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Jnanavaca explores the myths and parables of the glorious White Lotus Sutra. This week he unpacks the wisdom of the parable of the Burning House. Includes some questions from the audience. Dharma Night at the London Buddhist Centre, April 6th 2015.

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After considering the history and the meaning of the title, Sangharakshita provides a summary of The White Lotus Sutra's dramatic structure, with brief explanations of the significance of certain details.

Talk given in 1971.

This talk is part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.

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Parami evokes the reality of interconnectedness in relation to the second Dasadhamma - My life is dependent on others. I am sustained by the gifts of others - She talks about how the experience of interconnectedness is supported by wisdom, and results in compassionate activity.

This talk is part of the series The Order as Practice: Shifting Paradigms given at Adhisthana, 2015.

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Ratnaguna shares with us his great love for the Vimalakirti Nirdesa, a Buddhist Mahayana text he's gone back to again and again and again since 1979. He explores how a Bodhisattva should regard living beings, or how they should develop the Great Love for them, according to the mysterious character Vimalakirti.

Talk given at Stockholm Buddhist Center, 27 May 2013.

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Drawing on Bhante's paper on the Ten Pillars from 1984, the Dhammapada and the Mind Turning teachings, Dhammadinna talks about the paradigm shift we make in our ethical practice from power mode to love mode, and the renunciation of power and blame through which we enter into experience of forgiveness and ksanti.

This talk is part of the series The Order as Practice: Shifting Paradigms.

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Here we have Dharmashalin exploring the question: Who is Milarepa and more importantly how is he relevant to us? He's an incredibly rich character, but what stands out first and foremost is the profound example of transformation, redemption even, that he found in the course of his life. This brings hope to all of us, he changed so we can change…

Talk given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 2019.

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Saddhanandi is the Chair of Adhisthana and a preceptor. She was for many years the Chair of Taraloka retreat centre. She was a close friend of Bhante Sangharakshita and is noted for her warmth, friendliness and skills as a Dharma teacher. It is a real treat to have her at Sangha Night to share her thoughts on the Buddha Shakyamuni.

This talk is part of the series Buddhas and Bodhisattvas given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2019.

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Sanghamani with a great second talk from the 2019 Triratna International Gathering. Her theme on this Alchemy of the Dharma weekend is how we can transform ourselves in order to transform our communities. And she leads with fearlessness in discussing her own work and practice in this regard. As a fundraiser at the cutting edge of the practice of connection – trying to forge a sense of mutually vital relationship with strangers (who are not necessarily pleased to find you at their door!) – Sanghamani calls on her rich experience of helping people move beyond their own fear. She also shares some moving accounts of her own transformation from an isolated, angry, pained young adulthood into someone who has dedicated her life to a path of love and its exemplification. In this she stands before us as a "luminous pearl" of that commitment to live in harmony with others. Recorded at Adhisthana, August 2019.

This talk is part of the series Alchemy of the Dharma (Triratna International Gathering 2019).

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A wonderful first talk of the 2019 International Gathering, whose theme is 'Alchemy of the Dharma'. The utterly delightful Ratnaguna takes us through the true miracle of transforming ourselves via magic of a practice in which we also learn to let ourselves change. This is a beautiful, reflective, funny take on the challenges of the Dharma life. Ratnaguna's breadth of reference is itself a joy: taking in Greek philosophy, Hans Christian Andersen, and writings on the nearness of death to life in any moment. All pointing to, opening into, an experience of freedom and deep beauty. Listen out for his rendition of the Ugly Ducking song! Recorded at Adhisthana, August 2019.

This talk is part of the series Alchemy of the Dharma (Triratna International Gathering 2019).

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What is the Bodhicitta and how do we become receptive to it? Vajratara talks about the paradox behind the Bodhicitta: how it is an experience beyond any personal attainment, yet it arises in us. How can we hold both perspectives?

Using the framework of the '3 myths' of the Dharma life, Vajratara evokes the qualities and attitudes we develop to prepare ourselves for the Bodhicitta. A journey around the Suttas and Sutras, stories and poetry, evoking the development of the Bodhicitta.

Talk given at Tiratnaloka Retreat Centre (2018) for women who have asked for ordination and assumes some previous study on the Bodhicitta and Bodhisattva Path.

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