermanence, dependent arising, becoming, etc. – it's enough to make anyone think twice. Or a thousand times. And still get nowhere. But fear not – this is a clear, concise, eminently human and straightforward tour of the last of the traditional four levels of mindfulness. And Kulananda's approach is born of his experience of over twenty year's teaching on just this kind of thing. Ready? Then in we go… 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

Pain and Suffering is the first of two talks that Ratnaguna gave earlier this year at the Stockholm Buddhist Centre. He explores the whole area of feeling, both pleasant and painful, but especially the pain side of the spectrum. Using storytelling, poetry, and clear Dharma teaching, Ratnaguna asks, "What kind of life are you living if you are not really in your body? When you resist the pain, you resist everything." When we face our own suffering, then we find something else… a deep sense of wisdom and kindness. Coming up next week… Part II Pleasure and Happiness by Ratnaguna.

The 'Just Sitting' practice has been part of the FWBO's system of meditation since the very beginning yet is not often discussed and not always understood. Here Subhuti gives his own inspiring and brilliantly refreshing take on the practice as a central element in his own meditative life. A must-listen piece for all those enthused by ideas of formal and 'formless' meditation – 'Just Hear' it and you"ll see what we mean!

This is the first in a series of talks from the Western Buddhist 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 'Necklace of Clear Understanding', this is a terrific, clear introduction by Dhammadinna to the whole area of how to 'Know Your Mind'. Tracked version includes the following detail: 1. Lineage of material on Mind; Yeshe Gyaltsen's 'Necklace of Clear Understanding'; Sangharakshita's 'Know Your Mind'; Subhuti's talks on 'Mind and Mental Events' 2. The Abhidharma – classification of mental events; transforming mental states and actions; sharing and confessing 3. What is 'Mind'? Introspection – Dharma-Vichaya (dhammaviccaya); the seven 'Limbs of Enlightenment' (Bodhyangas); reflecting on the lakshanas and Pratitya Samutpada 4. Practical aids in working with mental events; different Abhidharma traditions; lists as tools 5. Defining and experiencing Mind; manas (state of consciousness); impossible to pin down; Milarepa and the Shepherd's Search for Mind; mind and the subjective 6. Subjective versus objective; the Yogachara perspective; the skandhas and vijnana; the Enlightened person and non-identification with the subjective) 7. The eight vijnanas and the five Wisdoms or Jinas; Yeshe Gyaltsen's focus on the senses 8. Characteristics of mind – i. clarity ii. cognition iii. momentary iv. conditioned v. karma 9. Primary Mind (chitta, citta); mental events as how the mind takes hold of objects; experiencing 'Pure Mind' through prajna; Milarepa's list of requirements 10. A Look at the 51 mental events; six categories and two perspectives 11. Summary – transforming mental states; Padmasambhava on Mind Talk given at Wymondham, 2001 To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

Time to bring the picture on the FWBO's relations with other Buddhists bang up-to-date with this splendid excursion over the common ground Buddhists share in the 21st century, and also through the diverse practice landscapes they continue to explore in their own approaches to the Dharma. As a basis Dhammarati looks at the FWBO's own grounding in tradition, and encourages us all at root to look continually to our own practice as we make the great journey from suffering to an expansive sense of living free. Talk given at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, January 2009

This recording of songs from the Asvagosha project troupe is a real find in the Dharmachakra Archives. The Asvagosha project was set up in India in the early 1990s as a way of developing cultural activities among poor 'ex-Untouchable' communities in slums and rural areas. Teams of performers visit the localities and put on performances of sketches and specially composed songs. The shows reflect the concerns that are uppermost in the minds of the people from these communities- issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, superstition, and child health. The performers bring a level of humour and energy to their performances, ensuring that the messages are conveyed in a straightforward, unpatronising way. For more on the Karuna Trust's vital work with 'ex-Untouchable' Indian Buddhists, see their website. Singers Dhammachari Ratnodaya, Dhammachari Kamalabodhi, Dhammachari Satyadeepa, Dhammachari Yashoratna, Rahul Sownone, Satish Moon Musicians Ananada Panchabhai, tabla Narendra Kale, harmonium Original Producers Dhammachari Siddhartha, Jayant Barve Digital Remastering Dhammachari Candradasa All songs composed by members of the Asvagosha project (except 'Raho Sukhame' – composed by Dharmarakshita) The Asvagosha project is run by Karuna Trust and Bahujan Hitay. Both are non-profit charities. Tracked version includes the following detail: 01 Asvagosha, Asvagosha 02 Jivanta Dakhala 03 Ek Bano Neka Bano 04 Dhamma Januna Ghe 05 Tumche Amuche Bandhutwache Nate 06 Andaratun Baher Ya Ho 07 Ata Tumhi Te Deepa Wha 08 Mahaparinirvana Sagari 09 Raho Sukhane Ha Manau Ethe

Here's a forthright and passionate talk, taking as its starting point the great contemporary Tibetan teacher (sometimes also written 'Chatral Sangye Dorje') and his relationship to practice in the FWBO via his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita. The main focus, however, is the need to practice the Dharma for others as part of a meaningful community, and Vajratara argues her case with a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision. Tracked version includes the following detail: 1. Introduction to Chetul Sangye Dorje; Sangharakshita's first meeting with him 2. Early years and practice; a meeting with the Regent of Tibet 3. The meaning of Chetul Sangye Dorje's name; a meeting with Thomas Merton 4. A teaching to Paramartha; two mind-training slogans (lohjong); practising for yourself versus practising for others; a quote from Sangharakshita 5. Real practice as love and kindness to others; commentary on mind-training by Jamgon Kontrul; the mantra of the universe; resorting to 'the magical practice' of spiritual individualism; going beyond yourself 6. How to practice for others; Green and White Tara; significance of Tara's leg position; balance between self-focus and other-focus; the conflict of choice 7. Be friendly even when you can't be happy; green, nature, and remaining open 8. Practising together, in numbers; all beings as White Tara; drawing strength from communal practice 9. Don't settle for a comfortable life; White Tara as a young girl; settling down; Chetul Sangye Dorje and the meat-eating teacher's disciple 10. Conclusion – Tara as embodiment of practice for others; not allowing our Buddhism to become self-indulgence

The teachings that Ratnaguna explores in this talk are all from the Sutta Nipata â€" one of the earliest of Buddhist texts. His sub-title is the rather intriguing: 'The Dharma before Buddhism'. You might say that when it comes to the Sutta Nipata, the Buddha is very clearly telling it like it is. Well, so does Ratnaguna! In the opening remarks (which, unfortunately, were not recorded) he likens these suttas in their profound scope and effect to the simpicity and purity of Bach's violin sonatas and cello suites. Given on the FWBO International Retreat at Taraloka, May 2008

Another excellent talk, from the Buddhafield project. Amaragita takes a look at Buddhist practice in the light of parenting, and has a lot of good things to say about the everyday business of staying with our experience, embracing the hard bits and releasing the joy. As an added bonus, listen for some lovely singing throughout! Talk given at the Buddhafield Festival in 2006. To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

A lovely talk this month, from the excellent Dhivan. Be prepared for the odd surprise as he considers the relationship between what we think we may know about the Buddha, and what the historical evidence suggests. As Dhivan sifts the information that's come down to us, we meet several different versions of a human being as he blurs with the archetypal presence he has also come to represent. Yet whichever manifestation we prefer, more than anything this talk 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". Talk given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2008 To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

Happy Holidays, Everyone! So, this is as close as we could get to a Christmas edition… You know, 'Buddha Nature – easily confused for 'incarnation', all that… No? Oh, well, what this most definitely is is an absolute cracker of a talk from Sagaramati. A brilliant, scholarly-but-accessible, look at the origins and development of the Tathagatagarbha (Buddha Nature) school of Buddhist thought through the lense of early Buddhist scripture. Many misunderstandings are addressed as Sagaramati (aka. Professor Robert Morrison), with his usual wry, testy humour, takes us back to basics in considering just how – if at all – Tathagatagarbha doctrine is in harmony with Buddhist tradition. And he surprises himself in the process, evoking a path of practice rooted in kindness and a vision of ever-present possibility for all of us. Talk given in 2004. To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

Ok, buckle up. 'Padmasambhava' by Danavira is, as we've come to expect from the man, a rollicking ride of a talk. Actually, 'talk' doesn't really do it justice: try incantation, wrong-footing evocation, dramatic monologue and enactment through storytelling, with a good dose of chanting and singing thrown in – some planned, some spontaneous. Sprinkle in a healthy quotient of hilarity and excitement and you've pretty much got yourself a knock-out, world-spinning excursion into the magical realism of the Great Guru, the Second Buddha, the Master of Enchantments. Be shaken by this. Be beguiled… Please note: In this talk Danavira uses and adapts verses from the excellent 'Self-Liberation Through Seeing With Naked Awareness' by John Reynolds (Station Hill Press 1989) Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001 To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

Over here, Clemenza! Ever wanted to know about 'General Systems Theory' – one of those subjects you always hear vague things about yet never quite know what it actually is? Ever wondered why we seem to love a good gangster? Well, then this is for you! To tell the truth, we would have picked this anyway for the podcast because the title was just so good! But it happens to be an excellent and very full short talk by Khemasuri on a growing area of contemporary Buddhist philosophical thought. This one requires a bit of concentration – but it pays off with her passionately argued case for embracing personal responsibility and community engagement as a way of effecting social change in our troubled world. Just like "going to the mattresses". But in a good way… Talk given at the Buddhafield Festival, Devon, 2007 Contents 01 'Evolution or extinction' by Sangharakshita (1971) – this talk as a response; the Buddha's basic teaching and experience; conceptual constructions of a specific time and culture – 'pratitya samutpada' ('dependent arising') and 'general systems theory' 02 The difference between causality and conditionality; Cartesian thinking – from the holistic to the mechanistic; conditionality through the whole of human culture and experience; properties of all systems; feedback mechanisms; systems evolving in complexity – evolution and change; points of instability – the possibillity of collapse; non-predictability and synergy 03 Repercussions for how we act; the Cartesian model of the world and its effect on behaviour; systems theory, actions and consequences; means and ends as the same thing 04 Social networks, systems and change; 'event-triggering process' – shocks to the system and creative response; change with a community of individuals; the properties of a living community 05 What the Mafia can teach us about supporting change; Fritjof Capra's ideas on the criminal underworld's success; what the Mafia does well as a community; towards an ethical underworld 06 What we can do individually and collectively; the revolutionary nature of the 'metta bhavana' meditation ('development of loving kindness'); actions and consequences again; taking risks; different ways of doing community; collective change is not comfortable – the validity of strong emotions 07 The importance of passing on knowledge and promoting another vision of the world; diversity; don't leave your values and principles at home; acting from the heart; the 'infinite game'; profound personal feedback from your efforts To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.

This is another great talk from the 'Dharma Warriors' series given at the Buddhafield Festival 2006. Karunagita is the author of 'Growing as a Parent – What Buddhism Has to Offer', and here she presents some of that material to an audience of summer loving practitioners under the blue skies of Devon. Settle back and enjoy the sound of drums, kids' voices, and Karunagita's perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of raising a child as part of your practice of the Dharma. She encourages us to see and accept the gifts of love, letting go and awareness (of our limitations and of our mortality) that are inherent in the life of any parent – and we catch a hint of the growth and wisdom that are possible for the heart as it opens to meet its experience in the most fundamental relationship of all. Talk given at the Buddhafield Festival, Devon 2006 To help us keep this free, please think about making a donation.