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The Community Toolkit for Uncertain Times

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...

Bump elbows, say hello!
The Community Toolkit for Uncertain Times

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...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 2: Giving Ourselves Completely to the Buddhas

By Satyakirti on Thu, 9 Apr, 2020 - 14:57

Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 2: Giving Ourselves Completely to the Buddhas

By Satyakirti on Thu, 9 Apr, 2020 - 14:57

“And I give myself to the Conquerors completely, and to their sons. Take possession of me Sublime Beings. In devotion I become your servant”.

In his second talk on the Bodhicaryavatara, Padmavajra tells us how Shantideva takes to heart, ever more firmly, the Bodhicitta, through his lavish performance of puja and a searing confession of faults. The talk was given in the shrine room on the weekly Padmaloka day retreat. It was given in honour of the anniversary of Sangharakshita’s founding of...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

Bodhicitta - The Highly Potent Elixir of Transformation

By Satyakirti on Sat, 4 Apr, 2020 - 12:13

Bodhicitta - The Highly Potent Elixir of Transformation

By Satyakirti on Sat, 4 Apr, 2020 - 12:13

“Taking this image of the human form the Bodhicitta transmutes it into the priceless image of the Jewel of the Conqueror. Grasp tightly this highly potent elixir, known as the Bodhicitta, which must be thoroughly worked.”

In his first talk on Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara, given on a day retreat to the Padmaloka community, Padmavajra speaks of Sangharakshita’s evocation of the Bodhicitta. He goes on to talk about his discovery of the Bodhicarayavatara and what is known of the life of Shantideva. The main...

College of Public Preceptors
College of Public Preceptors

Chairs' Letter – March 2020

By ratnadharini on Sat, 28 Mar, 2020 - 22:21

Chairs' Letter – March 2020

By ratnadharini on Sat, 28 Mar, 2020 - 22:21

These letters will be published here each month, as well as in Shabda, and preceptorscollege.online, as a means to communicate the ongoing work of the College Chair and updates on current discussions and decisions. Responses are welcomed.

Dear Order members,

I have just been part of witnessing the ordination of Varadhi in Melbourne, on Zoom, along with 106 others. Watching the communication between Maitripala, as Public Preceptor, and Itir / Varadhi, with the Buddha, Avalokitesvara, and Bhante...

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