Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

The Perfection of Vigour - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 7

By Satyakirti on Thu, 14 May, 2020 - 15:17

The Perfection of Vigour - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 7

By Satyakirti on Thu, 14 May, 2020 - 15:17

“Like someone hankering for the pleasure and fruit of love-play”

Padmavajra’s seventh talk on Shantideva’s Bodhicarayvatara is an exploration of chapter seven, the Perfection of Vigour (virya paramita). In this chapter Shantideva, makes it very clear that without virya there is no Enlightenment. He tells us what virya is, as well as what opposes virya, which include, sloth, laziness and self-contempt. He explains that virya is developed through the application of six powers: desire; pride; delight; letting go; dedication; and self-mastery. “Having...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

"The More They Beat Us, The Louder We Sang" -The Perfection of Patience- Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 6

By Satyakirti on Fri, 8 May, 2020 - 15:55

"The More They Beat Us, The Louder We Sang" -The Perfection of Patience- Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 6

By Satyakirti on Fri, 8 May, 2020 - 15:55

‘Serenity, freedom from disease, joy and long life, the happiness of an emperor, prosperity; these the patient person receives while continuing in cyclic existence.’

Padmavajra’s sixth talk on the Bodhicaryavatara explores Shantideva’s thorough exploration of the perfection of patience. In this chapter, Shantideva brings our attention to the seriousness of the faults of hatred and anger.

He shows how such states of mind arise and gives a number of ways in which patience can be cultivated in relation to the various sufferings inherent in...

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The Buddha and the King of the Nagas – Countdown to #buddhaday – 2 days to go...

By akasajoti on Thu, 7 May, 2020 - 11:23

The Buddha and the King of the Nagas – Countdown to #buddhaday – 2 days to go...

By akasajoti on Thu, 7 May, 2020 - 11:23

As a special treat for you as we countdown to #buddhaday we are releasing a series of dharma reflections and evocations of the Buddha over the week…⠀

For our Triratna international Buddha Day celebration, on the occasion of the full Moon day itself, Padmavajra introduces us to the story of the Buddha and the Naga King, Mucalinda. With characteristic resonant depth, Padmavajra evokes the meaning and significance of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, and his subsequent encounter with Mucalinda.

He then...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

A Bodhisattva's Mindfulness - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 5

By Satyakirti on Thu, 30 Apr, 2020 - 15:11

A Bodhisattva's Mindfulness - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 5

By Satyakirti on Thu, 30 Apr, 2020 - 15:11

‘One should speak confident, measured words, clear in meaning, delighting the mind, pleasing to the ear, soft and slow, and stemming from love’

In his fifth talk devoted to the Bodhicaryavatara, Padmavajra explores chapter five ‘The Guarding of Total Awareness’. In this chapter Shantideva makes vividly clear the importance of mindfulness and awareness of purpose in the Bodhisattvas life. Shantideva tells us about the centrality and power of the mind and the need for scrupulous attention to every detail of our lives.

His discussion...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

Going For Refuge: The basis of Everything

By Satyakirti on Sun, 19 Apr, 2020 - 15:53

Going For Refuge: The basis of Everything

By Satyakirti on Sun, 19 Apr, 2020 - 15:53

This talk by Padmavajra is offered especially to men who have asked for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order. It was given in the shrine room on Monday April 13th 2020.

In this talk Padmavajra addresses how men can continue their ordination training during this time of lockdown, when it is not possible to attend retreats at Padmaloka. He draws particular attention to the Buddha’s vision of existence and his longing for escape. He also explores the existential act of Going for...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

A Feast of Happiness for the Caravan of Famished Beings - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 3

By Satyakirti on Thu, 16 Apr, 2020 - 14:52

A Feast of Happiness for the Caravan of Famished Beings - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 3

By Satyakirti on Thu, 16 Apr, 2020 - 14:52

“For the caravan of famished beings wandering the road of existence, hungry for the enjoyment of happiness, this is a feast of happiness offered as refreshment to all who come”.

In his third talk on the Bodhicaryavatara, Padmavajra explores themes from the third chapter, ‘The Full Acceptance of the Bodhicitta’, in which Shantideva describes the wonder of the arising of the Bodhicitta, the profound selflessness of the Bodhisattva Vow and the pride of being born as a Buddha son. The talk was...

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...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

An Invitation to our February Men's Great Gathering weekend.

By Candradipa on Sun, 23 Dec, 2018 - 10:12

An Invitation to our February Men's Great Gathering weekend.

By Candradipa on Sun, 23 Dec, 2018 - 10:12

In this video, co-leaders Akuppa and Padmasagara invite you to our first Men’s Great Gathering weekend of 2019 from 15th-17th February.

The weekend is open to those familiar with the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditation practices and open to Buddhist ritual as practised within Triratna.

Community Highlights
Community Highlights

The Resurrection of FWBO Newsreel 4

By Munisha on Wed, 16 Jul, 2014 - 15:15

The Resurrection of FWBO Newsreel 4

By Munisha on Wed, 16 Jul, 2014 - 15:15

Continuing the re-release of the old FWBO Newsreels from the 1990s, here is Newsreel 4, covering news from the FWBO and TBMSG from September 1992 to February 1993. (All the Newsreels are now on YouTube.) This video (55 mins) covers:

  • Glasgow Buddhist Centre, UK: Ink Print and Design, Windhorse Publications, a new women’s community, a fire and the gift of Dhanakosa Retreat Centre
  • FWBO Valencia, Spain
  • the Guhyaloka Vihara project, Spain
  • FWBO Helsinki’s new centre, Finland
  • a girls’ hostel and school in Ladakh, part-funded
  • ...

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