A self-proclaimed 'doctrine follower', Nagasuri challenges herself to speak on the basis of her faith in the Buddha,and does so with moving eloquence. Personal, full of devotion, she shares over 30 years of being in contact with the Buddha and explains how the grace of the Buddha's blessings has opened her heart time and time again.

Talk given at the Women's International Order Convention 2011.

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In this talk Padmavajra contemplates Beauty in different areas of Dharma life, including the beauty of people, of ethics, of friendship, community and 'institutions', and of wisdom. He also looks at the relationship between metta, formless beauty and the yidam, as well as knowing what beauty really is and 'the pregnant man'.

This talk was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre during the Spring Short Order retreat in March 2019.

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Starting with a story from the Rastrapalapariprccha-Sutra, Vajratara draws out the significance of Sangharakshita's paper on the Fourth Laksana. This is the path of beauty, from contemplation of ugliness to the gateway of liberation called 'the beautiful'. To be on the path of beauty, we don't merely enjoy beauty, we have to surrender ourselves to that beauty.

Talk given at Tiratnaloka Retreat Centre, 2019.

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How will you conceive of yourself as becoming like the Buddha? Saccanama explores the three myths of spiritual life, that of self-development, that of self-surrender, and that of self-discovery.

Recorded at the Swedish Summer Retreat at Dharmagiri, July 2019.

This talk is part of the series ‘To Place the Heart Upon’ - Exploring Faith in Buddhism.

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Subhuti considers the significance of Sangha day falling on the cusp of winter, and the importance of the seasons in human life. He recalls the genesis of Sangha day from the time of the Buddha, and considers it's relevance for us here in the 21st century.

Ultimately Subhuti focus on the Sangha jewels itself; its vital importance for the individual practitioner and as a real sign of hope for this world.

Talk given for the Sangha Day Celebration at London Buddhist Centre, 2012.

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The social and political landscape is changing. Societies are, on the one hand, fragmenting whilst, on the other, unifying within a growing culture of consumerism and individualism. How can we create a community that is unified and diverse, exemplifying real values and being a force for good in the world? Suryagupta, current chair of the London Buddhist Centre, inspires us all to shine the light of the Dharma in the world.

This keynote talk was given to launch the year of study and practice at the London Buddhist Centre, 2019.

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Kuladharini explores what it's like to be an example of the fourth sight in the world, to be a visible embodiment of dharma practice. Using the metaphors of the begging bowl, robes and shaved head she shares three ways in which she has gone forth as a visible example of a dharma farer.

Talk given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2009.

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'Serenity, freedom from disease, joy and long life, the happiness of an emperor, prosperity; these the patient person receives while continuing in cyclic existence.'

Padmavajra's sixth talk on the Bodhicaryavatara explores Shantideva's thorough exploration of the perfection of patience. In this chapter, Shantideva brings our attention to the seriousness of the faults of hatred and anger.

He shows how such states of mind arise and gives a number of ways in which patience can be cultivated in relation to the various sufferings inherent in life, especially towards those who cause us - or our nearest and dearest - harm. It is clear that the practice of patience requires tremendous faith, strength and vision if it is to be perfected.

Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2020.

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Padmasambhava is a potent symbol of transformation. Maitreyi shows us how evoke the help, energy and vision we need to change our lives.

Talk given part of the London Buddhist Centre's Padmasambhava Day Festival, 2019.

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After exploring the historical and mythical aspects of Padmasambhava, Prakasha offers insights into how the Tantric Guru of Tibet, Padmasambhava, is relevant to us, here, today, now.

This is the third in a series of talks give on Padmasambhava Day, 2019, for the Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Group.

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Buddhist ethics are not about conforming to a set of conventions, not about ‘being good’ in order to gain rewards. Instead, living ethically springs from the awareness that other people are no different from yourself. You can actively develop this awareness, through cultivating love, clarity and contentment, which can ultimately help us to come into greater harmony with all that lives.

Arthapriya, a Public Preceptor who lives in Cambridge, takes a personal and Dharmic look at what it means to go beyond guilt. Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, January 2020.

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Subhadramati explores the nature of impermanence as part of the London Buddhist Centre's week-long exploration of Mind Reactive / Mind Creative for the 2018 Urban Retreat.

This talk is part of the series Mind Reactive / Mind Creative.

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In this talk, Padmavajra explores the Altruistic dimension of Going for Refuge - The Bodhisattva Ideal - through Bhante's poem 'The Guardian Wall'.

He particularly explores the line in the poem: 'The loveliest Bodhisattvas are the anonymous' and what this means for somebody aspiring to practice the great ideal of the Bodhisattva.

Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre during the 'Bodhisattva Ideal' retreat in January 2020.

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Saddharaja explores self-sacrifice as a component of the Bodhisattva Ideal  introduces Chapter 18 The Chapter on the Tigress. He goes on to explore compassion and altruism, and how we can develop these by letting go of attachment and hatred, and thereby gaining true freedom.

The third of four talks given during the Open Retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in October 2019.

This talk is part of the series The Sutra of Golden Light.

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Maitrivasin talks about awakening deep powerful energies that move us along the path to freedom. By engaging warrior energy to tackle the doubt or distractions of habitual ways we bring all of our volition on the side of positive growth and progress towards Enlightenment.

This talk is part of the series The Path of Awakening based on the Bodhicaryavatara given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre June, 2019.

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Candrika explores how we might work with the mythic dimension in our current situation of pandemic. There is so much going on in our local and global community. Candrika takes us through the wisdom and symbolism of the Five Buddha Mandala to help us make sense of the world, helping us to work with difficult feelings of fear, disruption, despair.

Talk given as part of the Glasgow Buddhist Centre, Scotland, April 2020.

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Here Akuppa explores the story of who you are and how you come to create the story of you. We need a different story. Living from a truer story of our luminosity and what happens when we come together on the basis of our luminous mind/heart.

This is Part 1 of two talks given by Akuppa to the Triratna Buddhist Community in Scotland online gathering in June 2020.

Listen to Part 2 of this series Transforming Self and World Part 2: Buddhist Politics

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Subhadassi talks about dharma practice in challenging times, drawing on poetry & literature (Pablo Neruda & Franz Kafka) and the Perfection of Wisdom Tradition (especially the Heart Sutra). We also bump into the householder Vimalakirti, Subhadassi's wife & children, the Diamond Sutra, Compassion, the Three Lakshanas & Hakuin along the way.

Talk given for Brighton Buddhist Centre Dharma Day, July 2020.

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This is the seventh talk in an eight part series by Padmavajra exploring a great classic of Tibetan Buddhism – 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 one of the two principle disciples of the yogi Milarepa, presents both the monastic Lam Rim approach of Atisha and the Mahamudra meditation teachings of Milarepa himself.

Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Winter 2008

This talk is part of the series Themes from Gampopa's Jewel Ornament of Liberation.

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Using verses from both the Dhammapada and the Bodhicaryavatara, Vairocana  maps out the Buddhist practice of patience, from restraint to positive emotion.

This is the fourth talk in a series on the Six Paramitas at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre in the summer of 2012.

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Virya is the energetic counterpart to the patience of Ksanti; it is energy in pursuit of the good. Bodhinaga  tells us how we can develop this noble vigour, which brings strength and courage like that of a virtuous knight. He guides us through counteracting the four 'enemies of virya' before introducing the Four Powers: ethical sources of energy to power the Dharma life.

Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019.

This talk is part of the series The Path of Awakening.

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Viriya expresses itself in action, with attentiveness, care and enthusiasm. Saddhanandi  shares from her personal training and experience as an artist to elucidate the meaning of Virya, drawing out the aspect of training the mind to develop positive mental states.

Talk given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, GBC Rainy Season, March 2020.

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What is peace? And what does peace mean for Buddhists? Is it just the absence of war and conflict; guns and screaming? Or is it also the deep silence that arises when the mind and heart are in harmony - a positive state of mind that can be cultivated both personally and collectively, where good and evil don't exist as concepts? Parami explores these questions and more with great compassion and wisdom.

Given by at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2011 in the series Buddhism and the Big Questions.

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How do we relate to the Buddha? Sangharakshita has emphasised the importance of connecting with him as a historical figure. Through personal example and stories Dharmashalin asks the question, do we even see the Buddha as a kind old man? Maybe that would be a good start…

Talk given at Birmingham Buddhist Centre (UK), 2014.

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How do we construct our world? Collective experiences impact on our personal views and experiences. Mahayana texts offer us the opportunity to interrupt our usual way of perceiving and thinking about the world. Suryagupta explores the extraordinary character, Vimalakirti, and his teaching of The Great Love – the love that is great compassion, the love that is never exhausted, the love that is giving, the love that is morality, the love that is tolerance, the love that is happiness.

From Dharma Night at the London Buddhist Centre, UK. Monday 19th June 2017.

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“The creative mind loves when there is no reason to love.” Sangharakshita

Viryajyoti gives the second talk in a series on Compassion for a Modern Word on a theme close to her heart. The Bodhisattva aim is to free all beings from suffering – what about here and now in the 21^st century? What is radical kindness? What would it be like to be radically kind?

The Buddha represents the spiritual ideal of Buddhism and through his life and teaching he exemplified a path of increasing selflessness, loving-kindness and a deep desire to help people achieve liberation. So how do we follow the example of the Buddha in our own time? In this age of modernity, what would the total, radical response of a Buddha to the world look like? And is it still possible to be liberated from the world while choosing to work for its good? 

Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2020.

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Vessantara shares reflections that emerged during his three year retreat, namely a poignant opportunity to let go of self reference and enjoy the simple awareness of the present moment.

This talk was given at the Triratna Buddhist Order European Order Gathering at Wymondham College August 25, 2012.

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Visuddhimati explores how we really need to know ourselves deeply and experientially to allow us to let go into the deep mystery at the heart of the mandala. She shares her reflections on initiation, spiritual death and rebirth, inspired by a Rilke poem. Using the structure of the Rilke poem she explores how engaging with images and allowing them to unfold their meaning within us, allows us to let go into wisdom.

The mandala symbolism is explained with an emphasis on the significance of the circles of protection, including the circle of the 8 great cremation grounds which we may pass through on our journey into the heart of the mandala. Visuddhimati gives a personal account of the process of turning towards experience, making the darkness conscious in meditation, just sitting in the cremation grounds, and how this opens up the entrance to the bright clear light at the heart of the mandala.

A talk given on the Women's Area Order Weekend at Adhisthana, March 2020.

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Drawing on his book on the Buddha, Vishvapani explores the connection between awareness of our immediate experience and seeing the true nature of existence.

Talk given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2018.

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Karunagita explores emptiness through Padmasambhava’s advice to Queen Ngang Chung:

During the time of insight which is surrounded by a calm, gentle aura, openness and appearance are inseparable. The six senses come forth, though appearance and voidness are inseparable;
this is the real foundation, without which no means exists.

Talk given at Dhanakosa Retreat Center, 2017.

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Nagabodhi offers his reflections on the Buddha’s enlightenment. What is it are we actually trying to achieve? How intensely are we cultivating and experiencing metta, friendship, kindness, compassion, patience and love?

This talk is part of the series The Bridge, the Path and the Goal  given at Adhisthana, 2019.

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In this talk, Moksatara  explores what karma really means and how we can work with this law of the universe to leave behind the 'snakes and ladders' game of repetitive ups and downs, moving instead on a liberating path of growth. By understanding the importance of conditionality and ethics, we can take charge of our lives and move in the direction we want to go.

Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, January 2020.

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Concise and essential, Satyaraja draws out practical and profound aspects of the four Brahmaviharas, considering them as both meditation practices and as realms that we can occupy. This is the second talk in a series of four talks on the topic of karuna, compassion.

From the series Brahmaviharas and the Awakening of the Bodhi Mind given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre Winter Retreat, 2016.

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A stirring and penetrating talk by Dhammadinna around the image that a Bodhisattva's compassion runs as deep as their very bones. Nagarjuna, Milarepa and others add their voices as Dhammadinna makes an emotionally resonant but clear-eyed attempt to lay out the ground of a practice that is moving towards the development of Bodhichitta. Why bother? she asks us, and shows how open-heartedness can respond realistically and well to suffering in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Talk given at the Triratna (Western) Buddhist Order Convention, 2009.

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Ratnaguna gives us ten pieces of advice from the Buddha that speak to the isolation we're experiencing whilst the world is in lockdown.

The talk was given via Zoom, following the temporary closure of Manchester Buddhist Centre due to the Coronavirus pandemic, April 3, 2020.

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Vilasamani  gives an introduction to the twelve links on the wheel of life, specifying how the spiral path emerges from the gap between feeling and craving. Talk given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2016.

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Here we have Maitreyi talking about communicating through symbols, this time round through the hub of the wheel of life. Talk given at Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, February 2020.

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Vadanya launches a series of talks on three great Buddhist symbols that describe the way things are: the wheel of life, the spiral path, and the ultimate goal of Enlightenment. Together they form a guide to escape from the ultimate vicious circle into the complete freedom and fulfilment of Awakening.

Here, Vadanya explores on the wheel by describing the symbolism of each of the four concentric rings which make up this rich representation of samsara, the never-ending repetition of habitual patterns in which it feels our life is lived for us. 

The scenes described within the wheel help us to recognise the states of mind we inhabit and offer guidance towards healthier realms from which we can make real progress. Ultimately the aim is not to conquer the world but to go beyond it altogether, escaping the wheel and enter upon the spiral path, the threefold path of ethics, meditation and wisdom.

Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2020.

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Instead of the traditional description of the Fourth Noble Truth - the Eightfold Path - Saccanama  explores Sangha as a means to counter the individualism of our times. What exactly is the true meaning of Sangha? And how can the mysterious ‘third order of consciousness’ or Bodhicitta help us to transcend our preoccupation with ourselves? He looks at three stories from Buddhist tradition that explore the true meaning of Sangha - the Anuruddhas, the Pure Land and the passage from the Vimalakirti Nirdesa about the 500 Licchavi youths. Concluding the series as a whole, he shares some personal experiences of Sangha.

This talk is part of the series Challenging Dharma for Challenging Times given at Nottingham Buddhist Centre, 2020.

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Kalyana Mitrata is spiritual friendship, even 'the lovely intimacy', the need for close and supportive connections with others in treading the path. Ratnaprabha  explores why the Buddha said spiritual friendship is 'the whole of the Buddhist Life'. Is it as important now as it was in the Buddha's time? Is a Kalyana Mitra the same thing as a guru or teacher? How can we make the intimate connections in our lives really stimulating and nourishing? How do we learn to communicate kindly and openly?

Talk given at West London Buddhist Centre, 2013.

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Vajratara introduces the theme of spiritual friendship or kalyana mitrata. What is spiritual friendship? How is it distinguished from ordinary friendship? How can we make friends? What is the difference between vertical and horizontal friendship? Using stories, personal anecdotes and images she introduces the overall theme to prepare for more talks in this series, which focusses on the tantric rites and friendship.

This talk is part of the series Spiritual Friendship and the Tantric Rites, given at a Tiratanaloka/ Buddhafield retreat for women who have asked for ordination within the Triratna Buddhist Order, 2019.

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Ratnaghosha reflects on how friendships and connections are woven into the tapestry of his life, how other people give our lives a sense of richness and abundance. In the sangha, people are passing on the Dharma through their relationships – living, breathing Dharma is passed on through spiritual friendship. The Buddha was the original spiritual friend, exemplifying for us that Enlightenment demands communication.

From a series of talks given during the Year of Kalyana Mitrata at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2013.

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Satyajyoti introduces the tantra: Buddhism to set life aflame through deep personal transformation of our direct experience. Out with abstractions and theory, it's time to act 'as if your turban was on fire!' In the words of Sangharakshita, 'making Buddhism respectable is the last thing we should do'. 

In her introductory talk, Satyajyoti outlines five key principles of Tantric Buddhism and explains the tantric equivalents of the three Buddhist refuges, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2019.

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When we approach the Dharma and looking at Buddhism try to imagine the people from who it comes, the communities from which it arises. In the origins of Indian Tibetan Buddhism there isn’t a lot of material available, and there are lots of secrets!

Padmavajra rounds out a series of talks at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre (UK, 2017) on the Tantric Path with this thought-provoking investigation into the spiritual intimacies of Buddhist sangha.

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Moksatara introduces the dakini, the tantric embodiment of what's possible when all of our energy is completely engaged, alive and flowing. These beings of limitless space have complete freedom of mind, fierce energy and a full emotional engagement with life.

In order to meet the dakinis we must travel to where they dwell: the cremation grounds, where bodies are taken to be burnt. The deepest, darkest energies to be transformed are associated with fear. By deliberately plunging into crucial situations which mirror these burning grounds, old ways are forced to change and we are compelled to grow.

Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, November 2019.

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HHere Saddharaja describes the rainy season in India and its role in the origin of confession practice in Buddhism. He goes on to describe the different kinds of confession practice, their benefits and how they totally differ from confession in other religions. 

He also introduces the The Sutra of Golden Light's nexus, Chapter 3, The Chapter on Confession with it's great import and beauty.

The second of four talks given during the Open Retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in October 2019.

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The Buddha's Parinirvana marks the final passing of the Buddha two and a half millennia ago. It is an opportunity not just to contemplate on impermanence, but also to rejoice in the example of the Buddha’s life and in the precious opportunity our own lives present us with.

Dhammadinna delivers in this talk given at Parinirvana Festival at London Buddhist Centre, 2019.

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Vishvapani beautifully explores Sangharakshita's poem 'Padmaloka' in which he looks forward to his own death.

It's a poem about death, rebirth and nature, and Vishvapani connects it to other poetry which it echoes.

This talk was given a week after Sangharakshita's death in November 2018 at Cardiff Buddhist Centre.

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Punyamala explores the Buddhist teachings of impermanence and shares reflections on how to live with the fact of death, using her recent experience of death.

This is the Second in a series of four talks given on the four reminders given at Taraloka Retreat Centre called Reflection: A Path of Wisdom.

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Saccanama offers this thought-provoking talk exploring insight into anatta. What happens when one loses control and renounces the self? 

Recorded at the Swedish Summer Retreat at Dharmagiri Retreat Centre, July 2019.

This talk is part of the series ‘To Place the Heart Upon’ - Exploring Faith in Buddhism.

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When things go wrong in our life we can see them as an obstacle to an ideal spiritual life feel we should be leading. But there's another way of looking at difficulties, and instead of trying to get rid of difficulties, we could be welcoming them as opportunities. 

 Vajratara  draws on the Tibetan Mind Training tradition, as well as the Pali Suttas to examine how we can make adversity our teacher and the ground in which wisdom and compassion can grow.

Given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2018.

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A series of personal exchanges with Subhuti about the central issues of life.  Subhuti is among the most prominent and experienced of Western Buddhists. He has spent the past forty-odd years practising the Buddha’s teachings and travelling the world helping make it possible for others to do the same. 

Hosted by Subhadramati during his Presidential visit to the London Buddhist Centre, which he was instrumental in founding in 1978.

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