Best Dharmachakra / Free Buddhist Audio Podcasts (2024)

1
Karma and the Consequences of Our Actions 54:54

26m ago54:54

54:54

Here Ratnadharini takes us a little closer into the whole, often misunderstood area of karma in Buddhist thinking. She draws out the important details of the process that we call 'actions and consequences' - but her emphasis is always on putting what we learn into practice in real life, with other real people. The fourth talk in a five-part series …

1
Recollection on Death 44:44

11d ago44:44

44:44

Reflecting on her response to Bhante Sangharakshita’s death, Khemasuri celebrates the gratitude she feels for what she has learned in her Dharma practice, partciluarly the ability to open up and turn towards what is difficult in a very real way. This is a series of talks and practices from the Four Reminders Retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, Nove…

1
This Precious Opportunity 46:20

11h ago46:20

46:20

The first of a series on the 4 reminders, given live at the North London Buddhist Centre, 12 Sept 2020. 1. Our life as a human being is a precious opportunity. 2. Everything changes, and death is inevitable, so don’t lose your opportunities. 3. You do make a difference, the way you live and act now will change the future for yourself and for the wo…

1
A Solid Foundation 35:30

7d ago35:30

35:30

The human body, at peace with itself, Is more precious than the rarest gem. Cherish your body - it is yours this time only. The human form is won with difficulty, It is easy to lose. All worldly things are brief, Like lightning in the sky; This life you must know As the tiny splash of a raindrop; A thing of beauty that disappears Even as it comes i…

101
A Vision of Communication 45:12

18d ago45:12

45:12

What does it take to create a context which allows people to experience meaning? Saddhanandi looks how sangha is created through meaningful, authentic friendships and communication. The talk includes references to her interviews about poetry with Sangharakshita. This talk was given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2023. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhis…

1
Happy Indeed We Live 52:12

1M ago52:12

52:12

“Happy indeed we live, friendly amid the haters. Among those who hate we dwell free from hate. Happy indeed we live, healthy amid the sick. Among those who are sick we dwell free from sickness. Happy indeed we live, content amid the greedy. Among those who are greedy we dwell free from greed.” (The Dhammapada, chapter 14, ‘Happiness’, verses 197-19…

1
A Life Well Spent and Beyond its End 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

In a life well lived there is a conscious search for meaning. Suryagupta reflects on the Buddha’s (and our own!) Noble Quest. This talk was given as a part of the LBC Winter Retreat 2023, following the Buddha's This talk was given at London Buddhist Centre as part of the series The Noble Quest, 2023. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast…

1
449: The Impermanence of Everyone: The Art of Hugh Mendes (Paramabodhi) 42:17

2M ago42:17

42:17

We are sitting in an East End art studio talking about death. The London tube rolls by outside, surfacing momentarily from tunnels dark as Hades, trundling its occupants inexorably on to somewhere. You can hear at intervals its soothing, almost womb-like background rumble and hush as a reminder of sorts - fitting sound as backdrop to this conversat…

1
448: Mindfulness of Death and Dying (Kamalashila in Conversation, with Guided Meditation) 1:25:40

2M ago1:25:40

1:25:40

Kamalashila is dying. So are we - we are dying. Really. In this recent conversation with Kamalashila following his diagnosis of terminal cancer - and in the closing guided meditation reflecting on death - this is the core theme to which we keep returning: the value of familiarising ourselves with our impermanence: dying and death are going to happe…

1
Inspiration 1:03:17

2M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Jnanadhara explores the meaning of inspiration and its importance in the Dharmalife. He makes some general observations about the nature of inspiration, discusses the three kinds of faith, and concludes by talking about The Buddha as a source of inspiration. This talk was given at Adhisthana as part of the series Changemakers Weekend: Passing on th…

1
A Limb of the Universe 41:20

2M ago41:20

41:20

‘Just as I love and cherish my body, which is divided into many limbs, so I should love and cherish this whole world, which is divided into many beings.’ So says Shantideva in his famous ‘Guide to the Path of Awakening’. In this talk Vadanya will explore what Shantideva tells us about the wisdom teaching of ‘anatman’ – often translated as ‘no-self’…

1
Under the Bodhi Tree 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

On a warm spring day, under the overhanging branches of the Sycamore tree in the Buddhist Centre garden, Parami richly evokes Gautama's quest, realisation, and their relevance for today's world. This talk was given on Buddha Day at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2010. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify…

1
Giving Up Asceticism and the Rose Apple Tree 54:09

3M ago54:09

54:09

Nagasiddhi traces the period after the Buddha’s going forth: as he masters meditation then turns towards extreme asceticism in his quest to overcome dukkha. Having taken himself to the brink of death, the Buddha-to-be finally realises that he must find his own ‘middle way’ to liberation. This talk is part of the series In the Footsteps of the Buddh…

1
Living what we Love 52:14

3M ago52:14

52:14

Amitasuri explores what can happen when faced with well-being, illness, ageing and death, and looks at how the Dharma might influence our response. Amitasuri takes her Dharma practice to her work as a Buddhist Hospital Chaplain, where she supports health and well-being through pastoral, religious and spiritual care for staff, patients and their fam…

1
Who is the Buddha? 51:37

3M ago51:37

51:37

After an account of the Buddha's life, Sangharakshita asks how, if at all, such a man can be defined or categorised. This talk was given in 1968 as part of the series Introducing the Three Jewels of Buddhism *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, ev…

1
Bhante, His "Gurus" and Us 43:21

3M ago43:21

43:21

Kalyanaprabha shares some of her own recollections of Bhante Sangharakshita going back to their first encounter in 1984, stories both humorous and serious, evoking some of his unique qualities. Drawing on an unpublished fragment, ‘What I learned from my gurus’, she reminds us of some of the fundamental aspects of his teaching. This talk was given a…

1
Is A Guru Necessary (Revisited) 52:48

3M ago52:48

52:48

Ksantikara revisits Sangharakshita's classic 1970 lecture. In this energetic and playful talk Ksantikara adds his own reflections to Sangharakshita's original list of what a Guru is not (not the head of a religious group, not a teacher, not a father/mother substitute, not a problem solver) and explores the important of having people in our life to …

1
Breaking the Bonds of Selfhood Through Serving the Dhamma 50:53

4M ago50:53

50:53

Here is a strong, beautiful talk by Parami from the final day of the Triratna Buddhist Order's International Convention 2013 in India, bringing us back to the task in hand as members of the Order and as Buddhists: engaging with breaking the fetters and weakening the hold that self-clinging exerts upon our minds and our ways of seeing things. *** Su…

1
Launch of The Buddhist Vision and the Dhammapada 27:38

4M ago27:38

27:38

Here is a recently re-discovered little lost delight - Sangharakshita and Subhuti launching each other's books and clearly enjoying themselves. Sangharakshita's in fine humour - and it's great to hear him read and quote from the bible! Is that a twinkle in his voice? Talk given at Triratna [FWBO] Day celebrations in 2001. *** Subscribe to our Free …

1
Lion's Roar - Why Integration = Love 51:03

4M ago51:03

51:03

Subhadramati explores integration as a process of meeting Mara in her life and in scenes in the life of the Buddha, and the fulfillment of integration during the Buddha's last days of exquisite love. This talk was given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2018. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Pod…

1
Celebrating the Buddha: Pingiya's Praises to the Way to the Beyond 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

In this talk Alokadhara explores these beautiful verses which evoke the Buddha, his qualities and the profundity of his teaching. This talk was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2014. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 dow…

1
The Jataka Stories 32:56

5M ago32:56

32:56

In an excellent and thorough introduction to the Jataka tales, Akashadevi explains the value of stories of the Buddha's past lives and how they originated. She tells the stories of the Hare in the Moon and the Monkey King. This talk was given at the West London Buddhist Centre, 2017. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcas…

1
Kasyapa and the Flower 47:06

5M ago47:06

47:06

In a striking and inspiring talk, Paramananda tells the life story of the Buddha's disciple Kasyapa: the Buddha uniquely said that Kasyapa would have gained enlightenment even without his help. The crescendo is a mysterious transmission when the Buddha held up a lotus and Kasyapa smiled, regarded by Zen Buddhists as the start of their lineage. Para…

1
Let Your Inner Riches Shine 57:37

5M ago57:37

57:37

The most human thing to do is to keep being kind. Generosity helps you build connection and community. Danapriya explores the themes of generosity and abundance. Talk given at East Kent Buddhist Group, 2008. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, ev…

1
An Example of Sanity and Compassion in the World 48:38

5M ago48:38

48:38

This talk is a commentary on, and a homage to, Sangharakshita's talk 'Buddhism, World Peace and Nuclear War'. This seminal talk applies not only to nuclear war, but any major difficulty the world faces. In this talk, Vajratara explores Sangharakshita's analysis of the problems we are facing as a society and the real solutions. Should we, as Buddhis…

1
Challenges of the New Society 58:33

6M ago58:33

58:33

In this talk Subhuti sets out a vision of the 'Power of the Dhamma' as a force within the nature of reality that leads to growth and development. This is the Dhamma Niyama, to reify it is a mistake, but to deny it leaves us with an impoverished sense of the nature of things. The new society is about allowing this order of things to manifest within …

1
447: A Luminous Emptiness - Meditating and Loving in Reality with Tejananda 42:52

5M ago42:52

42:52

In this latest episode of the Buddhist Centre podcast, we are delighted to welcome back Tejananda, one of the most experienced meditation teachers within the Triratna Buddhist Community. Tejananda will be bringing insights from decades of practice to his upcoming Home Retreat on The Buddhist Centre Live, ‘Emptiness and Compassion: The Divine Abodes…

1
On War 56:29

6M ago56:29

56:29

War, destruction and conflict are on the increase in the world, as are conflicted and destructive individual lives. How do we live in a way that brings about a less conflicted world and a more creative, integrated way of being? Suryagupta explores this complex topic at London Buddhist Centre, 2016. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: …

1
The Transforming Power of Conflict 50:54

6M ago50:54

50:54

Jnanasiddhi gave an inspiring and practical talk sharing her extensive understanding and experience of peace making. She illustrated different approaches of peacemaking in relation to the five aspects of the spiritual path. And focused on how we can create the conditions within ourselves - through our practice - to contribute to harmony with others…

1
The Buddha's Liberating Vision 54:31

6M ago54:31

54:31

Padmasagara explores the glimpses of the Buddha's liberating vision found in the Ariyapariyesana sutta, focusing on the Buddha's description of Reality in terms of pratitya samutpada (conditionality) and his response to Brahma Sahampati's request to teach the Dhamma. The talk also explores how we can begin to realise this vision for ourselves by re…

1
The Longing For Liberation 1:05:52

6M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

In this talk, Vajratara takes us on a vivid journey starting with the Buddha's exploration of what is the noble quest, moving into personal examples of the ignoble and noble quests in her own life. Vajratara invites us to look at our own motivation, our own noble quest, how to establish a culture of the noble quest in such a way that invites more p…

1
In the Footsteps of the Buddha - A Noble Path 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

Dharmashalin gives the first of a two-part talk on the first two of the 4 Noble Truths, evoking the miraculous communication of the Buddha’s dharma. Talk given as part of Dharma Day 2023 at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre and marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the current centre. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple…

1
Four Noble Truths - Satipatthana Sutta 55:28

7M ago55:28

55:28

Vajradevi ends a series of talks on the Satipatthana Sutta, looking at the Four Noble Truths, and focusing on the first two. Talk given at Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Centre, 2018. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downlo…

1
The Dakini and the Skull Garland 46:43

7M ago46:43

46:43

Tantric Buddhism is concerned with the direct experience of who we are and what we can become. Its aim is to help us realize our potential by transforming the energy locked in by old habits, fears, and views. This experience cannot be mediated by concepts; it needs to be evoked with the help of symbols. Subhadramati gave this talk at London Buddhis…

1
The Elusive Dakini 43:09

7M ago43:09

43:09

Don’t listen to this talk if you want a straightforward explanation of what a dakini may or may not be. In fact, what is prompting you to listen to a talk on the dakini in the first place? Vidyadaka talks around the theme in this rousing exploration of the dakini, the gestalt and the artist. Given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2022, as part of the s…

1
The Buddha Here and Now 50:05

8M ago50:05

50:05

Padmavajra evokes the spirit of Tantric Buddhism, which transforms the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha from abstract ideals into living qualities of our present experience. He explores the guru, the yidam and the dakini as Tantric embodiments of Enlightenment here and now, sharing stories from his own experience of practice. Talk given at Sheffield Buddh…

1
Meeting the Buddha Through Imagination 35:25

8M ago35:25

35:25

The Buddha lived 2,500 years ago, so how can we meet him and open ourselves to the inspiration and resources that come from him? Through imagination we can cultivate the capacity to meet the Buddha on an archetypal level. This can have a powerful effect, karmically speaking. We all have - and use - our imagination all the time, even if we don't rea…

1
Creative Spaces and Sacred Spaces: Contexts For Transformation 50:53

8M ago50:53

50:53

Within the arena of the visual arts, the studios where renowned artists create their works have become the subject of intense interest and scrutiny. In Buddhism, there is a tradition of creating inspiring and beautiful spaces for spiritual practice. These sacred spaces and artists’ studios have become places of study, reflection and pilgrimage. Jna…

1
10 Points For An Awakening Sangha 55:41

8M ago55:41

55:41

Sangha is not just a cosy group of people, it is a context for transformation on the path to Awakening. Singhamati explores 10 points on how we can transform through the practice of sangha. Given in the context of Sangha Day at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2017. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | O…

1
446: The Tale of Tipu's Tiger 50:24

9M ago50:24

50:24

Join us for a ‘90s story of inspired Buddhist practice in Missoula, Montana - of great friendship, fierce love, burnout and life lessons learned in the fire of idealism and spiritual adventure. There’s nothing quite like going through a big experience together - and Tipu’s was a very big one for so many people as a new Buddhist community took root …

1
Meeting Spiritual Friends 1:06:29

9M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Speaking personally about stepping onto the Buddhist path, Padmavajra shares stories of spiritual friendship in the context of his own life and reflected in the work of Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation. The work, inspired by devotion to Manjusri, is one of the key texts in the development of the Tibetan Lam Rim teachings. And Gampopa, being o…

1
The Sevenfold Puja: Salutation 36:10

9M ago36:10

36:10

Here Suryaka offers reflections on the third verse of Triratna’s Sevenfold Puja, Salutation, by exploring the range of possible responses we can have to Buddhism, from contentment with worldly life, to intellectual agreement with Buddhism, or to the wholesale devotion exemplified by Shantideva. This is the third talk in a series at the Manchester B…

1
The Buddha Vandana - Revering the Highest Ideal 54:35

9M ago54:35

54:35

What is the central focus of our lives? Vajrashura shares a story from the Buddhist tradition where the monk Mahanama asks the Buddha; “What dwelling places (of the mind) shall we live in?” This talk was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2018, as part of the series In Praise of the Three Jewels. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On…

1
A Deeper Rhythm 54:35

9M ago54:35

54:35

Vishvapani explores the dynamic vision of Urgyen Sangharakshita in setting up a new Buddhist movement in the West, and asks how we might relate to him now. His central reference point in this provocative and moving talk is the Padmasambhava Abisheka - the initiation received by Sangharakshita in Kalimpong, India, in 1962 from the great Tibetan Lama…

1
58: Satyadaka and Sarvananda - Sharing a Dharma Life 1:43:13

9M ago1:43:13

1:43:13

In this latest episode of the Buddhist Voices podcast, we follow the personal journeys of Sarvananda and Satyadaka, two lifelong friends and dedicated Dharma practitioners who have lived together in various contexts for over twenty years. It's a rare opportunity to listen into stories from such a close companionship, making this conversation a true…

1
Breaking Through Psychological Conditioning 1:15:21

10M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

In this talk Suddhaka, based on Sangharakshita's 1969 talk 'Breaking through to Buddhahood', shares some of his experience as an Order Member to illustrate how we might move beyond our unhelpful psychological conditioning. This talk was given as part of the Brixton Sangha retreat, 2017. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Pod…

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