Join us on a profound journey through the life and teachings of Sangharakshita, as Padmavajra, a senior order member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, shares intimate reflections on his revered teacher. In this captivating talk, Padmavajra delves into his personal encounters with Sangharakshita, dating back to the vibrant era of the 1970s. With sincerity and emotion, he recounts the magnetic pull of Sangharakshita's lectures, books, and charismatic presence that left an indelible mark on...

Join us on a profound journey into the heart of Buddhist practice as Padmavajra explores the fundamental role of energy in spiritual growth. In this fascinating episode, Padmavajra delves into the essence of five essential energies, or virya, that practitioners cultivate to enrich their lives and benefit others. From Ever-Ready Energy, which instills the readiness to contribute positively at any moment, to Insatiable Energy, characterized by an unending thirst for growth and spiritual...

In this thought-provoking talk, Padmasagara, shares three impactful stories that have significantly influenced his life and quest for meaning. Beginning with "The NeverEnding Story," a tale of a boy's escape into a fantasy world, the speaker resonates with the desire for adventure beyond the ordinary. Transitioning to the Vimalakirti Sutra, a Buddhist text featuring a sick bodhisattva imparting wisdom, Padmasagara explores the significance of imagination and the delicate balance between...

In this Episode, Padmasagara explores the concluding line of a famous zen saying: "Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” Drawing from a 9th-century Japanese monk, Kukai's poem, Padmasagara delves into themes of impermanence and beauty expressed through vivid nature and human imagery. Linking the verses to meditation, he discusses its role in clarifying perception by transcending thought worlds and embracing the truth of impermanence. He encourages us to embark on a shared...

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition: “A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."  Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta...

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition: “A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."  Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta...

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition: “A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind." Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta...

Welcome to the third podcast episode of Padmasagara's 4-week meditation course, exploring 'The Essence of Meditation.' This week, we delve into the second line of the Zen tradition saying: "No dependence on words." What does this mean for our lives, and how does it impact us? Join us as we explore these questions, guided by mindfulness of breathing meditation and the captivating story of Zen master Hakuin's quest for healing from 'zen sickness.' As we unfold Hakuin's journey, discover how it...

Welcome to the second podcast episode of Padmasagara's 4-week meditation course, exploring 'The Essence of Meditation.' This week, we delve into the second line of the Zen tradition saying: "No dependence on words." What does this mean for our lives, and how does it impact us? Join us as we explore these questions, guided by mindfulness of breathing meditation and the captivating story of Zen master Hakuin's quest for healing from 'zen sickness.' As we unfold Hakuin's journey, discover how it...

Welcome to the first podcast episode of Padmasagara's 4-week meditation course, exploring 'The Essence of Meditation.' This week, we delve into the second line of the Zen tradition saying: "No dependence on words." What does this mean for our lives, and how does it impact us? Join us as we explore these questions, guided by mindfulness of breathing meditation and the captivating story of Zen master Hakuin's quest for healing from 'zen sickness.' As we unfold Hakuin's journey, discover how it...

In this insightful talk, Tarapalita delves into the multifaceted nature of the Buddha, challenging the notion of a static and fixed image. Instead, he portrays the Buddha as a dynamic and inspiring figure who conquered fear, ignorance, and suffering, unveiling the profound mysteries of life. The essence lies not in a rigid depiction, but in the transformative journey of overcoming adversity.Tarapalita emphasizes the profound significance of tradition, debunking the misconception that it...

In this compelling talk, Tarapalita takes the audience on an intimate journey through the chapters of his life, vividly illustrating his remarkable transformation from a world of music, money, and a dangerous lifestyle to a profound exploration of spirituality through Buddhism. Tarapalita delves into his early life, sharing insights into a youth spent surrounded by the allure of music, financial pursuits, and associations with gangsters and drug dealers. He opens up about pivotal moments...

Dharmasara shares his experience of a three-month retreat in the mountains and reflects on the meaning of becoming a Buddhist. Dharmasara explains that being a Buddhist involves going for refuge to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. He says that these are the three aspects of Buddhism that can help us develop ourselves, overcome suffering, and attain enlightenment, describing what each of these aspects means and how to practice them in our daily lives. Dharmasara...

Join Lalitaratna as he explores the essence of puja, a devotional practice honoring the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Discover how this practice can reshape our mental state and perspective on the world. The talk delves into Dharma Vinaya, unpacking the truths of impermanence, no-self, and suffering, along with the transformative path of ethical living, meditation, and wisdom. Lalitaratna uses a journey metaphor to explain spiritual growth, touching on intuition, experience, and reason. The...