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Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 11/12: A Talk About Nothing in Particular – 24 September 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 12/12: Why I Meditate – 1 October 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Using Shantideva's 'Bodhicharyavatara' as a root text, Padmavajra brings us face to face with the big questions implicit in any life that seeks to embrace change and impermanence as facts of Reality. An excellent, strong talk - good medicine for hard times. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, as part of the series The Alchemy of Love, 2004. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
In dieser Folge hörst Du ein Daily Reminder von Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim über Bo Rim Teil2.Es geht darum, dass wir uns an unseren ersten Gedanken erinnern, den wir ohne Praxis schnell verlieren können.Mit der Bo Rim Praxis können wir unsere eigene Erkenntnis beschützen.Vielen Dank Dae Poep Sa Nim,Hapchang,Gak Duk
In this episode, you will hear a daily reminder from Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim about Bo Rim Part 2.It is about remembering our first thoughts, which we can quickly lose without practice.With Bo Rim practice, we can protect our own insights.Thank You very much, Dae Poep Sa Nim,Hapchang,Gak Duk
Di kehidupan yang lalu, Candabha mempersembahkan kayu cendana ke stupa di mana relik Buddha Kassapa diabadikan. Karena perbuatan baik ini, ia terlahir kembali di sebuah keluarga brahmana di Savatthi dengan tanda lahir berupa sebuah lingkaran cahaya yang melingkari pusarnya. Karena lingkaran cahaya ini menyerupai bulan, ia dikenal sebagai Candabha. Beberapa brahmana mengambil keuntungan dari keistimewaan ini dengan membawanya berkeliling kota untuk pertunjukan dan hanya orang yang membayar seratus atau seribu boleh menyentuhnya.Suatu saat mereka berhenti di suatu tempat antara kota dan wihara Jetavana. Mereka berkata kepada para ariya yang berjalan ke wihara Jetavana bahwa tidak ada gunanya mereka pergi menemui Buddha dan mendengarkan Ajaran-Nya, karena tidak ada yang sehebat Candabha. Para ariya membalas dengan mengatakan hanya Guru merekalah yang hebat dan tiada bandingannya, sehingga para brahmana kemudian membawa Candabha untuk bertemu Buddha. Namun ketika Candabha sedang bersama Buddha, lingkaran cahaya Candabha menghilang. Ketika Candabha berada di luar pandangan Buddha maka lingkaran cahayanya kembali menyala, namun menghilang lagi ketika dia kembali ke hadapan Buddha. Candabha kemudian meminta Buddha untuk memberinya mantra yang menyebabkan hal tersebut terjadi. Buddha memberitahu bahwa mantra tersebut hanya dapat diberikan kepada anggota Sangha. Candabha kemudian memberitahu para brahmana untuk menunggu di luar karena ia akan mendapatkan mantra yang akan membuatnya menjadi orang terhebat se-Jambudipa. Apakah sesungguhnya mantra yang dimaksud Buddha? Bagaimana kisah Candabha selanjutnya?Di kelas ini Ashin Kheminda menjelaskan makna kata demi kata stanza 413, 417, 418 dari Kelompok Stanza tentang Brahmana (Brahmanavagga) hanya berdasarkan Pāḷi dan kitab komentarnya (Aṭṭhakathā).
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 10/10: Practising the Path in the Long Term – 17th September 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 7/10: Faith in Practice – 27th August 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 8/10: The Path Walking Itself – 3rd September 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 9/10: Staying Inspired Through Hardship – 10th September 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Putri Suppavasa dari Kundakoliya hamil selama 7 tahun dan kemudian selama 7 hari dia mengalami nyeri persalinan. Dia terus merenungkan kualitas unik dari Buddha, Dhamma dan Sangha, kemudian menyuruh suaminya untuk menemui Buddha, memberikan penghormatan atas namanya, dan memberitahukan mengenai kondisinya. Ketika mengetahui keadaan Putri Suppavasa, Buddha berkata, “Semoga Suppavasa terbebas dari bahaya dan penderitaan; semoga dia melahirkan seorang putra yang mulia dengan selamat.” Bersamaan dengan itu, putri Suppavasa melahirkan. Sebagai perayaan atas kelahiran bayi tersebut, Buddha beserta beberapa bhikkhu diundang utk menerima persembahan makanan selama 7 hari, dan bayi yang baru lahir tersebut mempersembahkan air yang sudah disaring kepada Buddha dan para bhikkhu.Setelah dewasa, bayi tersebut menjadi bhikkhu dan dikenal dengan nama Sivali. Setelah rambutnya dicukur, Bhante Sivali mencapai ke-arahanta-an dan selanjutnya beliau dikenal sebagai bhikkhu yang paling banyak menerima persembahan. Pada suatu hari, para bhikkhu bertanya kepada Buddha, mengapa Bhante Sivali yang memiliki kualifikasi untuk menjadi seorang Arahat bisa terkurung di dalam rahim ibunya selama 7 tahun. Bagaimana jawaban Buddha? Apa yang diperbuat Bhante Sivali di masa lalu yang menyebabkan penderitaan tersebut?Di kelas ini Ashin Kheminda menjelaskan makna kata demi kata stanza 408-414 dari Kelompok Stanza tentang Brahmana (Brahmanavagga) hanya berdasarkan Pāḷi dan kitab komentarnya (Aṭṭhakathā).
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 5/10: Nothing to Attain – 13th August 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 6/10: Community of Hermits – 20th August 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 3/10: Learning to Do Nothing – 30th July 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 4/10: Inspiration Not Aspiration – 6th August 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Saddharaja describes the qualities of Akshobya, the great blue Buddha of the eastern quarter of the mandala - the Unshakeable One, the Imperturbable Akshobya, with a reading from the Bardo of Thodol. Excerpted from the talk Akshobya given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001 *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 1/10: Allowing Things to Vanish – 16th July 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Rains Retreat teachings from the 16th July to 7th October 2025. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 2/10: Experimenting with Perception – 23rd July 2025 See the full set here. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.
Here Candradasa shares Ted Hughes' rendering of the Bardo Thodol, Tibetan Book of the Dead. He uses Buddhist scripture, vision literature, and poetry to tease out a sense of the Buddha's awesome vision of what life is, and how that might affect our ideas of what happens after death. Big ideas, big questions to sit with - all pointing to a practically beautiful experience of seeing things clearly in this life… From the talk Death and the Biggest Questions of All, part of the series Religion Without God, given at Portsmouth Buddhist Centre, 2012. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
According to Tibetan tradition, in the bardo, an 'intermediate state' in the endless round of birth and death, we are free for an instant from that round. The Tibetan book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) describes six of these opportunities for escape from reactivity. From the talk Psycho-Spiritual Symbolism in the Tibetan Book of the Dead given by Sangharakshita as part of the series Aspects of Buddhist Psychology, 1967. ••• Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
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In this episode, you will hear a daily reminder from Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim about Bo Rim, the time when we try to find our true self-nature.Thank You very much, Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim.Hapchang,love,Gak Duk
In dieser Folge hörst Du ein Daily Reminder von Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim über Bo Rim, die Zeit, in der wir versuchen unsere Selbstnatur zu finden.Vielen Dank Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim,hapchang,love,Gak Duk
Satyaraja offers this practical exploration of some themes from the Bardo Thodol, or the Great Liberation through Hearing in the Intermediate State. The talk was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ••• Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
This disciple's dharma talk was given by Nov. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on August 20, 2025. As we share, together as a Sangha, in the practice of Sokei's passing, we reflect on the words of Nov. Kensei about death and dying and the great activity of a Buddhist funeral. If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.
Bruno is a pioneering entrepreneur and co-founder of Global X and Sangha. In this episode, he shares his unique journey from launching a multibillion-dollar asset management firm during the financial crisis to empowering others through peer support and spiritual growth. Bruno offers insights on purposeful leadership, personal fulfillment, and the intersection of business, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Bhadra takes us through the myth of Persephone and an experiential exploration of awareness to celebrate the vital contribution the bardo; the in-between state, makes towards the spiritual life. Excerpted from the talk Celebrating the In-Between given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016. ••• Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Vidyamala offers ways to approach higher states of concentration in meditation and how they bloom out of paying attention to pleasant vedana that has a felt quality of openness within it. Dhyana is not random but a result of where we place our attention in each moment. Excerpted from the talk Introduction to Citta and Dhyana with Guided Meditation given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2019. ••• Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
In this episode, you will hear a Daily Reminder from Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim about Buddha's enlightenment and his thoughts on it. He realized how important the body is.Thank You very much, Dae Poep Sa Nim.Enjoy!Yours in the Dharma, Gak Duk
In dieser Folge hörst Du ein Daily Reminder von Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim über die Erleuchtung Buddhas und seine Gedanken dazu. Er erkannte, wie wichtig der Körper ist.Vielen Dank Dae Poep Sa Nim,enjoy,Deine Gak Duk
In this talk Vajradevi reflects on our good conditions, and our own conditioning in the light of Pratitya Samutpada and relates this reflection to the Women in Early Buddhism. This talk was given on the Women's UK and Ireland Area Order Weekend at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2018. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
The three treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) are in fact, one. As the three bodies of Buddha are also but three aspects of the committed invocation of our 9th consciousness and the experience of the Engine of Life through the Tathagata-field. “Buddhism Reference” – Now Available in the TLK Bookstore; www.lulu.com/spotlight/kwoon How to use this study resource : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIQ89Nc3BU Buddhism resources : http://threefoldlotus.com www.lulu.com/spotlight/kwoon www.cafepress.com/shop/gohonzon/products PayPal.me/sifusylvain Patreon.com/TLK https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-yyerv-190dbb9 https://bsky.app/profile/sifusylvain.bsky.social
Vakkali adalah seorang brahmana yang tinggal di Savatthi. Suatu hari, ketika melihat Buddha sedang ber-pindapatta di kota, dia sangat terkesan dengan pencapaian sarira Buddha Dia pun memohon izin untuk diterima di dalam Sangha hanya agar bisa berada di dekat Buddha. Sebagai Bhikkhu, Vakkali selalu berada di dekat Buddha; dia tidak peduli dengan tugas ke-Bhikkhu-an yang lainnya dan sama sekali tidak melatih meditasi konsentrasi.Oleh karena itu, Buddha berkata kepadanya, “Vakkali, tidak ada gunanya bagimu dengan berada di dekat-Ku dan memperhatikan wajah-Ku. Oleh karena sebenarnya, hanya dia yang melihat Dhamma-lah yang melihat-Ku. Dia yang tidak melihat Dhamma, tidak melihat-Ku.” Ketika mendengar kata-kata tersebut, Vakkali merasa sangat tertekan. Dia pergi seperti perintah Buddha, dan memanjat bukit Gijjhakuta dengan niat untuk bunuh diri dengan cara melompat dari puncak bukit. Apa yang selanjutnya terjadi? Bagaimana cara Buddha menanggapi kejadian tersebut?Di kelas ini Ashin Kheminda menjelaskan makna kata demi kata stanza 377-381 dari Kelompok Stanza tentang Bhikkhu (Bhikkhuvagga) hanya berdasarkan Pāḷi dan kitab komentarnya (Aṭṭhakathā).
Recorded on September 6, 2025 at Boundless Mind Temple, Brooklyn, NY. References mentioned in the talk: Abuse, Sex and the Sangha: a Series of Healing Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpxqAk60QqWrlqnlVVWr4IvLyv1GtBw5I Resilient Sangha Project: https://bostonzen.org/resilientsangha/ Buddhist Healthy Boundaries: https://www.buddhisthealthyboundaries.org/ "Sexual Ethics and Healthy Boundaries in the Wake of Teacher Abuse" by Ann Gleig and Amy Langenberg: https://www.lionsroar.com/sexual-ethics-and-healthy-boundaries-in-the-wake-of-teacher-abuse/ Book by Julie Seido Nelson, "Practicing Safe Zen: Navigating the Pitfalls on the Road to Liberation": https://julieanelson.com/2024/11/21/practicing-safe-zen/ The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. If these teachings have benefited your life, please consider supporting the program with a donation (suggested $2-7/episode, or whatever feels right for you!). You can donate to Brooklyn Zen Center at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.' Thank you for your generosity!
Here, Jnanavaca explores the Bardo of Life. Excerpted from the talk entitled Root Verses of the Six Bardos: Life given at Vajrasana Retreat Centre, 2023. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
The three treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) are in fact, one. As the three bodies of Buddha are also but three aspects of the committed invocation of our 9th consciousness and the experience of the Engine of Life. “Buddhism Reference” – Now Available in the TLK Bookstore; www.lulu.com/spotlight/kwoon
Padmavajra explores the great text that reveals the realms between death and new life, where anything is possible in the Bardo - the 'intermediate state'. This is also an excellent introduction to the recent history of the text itself as it has come into the West and influenced practitioners and cultural figures in many significant ways. Overall, this is a challenging and insightful series looking at how a true classic of spiritual literature has relevance to our modern ways of living and dying. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2005, as part of the series Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
Vijayasri describes the Eight Freedoms and the Ten Endowments described in Gampopas teachings in the The Jewel Ornament of Liberation on the importance of a human birth. Excerpted from the talk entitled This Precious Human Life given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2015. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
This segment is excerpted from the introduction to a yet-to-be-published manuscript of selected podcasts from 2020 forward. The working title is "Speaking with One (Zen) Voice," the "Zen" in parentheses, subtitled "25 Centuries of Buddha-Dharma; 3Countries of Origin; 9 Dharma Masters; 2 Dozen Teachings; with Commentary by an American Zen Elder." Selections from the text are posted monthly as our new Substack column, along with my paraphrases of traditional teachings, beginning with Buddha's "First Sermon," otherwise known as "Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Law," or, more simply, "The Four Noble Truths." Check it out. This volume represents an attempt to present Buddhist teachings selected from the vast canon of sutras (indicating direct testimony) and shastras (connoting indirect commentary) spanning some 2500 years, a quarter of a millennium, from three of Buddhism's countries and cultures of origin — India, China, and Japan. According to scholars, the early talks delivered by Buddha himself to his followers were not written down until several centuries after his death, but were preserved through the oral tradition of chanting and memorizing his spoken teachings. But the accuracy of that transmission is not considered inferior to the later written records, for one reason that it is more difficult to change the content of an oral tradition than it is to modify written documents, either intentionally, by accident, or the ravages of time. Another reason is that the truths of Buddhism and Zen are to be discovered in one's own experience, primarily via the practice of the same meditation process that led to Buddha's insight. Buddhism is, perhaps, unique amongst the Major Religions of the world, in this, its tradition of “face-to-face transmission.” Each of Buddha's Dharma heirs — from those who were exposed to his live dialogs in India, to those who propagated Zen practice and teachings in foreign lands, and the ancestors of those countries — were themselves beneficiaries of direct insight. Of course, the further we go back in time, the provenance or historicity of the canon is less certain, the record from China is more documented than that of India, and that of Japan even more so, as we approach modern times. Most of the selected pieces from these later periods of the evolution of the canon are derived from the liturgy of Soto Zen, verses that are recited in monasteries and temples of today. Speaking with one voiceThe point in surveying this collection, which is merely the tip of a massive iceberg — the Pali canon, Tripitaka, or “three baskets” alone is said to comprise some 84,000 teachings — is that these great Zen forefathers were all speaking with one voice. The written texts selected by Zen's ancestors in China and Japan to be recited on a daily basis as liturgy were obviously not casual or arbitrary choices. They come at the central truth of Buddha's message from differing cultural and linguistic contexts, of course, but if we read between the lines, we might get a glimmer of the existential and experiential reality to which they refer, as so many fingers to the same moon. Let us first consider some of the underlying premises of the teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni (“sage of the Shakya clan”), which differentiate his from other teachings of a philosophical or religious nature. Let it be understood from the beginning, however, that the worldview of Buddhism — and Zen in particular — places emphasis on overarching sameness, rather than petty differences, between people, and sentient beings in general. This inclusive attitude also applies to the other worldviews, belief systems, philosophies, and religions propounded by humankind. We who follow Buddha's Way are not interested in proselytizing or converting, debating, or winning anyone over to our point of view by argument, nor in discrediting another's viewpoint. As to any perceived difference between Zen and Buddhism, you are free to substitute one term for the other where mentioned in the following. Three key distinctions where the Buddha's teaching, usually referred to as “buddha-dharma,” or more simply, “Dharma,” differs substantively: One: It is human-centered. Unlike other spiritual founders, the Buddha claimed no mandate from a god, a deity, or power outside himself; no “Wizard of Oz” behind the curtain preaching his message, other than his teachers in past lives, the so-called “prehistoric” Buddhas. Zen is all about humanity, and our place in the universe. And, for that matter, the place of all sentient beings, on the path to awakening. According to mythical tradition, the newborn baby Buddha declared: “Above the heavens and below the heavens, I alone am the most honored one!” as he sprung forth, fully formed, from his mother's womb. This expression, while clearly legendary, capsulizes Buddha's view of humanity's unique position in the scheme of things, as represented by his human birth. In today's societal context, this might be interpreted as a form of “secular humanism,” a limited, egocentric, or anthropocentric, perspective. On the other hand, to claim exclusive divine guidance, when the audience consists of other human beings like yourself would seem the more egocentric, closer to the height of arrogance. Think of all the things this leads to. Those claiming a direct mandate from God feel compelled to proselytize, to save all other beings, which is, ironically, the Bodhisattva Vow of Buddhism. But if the unsaved do not seek out the message themselves, the apostles bringing the gospel appear to disrespect and demean the innate spirituality of those they would save. Claiming to be already blessed, or saved themselves, they feel uniquely qualified to save others. One stunning difference here is Buddha's decision to attempt to teach his great discovery to others, based only on his own experience. This must have required great confidence and resolve, in that his authority to teach was not based on an established lineage, outside intervention of some “greater being,” nor on a previously existing canon or belief system. There was no directive from on high to go forth and spread the good news. So why do it? The urge to share the “compassionate teachings” stems from “suffering with” — the very definition of compassion. No one, not even Buddha, can save another. Zen's message and method of meditation offers a way to release oneself from one's own ignorance. Two: It is self-reliant. Buddha's teaching emphasizes self-reliance, individual responsibility and initiative. It is the ultimate in do-it-yourself. He teaches no-reliance on anything outside the self. We cannot rely on scripture, on beliefs, on somebody else to do this for us. This is where what is called “Great Doubt” arises. If we can't rely on anything outside ourselves, everything we've always relied upon is now called into question. If we begin to doubt everything that we've always felt to be dependable and sure, we come to an experience akin to that which people in earthquake or mudslide zones are said to undergo. Suddenly one day, the earth trembles, falls apart, opens up fissures and nearly swallows them up. What they always depended upon as “terra firma,” solid earth, turns extremely fluid, not at all stable.. Similarly, what Buddha points to can be as unnerving, but on a spiritual level, sometimes described as something like the earth “trembling in six dimensions,” meaning the Six Senses. When doubt — including doubt in the dharma — becomes such that we feel as if we are “perched atop a 100-foot pole,” and we step off. It is like vertigo on steroids. “No toe-hold”— nothing to hold on to, nothing to cling to. With his emphasis on self-reliance, individual responsibility, and initiative, taking this on for ourselves, by his own example, Buddha established the tradition of awakening without a teacher. We can learn from living, true teachers, those who have personal insight, yes, we can rely on them not to mislead us but after their death, we have only the teachings, which we can rely on, because they hold true, anywhere and anywhen in spacetime. Three: It has nothing hidden.In Buddha's teaching there is nothing hidden, nothing held back — no inner secret, something the teacher has up his or her sleeve, that the student has to try to get. Dharma is ubiquitous, and self-apparent. As Master Dogen said, “Now when you trace the source of the Way, you find that it is universal and absolute.” There isn't anywhere or any time that Dharma is not present. In the most ordinary, common, everyday thing that you go through, this teaching is manifest in that activity and in that experience. All things are manifesting buddha-dharma "without ceasing for a moment," another trope from Dogen. Recapping these three aspects: First, Buddha-dharma is humancentric, based on our consciousness, on our human birth and being. We are able to have this awakening experience without reliance on a savior, without reliance on a god. Buddha never positioned himself as a savior, never claimed a mandate from an outside force or God. To that degree Zen is a secular religion, so to say. Second, Dharma is do-it-yourself. An attitude of absolute respect, honoring the innate buddha-nature of ourselves and others. We all have the capability of doing exactly what Buddha did, waking up completely. This is one meaning of the buddhist bow. When we bow to each other palm-to-palm, it expresses a recognition of our innate spirituality: “I recognize your Buddha-nature, same as mine.” Third, Dharma has nothing hidden in it. It is openly available and accessible to everybody. These teachings are not for the “inner circle.” There is no “us and them” in the Buddhist community, or Sangha. These three things are distinguishing hallmarks of the Buddha's Dharma. Buddha's original teachings must have been influenced to some extent by his cultural context. The caste system, and presumably a proto-Hindu religion, of India of that time, as well as the contemporaneous state of the art of science, surely shaped the syntax as well as his referential vocabulary. Shakyamuni had to teach within his milieu, and his teaching went against the grain of entrenched conventional belief systems. He knew that his message would be unpopular, swimming upstream, against the prevalent cultural currents and current beliefs. Similar for our times Recognizing that no teacher taught “Buddhism” to Siddhartha Gotama — he alone started all the trouble, as someone once said — we hold him in great reverence. He is not a figure of worship, and not regarded as a personal savior, in the sense that Christians regard Jesus Christ. Buddha was not a Buddhist, after all, any more than Christ was a Christian. But he is more than a “saint” of Buddhism, of which Zen has many, its lineage Ancestors. He is the Founder of Zen, its progenitor. We all have to reinvent Zen. Its teachings, or Dharma, cannot simply be layered over the everyday dilemmas of living in this day and age. They must instead be understood, so that in adapting them to our own lives, we may integrate them fully. This does not mean that we need to modify Zen, however. Zen is always contemporary, and its relevance is revealed in its meditation, or zazen.
Arthaketu reflects on the Bardo Thodol, or Tibetan Book of the Dead, Here, he describes the hidden teachings, or termas, of Padmasambhava and how they are found. From the talk entitled Reflections on the Bardo Thodol given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2013. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
08/06/2025, Kristin Diggs, dharma talk at City Center. Nyokai Kristin Diggs talks about the centrality of self-study in the context of Soto Zen, the interdependent nature of body-mind-self and all phenomena, and wise view within the context of Big Mind, which includes the whole universe.
A personal talk about gifts and teachings that Satyaraja has received from his Teachers, from the first retreat with S. N. Goenka in India early 1970's, to his first contact with Triratna and meeting Bhante Sangharakshita a few years later, to several very significant meetings with Bhante, and concluding with what his two kalyana mitras, Kamalashila and Padmavajra, have given and what they mean to him. Given at Stockholm Buddhist Center, 2025. *** This month's FBA Podcasts and Dharmabytes celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of Sangharakshita's birth, founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community and Order. Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967
08/27/2025, So-on Eli Brown-Stevenson, dharma talk at City Center. So-on Eli Brown-Stevenson explores what it means to be a good ancestor now: carrying warmth, witnessing others into fullness, and tending the ceremonies of life with reverence.
This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Andrew Chapman offers the second afternoon instructions on the effort of loving kindness.***Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation
In this talk Mary takes a deep dive into what it means to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. These reflections all point to a path to liberation - trusting in our awakening, how to get there, and how we support each other on the journey. This is an invitation to practice in the Triple Gem.Recorded August 24, 2025 at Insight Community of the Desert in Palm SpringsSend me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a response - it's not included automatically. Thanks.Visit Mary's website for more info on classes and teachings.
08/24/2025, Marc Lesser, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Marc Lesser points out that “And yet” is a way of seeing differently, with greater confidence and greater humility. “And yet” could be how we describe history, our lives, and our futures.
08/23/2025, Myles Cowherd, dharma talk at City Center. Myles Cowherd explores the transformative power of sincerity and acceptance as a counterpoint to a life of seriousness and fear.
This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Mikey Livid offers the second morning instructions on expanding loving kindness towards self. The phrases offered are: May I be at ease. May I be at peace. May I be kind and gentle with myself. May I be filled with loving kindness. Enjoy!*** Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation