Shows
Dharmabytes from free buddhist audioLet the Sutra Come Through Like a Dream Here Vajratara encourages her audience to enter a Mahayana text like one would reflect on a dream. Excerpted from the talk The Sutra of Golden Light given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2008. *** 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:
2025-10-2703 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioLet the Sutra Come Through Like a Dream Here Vajratara encourages her audience to enter a Mahayana text like one would reflect on a dream. Excerpted from the talk The Sutra of Golden Light given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2008. *** 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:
2025-10-2703 min
London Buddhist CentreThe Cosmic Path | VajrataraVajratara gives the second talk of the Urban Retreat on The Cosmic Path.
2025-09-2050 min
London Buddhist CentreThe Way to Freedom | VajrataraVajratara giving the keynote talk at the LBC's Dharma Day festival.
2025-07-3054 min
Dharmabytes from free buddhist audioIn Every Moment It’s Possible to be Free In the fourth part of a series of talks about the 'Going for Refuge and Prostration Practice of the Buddha Shakyamuni', Vajratara shifts the perspective from us contemplating the Refuge Tree, to the figures on the Refuge Tree contemplating us. Blessings or adhisthana is the way the Buddha responds to us, and all we have to do is tune in. How do we remain receptive? What does it feel like to be blessed and purified? What are we purified of? From the talk Contemplating the Refuge Tree 4: The Sprinkling of the Deathless given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
2025-05-1302 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioIn Every Moment It’s Possible to be Free In the fourth part of a series of talks about the 'Going for Refuge and Prostration Practice of the Buddha Shakyamuni', Vajratara shifts the perspective from us contemplating the Refuge Tree, to the figures on the Refuge Tree contemplating us. Blessings or adhisthana is the way the Buddha responds to us, and all we have to do is tune in. How do we remain receptive? What does it feel like to be blessed and purified? What are we purified of? From the talk Contemplating the Refuge Tree 4: The Sprinkling of the Deathless given at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ***
2025-05-1302 min
London Buddhist CentreThe Inseperability of Wisdom and Metta | VajrataraVajratara talking on the inseparability of transcendental wisdom and compassion for all beings. This talk was given on Dharma Day festival at the LBC in 2023.
Vajratara was ordained in 2004, and became a private preceptor in 2016. She is currently a member of the women's ordination team at Tiratanaloka, where she's been for over 10 years.
You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate
2024-12-1733 min
Free Buddhist AudioThe Lady of Tibet Yeshe Tsogyal Vajratara provides an inspiring and thorough introduction to Padmasambhava's consort and great disciple, Yeshe Tsogyal. This talk was given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2008. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favorite podcast service!...
2024-10-1257 min
Free Buddhist AudioAn Example of Sanity and Compassion in the World This talk is a commentary on, and a homage to, Sangharakshita's talk 'Buddhism, World Peace and Nuclear War'. This seminal talk applies not only to nuclear war, but any major difficulty the world faces. In this talk, Vajratara explores Sangharakshita's analysis of the problems we are facing as a society and the real solutions. Should we, as Buddhists, have a Buddhist response to any particular conflict? Is a better world possible, or should we resign ourselves to endless cycles of greed, hatred and delusion expressed here as war, here as environmental destruction, here as poverty, here as oppression? This...
2024-02-2448 min
Free Buddhist AudioThe Longing For Liberation In this talk, Vajratara takes us on a vivid journey starting with the Buddha's exploration of what is the noble quest, moving into personal examples of the ignoble and noble quests in her own life. Vajratara invites us to look at our own motivation, our own noble quest, how to establish a culture of the noble quest in such a way that invites more people to join us on that journey, both through our own practice and ways that our institutions can and have supported individuals' Ariyapariyesana. This talk was given on a Womens' Area Order Weekend held at...
2024-01-201h 05
DevanganaChapter 09 - Vajratara ka MandirThis is an interesting story that tells you about the violation in Buddhist monasteries that led to the complete eradication of Buddhism from India. The promoter of the story is the only son of a rich businessman who is attracted to becoming a monk so that the religious house can take over his father's wealth in the absence of an authorised heir. A loyal old servant helps him out of the situation. It is a love story set in a period of cheating and crusade. This novel has lots of twists and turns, romance, action, drama, and a happy...
2024-01-1012 min
The Buddhist CentreBuddhism and PoliticsOur guests this week come together for a thoughtful, provocative conversation occasioned by Vishvapani‘s recent article for Tricycle Buddhist review looking at the arresting, perhaps astonishing, fact that one of the most powerful people in the UK – Home Secretary Suella Braverman - is also faithfully involved as a Buddhist practitioner within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community.Candradasa is joined by Lokabandhu, deputy mayor of Glastonbury, UK, Vajratara from Tiratanaloka Buddhist Retreat Centre for Women, and Vishvapani, writer and broadcaster, to explore the perspectives and frameworks within which we see and experience the world and discuss how...
2023-09-0352 min
The Windhorse Publications Podcast’Teachers of Enlightenment’ and going for refuge as part of a global sangha - a conversation with VajrataraThe Dharma is a universal teaching and an array of practices for liberation. In history, it is embodied by teachers who respond to the particular forms of suffering and bondage that they are born into, human and social.
In its spread between India and what could broadly be called the West, the Triratna Buddhist movement and order is rather unique in contemporary convert Buddhism.
In this episode, Dhammamegha is in conversation with Vajratara about the recent developments in the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist community and order, and the release of a new edition of...
2023-05-2435 min
The Buddhist CentreDharmachakra and the Rebirth of Free Buddhist Audio
Dharmachakra has been a going concern since Dharmachari Ananda first strapped a reel-to-reel tape recorder on his back in London in 1967 to record the first public lectures by Urgyen Sangharakshita under the auspices of the then Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. It has evolved over the decades to become an amazing Triratna Right Livelihood team – most importantly, a team of friends, working online together across the globe to bring the world the best of Buddhism and meditation from our new Buddhist Community.We hear from the team in Mexico City, the United Kingdom and the United States ab...
2023-02-1847 min
Free Buddhist AudioThe Buddha's Conversations with KingsThe Buddha spoke to everybody, from homeless wanderers to kings. So when King Ajatassattu wants to go to war against the Vajjian people, he asks the Buddha's advice! In this engaging talk, Vajratara unpacks the Buddha's reply, as he explains the 'seven things' which should be in place in order for a society to prosper and not decline. How might this teaching be interpreted in modern day terms, and what can it tell us about how we can help the dharma spread through society as a whole? This talk was given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017. ***
2022-12-171h 09
PhilosophyEASTS1 Ep4: Past Life Memories and The Mystery of Death: Carol Bowman with VajrataraAfter her son at age 5 shared memories of being a soldier in a previous life, Carol Bowman became fascinated with the topic of children's memories of past lives. This sparked a career researching the mystery of death and past life memories. In this conversation with Vajratara, Carol shares new perspectives on how our personality may be shaped by past lives, how consciousness may continuee after death, and the healing potential of processing memories and trauma from past lives.
Carol Bowman, M.S. is an internationally known author, lecturer, counselor, past life regression therapist, and pioneer in reincarnation...
2022-05-201h 15
Free Buddhist AudioPadmasambhava and the King of TibetVajratara offers a provocative, fully engaged and fully engaging take on the Dharma and the challenges that face us on the Path. We approach the great figure of Padmasambhava - the 'Second Buddha' - through his famous meeting with the King of Tibet. There's plenty to consider in this thoughtful interpretation of the central story - with lots of light relief too, as the Refuges are explored with walk-ons from Nirvana (the band!), Samuel Johnson, Scrooge and the Beckhams. Talk given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007 *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Po...
2022-03-2648 min
Dharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioAlways be FriendlyWith a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision, Vajratara encourages us to be open to others, to always be friendly, even when we cannot be happy. From the forthright and passionate talk entitled Chetul Sangye Dorje about his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita given at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A f...
2022-01-1004 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioAlways be FriendlyWith a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision, Vajratara encourages us to be open to others, to always be friendly, even when we cannot be happy. From the forthright and passionate talk entitled Chetul Sangye Dorje about his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita given at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A f...
2022-01-1004 minFree Buddhist AudioThe Dragon, The Tiger and The Wish-fulfilling JewelDo we reflect on the Bodhicitta? Is it optional, a mystical goal we can take or leave? How does it become a motivating force in our lives? Sangharakshita has described the Bodhicitta as a myth or symbol that galvanises our energies, something that makes sense of our lives, something emotionally moving that stirs us on a deep level. How are we to connect with that myth? Vajratara takes us on a journey of a deepening engagement with the Bodhicitta, evoking the Bodhicitta through 3 myths. Talk given on an ordination retreat at Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, July 2021.
2021-09-1153 minFree Buddhist AudioSurrendering to a Greater BeautyStarting 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. *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter today. Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast - bite-size pieces of Dharma inspiration, two times a week! Follow o...
2020-12-1246 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioEthics in their Ultimate SenseSeeing all beings with the potential for Buddhahood, we are moved to encourage and support that natural momentum towards growth and development. Every act of generosity, loving kindness, no matter how small, is acting in harmony with Reality and the growth of all beings. Vajratara gives us an inspiring glimpse into ethics in their ultimate sense which take their expression in the Bodhicitta. From a talk entitled The Lady of Tibet Yeshe Tsogyal given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre, August 2008 about Padmasambhava's consort and great disciple. *** Subscribe to ou...
2020-10-2215 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioEthics in their Ultimate SenseSeeing all beings with the potential for Buddhahood, we are moved to encourage and support that natural momentum towards growth and development. Every act of generosity, loving kindness, no matter how small, is acting in harmony with Reality and the growth of all beings. Vajratara gives us an inspiring glimpse into ethics in their ultimate sense which take their expression in the Bodhicitta. From a talk entitled The Lady of Tibet Yeshe Tsogyal given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre, August 2008 about Padmasambhava's consort and great disciple. *** Subscribe to ou...
2020-10-2215 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioEntering Each Other’s WorldsAnother cracking talk from Vajratara exploring Metta as a path to insight. What happens when Metta passes through the fires of sunyata? Insight isn’t a cold, detached featureless state. Insight has it’s own positive character – increasing awareness of others and spontaneous compassionate activity. From the talk entitled Metta and the Path of Insight given on a Young Womens' Weekend at Taraloka, 2013. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast - a full Dharma talk every week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitte...
2020-05-1111 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioEntering Each Other’s WorldsAnother cracking talk from Vajratara exploring Metta as a path to insight. What happens when Metta passes through the fires of sunyata? Insight isn’t a cold, detached featureless state. Insight has it’s own positive character – increasing awareness of others and spontaneous compassionate activity. From the talk entitled Metta and the Path of Insight given on a Young Womens' Weekend at Taraloka, 2013. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast - a full Dharma talk every week! Follow our blog for news and new Dharma FBA on Twitte...
2020-05-1111 minFree Buddhist AudioSpiritual Friendship and the Tantric RitesVajratara 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. *** He...
2020-03-2152 minFree Buddhist AudioWorking With AdversityWhen 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. *** Help keep FBA free for...
2020-01-1131 minFree Buddhist AudioThe Myth of the BodhicittaWhat 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 as...
2019-10-261h 00Dharmabytes from free buddhist audioThe Art of DisappearingHow free would your life be if you gave up unreal expectations? Try to remember something too important to forget. Renunciation is where you are allowing yourself to be obedient to the call of the heart – what do you really want to say ‘yes’ to? One of her telling quotes is " ... there is no spiritual development without renunciation, and no renunciation without spiritual development ..." Saddhanandi begins this Dharmabyte with a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye called The Art of Disappearing. From the very rich and reflective talk entitled Renunciation - Tasting Freedom, the first of three talks given...
2019-09-0209 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioThe Art of DisappearingHow free would your life be if you gave up unreal expectations? Try to remember something too important to forget. Renunciation is where you are allowing yourself to be obedient to the call of the heart – what do you really want to say ‘yes’ to? One of her telling quotes is " ... there is no spiritual development without renunciation, and no renunciation without spiritual development ..." Saddhanandi begins this Dharmabyte with a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye called The Art of Disappearing. From the very rich and reflective talk entitled Renunciation - Tasting Freedom, the first of three talks given...
2019-09-0209 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioKachu RimpocheIn our FBA Dharmabyte today we are introduced to Kachu Rimpoche by Vajratara one of Sangharakshita’s eight main teachers. Kachu Rimpoche was a man of great learning, renowned as a deep meditator and visionary, and a gifted sculptor. Rimpoche went out of his way to befriend Sangharakshita. In 1960, on Jampyang Khyentse’s recommendation, Kachu Rimpoche initiated Sangharakshita into the practice of Guru Padmasambhava. At the same time Kachu Rimpoche gave Sangharakshita a new name: Urgyen, the name of Padmasambhava’s mythical homeland. Excerpted from a talk of the same name given by Vajratara at Sangha Ni...
2019-07-0111 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioKachu RimpocheIn our FBA Dharmabyte today we are introduced to Kachu Rimpoche by Vajratara one of Sangharakshita’s eight main teachers. Kachu Rimpoche was a man of great learning, renowned as a deep meditator and visionary, and a gifted sculptor. Rimpoche went out of his way to befriend Sangharakshita. In 1960, on Jampyang Khyentse’s recommendation, Kachu Rimpoche initiated Sangharakshita into the practice of Guru Padmasambhava. At the same time Kachu Rimpoche gave Sangharakshita a new name: Urgyen, the name of Padmasambhava’s mythical homeland. Excerpted from a talk of the same name given by Vajratara at Sangha Ni...
2019-07-0111 minFree Buddhist AudioChetul Sangye DorjeHere's a forthright and passionate talk by Vajratara, taking as its starting point the great contemporary Tibetan teacher (sometimes also written 'Chatral Sangye Dorje') and his relationship to practice in Triratna, rooted in his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita. The main focus, however, is the need to practice the Dharma for others as part of a meaningful community, and Vajratara argues her case with a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision. Talk given at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007 *** Help keep FBA free for everyone! Become a supporter...
2019-06-2947 min
Free Buddhist AudioDr Ambedkar and His Importance For the Future of BuddhismOur FBA Podcast this week is by Vajratara entitled Dr Ambedkar and His Importance For the Future of Buddhism. Vajratara argues that Dr Ambedkar is not just relevant for India or for the oppressed, but essential for modern Buddhism all over the world, challenging us to move beyond a comfortable Buddhism that fits neatly into modern consumer society. The talk was given at a retreat at Rivendell for young people comparing the teachings of Dr Ambedkar and Sangharakshita, 2014.
2019-03-3048 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioAmbedkar: A True HeroTodayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ambedkar: A True Hero, is excerpted from the talk Radical Buddhism and#8211; Changing the Myth of Society by Vajratara about Dr Ambedkar and his relevance to the Western Buddhists. In a culture of unprecedented freedom, Vajratara asks how we choose which path to follow? This was the question facing Dr Ambedkar who had a burning issue to solve and#8211; untouchability. Vajratara introduces Dr Ambedkar by showing his methods of solving this problem, and how he came to realise more than political, economic or social action was needed. She also explains how he came...
2019-03-2113 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioAmbedkar: A True HeroTodayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ambedkar: A True Hero, is excerpted from the talk Radical Buddhism and#8211; Changing the Myth of Society by Vajratara about Dr Ambedkar and his relevance to the Western Buddhists. In a culture of unprecedented freedom, Vajratara asks how we choose which path to follow? This was the question facing Dr Ambedkar who had a burning issue to solve and#8211; untouchability. Vajratara introduces Dr Ambedkar by showing his methods of solving this problem, and how he came to realise more than political, economic or social action was needed. She also explains how he came...
2019-03-2113 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioAmbedkar: A True HeroTodayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ambedkar: A True Hero, is excerpted from the talk Radical Buddhism and#8211; Changing the Myth of Society by Vajratara about Dr Ambedkar and his relevance to the Western Buddhists. In a culture of unprecedented freedom, Vajratara asks how we choose which path to follow? This was the question facing Dr Ambedkar who had a burning issue to solve and#8211; untouchability. Vajratara introduces Dr Ambedkar by showing his methods of solving this problem, and how he came to realise more than political, economic or social action was needed. She also explains how he came...
2019-03-2113 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioAmbedkar: A True HeroTodayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, Ambedkar: A True Hero, is excerpted from the talk Radical Buddhism and#8211; Changing the Myth of Society by Vajratara about Dr Ambedkar and his relevance to the Western Buddhists. In a culture of unprecedented freedom, Vajratara asks how we choose which path to follow? This was the question facing Dr Ambedkar who had a burning issue to solve and#8211; untouchability. Vajratara introduces Dr Ambedkar by showing his methods of solving this problem, and how he came to realise more than political, economic or social action was needed. She also explains how he came...
2019-03-2113 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioFriendship Arises From MettaIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we offer an excerpt from a talk by Vajratara entitled: Friendship Arises from Metta. To have friends, we need to learn to be a friend. Friendship is an active practice, not to be left to chance. Using the Buddhaand#8217;s advice to Sigalaka, Vajratara gives some practical guidance on how to be a good hearted, supportive, consistent, beneficial and loving friend. From the talk entitled How To Be A Friend given at Sheffield Buddhist Center, 2011.
2019-02-2810 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioFriendship Arises From MettaIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we offer an excerpt from a talk by Vajratara entitled: Friendship Arises from Metta. To have friends, we need to learn to be a friend. Friendship is an active practice, not to be left to chance. Using the Buddhaand#8217;s advice to Sigalaka, Vajratara gives some practical guidance on how to be a good hearted, supportive, consistent, beneficial and loving friend. From the talk entitled How To Be A Friend given at Sheffield Buddhist Center, 2011.
2019-02-2810 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioFriendship Arises From MettaIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we offer an excerpt from a talk by Vajratara entitled: Friendship Arises from Metta. To have friends, we need to learn to be a friend. Friendship is an active practice, not to be left to chance. Using the Buddhaand#8217;s advice to Sigalaka, Vajratara gives some practical guidance on how to be a good hearted, supportive, consistent, beneficial and loving friend. From the talk entitled How To Be A Friend given at Sheffield Buddhist Center, 2011.
2019-02-2810 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioFriendship Arises From MettaIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte we offer an excerpt from a talk by Vajratara entitled: Friendship Arises from Metta. To have friends, we need to learn to be a friend. Friendship is an active practice, not to be left to chance. Using the Buddhaand#8217;s advice to Sigalaka, Vajratara gives some practical guidance on how to be a good hearted, supportive, consistent, beneficial and loving friend. From the talk entitled How To Be A Friend given at Sheffield Buddhist Center, 2011.
2019-02-2810 min
The Buddhist CentreTBCO Magazine Podcast #1The first episode of The Buddhist Centre Online's 'audio magazine', includes some of our latest audio highlights - an overview of the 2018 European Buddhist Union and Buddhist Teachers in Europe meetings, extracts from conversations with Mahasraddha, Director of the Abhayaratna Trust, and Vajratara, chair of the India Dhamma Trust as well as a brief introduction to Bodhipaksa's latest book 'I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha!'
2019-02-2136 min
The Buddhist CentreThe Wonderful Problem"What we have is a very wonderful problem and the wonderful problem is that so many people are seeing the value of Buddhism in India and they are wanting to embrace Buddhism and the Buddhist path - and they are wanting to do that in their hundreds. But, of course, as we know, Buddhism is a path of practice. It requires careful study and training…it requires spiritual friendship. So who is going to meet these people?"Vajratara is the Chair of the India Dhamma Trust which exists to help create supportive conditions for Buddhist practice in In...
2018-12-1815 min
The Buddhist Centre02 Vajratara's eureka momentOur beautiful new online project to document 50 years of people’s commitment and practice within the Triratna Buddhist Order around the world.
To read more about this conversation and the project itself visit: www.thebuddhistcentre.com/50Voices
2018-08-0301 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioAn Army of CompassionOur FBA Dharmabyte, An Army of Compassion, is an excerpt from the talk Compassion Embodied by Vajratara. The Bodhicitta is about the spiritual community, the sangha, because it is only when we work together that we can make an infinite sphere of influence and concern for the suffering of the world. The Jewel that Arises The Priceless Treasure The Elixir of Life The Supreme Medicine The Tree of Shelter The Feast of Happiness The Rising Moon of the Mind The Brilliant Sun
2018-06-2110 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioAn Army of CompassionOur FBA Dharmabyte, An Army of Compassion, is an excerpt from the talk Compassion Embodied by Vajratara. The Bodhicitta is about the spiritual community, the sangha, because it is only when we work together that we can make an infinite sphere of influence and concern for the suffering of the world. The Jewel that Arises The Priceless Treasure The Elixir of Life The Supreme Medicine The Tree of Shelter The Feast of Happiness The Rising Moon of the Mind The Brilliant Sun
2018-06-2110 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioAn Army of CompassionOur FBA Dharmabyte, An Army of Compassion, is an excerpt from the talk Compassion Embodied by Vajratara. The Bodhicitta is about the spiritual community, the sangha, because it is only when we work together that we can make an infinite sphere of influence and concern for the suffering of the world. The Jewel that Arises The Priceless Treasure The Elixir of Life The Supreme Medicine The Tree of Shelter The Feast of Happiness The Rising Moon of the Mind The Brilliant Sun
2018-06-2110 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioAn Army of CompassionOur FBA Dharmabyte, An Army of Compassion, is an excerpt from the talk Compassion Embodied by Vajratara. The Bodhicitta is about the spiritual community, the sangha, because it is only when we work together that we can make an infinite sphere of influence and concern for the suffering of the world. The Jewel that Arises The Priceless Treasure The Elixir of Life The Supreme Medicine The Tree of Shelter The Feast of Happiness The Rising Moon of the Mind The Brilliant Sun
2018-06-2110 min
Free Buddhist AudioThe Power of the Archetypal RealmOur FBA Podcast this week is a talk by Vajratara entitled The Power of the Archetypal Realm given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 29th May 2007 as part of a series of talks on Buddhist Symbols.
2018-06-1654 min
Manchester Buddhist Centre talksWalking through the Wilderness – How to develop FaithVajratara, in a talk given at Triratna Night, guides us through an exploration of the conditions needed for faith to arise and develop. March 2017.
The post Walking through the Wilderness – How to develop Faith appeared first on Manchester Buddhist Centre.
2017-04-2747 min
Free Buddhist AudioKshanti (Patience): A Response to the Modern WorldIn our FBA Podcast this week is by Vajratara, entitled: Kshanti (Patience): A Response to the Modern World. This talk was given in Sheffield at a unique time in British politics. A few days before, the UK had voted in a referendum to leave the European Union. At a time of political turmoil with reported hate crimes increasing by 57% since the referendum, Vajratara asks how can we have a Buddhist response to political change? How can we respond particularly to the rise of 'ugly' nationalism and hate crimes? Does kshanti mean doing nothing, or can it lead to more...
2016-10-2248 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioMindfulness Really is The WayIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast Vajratara delivers and#8220;Mindfulness Really is The Wayand#8221;, a short excerpt from the talk, Insight In The Everyday. Satipatana is a practice of bringing awareness to what is going on in your experience. A dynamic process that is continuous and ultimately the key to Insight. More than just focusing on our present experience, it's also being aware of the significance of each moment. Talk given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 11th December 2007, as part of a series on stories and symbols.
2016-06-3009 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioMindfulness Really is The WayIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast Vajratara delivers and#8220;Mindfulness Really is The Wayand#8221;, a short excerpt from the talk, Insight In The Everyday. Satipatana is a practice of bringing awareness to what is going on in your experience. A dynamic process that is continuous and ultimately the key to Insight. More than just focusing on our present experience, it's also being aware of the significance of each moment. Talk given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 11th December 2007, as part of a series on stories and symbols.
2016-06-3009 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioMindfulness Really is The WayIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast Vajratara delivers and#8220;Mindfulness Really is The Wayand#8221;, a short excerpt from the talk, Insight In The Everyday. Satipatana is a practice of bringing awareness to what is going on in your experience. A dynamic process that is continuous and ultimately the key to Insight. More than just focusing on our present experience, it’s also being aware of the significance of each moment. Talk given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 11th December 2007, as part of a series on stories and symbols.
2016-06-3009 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioMindfulness Really is The WayIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte podcast Vajratara delivers and#8220;Mindfulness Really is The Wayand#8221;, a short excerpt from the talk, Insight In The Everyday. Satipatana is a practice of bringing awareness to what is going on in your experience. A dynamic process that is continuous and ultimately the key to Insight. More than just focusing on our present experience, it’s also being aware of the significance of each moment. Talk given at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 11th December 2007, as part of a series on stories and symbols.
2016-06-3009 min
Free Buddhist AudioMetta and the Path of InsightVajratara headlines our FBA Podcast for today with a talk entitled Metta and the Path of Insight. Given on a Young Womens' Weekend at Taraloka, she discusses how the practice of metta can be more than just the simple cultivation of loving-kindness and positive emotion, and how it can also be a window into deeper truths about the nature of reality.
2016-04-3057 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioWaking up to Cosmic ConsciousnessTodayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled Waking up to Cosmic Consciousness from a talk by Vajratara called The White Sovereign Buddha Vairocana. Keep your head down and carry on, don’t look into the light! If we do look up and see reality, it’s not bleak as we fear it will be but rather absolutely beautiful. When you wake up to cosmic consciousness it’s a joy and celebration.
2016-02-0804 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioWaking up to Cosmic ConsciousnessTodayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is titled Waking up to Cosmic Consciousness from a talk by Vajratara called The White Sovereign Buddha Vairocana. Keep your head down and carry on, don’t look into the light! If we do look up and see reality, it’s not bleak as we fear it will be but rather absolutely beautiful. When you wake up to cosmic consciousness it’s a joy and celebration.
2016-02-0804 min
Free Buddhist AudioBuddhism and the Modern World This week's FBA Podcast features Vajratara in a talk entitled "Buddhism and the Modern World". Given on a retreat for young women training for Ordination, Vajratara describes the topical issues of the time and asks what the Buddhist response is. The refugee crisis, the rise of Jeremy Corbyn, the effects of neo liberal capitalism and environmental denigration; all point to a change in the way we see each other and the world. We live at a time where the world is opening to a new way of living. This new way of living is indicated both by the Buddha...
2015-11-141h 07Dharmabytes from free buddhist audioKsitigarbha’s JewelOur FBA Dharmabytetoday is from Vajratara entitled: Ksitigarbha’s Jewel. If you really want to have everything, the teaching of Ksitigarbha is not to just give you what you want, but rather to help you change your mind. That state of mind is the bodhicitta, the heart-mind of enlightenment. From the talk, Ksitigarbha given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre (2nd May 2006), as part of a series on the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist Order.
2015-07-2703 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioKsitigarbha’s JewelOur FBA Dharmabytetoday is from Vajratara entitled: Ksitigarbha’s Jewel. If you really want to have everything, the teaching of Ksitigarbha is not to just give you what you want, but rather to help you change your mind. That state of mind is the bodhicitta, the heart-mind of enlightenment. From the talk, Ksitigarbha given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre (2nd May 2006), as part of a series on the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist Order.
2015-07-2703 minManchester Buddhist Centre talksTransforming MaraVajratara talks about dead dogs, showers of money and shapeshifting in early Buddhist stories. May 2015
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2015-05-1800 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioReality’s Unfolded, What’s Next?Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is brought to us by Vajratara entitled:Reality’s Unfolded, What’s Next? Vajratara condenses nearly 50 years of the Buddhas life, using stories from the Pali Canon to show how the Buddha built a spiritual community that lasts to this day. Transcending the conflict between the desire to withdraw and the desire to engage, the Buddha wanders northern India out of compassion, teaching the Dharma by his presence and his words. From the talk, and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Gift To The World.and#8221;
2015-05-0706 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioReality’s Unfolded, What’s Next?Todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte is brought to us by Vajratara entitled:Reality’s Unfolded, What’s Next? Vajratara condenses nearly 50 years of the Buddhas life, using stories from the Pali Canon to show how the Buddha built a spiritual community that lasts to this day. Transcending the conflict between the desire to withdraw and the desire to engage, the Buddha wanders northern India out of compassion, teaching the Dharma by his presence and his words. From the talk, and#8220;The Buddhaand#8217;s Gift To The World.and#8221;
2015-05-0706 minFree Buddhist AudioThe Buddha, The Bodhicitta and BhanteThis week's FBA Podcast is a gem from Vajratara entitled: "The Buddha, The Bodhicitta and Bhante." Vajratara introduces the Bodhicitta in an easily accessible format: what, why and how. She starts with the symbolism of the Buddha's own Bodhisattva vow at the time of Dipankara, the previous Buddha. She also draws out Sangharakshita s unique understanding of the Bodhicitta and how that has shaped the Triratna Order and Movement. Given at Tiratanaloka on a retreat for women training for Ordination.
2015-03-1456 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioSangha as Bodhicitta PracticeIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sangha as Bodhicitta Practiceand#8221;, Vajratara suggests that of the Bodhicitta practises we might take up and#8211; the puja or the various reflections on the suffering of beings and#8211; the most useful and effective Bodhichitta practice is the practice of sangha, of spiritual community. Now thereand#8217;s a thought! From the talk, and#8220;Generating Bodhi Mindand#8221; given at Taraloka, May 2009.
2015-01-2904 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioSangha as Bodhicitta PracticeIn todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Sangha as Bodhicitta Practiceand#8221;, Vajratara suggests that of the Bodhicitta practises we might take up and#8211; the puja or the various reflections on the suffering of beings and#8211; the most useful and effective Bodhichitta practice is the practice of sangha, of spiritual community. Now thereand#8217;s a thought! From the talk, and#8220;Generating Bodhi Mindand#8221; given at Taraloka, May 2009.
2015-01-2904 minDharmabytes from Free Buddhist AudioHiding the Dharma in Story In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Hiding the Dharma in Story,and#8221; Vajratara reminds us how the lifeand#8217;s inspirations our found in the stories passed on to us. From the talk, Purna and the Perfumed Chamber and#8211; Stories From Early Sanskrit Buddhism, given on March 2012 UK Women National Order Weekend. The theme of the weekend was Delighting in the Buddha through Story and#8211; from dreadlocked ascetics, the taming of dragons, lost in the desert, and conversing with gods.
2015-01-2209 minDharmabytes from free buddhist audioHiding the Dharma in Story In todayand#8217;s FBA Dharmabyte, and#8220;Hiding the Dharma in Story,and#8221; Vajratara reminds us how the lifeand#8217;s inspirations our found in the stories passed on to us. From the talk, Purna and the Perfumed Chamber and#8211; Stories From Early Sanskrit Buddhism, given on March 2012 UK Women National Order Weekend. The theme of the weekend was Delighting in the Buddha through Story and#8211; from dreadlocked ascetics, the taming of dragons, lost in the desert, and conversing with gods.
2015-01-2209 minFree Buddhist AudioFrom the BodhicaryavataraVajratara brings us this week's FBA Podcast entitled: "From the Bodhicaryavatara." The Mahayana emphasizes the great goal of the spiritual life – the immeasurable energy, wisdom and compassion. This is what life is about, this is what the path of the spiritual practitioner is all about. Vajratara explores Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 18th March 2008. Part of a series on Great Buddhist Texts.
2014-11-011h 02Free Buddhist AudioEnergy, the Tantric Precepts and EnlightenmentVajratara delivers our FBA Podcast this week, "Energy, the Tantric Precepts and Enlightenment." An exploration of what energy means in the spiritual life and how to work with it, especially referencing Sangharakshita's 'Tantric' version of the Five Precepts. Given at the 2011 National Young Triratna Buddhists Weekend retreat exploring the theme of 'Energy for Enlightenment'. See www.buddhismtoday.co.uk for more young Buddhists' events.
2014-08-3057 minFree Buddhist AudioMetta Blazing Like the SunOur FBA Podcast this week, "Metta Blazing Like the Sun," is Vajratara's talk from the young people's retreat at Adhisthana – 'the big one'. Starting with a world on fire, Vajratara strips down what metta actually means in our experience: an awareness that discerns what is positive and stops it slipping from our minds. This is the seed of liberation, the cry of sunyata 'unconditioned and unconfined'. Metta as a special quality of awareness radiating into four directions: our environment, our selves, others and Reality.
2014-04-121h 02
The Buddhist Centrewomen's buddhist order weekend no. 2A second report from Parami from the great gathering at Adhisthana at the Triratna Buddhist Order's national Order weekend for women in the UK & Ireland. Interviews with Saddhanandi, Sanghamani, Satyavani, Samachitta, Vajratara, all thrilled to be there despite the dreadful weather! Surrounded by friends old and new...
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2013-12-0606 minFree Buddhist AudioMindfulness As the Great Love (White Tara) This week's FBA Podcast "Mindfulness As the Great Love (White Tara)" is a talk given by Vajratara at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre (28th August 2007), about the symbolism of White Tara, as part of a series on Stories and Symbols.
2013-11-3042 min
FBA HighlightsDharmabytes Podcast #289 - "Padmasambhava's Song" by VajrataraToday’s FBA Dharmabyte, “Padmasambhava’s Song,” is an excerpt from the talk “Padmasambhava and the King of Tibet” (http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/audio/details?num=OM785) by Vajratara. Here’s another tour-de-force from Vajratara, looking to approach the great figure of Padmasambhava – the ‘Second Buddha’ – through his famous meeting with the King of Tibet. As ever, a provocative, fully engaged and fully engaging take on the Dharma and the challenges that face us on the Path.
Talk given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007
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2013-10-2404 minFree Buddhist AudioYoung People, the Bodhisattva Ideal, and Padmasambhava This week's FBA Podcast, by Vajratara, is a tour-de-force of a talk entitled "Young People, the Bodhisattva Ideal, and Padmasambhava". Vajratara weaves together her first contact with meditation and the Dharma (being forced to go by her best-friend's Mum!), early explorations with drugs, her love of teaching, how to build a spiritual community, Padmasambhava, and the Bodhisattva Ideal.
2013-08-0359 minFree Buddhist AudioDreaming AngelsThis week's FBA Podcast , "Dreaming Angels" is a rousing and challenging talk by Vajratara given on the December 2012 National Order Weekend for women. The full title is "Dreaming Angels Each Imbued with the Mysteries of the Other – Why the Triratna Buddhist Order is Needed and What It Can Do." Vajratara begins her talk by evoking the social revolution of Dr Ambedkar. A revolution, she says, which is still needed to overthrow unhelpful attitudes in society, free the disadvantaged and give meaning to those who long for a higher life. She explains how the Triratna Buddhist Order can be...
2013-01-1956 minFree Buddhist AudioThe Buddha and FriendshipOur FBA Podcast this week, "The Buddha and Friendship," by Vajratara, begins by looking at how the symbols of the individual spiritual journey is really a story about a network of relationships. Every symbol is born out of relationship. It's living tradition that gives confidence, it's not about your own individual practice – your own individual practice is just a part of the Buddhist tradition and the Buddhist community. With references to Indra's Net, from the Avatamsaka Sutra, Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra and descriptions of the Bodhicitta, Vajratara delivers an inspiring and engaging look at how our collective practice is...
2012-11-2445 minFree Buddhist AudioThe Buddha's Gift To The WorldThis weeks FBA Podcast, "The Buddha's Gift To The World" is brought to us by Vajratara. Vajratara condenses nearly 50 years of the Buddhas life, using stories from the Pali Canon to show how the Buddha built a spiritual community that lasts to this day. Transcending the conflict between the desire to withdraw and the desire to engage, the Buddha wanders northern India out of compassion, teaching the Dharma by his presence and his words.
2012-03-3156 minFree Buddhist AudioRenunciation – Tasting FreedomIn today's FBA Podcast, "Renunciation – Tasting Freedom," Saddhanandi says at the beginning of this talk that she's concerned she won't fully convey the depth of inspiration she feels about her theme – she shouldn't have worried, she does it full justice. Her various approaches to her subject include renunciation as giving up unreal expectations, as giving up compulsion, as continuity of purpose and commitment to values, as establishing freedom, as not being blown by the worldly winds. One of her telling quotes is " … there is no spiritual development without renunciation, and no renunciation without spiritual development …" This is the firs...
2011-12-1044 minFree Buddhist AudioChetul Sangye DorjeToday's FBA Podcast is titled "Chetul Sangye Dorje" by Vajratara. A forthright and passionate talk, taking as its starting point the great contemporary Tibetan teacher (sometimes also written 'Chatral Sangye Dorje') and his relationship to practice in the Triratna [FWBO] Community via his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita. The main focus, however, is the need to practice the Dharma for others as part of a meaningful community, and Vajratara argues her case with a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision. Talk given at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2007
2011-11-1247 minFree Buddhist AudioGenerating Bodhi MindIn this talk, "Generating Bodhi Mind" Vajratara guides us through the second section of Tsongkhapa's short text on "The Three Principle Aspects of the Path". The verses contain some strong and striking images for what it feels like being caught in Samsara and they come to life in Vajratara's talk. She relates how she nearly came to death herself swept away by a Indonesian river and that was just an ordinary river current, never mind the current of Samsara! At the end of the talk she suggests that of the Bodhicitta practises we might take up – the puja or th...
2011-02-1246 minFree Buddhist AudioChetul Sangye DorjeHere's a forthright and passionate talk, taking as its starting point the great contemporary Tibetan teacher (sometimes also written 'Chatral Sangye Dorje') and his relationship to practice in the FWBO via his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita. The main focus, however, is the need to practice the Dharma for others as part of a meaningful community, and Vajratara argues her case with a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision. Tracked version includes the following detail: 1. Introduction to Chetul Sangye Dorje; Sangharakshita's first meeting with him 2. Early years and practice; a...
2008-09-0446 min