In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyteand#8220;The Diamond Sutra as Zen Masterand#8221; we hear Abhaya in an an intriguing discussion of the sutra as Vajrapani and as a zen master. From the talk and#8220;The Diamond Sutraand#8221; where Abhaya leads us on the crazy paving path through the Diamond Sutra and#8211; a text guaranteed to turn your world upside-down. Some very funny parts to this talk and#8211; and some excellent evocations of rigorous Dharma practice as part of the everyday business of life.

Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order national Order weekend 2003

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;Vajrapani: The Power Aspectand#8221; is an excerpt from and#8220;The Bodhisattva Hierarchyand#8221; by Sangharakshita. After a full explanation of the importance of being receptive to those more developed than ourselves, we are introduced to the ten stages (bhumis) of the Bodhisattva path and to the four principal types of Bodhisattva who embody this path. Here we meet: Vajrapani.

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a ritual chant of devotion: and#8220;Mantra von Amitabhaand#8221; by Nagadakini recorded in Essen, Germany.

In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Qualities of Amitabha and#8220; Sangharakshita gives voice to the poetic Buddhist scripture The Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutra describing the wonderful Pureland of the Buddha Amitabha.

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte and#8220;The Jewel of the Mandalaand#8221; is an excerpt from the fourth talk in a six-part series on the figures on the Wheel of Life. Saddhaloka introduces us to Amitabha, the red Buddha of the West who represents and inspires the highest love of alland#8230; Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, winter retreat, 1997

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is a tribute to and#8220;The Bodhisattva Taraand#8221; by Kamalashila. From a series about the final mantras of the sevenfold puja, Kamalashila talks about the birth and significance of the bodhisattva Tara.

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Tara and#8211; The Quintessence of Compassionand#8221; by Sangharakshita. From a thorough and thought-provoking talk explaining the Bodhisattva Path we are introduced to several Bodhisattvas, in this excerpt we meet Tara. From the talk and#8220;The Bodhisattva Hierarchyand#8221; given in 1969.

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Bodhisattva as Dharma Teacher and#8220; by Padmavajra from the 7th talk in and#8220;The Diamond Sutra and#8211; Taking Mind to its Limitsand#8221; series. Here Padmavajra talks about Diamond Sutra logic and giving the Dharma. He includes a quote from Sangharakshita from Wisdom Beoynd Words that elucidates the Bodhisattva as Dharma teacher.

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Not Mere Socialisingand#8221; by Sangharakshita from the talk and#8220;Intellect, Emotion, and Willand#8221; given at opening of the Manchester Buddhist Centre in 1996. In this excerpt Sangharakshita talks about kalyana mitrata and people coming to Centres forming sangha as being much deeper than mere socialising.

Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled and#8220;Sangha as Coral Reef and#8220; by Saddhanandi. In this excerpt from the talk and#8220;Spiritual Transmission and Lineageand#8221; we hear a comparison of the sangha with a coral reef and#8211; delicate, beautiful and very sensitive to pollution. Saddhanandi explores the nature of the Sangha as the possible ground for insight itself to arise.