Free Buddhist Audio Death and Desire
Oct 4, 2025
Padmavajra, a Senior Buddhist teacher, shares profound insights on coping with impermanence and confronting the reality of death. He explores Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara, unveiling the transformative power of bodhicitta. Through personal anecdotes, like reflecting on his father's death, Padmavajra emphasizes the urgency of life’s meaning. He also discusses the importance of integrating emptiness with compassion, using meditation practices to cultivate awareness and love, and reframing death as a catalyst for spiritual growth.
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Unexpected Teacher From A Mocked Monk
- Shantideva was mocked as a lazy monk called "basuku" who ate, slept and did little else.
- He surprised everyone by delivering the Bodhicaryavatara from the great teaching throne, revealing deep practice done at night.
Night Practice And Divine Inspiration
- Shantideva practiced at night in silence and invoked Manjushri, developing eloquence and wisdom.
- Legends say his discourse lifted him into space and he later lived and taught among neglected people.
Text As A Manual For Transforming Selfishness
- The Bodhicaryavatara exposes our self-centered attitudes and gives a manual for bodhisattva practice.
- Shantideva's text is direct, vivid, and focused on transforming self-centeredness into awakening for all beings.
