Vajragupta (m) offers a Buddhist myth of the asuras, the Titan realm on the Wheel of Life, as a way of seeing and understanding the social and political times we are living through. In this myth, the Buddha appears in the realm of the asuras holding a sword. What does that symbolize? Vajragupta suggests it can be seen as a sword of fearlessness, a sword of truth and wisdom, a sword of justice, and the sword of the archetypal "king".

This talk was given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2022.

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The Rise of the Asuras and the Sword of Wisdom

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Podcast #590 "The Rise of the Asuras and the Sword of Wisdom"

A beautiful performance (on only 2 rehearsals!) from the on-site choir as part of the weekend celebrating both the Arts  in spiritual life and the 90th birthday of Urgyen Sangharakshita.

For more: www.thebuddhistcentre.com/tags/conscious-surrender

04 Milarepa's Eight Wonderful Examples by Vipulakirti followed by Avalokiteshvara Mantra

In the third and final talk from the 2019 Triratna International Gathering, Prasadacarin explores the theme of 'transforming world'. Taking 'everything is burning with the three fires of greed, hatred and delusion' as his starting point, he poses the question: what are the alternatives to these fires?

The three jewels of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are a framework that could transform the world and Prasadacarin draws out what each jewel or refuge can offer. 

Building on the previous days' themes of transforming self and transforming through Sangha, Prasadacarin expresses the conviction  that making the Dharma available is our main responsibility and shares his confidence will help fundamentally change society for the better.

For more: thebuddhistcentre.com/internationalretreat

Prasadacarin - Transforming World (Triratna International Gathering 2019)

A conversation with two of the most experienced members of the Order in India, the pioneering Amoghasiddhi And Amritasiddhi from Nagpur. Mahamati explores with them the history of Triratna in India - and how a new generation of Indian Buddhists adopted a radical Dharma life in the name of freedom from oppression and liberation for all.

Recorded at Adhisthana in August 2019.

More at https://thebuddhistcentre.com/internationalretreat.

Celebrating Internationality – India (Triratna International Gathering 2019)

And now... Celebrating Internationality in Triratna: Latin America edition!

Vanaraji in conversation with Gleysa from Venezuela and Salvador from Mexico, on how the Dharma has changed their lives as young Buddhists in the Triratna community.

Recorded at Adhisthana, August 2019.

More at thebuddhistcentre.com/internationalretreat

Celebrating Internationality – Latin America (Triratna International Gathering 2019)

Amalavajra from Future Dharma Fund - which supports Triratna projects around the world - invites two young people to share their stories of transformation.

We hear from Deepak, a young man from India, whose life has been changed utterly since coming across Triratna when he was seventeen. He movingly shares his story of growing up in the caste system and how practising the Dharma allowed him to 'reclaim his humanity'. Gleysa from Venezuela, who has recently finished the Dharma Life course at Adhisthana, also expresses her gratitude for the support she has received.

In this session, Amalavajra introduces us to "the profound spiritual practice of being asked for money" - a crucible in which we can transform if we can sit with the discomfort of 'yes' and 'no'...

+ Follow thebuddhistcentre.com/futuredharma to find out more about the work of Future Dharma Fund.

In The Alchemist's Crucible (Triratna International Gathering 2019)

In this audio interview, meditation teacher Paramananda talks about his book 'The Myth of Meditation'.

Paramananda on 'The Myth of Meditation'

Amalamati habla sobre el misterioso gurú Padmasambhava y explica algunas historias sobre la vida de este.

Amalamati - El Misterioso Guru Padmasambhava

Here are two wonderfully passionate members of the Order talking across generations about the need to open up effective pathways of commitment for young people as they connect and engage with the possibilities in a Buddhist life. 

Subhadramati has pioneered such pathways for women for many years at the London Buddhist Centre, one of the biggest Centres in Europe. She discusses her plans for 2020 to start a women's community in London where she and a few experienced friends will share a home with several younger women exploring the Buddhist path. 

Prajnaketu, the convener of young Buddhist activities in Triratna for Europe, shares what he thinks worked for him as a young person in Oxford investigating the Dharma life and wanting to take initiative as part of his practice. What follows is a great, urgent conversation about the ways in which young people can be encouraged, given space and allowed to find their voice. 

Recorded at the Triratna International Council in England, September 2019.

The Buddhist Centre Podcast

Prajnaketu & Subhadramati - Encouraging Young People On The Path

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Podcast #590 "The Rise of the Asuras and the Sword of Wisdom"

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