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 o…

In his first talk on Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara Padmavajra speaks of Sangharakshita's evocation of the Bodhicitta. He goes on to talk about his discovery of the Bodhicarayavatara and what is known of the life of Shantideva. The main part of the talk is Padmavajra's discussion of some of the verses of the first chapter of the Bodhicaryavatara, es…

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 Conte…

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…

Vessantara offers an introduction to the origin of the Bodhicitta in the brahma viharas, moves on from the blue sky to the refuges and an exploration of the view of scientific materialism. This talk was given in 2020 at Adhisthana as part of the series The Bodhicitta Practice which includes many led meditation practices. *** Subscribe to our Free B…

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. *** Subscribe t…

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, Satya…

Balajit starts by exploring different perspectives on what is the body and how limited views can limit our practice. He shares his own journey of discovery around what the body is, particularly during his years living at Vajraloka Retreat Centre. The talk then looks at what it might mean for the body to be truly, profoundly and deeply at peace with…

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. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Googl…

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. *** Subscribe to ou…

Singhashri reminds us of Bhante's emphasis on the development of the true individual, positive group and spiritual community. She then links an embodied and relational approach to our individual and collective going for refuge, encouraging us to explore how a direct experience of safety, dignity and belonging in the sangha might support collective …

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 …

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. *** Subs…

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 'actions and consequences' - but her emphasis is always on putting what we learn into practice in real life, with other real people. The fourth talk in a five-part series …

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 g…

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 Co…

Reflecting on her response to Bhante Sangharakshita’s death, Khemasuri celebrates the gratitude she feels for what she has learned in her Dharma practice, partciluarly the ability to open up and turn towards what is difficult in a very real way. This is a series of talks and practices from the Four Reminders Retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, Nove…

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 ours…

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. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podca…

The first of a series on the 4 reminders, given live at the North London Buddhist Centre, 12 Sept 2020. 1. Our life as a human being is a precious opportunity. 2. Everything changes, and death is inevitable, so don’t lose your opportunities. 3. You do make a difference, the way you live and act now will change the future for yourself and for the wo…

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 experienc…

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 Reflection…

The human body, at peace with itself, Is more precious than the rarest gem. Cherish your body - it is yours this time only. The human form is won with difficulty, It is easy to lose. All worldly things are brief, Like lightning in the sky; This life you must know As the tiny splash of a raindrop; A thing of beauty that disappears Even as it comes i…

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 Preci…

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 …

What does it take to create a context which allows people to experience meaning? Saddhanandi looks how sangha is created through meaningful, authentic friendships and communication. The talk includes references to her interviews about poetry with Sangharakshita. This talk was given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2023. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhis…

“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. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google …

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 …

“Happy indeed we live, friendly amid the haters. Among those who hate we dwell free from hate. Happy indeed we live, healthy amid the sick. Among those who are sick we dwell free from sickness. Happy indeed we live, content amid the greedy. Among those who are greedy we dwell free from greed.” (The Dhammapada, chapter 14, ‘Happiness’, verses 197-19…

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. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts B…