Buddhistisches Tor Berlin Podcast

Join us in exploring instances from Siddharta's life before he became enlightened. In this talk we explore what we can learn from his meeting with his first two teachers and how he related to other practices that he tried out on his quest to find the truth.

In this episode Arthaketu talks about a period from Śāntideva's life within the context of the image of The Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist community. Arthaketu explores three stanzas from a classic buddhist text called the Bodhicariyavatara - meaning 'The way of the Bodhisattva'. The first stanza reads: 'Just as a blind man may find by chance a priceless jewel in a heap of refuse, so, somehow, this Bodhi-spirit is hidden even in me.'

In this episode Prasadavati talks about how mindfulness connects theory and practice on the buddhist path.

Feeling stuck in a dusty life? The Buddha has a radical solution... This episode dives into the story of Siddhartha Gotama, the future Buddha, and his dramatic "Going Forth" - leaving his comfortable life to become a homeless wanderer. What is the deeper meaning of this that we can apply to our own lives today? Join us as we explore the concept of "Going Forth" . Can we break free from the things that hold us back and cultivate a life that's "wide open, like the air?" Tune in to find out how to transform your own reality, one step at a time.

This episode dives into the ancient practice of Metta Bhavana, also known as loving-kindness meditation. Our speaker, Padmasagara, takes you on a personal journey, from a meticulously planned life to a one-way ticket to Venezuela, all while exploring the transformative power of Metta. Discover how Metta transcends boundaries and divisions, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. Is Metta just a concept? Or can it truly be a force for harmony in a divided world? Tune in to find out, and remember, wisdom truly meets wonder on the Buddhistisches Tor Berlin podcast. Metta isn't just something you think, it's something you practice. Start cultivating harmony today.

Join us on a profound journey through the life and teachings of Sangharakshita, as Padmavajra, a senior order member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, shares intimate reflections on his revered teacher. In this captivating talk, Padmavajra delves into his personal encounters with Sangharakshita, dating back to the vibrant era of the 1970s. With sincerity and emotion, he recounts the magnetic pull of Sangharakshita's lectures, books, and charismatic presence that left an indelible mark on his spiritual journey. Through heartfelt anecdotes, Padmavajra unveils the enigmatic personality of Sangharakshita, from humorous moments to profound teachings, revealing the depth of his impact as a guru and mentor. Beyond the Triratna movement, Sangharakshita's influence resonated globally, shaping Buddhist literature, meditation practices, and community-building efforts. Yet, Padmavajra candidly acknowledges the controversies surrounding Sangharakshita, from unconventional approaches to Buddhism to questions about personal relationships. Despite these challenges, he argues for the enduring value of Sangharakshita's teachings, urging listeners to engage with his profound insights. With gratitude and reverence, Padmavajra honors Sangharakshita's legacy of love, wisdom, and transformation. His words resonate as an invitation for listeners to explore Sangharakshita's teachings, finding their own paths to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Embark on this exploration of Sangharakshita's legacy, embracing the enduring wisdom he left behind. Tune in to gain insights into the multifaceted contributions of this remarkable teacher and discover how his teachings continue to resonate across various avenues of thought.

Join us on a profound journey into the heart of Buddhist practice as Padmavajra explores the fundamental role of energy in spiritual growth. In this fascinating episode, Padmavajra delves into the essence of five essential energies, or virya, that practitioners cultivate to enrich their lives and benefit others. From Ever-Ready Energy, which instills the readiness to contribute positively at any moment, to Insatiable Energy, characterized by an unending thirst for growth and spiritual progress, each type of energy offers a unique pathway to personal transformation. Through captivating stories from the Buddha's life, personal anecdotes, and timeless teachings, Padmavajra illustrates how these energies can be harnessed to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose. Throughout the discussion, listeners are invited to reflect on the preciousness of human life, seek inspiration from spiritual companions, challenge self-imposed limitations, and share the wisdom of the Dharma with others. Ultimately, Padmavajra illuminates the path towards spontaneous compassionate activity—a selfless response to the needs of the world.

In this thought-provoking talk, Padmasagara, shares three impactful stories that have significantly influenced his life and quest for meaning. Beginning with "The NeverEnding Story," a tale of a boy's escape into a fantasy world, the speaker resonates with the desire for adventure beyond the ordinary. Transitioning to the Vimalakirti Sutra, a Buddhist text featuring a sick bodhisattva imparting wisdom, Padmasagara explores the significance of imagination and the delicate balance between history and myth in shaping one's reality. The third narrative centers on Zen Master Hakuin, a monk afflicted with Zen sickness, cured through introspective meditation by a hermit. The speaker draws parallels between Hakuin's journey and his own experiences of dizziness, emphasizing the need to ground vision in body and energy. Concluding the talk, Padmasagara engages the audience with reflective questions about their own stories, thresholds, and imagination. Encouraging individuals to become authors of their narratives, he invites them to explore these tales within the Buddhist center, fostering a collective journey towards self-discovery and meaning.

In this Episode, Padmasagara explores the concluding line of a famous zen saying: "Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” Drawing from a 9th-century Japanese monk, Kukai's poem, Padmasagara delves into themes of impermanence and beauty expressed through vivid nature and human imagery. Linking the verses to meditation, he discusses its role in clarifying perception by transcending thought worlds and embracing the truth of impermanence. He encourages us to embark on a shared journey of self-exploration, inviting us to fathom the true nature of both ourselves and the world around us. Through this collective exploration, the potential for an enduring sense of joy that transcends boundaries may be gained.

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition: “A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."  Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective. Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings.