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

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

Returning like a favourite friend to the classic Dhammapada, Padmavajra gives another series of talks centred around groups of verses.

In the last talk we hear about the importance of a spiritual friend, some one who can point out our faults like revealing a precious jewel. In a deeply moving and quite autobiographical talk Padmavajra talks about his early encounters with the Movement and his search for a Teacher. Then, shifting more to how to be a spiritual friend, or simply find safety in samsaric existence, he evokes specific qualities to be looked for in ourselves and others - here drawing on his own recent ill health, one gets a real sense of a man brining the dharma to bear on his experience and learning from the vagaries of life.

The talk also includes a systematic presentation of the system of spiritual life and the importance of Going for Refuge and spiritual friendship. The connection being that we can encourage each other to grow, but ultimately we must transform ourselves.

Talk given at Padmaloka, Summer Retreat 2012.

Having been in treatment for the last eight months for metastatic cancer in her pelvis and lungs, Suvarnaprabha offers a few informal reflections about how this deep experience of impermanence has influenced her life and practice.