Free Buddhist Audio

Explore the Eight Worldly Winds and their impact on our emotions. Delve into the human experience of impermanence and the preciousness of life, illustrated by a blind turtle analogy. Discover the connection between fame, disgrace, and self-identity, while learning to embrace wisdom in uniformity. Navigate pleasure and pain with equanimity, using mindfulness to balance emotional responses. Ultimately, appreciate the transient nature of existence and seize life's fleeting opportunities for growth.

Sangharakshita, a renowned British Buddhist teacher and founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community, dives deep into the essence of Dharma. He explains Dharma as both an experiential reality and Buddha's teaching, crucial for spiritual development. The multifaceted nature of Dharma is examined alongside the vital principle of conditionality. Sangharakshita shares the Parable of the Raft, highlighting Dharma as a tool for spiritual progress. His insights encourage engaging with Dharma authentically, aiming for personal transformation on the path to enlightenment.

What is ‘animism’ and what kind of philosophy does it entail? Dhivan considers how animism rests on an intuition about the aliveness of the world, and how this intuition can inform a mode of philosophy that does not bypass the earth as the living presence behind all thinking. This talk was given at Adhisthana as part of the series Wisdom of the Earth: Philosophy and the Climate Crisis, 2023. *** 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  

Tejopala likens the current global climate crisis to a village with a fire that threatens everyone in it and asks what a community of monks living in such a village might do in such circumstances. He also draws on the advice given by Urgyen Sangharakshita in his talk given in 1984 called 'Buddhism, World Peace and Nuclear War' as to how Buddhists should act to address an overwhelming existential threat, in which Bhante urges civil resistance. This talk was given at the Melbourne Buddhist Centre as part of Buddhist Action Month, 2019. *** 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  

Referencing Sangharakshita’s teaching on personal responsibility, Khemasuri shows how, through self-development and sangha, we can make a radical difference in the world. This talk was part of a two talk series entitled The Lion’s Roar by Shakyapada and Khemasuri given at Triratna Buddhist Community York, 2019. *** 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 significance of Buddhist Action Month and the power of community in fostering generosity. Discover the iceberg metaphor highlighting our ecological crisis and the deeper societal issues of consumerism. Delve into the sacred connections in life and the idea of 'spiritual death' for personal growth. A reflective reading from the Sutra of Golden Light emphasizes compassion and the journey from spiritual death to rebirth. Finally, uncover the concept of 'thin places' in nature that deepen our connections and inspire collective action against ecological challenges.

A thought-provoking discussion on the significance of community and communication in spiritual practice unfolds. It highlights the intricacies of teaching and the need for self-reflection among members. The conversation transforms ordinary exchanges into profound spiritual connections. Myths about spiritual growth are debunked, emphasizing that patience and love are vital for fostering a supportive environment. Ultimately, it's about going beyond individual limitations to achieve collective enlightenment.

Discover the transformative journey of becoming aware of reality beyond mere understanding. Explore the deep connections between personal experiences and the teachings of the Buddha, including encounters with acceptance and healing from shame. Delve into the contrast between societal expectations and Buddhist ideals of authenticity. Reflect on the timeless nature of enlightenment through poetic storytelling that connects us to our true essence. Experience how these themes intertwine during a meaningful pilgrimage that touches on life, death, and liberation.

Delve into the pioneering contributions of early Buddhist women, highlighting Mahapajapati Gotami as the first nun. Explore her journey towards enlightenment and the role of her devoted disciples, Khema and Uppalavanna. The discussion confronts societal norms, illustrating how the Dharma champions personal liberation. Additionally, it examines the challenges posed by Mara, the embodiment of internal distractions, and the philosophical inquiries of King Passanadi regarding existence and the afterlife.

Explore living a Dharma life amidst today's chaotic world, using vivid metaphors like the burning house. Discover how spiritual practice can help navigate societal turmoil and foster deeper truths. Learn the importance of self-care and cultivating compassion for others. Delve into the complexities of compassion, distinguishing its true essence from its misleading forms. Embrace selflessness as a path to enlightenment, recognizing our roles in supporting all beings and addressing the suffering around us.