Free Buddhist Audio

Suryagupta explores the story of Padmasambhava, the great tantric master, who was invited to Tibet when Buddhism could not take root through reason and philosophy alone. She describes how Padmasambhava confronted and transformed the unseen forces of Maras, demons, and gods, turning their energies towards the Dharma rather than away from it. The talk urges us to face our own inner and collective forces with courage, love, ritual, and devotion, calling on Padmasambhava's blessing for personal and societal transformation. This talk was given at the London Buddhist Centre in 2025. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967

In this enlightening conversation, Sangharakshita, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order, explores the profound symbolism in the Sutra of Golden Light. He discusses the dreams of the Bodhisattva Ruchiraketu, revealing how they serve as a gateway to deeper consciousness. Listeners will discover the connections between karma, life transformation, and the metaphor of the golden drum emitting radiant light. Sangharakshita invites reflection on personal and universal change, urging everyone to embrace their own spiritual journeys.

Dive into the Heart Sutra as Ratnaprabha explores its origins, tracing Xuanzang's remarkable journey. Discover how the text encourages direct realization beyond concepts, emphasizing presence and openness. Learn about the five skandhas, and how recognizing their emptiness can lead to compassionate insights. Ratnaprabha shares meditation practices that foster awareness and the importance of translating and personalizing teachings. Ultimately, the sutra guides practitioners toward wisdom and a barrier-free path of compassion.

Dive into the transformative world of the Diamond Sutra! The talk explores its profound influence on Bhante Sangharakshita's understanding of the Dharma. Discover how this ancient text challenges our fixed perceptions and introduces the essence of non-definable Buddhahood. Satyalila discusses its historical significance as the earliest printed book and examines the connection between the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra. With poetic resonance and transformative insights, this exploration emphasizes the need for receptivity and compassion in our spiritual journeys.

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.

Amala speaks here on the fifth Paramita, of Meditative Absorption. This talk was given as part of Part of the series A Koan for Our Times, a series of lectures given by The College of Public Preceptors, 2024. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967

Explore the intriguing concepts from the Bardo Thodol, focusing on the transformative power of the six bardos. Discover how meditation on death serves as an antidote to craving and the importance of awareness in embracing life’s fleeting moments. Learn about the role of retreats as periods of heightened awareness and the significance of creating virtuous connections during transitions. Delve into practical practices for the dying, the importance of cultivating devotion, and how to prepare for both life and death through the Three Jewels.

In this enlightening conversation, Vajradevi, an experienced teacher in the Triratna community, delves into the significance of our conditions and conditioning through the lens of Pratitya Samutpada. She explores the struggles of Dalit Buddhists in India and the cultural differences in practice. Vajradevi emphasizes living a Dharma-oriented life while fostering generosity and mindfulness. Her reflections on impermanence and the importance of personal conditions encourage a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and the impact of compassion on well-being.

Padmavajra, an experienced Buddhist teacher from the Triratna tradition, delves into the Tibetan Book of the Dead, focusing on the transformative concept of the Six Bardos. He explains the significance of these 'intermediate states' between death and rebirth, revealing how they offer profound insights into life. Padmavajra discusses the text's journey to the West, its cultural impact, and the practical applications of bardos in daily life and meditation. His thoughts on using life transitions for spiritual growth are particularly enlightening.

This engaging talk reflects on the profound gifts and teachings from various influential teachers. It details a transformative journey that begins with a life-changing meditation retreat in India. The speaker emphasizes the vital role of community and spiritual friendship in personal growth. Insightful anecdotes from meaningful encounters highlight the importance of ongoing commitment within Dharma practice. The discussion culminates with heartfelt appreciation for the deep connections formed with mentors and friends on this spiritual path.