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 sutra'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.

Saddharaja relates his first experiences and impact of Triratna culture on him. He explores the goddess Sarasvati from Chapter 7 of the sutra and the promises she makes to the monk who protects the sutra. This goddess represents culture and learning and the talk explores the cultures Buddhism has flourished in and the future of Buddhism in the world. The last of four talks given during the Open Retreat at Padmaloka Retreat Centre in October 2019.

How do you respond to the existential human predicament? Do you wonder how best to balance your spiritual longings while honouring our ordinary human life? In this talk Manjunaga soulfully reflects on this theme. The talk offers a wonderful combination of insightful explorations of deep Dharma themes, such as no fixed self, alongside heartfelt and honest sharing of his own journey as a Buddhist over the last few decades. This talk was given at Sangha Night at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, November 2019.

Tantric Buddhism begins at the highest point: Enlightenment. Vadanya explores the yidam visualisation practice, a defining feature of Tantric Buddhism which enables us to live from our future potential rather than letting the past govern how we are. By keeping constant mindfulness on a Buddha or Bodhisattva that embodies Enlightenment for us, we can bring the future into our present experience and live filled with confidence, joy, wisdom and awareness. In a sense, Vajrayana practitioners are like magicians: living backwards, transforming and liberating their minds. This sangha night theme explores the scary, exhilarating, radical and challenging nature of the true Dharma. Over the course of these talks we will be forging a Western tantra to bring the spirit of Vajrayana teachings into our here and now. Questions for reflection and discussion: Is there a Buddha or Bodhisattva figure that you connect with? How would your future self advise you to act today if you could hear them? Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 12.11.19