Podcasts

More of a lively ramble than a talk, Devamitra explores of the relationship between imagination and devotion based loosely around the Ti Ratana Vandana. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Heart of Triratna given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2013. *** […]

Vidyamala introduces the key aspects of this part of the Sutta and then speaks of the importance of allowing for growth and integration in our practice. She speaks of the twin pillars of awareness and love and how mindfulness can […]

In this talk Dayanandi cov­ers the first of the five great stages of spir­itual exper­i­ence that develop and unfold as we pro­gress on the Path to Enlightenment — integ­ra­tion and whole­ness. Excerpted from the talk entitled Mindfulness and the Mandala […]

In Sthiranaga's exploration of this section of Canto 103, he provides some practical techniques to help keep us from becoming estranged from our meditation practice as well as tips to creatively explore the positive formulation of the precepts, which can […]

A delightful talk to mark the re-launch of 'Mitrata, a journal (now discontinued) which helped develop the systematic study of Buddhism and was especially intended for 'mitras' ('Friends'). Here, Sangharakshita tells the story of Meghiya drawing out the theme of […]

A beautiful introduction by Ratnavandana to the Brahma Viharas as an integrated set of practices flowing from metta- loving-kindness. Her central image is that of a tree, deep-rooted and spreading its canopy wide as she evokes a profound, personal connection […]

Ratnaprabha takes us through the realisations that came to the Buddha during his all night meditation under the Bodhi tree, culminating in the vision of the morning star, the Star of Healing. Its light was the first sight of the […]

The Dhammapada, or 'Way of Truth', is a profound expression of 'Basic Buddhism'. In its short, memorable verses, the Buddha challenges us to practise wholeheartedly – because 'a tamed mind brings happiness'. Suryagupta unpacks some of these ancient wisdom-sayings, which, […]

After the Buddha's Enlightenment, the Buddha sat in a grove of trees, absorbing what had happened, his experience unfolding in all directions. A great storm arose, and a huge Cobra came and wrapped its coils around him, protecting him from […]

In this talk, Satyagosha explores "How to Change Your Mind" by looking at meditative states and the "indirect methods" that support them. He unpacks the stages of internal development and how we can use everyday activities like ethics, ritual, devotion, […]

We live in a time ridden by crisis and difficulty. How should Buddhist's respond? This is a personal and very honest talk from Vajragupta, looking squarely at the challenges, and owning his own doubts and fears. There are no easy […]

Revisiting the original series by Sangharakshita, entitled Buddhism for Today – and Tomorrow, given in 1976, Jnanadhara slightly rearranges the sequence of the talks. He begins with a verse from the Udana and proceeds to outline the cyclic and progressive […]

Karunadhi explores the mythic and spiritual dimension of Bhante Sangharakshita's life and what the emotional significance of Going for Refuge. Through stories, poetry, and the image of the refuge tree, she reflects on his love for the Three Jewels, his […]

How do you navigate yourself on the Buddhist Path? How do you choose the right direction of travel if you don't know where you're going or what the Goal is? If the Goal is Enlightenment, do you understand what the […]

Samādhi is the Sanskrit word for a state of peaceful, integrated absorption the mind can reach through meditation.And people’s faces in meditation have been a source of fascination (and distraction) for documentary filmmaker Hartley Woolf since he began his own […]

Today we meet three Buddhists with a full time professional painting practice, exhibiting at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Eco Park. And we’re treated to a generous and intimate conversation about the tensions and creative dynamics between an explicitly […]

In Triratna, learning to understand what is truly beautiful is seen as a path to Enlightenment itself. In this episode we find ourselves exploring this in an unexpected and extraordinary way at the seat of all Buddhist paths and myths, […]

Enter Hinterland sober bar, “the realm beyond what’s known”… And meet founders Sanghadhara and Stephen Jeffreys in their cosy, cool, poetic, liminal space for a cocktail and meaningful conversation about how Buddhism and the Dharma can inform modern culture—and people’s […]

Home Retreats help us inject some of the powerful teachings of the Buddha directly into our everyday lives. This week we’re joined by Balajit, Singhashri and Viveka to talk about what lies behind their latest week-long collaborative venture with The […]

Mandarava has always been a maker. Her way into puppetry came initially through trying to make sense of deep family grief. Mandarava’s work is brimful of magic – filtered through fairy tales, her own deep immersion in illustrative art and […]

The mind liberated from the pressure of the will is unfolded in symbolsW.B. YeatsThese days, mindfulness is everywhere. How can engaging with images – with imagination itself – take our awareness deeper and help us connect with something truly transformative? […]