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Simharava's Reflections on the Bodhicitta - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 2

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 16 May, 2020 - 11:17

Simharava's Reflections on the Bodhicitta - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 2

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 16 May, 2020 - 11:17

Simharava, living in the women’s residential Buddhist community in Berlin, Germany, talks about how she is trying to help alleviate suffering at the moment and, in particular, shares her thoughts on the Buddhist figure of the Avalokiteshvara - associated with Great Compassion - who holds the wish-fulfilling jewel to his heart.

Noting how Avalokiteshvara listens to the suffering in the world but at the same time radiates rainbow light and compassion, Simharava explores how that myth might play out in her own life.

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The Heart-Mind Oriented Towards Compassion - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 2

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 16 May, 2020 - 09:09

The Heart-Mind Oriented Towards Compassion - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 2

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 16 May, 2020 - 09:09

For Day 2, here are three teachings giving us a great 360º overview of the Bodhicitta (the deep, realised wish for all to attain liberation of heart and mind) in the Buddhist tradition. Most importantly, we discover its relevance to everyday practice in the crucial work of learning to work with our minds and becoming a happier person.


Visit the...

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Shakyamuni Mantra - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 2

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 16 May, 2020 - 06:12

Shakyamuni Mantra - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 2

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 16 May, 2020 - 06:12

The central image of this home retreat is based on the story of the Buddha when Mara attacks him with all the weapons he can muster: the Buddha sits in complete peace and openness; the arrows from his opponents drift down around him as flower petals. So you may wish to dwell with that image while chanting the mantra of the historical Buddha – the Shakyamuni mantra. 

Listen to the Shakyamuni Mantra chanted at the Young Buddhist Big One in 2018

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Extra Resource - Dhammadinna's talk - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By kusaladevi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 17:10

Extra Resource - Dhammadinna's talk - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By kusaladevi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 17:10

On day 1, here’s an extra resource - a talk by Dhammadinna, one of the most senior members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. Here she introduces and explores the Mind Training teachings, drawing out their special emphasis; the opportunity to use any difficulties which arise in our lives as a basis for developing Bodhicitta.

Visit the Turning Arrows into Flowers home retreat page​

Listen to the full talk by Dhammadinna here

See all posts on Turning Arrows into Flowers

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Prajnaketu's Reflections on the Four Reminders - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By Sadayasihi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 11:49

Prajnaketu's Reflections on the Four Reminders - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By Sadayasihi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 11:49

We are delighted to say that this week we will be joined by a team of Young Order members who will be sharing their reflections on the Seven-Point Mind Training material. First up is Prajnaketu, Triratna’s Young Buddhist coordinator. 

Prajnaketu, from sunny Oxford, UK, shares his thoughts on the teaching of the Four Reminders: our precious human birth, death and impermanence, karma and rebirth, and the defects of samsara. Noting that these reflections can be a bit of...

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Dedication Ceremony - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By Sadayasihi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 09:48

Dedication Ceremony - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By Sadayasihi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 09:48

Today, day 1, you might like to spend some time figuring out how you are going to take part - how much time do you have, what supports do you need, what is your wish for this retreat. It can be helpful to support this intention with a bit of ritual.

Often on the first night of a retreat this is marked by some kind of ceremony - in our community, this is often done with a Dedication...

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Welcome - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By Sadayasihi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 07:52

Welcome - Turning Arrows into Flowers: Day 1

By Sadayasihi on Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 07:52

Globally, the coronavirus and all its implications presents us with an enormous challenge - but how are we responding? With ill-will and aversion, or with curiosity and compassion? Today marks the start of our latest home retreat: Turning Arrows into Flowers - an exploration of the Seven-point Mind Training, where we are learning to cultivate a mind free of blame and reactivity, a mind that is open, kind, interested. By delving into these teachings, facilitated by Yashobodhi, and with personal reflections from...

Free Buddhist Audio
Free Buddhist Audio

FBA Podcast: Great Compassion Penetrates Into the Marrow of the Bones

By Sadayasihi on Sat, 9 May, 2020 - 14:00

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...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

Vigilance with Regard to the Bodhicitta - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 4

By Satyakirti on Thu, 23 Apr, 2020 - 14:51

Vigilance with Regard to the Bodhicitta - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 4

By Satyakirti on Thu, 23 Apr, 2020 - 14:51

“The defilements do not dwell in objects, nor in the collection of the senses, nor in the space in between. There is nowhere else for them to dwell and yet they churn up the entire universe.”

In his fourth talk on the Bodhicaryavatara, given on the weekly Padmaloka retreat, Padmavajra explores Shantideva’s discussion of vigilance (apramada) in relation to the cultivation of the Bodhicitta.

In this chapter, Shantideva takes a sober look at the promises he has made to liberate all beings and the...

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