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In this episode Tarapalita shares his top ten tips for living a spiritual life…starting with No.1- ‘Don’t try and be spiritual’. Confused? Indeed.
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The story goes that the Buddha was enlightened beneath a full moon. The land, the water, the bodhi tree under which he was sitting, as well as the person -his body, heart and mind - were all fully illuminated by and bathed in a reflective, silvery light. He was Enlightened, literally and metaphorically.
We celebrate this moment every year on full-moon day in May - which we call 'Buddha Day'. This weekend, as we edge towards the full moon of July, we'll be celebrating 'Dharma Day', the second major event in the life of the Buddha.
The story continues, saying that…after his enlightenment, the Buddha left the shelter of the bodhi tree in order to share his discovery with others. Not that they always wanted to hear what he had to say! The first person he met along the road was a man named Upaka. The Buddha declared to Upaka that he was a world-conqueror, free from all limitations, enlightened! Upaka simply swayed his head from side to side and said, "may it be so, friend", before carrying on along his way...
But when the Buddha was reunited with five of his former spiritual friends in a wild deer park at Isipatana, it was a different story.
They got it. They could see what had happened to him. They could feel it. They couldn't resist it. And as the Buddha communicated with them, skillfully pointing a finger towards the moon of the enlightened mind, they also - one by one - became enlightened.
The Buddha had successfully communicated the 'Dharma' - the truth, and the teachings that lead towards that vision of truth. He had, to use the traditional language, 'set rolling the Wheel of the Dharma'. The old texts tell us that as that happened:
"the ten-thousand-fold cosmos shivered & quivered & quaked, while a great, measureless radiance appeared in the cosmos, surpassing the light of the gods."
Talk given by Padmasagara
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Manglende episoder?
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The Buddha’s insight was so profound that words alone can’t express it, and we need images and symbols in multiple colours to evoke it.
This week I’ll be developing the theme a little further…
Not only can the profound insight of the Buddha be hinted at through visual images, it can also be expressed through sound.
The sound of the Buddha.
He spoke of it as the beat of his ‘Deathless Drum’.
What on earth could that mean!? Or a better question, what would that sound like?!
And in exploring the sound of the Buddha and his Deathless Drum, we also have to ask ourselves another vital question…
How should we listen to it?
We all know there are many ways to listen to music, and some are much more effective than others!
You don’t want to be listening to the Deathless through crap headphones, so how do we develop a capacity to listen to the Buddha that’s like a sweet sound system with a deep and stable bass?
Talk given by Padmasagara.
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Why do so many people love Buddha statues so much in the modern West? You see them everywhere. Many people have Buddha statues and images in their living spaces without knowing anything about Buddhism or even considering themselves Buddhists. In this Episode Tarapalita Explorer this subject further.
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Join Tarapalita as he shares his profound experiences from a three-month ordination retreat. In this insightful talk, Tarapalita delves into the practice of walking meditation, reflections on life, and his deep interest in Japanese Buddhism and the teachings of Ajahn Chah. Tarapalita discusses various fears, including fear of loss, discomfort, and insubstantiality, and how these relate to Buddhist teachings on suffering. Tarapalita also emphasizes the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence, insubstantiality, and the unsatisfactory nature of life, and how understanding these can lead to a different experience of reality. Discover how these teachings can transform our understanding of reality and lead to a more mindful and compassionate life.
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What does it really mean to live a Buddhist life? This week Dharmasara dives deep into the heart of Buddhist ethics. We'll explore how Buddhist practice translates into everyday actions, challenging misconceptions about passive detachment. Join us as we uncover the vibrant, nuanced world of Buddhist morality and how it shapes a life of value.
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Explore the concept of freedom through a Buddhist lens with Dharmasara. This talk delves into the gradual path of self-discovery outlined in Buddhist teachings. Dharmasara examines the idea of liberation from suffering and explores three key areas that can hinder progress: self-attachment, superficial practices, and indecision. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Buddhism, this talk offers insights into core Buddhist principles.
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In this episode, Padmasagara delves into the profound wisdom of the Bahiya Sutta. Join us as we explore the story of Bahiya, a revered figure yearning for enlightenment, and his transformative encounter with the Buddha.
Padmasagara unpacks the Buddha's revolutionary teaching: to experience the world directly, free from the burden of concepts and labels. We'll discover how Bahiya grasped this truth, achieving liberation in that very moment.
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Join us in exploring instances from Siddharta's life before he became enlightened. In this talk we explore what we can learn from his meeting with his first two teachers and how he related to other practices that he tried out on his quest to find the truth.
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In this episode Arthaketu talks about a period from Śāntideva's life within the context of the image of The Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist community. Arthaketu explores three stanzas from a classic buddhist text called the Bodhicariyavatara - meaning 'The way of the Bodhisattva'. The first stanza reads: 'Just as a blind man may find by chance a priceless jewel in a heap of refuse, so, somehow, this Bodhi-spirit is hidden even in me.'
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In this episode Prasadavati talks about how mindfulness connects theory and practice on the buddhist path.
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Feeling stuck in a dusty life? The Buddha has a radical solution...
This episode dives into the story of Siddhartha Gotama, the future Buddha, and his dramatic "Going Forth" - leaving his comfortable life to become a homeless wanderer.
What is the deeper meaning of this that we can apply to our own lives today?
Join us as we explore the concept of "Going Forth" . Can we break free from the things that hold us back and cultivate a life that's "wide open, like the air?"
Tune in to find out how to transform your own reality, one step at a time.
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This episode dives into the ancient practice of Metta Bhavana, also known as loving-kindness meditation.
Our speaker, Padmasagara, takes you on a personal journey, from a meticulously planned life to a one-way ticket to Venezuela, all while exploring the transformative power of Metta.
Discover how Metta transcends boundaries and divisions, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
Is Metta just a concept? Or can it truly be a force for harmony in a divided world? Tune in to find out, and remember, wisdom truly meets wonder on the Buddhistisches Tor Berlin podcast.
Metta isn't just something you think, it's something you practice. Start cultivating harmony today.
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Join us on a profound journey through the life and teachings of Sangharakshita, as Padmavajra, a senior order member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, shares intimate reflections on his revered teacher. In this captivating talk, Padmavajra delves into his personal encounters with Sangharakshita, dating back to the vibrant era of the 1970s. With sincerity and emotion, he recounts the magnetic pull of Sangharakshita's lectures, books, and charismatic presence that left an indelible mark on his spiritual journey.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Padmavajra unveils the enigmatic personality of Sangharakshita, from humorous moments to profound teachings, revealing the depth of his impact as a guru and mentor. Beyond the Triratna movement, Sangharakshita's influence resonated globally, shaping Buddhist literature, meditation practices, and community-building efforts.
Yet, Padmavajra candidly acknowledges the controversies surrounding Sangharakshita, from unconventional approaches to Buddhism to questions about personal relationships. Despite these challenges, he argues for the enduring value of Sangharakshita's teachings, urging listeners to engage with his profound insights.
With gratitude and reverence, Padmavajra honors Sangharakshita's legacy of love, wisdom, and transformation. His words resonate as an invitation for listeners to explore Sangharakshita's teachings, finding their own paths to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Embark on this exploration of Sangharakshita's legacy, embracing the enduring wisdom he left behind. Tune in to gain insights into the multifaceted contributions of this remarkable teacher and discover how his teachings continue to resonate across various avenues of thought.
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Join us on a profound journey into the heart of Buddhist practice as Padmavajra explores the fundamental role of energy in spiritual growth. In this fascinating episode, Padmavajra delves into the essence of five essential energies, or virya, that practitioners cultivate to enrich their lives and benefit others.
From Ever-Ready Energy, which instills the readiness to contribute positively at any moment, to Insatiable Energy, characterized by an unending thirst for growth and spiritual progress, each type of energy offers a unique pathway to personal transformation. Through captivating stories from the Buddha's life, personal anecdotes, and timeless teachings, Padmavajra illustrates how these energies can be harnessed to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.
Throughout the discussion, listeners are invited to reflect on the preciousness of human life, seek inspiration from spiritual companions, challenge self-imposed limitations, and share the wisdom of the Dharma with others. Ultimately, Padmavajra illuminates the path towards spontaneous compassionate activity—a selfless response to the needs of the world.
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In this thought-provoking talk, Padmasagara, shares three impactful stories that have significantly influenced his life and quest for meaning. Beginning with "The NeverEnding Story," a tale of a boy's escape into a fantasy world, the speaker resonates with the desire for adventure beyond the ordinary.
Transitioning to the Vimalakirti Sutra, a Buddhist text featuring a sick bodhisattva imparting wisdom, Padmasagara explores the significance of imagination and the delicate balance between history and myth in shaping one's reality. The third narrative centers on Zen Master Hakuin, a monk afflicted with Zen sickness, cured through introspective meditation by a hermit. The speaker draws parallels between Hakuin's journey and his own experiences of dizziness, emphasizing the need to ground vision in body and energy.
Concluding the talk, Padmasagara engages the audience with reflective questions about their own stories, thresholds, and imagination. Encouraging individuals to become authors of their narratives, he invites them to explore these tales within the Buddhist center, fostering a collective journey towards self-discovery and meaning.
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In this Episode, Padmasagara explores the concluding line of a famous zen saying: "Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” Drawing from a 9th-century Japanese monk, Kukai's poem, Padmasagara delves into themes of impermanence and beauty expressed through vivid nature and human imagery. Linking the verses to meditation, he discusses its role in clarifying perception by transcending thought worlds and embracing the truth of impermanence. He encourages us to embark on a shared journey of self-exploration, inviting us to fathom the true nature of both ourselves and the world around us. Through this collective exploration, the potential for an enduring sense of joy that transcends boundaries may be gained.
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We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition:
“A special transmission outside the scriptures.
No dependence on words.
Direct pointing to the mind.
Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.”
In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."
Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective.
Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings.
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We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition:
“A special transmission outside the scriptures.
No dependence on words.
Direct pointing to the mind.
Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.”
In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."
Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective.
Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings.
-
We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition:
“A special transmission outside the scriptures.
No dependence on words.
Direct pointing to the mind.
Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.”
In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."
Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective.
Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings.
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