The Buddhist Centre

Sangharakshita, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order, has long dreamed of starting a new library to house his collection of 11,000+ books on Buddhism, the Dharma and literature (including extensive reference and poetry collections). Vidyadevi, one of the people who helped make it happen, introduces the new library as it finally opens its doors. Her passion for this project and her love of books is both infectious and challenging as she talks with us about a library with its eyes as firmly on the future as on the past. #buddhism #buddhist #library #libraries #books #book #Dharma #Triratna #Sangharakshita For more like this, + follow thebuddhistcentre.com/features

In his (slightly belated!) autumn seasonal, we hear from Suvajra about his new, unexpected circumstances, caring for his teacher Urgyen Sangharakshita. It's an intimate and touching picture of their friendship, and moves naturally into an extended reflection on Suvajra's devotional practice of Chöd - "cutting" - meditation. Chöd is a ritualised practice from the Tantric tradition involving the whole body and mind. Its aim is to see deeply into the nature of self and of consciousness itself, and we get a wonderful glimpse into the true nature of empowerment, initiation, and indeed relationship to a teacher in that context. With a clear sense of how facing down the gods and demons we carry with us can lead to a clear-hearted seeing of things and a life dedicated to kindness. For more, +follow thebuddhistcentre.com/features Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-buddhist-centre-online/id498033013

How do you go from investment banker to full-time Buddhist practitioner? A fascinating account of a very rich life that takes Amalavajra from English boarding school and Cambridge University to J.P. Morgan as a pioneer of the now infamous asset-backed securities that became a prime factor in the credit collapse of 2008. His journey winds via improbably different worlds: from scuba diving on coral reefs to the Henley Regatta, from delivering pizzas around London at night to riding the Greyhound bus across America and selling books door to door in Tennessee! And all leading to a remarkable turnaround via meditation, Buddhism and the mountains of Nepal. A strong tale of determination and talent finding - finally- something truly worth investing in... For more, +follow thebuddhistcentre.com/features Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-buddhist-centre-online/id498033013 #banker #banks #banking #securities #credit #creditcrash #Buddhism #Buddhist #Buddha #Dharma

A wonderful conversation with Amitasuri who has overcome huge health difficulties to train and work as a Buddhist Chaplain in the UK. Her passion for the vocational side of chaplaincy is inspiring and infectious, and it's moving to hear how her own situation has allowed her to be present - truly present - with people suffering greatly, and to make a difference in that way. Find out more about Buddhist Chaplaincy in the UK: http://www.buddhist-chaplaincy-support-group.org.uk Find out more about Buddhist Chaplaincy in the US: http://www.buddhistchaplainsnetwork.org More like this: www.thebuddhistcentre.com/features #health #Buddhism #faith #Buddhist #compassion #suffering #chaplaincy

Vidyatara is joined on the couch by Dhammarati, Chair of the Preceptors' College. The conversation touches on the wide range of subjects that were covered over the last 10 days, friendship, the future of the College and unity in diversity. Dhammarati also reflects a little on his last 10 years as Chair. #preceptorscollege #triratna #ordination #community #Buddhism #Buddhist #Dharma #sangha

Vidyatara stands in for the College's intrepid reporter, Parami and has a chat with Karunadevi & Padmavajra. Tonight's topics include discipleship, views, consciousness & friendship within the College. #preceptorscollege #triratna #community #sangha #ordination #Buddha #Buddhism #Buddhist

After an evening off Parami is back on the sofa with Padmasuri and Saddhaloka, the deputy chairs of the college. As well as talking about the study session from today, they comment on what it means to be a deputy chair as well as reflecting on the need to bring on a new generation of public preceptors. #community #sangha #ordination #Triratna #Buddhism #Buddhist #Dharma

Parami and Kamalasila chat on the sofa. Kamalasila talks of his experience of the college over ten years, of friendships which deepen through coming together. They also talk about the college members' diverse responses to the direct pointing pilot project. #ordination #meditation #Buddhist #Buddhism #liberation #freedom #Preceptors #sangha #community

This evening Parami talks to Karunamaya and Nagabodhi. Karunamaya talks of the 800 women training for ordination in India and Nagabodhi tells us of working with men training to join the order in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. We hear of the cultural differences and the spiritual similarities between those situations. #ordination #India #Buddhist #Buddhism #USA #America #Preceptors #sangha #community

Tonight Parami chats to Sanghadevi - a public preceptor for over 20 years - and Maitreyabandhu who joined the college in March of this year. As well as their impressions of the college, they movingly share with us their experience of a Skype meeting earlier today with Vajragita. Vajragita is not with us as she is unwell with terminal cancer and in today's Skype with the college, she shared her thoughts and feelings about facing her death. #Buddhism #Buddhist #death #dying #community #sangha #Triratna #Dharma