Free Buddhist Audio

Today's Podcast "Compassionate Koans – The Heart of the Matter does in fact take us to the heart of the matter! An excellent, personal set of reflections by Vijayamala on the relationship between our longing and our pain. The Buddhist tradition posits compassion as the best response, but it isn't always clear how that works. No answers here – but a few leads and some thoughtful tales from life and from a longstanding practice of meditation.

Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Women's Convention, 2005

Today's FBA Dharmabyte "I Bow Down To Compassion" is a preview to next Saturday's FBA Podcast "Compassionate Koans - The Heart of the Matter," containing an excellent, personal set of reflections by Vijayamala on the relationship between our longing and our pain. Talk given at the Western Buddhist Order Women's Convention, 2005

In today's Dharmabyte Sangharakshita shares a few thoughts on "Bodhichitta, Vows and Prims of Light"from the talk "The Bodhisattva Vow". "May I deliver all beings from difficulties; may I eradicate all passions; may I master all dharmas; may I lead all beings to Buddhahood." This is the Bodhisattva's resolve upon the awakening of the Bodhi Heart. Talk given in 1969. This talk is part of the series "Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal."

Today's FBA Podcast takes us back to the 1969 wholly inspiring Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal series by Sangharakshita. "Masculinity and Femininity in the Spiritual Life"is the fifth talk in the series. Here, the third and fourth Perfections are kshanti (forbearance, tolerance or spiritual receptivity) and virya (energy in pursuit of the good). So the Bodhisattva integrates 'feminine' and 'masculine' qualities in a perfect union.

Talk given in 1969.

Today's FBA Dharmabyte "The Monkey Attitude and The Kitten Attitude"comes from the talk Masculinity and Femininity in the Spiritual Life from Sangharakshita's wholly inspiring Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal Series. After exploring Patience and Vigor, the third and the fourth Paramitas, in this excerpt Sangharakshita explores the attitudes inherent in self-reliance (jnana/the path of Wisdom) and reliance on divine power outside of oneself. Talk given in 1969.

Today's FBA Dharmabyte "Devotion, Dharma and Faith" is an excerpt from Saturday's FBA Podcast "Learning from Tibetan Buddhism - A Personal Account" by Vessantara. A lovely, thoughtful talk that pays tribute to the effect of one ancient form of Dharma in a modern practitioner's own life. Given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention 2005.

In today's FBA Podcast, "Learning from Tibetan Buddhism – A Personal Account" Vessantara shares from his many years of engagement with Tibetan Buddhist approaches to meditation and general Buddhist practice. He carefully weighs up the different aspects of exploring a tradition outside of your own, and evokes Tibetan Buddhism itself through the story of his initiation into the Vajrayogini sadhana. A lovely, thoughtful talk that pays tribute to the effect of one ancient form of Dharma in a modern practitioner's own life. There is also a thorough discussion of visualization meditation, and a moving celebration of the teachers who have helped him on the path.

Given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention 2005.

Today's FBA Dharmabyte is a short "Buddha Puja" chanted by Chandrabodhi from the original 'Dharmachakra Tapes' catalogue, with some wonderful chanting done India style! Check out the other recordings which include some very ethereal flute songs: Chanting Indian Style.

Today's FBA Dharmabyte, "Heaps of Merit and Offering Up Gratitude" the whole practice of Puja, offerings to the Buddha, that which we value most. This excerpt is from the seventh talk in a sparkling, wide-ranging, thoroughly comprehensive ten talk series by Padmavajra on 'The Diamond Sutra - Taking Mind to its Limits'. Talks given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2004

Today's FBA Podcast, is a brilliant retrospective on our Triratna Community developments titled: "Being Radical – 40 Years of the New Society" by Vajragupta.

Do we still believe in the ability of the Dharma to transform self and society?

Do we still want to make a distinctive Dharmic contribution to building a better world?

Are we willing to accept that challenge? And are we willing to sometimes challenge the views and values of the society around us?

This was the fourth talk given at Dharmapala college's New society seminar in April 2010.