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Dharmachakra
Free Buddhist Audio has been serving free recordings of high quality, full-length Dharma talks since 2006. Over 3 million downloads and counting... Get our free weekly Dharma talk podcast with inspiring speakers on Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness. 
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 25, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Bodhisattva's Dream
 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. 

Oct 18, 2025 • 56min
A Straight Talk On the Heart Sutra
 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. 

Oct 11, 2025 • 50min
The Diamond Sutra: Sangharakshita and Us
 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. 

Oct 4, 2025 • 39min
Death and Desire
 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. 

Sep 27, 2025 • 52min
Samadhi (Meditation)
  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    

Sep 20, 2025 • 40min
Themes From The Bardo Thodol
 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. 

Sep 13, 2025 • 54min
What Is It We Are Doing with Our One Wild and Precious Life
 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. 

Sep 6, 2025 • 54min
Tibetan Book of the Dead - The Six Bhardos
 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. 

Aug 30, 2025 • 35min
Gifts From My Teachers
 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. 

Aug 23, 2025 • 28min
The Boy, The Monk, The Man
  Nagabodhi's book : The Boy, the Monk, the Man examines the life of Sangharakshita - audacious reformer, and for some a deeply controversial figure. In an absorbing narrative, Nagabodhi takes us on a journey through the twists and turns of Sangharakshita's life; the experiences, insights, and reflections that nurtured his approach as a teacher; and the legacy he left behind. Here, Padmasuri interviews Nagabodhi - two long time friends in conversation and exploration. Recorded at  Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2024.  ***  This month's FBA Podcasts and Dharmabytes celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of Sangharakshita's birth, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community and Order. 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 


