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784 episodes — Page 7 of 16

Ep 481Heart Advice From the Lotus -Born: 'Never Be Apart From the Causes For Faith to Arise'.

Padmasambhava is a potent symbol of transformation. Maitreyi shows us how evoke the help, energy and vision we need to change our lives. Talk given part of the London Buddhist Centre's Padmasambhava Day Festival, 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Oct 31, 202039 min

Ep 480How Padmasambhava is Relevant to Us

After exploring the historical and mythical aspects of Padmasambhava, Prakasha offers insights into how the Tantric Guru of Tibet, Padmasambhava, is relevant to us, here, today, now. This is the third in a series of talks give on Padmasambhava Day, 2019, for the Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Group. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Oct 24, 202028 min

Ep 479Not About Being Good - Beyond Guilt

Buddhist ethics are not about conforming to a set of conventions, not about 'being good' in order to gain rewards. Instead, living ethically springs from the awareness that other people are no different from yourself. You can actively develop this awareness, through cultivating love, clarity and contentment, which can ultimately help us to come into greater harmony with all that lives. Arthapriya, a Public Preceptor who lives in Cambridge, takes a personal and Dharmic look at what it means to go beyond guilt. Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, January 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Oct 17, 202047 min

Ep 478The Monster of Impermanence

Subhadramati explores the nature of impermanence as part of the London Buddhist Centre's week-long exploration of Mind Reactive / Mind Creative for the 2018 Urban Retreat. This talk is part of the series Mind Reactive / Mind Creative. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Oct 10, 202050 min

Ep 477The Loveliest Bodhisattvas

In this talk, Padmavajra explores the Altruistic dimension of Going for Refuge - The Bodhisattva Ideal - through Bhante's poem 'The Guardian Wall'. He particularly explores the line in the poem: 'The loveliest Bodhisattvas are the anonymous' and what this means for somebody aspiring to practice the great ideal of the Bodhisattva. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre during the 'Bodhisattva Ideal' retreat in January 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Oct 3, 20201h 16m

Ep 476Compassion In a Chaotic and Dangerous World

Saddharaja explores self-sacrifice as a component of the Bodhisattva Ideal introduces Chapter 18 The Chapter on the Tigress. He goes on to explore compassion and altruism, and how we can develop these by letting go of attachment and hatred, and thereby gaining true freedom. The third of four talks given during the Open Retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in October 2019. This talk is part of the series The Sutra of Golden Light. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Sep 26, 20201h 3m

Ep 475Stirring the Depths

Maitrivasin talks about awakening deep powerful energies that move us along the path to freedom. By engaging warrior energy to tackle the doubt or distractions of habitual ways we bring all of our volition on the side of positive growth and progress towards Enlightenment. This talk is part of the series The Path of Awakening based on the Bodhicaryavatara given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre June, 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Sep 19, 202046 min

Ep 474Transcendental Refuge In the Time of Covid-19

Candrika explores how we might work with the mythic dimension in our current situation of pandemic. There is so much going on in our local and global community. Candrika takes us through the wisdom and symbolism of the Five Buddha Mandala to help us make sense of the world, helping us to work with difficult feelings of fear, disruption, despair. Talk given as part of the Glasgow Buddhist Centre, Scotland, April 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Sep 12, 202029 min

Ep 473The Luminous Mind

Here Akuppa explores the story of who you are and how you come to create the story of you. We need a different story. Living from a truer story of our luminosity and what happens when we come together on the basis of our luminous mind/heart. This is Part 1 of two talks given by Akuppa to the Triratna Buddhist Community in Scotland online gathering in June 2020. Listen to Part 2 of this series Transforming Self and World Part 2: Buddhist Politics *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Sep 5, 202034 min

Ep 472Here, Then

Subhadassi talks about dharma practice in challenging times, drawing on poetry & literature (Pablo Neruda & Franz Kafka) and the Perfection of Wisdom Tradition (especially the Heart Sutra). We also bump into the householder Vimalakirti, Subhadassi's wife & children, the Diamond Sutra, Compassion, the Three Lakshanas & Hakuin along the way. Talk given for Brighton Buddhist Centre Dharma Day, July 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Aug 29, 202038 min

Ep 471Perfecting Generosity, Ethics and Patience

This is the seventh talk in an eight part series by Padmavajra exploring a great classic of Tibetan Buddhism – Gampopa's 'Jewel Ornament of Liberation'. 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 Gampopa's Jewel Ornament of Liberation. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Aug 22, 20201h 9m

Ep 470Kshanti Paramita

Using verses from both the Dhammapada and the Bodhicaryavatara, Vairocana maps out the Buddhist practice of patience, from restraint to positive emotion. This is the fourth talk in a series on the Six Paramitas at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre in the summer of 2012. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Aug 15, 202052 min

Ep 469Hey You!

Virya is the energetic counterpart to the patience of Ksanti; it is energy in pursuit of the good. Bodhinaga tells us how we can develop this noble vigour, which brings strength and courage like that of a virtuous knight. He guides us through counteracting the four 'enemies of virya' before introducing the Four Powers: ethical sources of energy to power the Dharma life. Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019. This talk is part of the series The Path of Awakening. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Aug 8, 20201h 25m

Ep 468Virya: A Path of Transformative Action

Viriya expresses itself in action, with attentiveness, care and enthusiasm. Saddhanandi shares from her personal training and experience as an artist to elucidate the meaning of Virya, drawing out the aspect of training the mind to develop positive mental states. Talk given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, GBC Rainy Season, March 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Aug 1, 202039 min

Ep 467Buddhism and Peace

What is peace? And what does peace mean for Buddhists? Is it just the absence of war and conflict; guns and screaming? Or is it also the deep silence that arises when the mind and heart are in harmony - a positive state of mind that can be cultivated both personally and collectively, where good and evil don't exist as concepts? Parami explores these questions and more with great compassion and wisdom. Given by at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2011 in the series Buddhism and the Big Questions. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jul 25, 202057 min

Ep 466The Buddha; Just a Kind Old Man...

How do we relate to the Buddha? Sangharakshita has emphasised the importance of connecting with him as a historical figure. Through personal example and stories Dharmashalin asks the question, do we even see the Buddha as a kind old man? Maybe that would be a good start… Talk given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre (UK), 2014. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jul 18, 202053 min

Ep 465The Great Love

How do we construct our world? Collective experiences impact on our personal views and experiences. Mahayana texts offer us the opportunity to interrupt our usual way of perceiving and thinking about the world. Suryagupta explores the extraordinary character, Vimalakirti, and his teaching of The Great Love – the love that is great compassion, the love that is never exhausted, the love that is giving, the love that is morality, the love that is tolerance, the love that is happiness. From Dharma Night at the London Buddhist Centre, UK. Monday 19th June 2017. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jul 11, 202058 min

Ep 464Radical Kindness In a Violent World

"The creative mind loves when there is no reason to love." Sangharakshita Viryajyoti gives the second talk in a series on Compassion for a Modern Word on a theme close to her heart. The Bodhisattva aim is to free all beings from suffering – what about here and now in the 21st century? What is radical kindness? What would it be like to be radically kind? The Buddha represents the spiritual ideal of Buddhism and through his life and teaching he exemplified a path of increasing selflessness, loving-kindness and a deep desire to help people achieve liberation. So how do we follow the example of the Buddha in our own time? In this age of modernity, what would the total, radical response of a Buddha to the world look like? And is it still possible to be liberated from the world while choosing to work for its good? Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jul 4, 202028 min

Ep 463Spiritual Receptivity and Just Sitting

Vessantara shares reflections that emerged during his three year retreat, namely a poignant opportunity to let go of self reference and enjoy the simple awareness of the present moment. This talk was given at the Triratna Buddhist Order European Order Gathering at Wymondham College August 25, 2012. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jun 27, 202057 min

Ep 462Entrance Into the Heart of the Mandala

Visuddhimati explores how we really need to know ourselves deeply and experientially to allow us to let go into the deep mystery at the heart of the mandala. She shares her reflections on initiation, spiritual death and rebirth, inspired by a Rilke poem. Using the structure of the Rilke poem she explores how engaging with images and allowing them to unfold their meaning within us, allows us to let go into wisdom. The mandala symbolism is explained with an emphasis on the significance of the circles of protection, including the circle of the 8 great cremation grounds which we may pass through on our journey into the heart of the mandala. Visuddhimati gives a personal account of the process of turning towards experience, making the darkness conscious in meditation, just sitting in the cremation grounds, and how this opens up the entrance to the bright clear light at the heart of the mandala. A talk given on the Women's Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, March 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jun 20, 202047 min

Ep 461Mindfulness and Insight

Drawing on his book on the Buddha, Vishvapani explores the connection between awareness of our immediate experience and seeing the true nature of existence. Talk given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2018. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jun 13, 202039 min

Ep 460Appearance and Emptiness Are Inseparable

Karunagita explores emptiness through Padmasambhava's advice to Queen Ngang Chung: During the time of insight which is surrounded by a calm, gentle aura, openness and appearance are inseparable. The six senses come forth, though appearance and voidness are inseparable; this is the real foundation, without which no means exists. Talk given at Dhanakosa Retreat Center, 2017. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jun 6, 202047 min

Ep 459Letting Go and Insight

Nagabodhi offers his reflections on the Buddha's enlightenment. What is it are we actually trying to achieve? How intensely are we cultivating and experiencing metta, friendship, kindness, compassion, patience and love? This talk is part of the series The Bridge, the Path and the Goal given at Adhisthana, 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

May 30, 202056 min

Ep 458The Tumble Dryer of Karma

In this talk, Moksatara explores what karma really means and how we can work with this law of the universe to leave behind the 'snakes and ladders' game of repetitive ups and downs, moving instead on a liberating path of growth. By understanding the importance of conditionality and ethics, we can take charge of our lives and move in the direction we want to go. Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, January 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

May 23, 202049 min

Ep 457Brahmaviharas and the Awakening of the Bodhi Mind - Karuna

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. This is the second talk in a series of four talks on the topic of karuna, compassion. From the series Brahmaviharas and the Awakening of the Bodhi Mind given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre Winter Retreat, 2016. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

May 16, 202035 min

Ep 456Great 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 Triratna (Western) Buddhist Order Convention, 2009. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

May 9, 202059 min

Ep 455Dharma Wondrous Strange

Ratnaguna gives us ten pieces of advice from the Buddha that speak to the isolation we're experiencing whilst the world is in lockdown. The talk was given via Zoom, following the temporary closure of Manchester Buddhist Centre due to the Coronavirus pandemic, April 3, 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

May 2, 202053 min

Ep 454Wheeling, Spiralling, and the Fork In the Road

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Apr 25, 202046 min

Ep 453Communicating Through Symbols

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Apr 18, 202047 min

Ep 452The Wheel, The Spiral and The Goal

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 patterns in which it feels our life is lived for us. The scenes described within the wheel help us to recognise the states of mind we inhabit and offer guidance towards healthier realms from which we can make real progress. Ultimately the aim is not to conquer the world but to go beyond it altogether, escaping the wheel and enter upon the spiral path, the threefold path of ethics, meditation and wisdom. Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Apr 11, 202053 min

Ep 451Sangha as the Way to the End of Dukkha

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 Nirdesa about the 500 Licchavi youths. Concluding the series as a whole, he shares some personal experiences of Sangha. This talk is part of the series Challenging Dharma for Challenging Times given at Nottingham Buddhist Centre, 2020. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Apr 4, 202049 min

Ep 450Good Friends

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? Talk given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2013. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Mar 28, 202040 min

Ep 449Spiritual Friendship and the Tantric Rites

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, given at a Tiratanaloka/ Buddhafield retreat for women who have asked for ordination within the Triratna Buddhist Order, 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Mar 21, 202052 min

Ep 448A Helping Hand

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 Buddhist Centre, 2013. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Mar 14, 202054 min

Ep 447Tantra For the Modern World

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 Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Mar 7, 202043 min

Ep 446Imagining the Tantric Gathering

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 Cambridge 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 supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Feb 29, 202055 min

Ep 445The Burning Ground

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. Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, November 2019. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Feb 22, 202036 min

Ep 444Holding Ourselves Up to the Golden Light

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. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Feb 15, 20201h 10m

Ep 443The Tiny Splash of a Raindrop

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 inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Feb 8, 202033 min

Ep 442Sangharakshita Foresees His Death In 'Padmaloka'

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Feb 1, 202029 min

Ep 441Impermanence of This Body

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jan 25, 202032 min

Ep 440Faith, Insight and Transcending the Self

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jan 18, 202056 min

Ep 439Working With Adversity

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. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jan 11, 202031 min

Ep 438Why Do I Suffer?

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. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Jan 4, 202054 min

Ep 437The Wisdom in the Parable of The Burning House

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Dec 28, 201956 min

Ep 436The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment

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, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Dec 21, 20191h 39m

Ep 435Shifting to Indras Net

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 of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Dec 14, 201958 min

Ep 434The Great Love

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 inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Dec 7, 20191h 1m

Ep 433Changing Power to Love

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 pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Nov 30, 20191h 0m

Ep 432Redemption Is Possible

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 - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitter FBA on Facebook FBA on Soundcloud

Nov 23, 201948 min