Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

The Perfection of Wisdom and Dedication - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 9 & 10

By Satyakirti on Thu, 28 May, 2020 - 15:58

The Perfection of Wisdom and Dedication - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 9 & 10

By Satyakirti on Thu, 28 May, 2020 - 15:58

Teaching Emptiness Respectfully with Happiness Flowing from Clouds of Merit

In his final talk exploring the Bodhicaryavatara, Padmavajra introduces us to Shantideva’s exposition of the Prajnaparamita, the Perfection of Wisdom. Here, Shantideva tells us about the two truths, the conventional and the ultimate, as well as of the true meaning emptiness, which is the cure for the terrible sufferings that we undergo. In doing this he gives us a glimpse of the Bodhisattva “respectfully teaching emptiness … to those who imagine a...

Free Buddhist Audio
Free Buddhist Audio

Dharmabyte: Wisdom is Seeing with the Eye of Appreciation

By Sadayasihi on Thu, 28 May, 2020 - 14:00

Nirvana is described as great bliss, that arises when grasping at self and other has vanished. A stream of uninterrupted creative activity, the Buddha is the supreme example of this. Here Padmavajra offers a deep dive into the Dhammapada, verses 277-279, on impermanence, dukkha and insubstantiality.

From the talk entitled Seeing with Insight - Dhammapada Verses 277 to 279 which is part of the series The Dhammapada - the Buddha’s Way of Truth given at ...

Padmaloka Retreat Centre
Padmaloka Retreat Centre

The Perfection of Meditation - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 8

By Satyakirti on Thu, 21 May, 2020 - 15:51

The Perfection of Meditation - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 8

By Satyakirti on Thu, 21 May, 2020 - 15:51


“What is so special about me?” - Shantideva’s Perfection of Meditation

In the penultimate talk in his series devoted to the Bodhicaryavatara, Padmavajra explores chapter eight, the Perfection of Meditation (dhyana paramita). In this chapter, Shantideva tells us that in order to go deeply into meditation, we need to go into the solitude of body and mind, renouncing all worldly attachments and the usual way in which we relate to others. Having doing that, he shows how to develop an...

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

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...

Free Buddhist Audio
Free Buddhist Audio

Dharmabyte: Craving in the Modern World

By Sadayasihi on Thu, 23 Apr, 2020 - 14:00

Padmavajra takes a deep look at the marvellous, terrifying, visionary world of the Bardo Thodol, or ‘Tibetan Book of the Dead’.

In this episode, we plunge fearlessly down into the lower realms of the wheel of life to meet the beings who inhabit - and the Buddhas who come to meet them. A sobering but strongly felt evocation of how we make the worlds with our minds - and what we might do to counteract the dangers.

From the talk On...

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...

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