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Dharmachakra

Free Buddhist Audio has been serving free recordings of high quality, full-length Dharma talks since 2006. Over 3 million downloads and counting... Get our free weekly Dharma talk podcast with inspiring speakers on Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness.

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787 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes787

Newest first

Nov 24, 2012 · 45 min
The Buddha and Friendship
Our FBA Podcast this week, "The Buddha and Friendship," by Vajratara, begins by looking at how the symbols of the individual spiritual journey is really a story about a network of relationships. Every symbol is born out of relationship. It's living tradition that gives confidence, it's not about your own individual practice – your own individual practice is just a part of the Buddhist tradition and the Buddhist community. With references to Indra's Net, from the Avatamsaka Sutra, Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra and descriptions of the Bodhicitta, Vajratara delivers an inspiring and engaging look at how our collective practice is essential for the arising of the Bodhicitta.
Nov 17, 2012 · 1 hr 18 min
People of Loving Kindness
Our FBA Podcast today, "People of Loving Kindness," is a lovely talk from Padmavajra, given to celebrate Sangha Day in Birmingham. And who better to conjure the spirit of loving kindness as it permeates a community practising together and supporting each other in their great, shared endeavour.
Nov 10, 2012 · 1 hr 2 min
Sangha in the Context of Contemporary Buddhism
Our FBA Podcast today, "Sangha in the Context of Contemporary Buddhism," is from two of our speakers, Parami and Ratnaghosha. Together they deliver two excellent talks that reflect on the area of sangha from inner and outer perspectives respectively. How does the FWBO's approach square up with that of other traditions? And how might we continue to work on our practice of sangha as an integral part of our personal practice of the Dharma. As usual from two of our most thoughtful speakers, there is much to consider here – in which any Buddhist will likely recognise the challenge and the joy. This is the last in the series organised by 'Dharmapala College' to mark the 40th anniversary of the Western Buddhist Order. The series looked at the Order and the FWBO taken together – past and future: its own emphases, and its relationship to the whole Buddhist tradition…
Nov 3, 2012 · 47 min
Building Sangha, Creating Harmony
Our FBA Podcast "Building Sangha, Creating Harmony" is a beautiful talk by Vajrasara. Here she explores the value of spiritual community, ways to encourage fuller harmony, and the many opportunities in friendship for waking up.
Oct 27, 2012 · 40 min
Sangha As An Insight Practice
OurFBA Podcast this week "Sangha As An Insight Practice," is a thoughtful, inspirational and, in some places, challenging exploration of how Sangha can be a practice leading to Insight. Please note: the last few minutes of this talk are missing, for a transcript see our description on freebuddhistaudio.com.
Oct 20, 2012 · 34 min
Creating Sangha and Changing the World
Our FBA Podcast is titled "Creating Sangha and Changing the World" – an inspirational exploration of the Third Jewel by Saddhaloka. He looks at the distinguishing role of Sangha, spiritual community, in the development and life of the Triratna Buddhist Order, and, in fact, in any kind of Buddhist spiritual life. Saddhaloka here is steady and thoughtful as ever… Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2002 This is the first talk in the series of the same name. It touches on aspects of Sangharakshita's 'system of meditation', and most specifically the area of positive emotion. Parami is an ideal guide for this sort of material, steeped as she is in study and practice engaged with in the light of the 'Bodhichitta', and the Bodhisattva Ideal itself.
Oct 13, 2012 · 1 hr
The Awakening Heart
Our FBA Podcast, this week is from the delightfully inspirational Parami titled "The Awakening Heart." This is the first talk in the series of the same name. It touches on aspects of Sangharakshita's 'system of meditation', and most specifically the area of positive emotion. Parami is an ideal guide for this sort of material, steeped as she is in study and practice engaged with in the light of the 'Bodhichitta', and the Bodhisattva Ideal itself. Parami is the International Women's Order Convener for the Triratna Buddhist Order.
Oct 6, 2012 · 44 min
The Alchemy of Wisdom
FBA Podcast, "The Alchemy of Wisdom," Yashobodhi introduces the perfection of wisdom in a series on the Six Paramitas at a West London Buddhist Centre Sangha night in May 2012. Followed by questions and answers.
Sep 29, 2012 · 37 min
Conditionality and Meditation
FBA Podcast, this week, "Conditionality and Meditation" is a talk by Vessantara who has just completed a three year, three month, three day retreat. Conditionality is a central theme of the teaching of the Buddha, and it is very helpful to bring our understanding of it into the arena of our meditation practice. During this talk, Vessantara looks at how to set up good conditions for our meditation to unfold in a natural, expansive way. He also explores how to meditate on conditionality, so that we take our understanding of it deeper, until we know its truth in our bones, and conditionality becomes our natural way of seeing the world. Talk given at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2012.
Sep 22, 2012 · 46 min
The Therigatha and the Problem of Self
Today's FBA Podcast, "The Therigatha and the Problem of Self"by Dassini, takes us into the lives of the early bhikkunis. Two verses by elderly nuns, Dhamma and Citta, give rise to reflection on letting go of fixed self view as a major component of breaking through to Enlightenment.
Sep 15, 2012 · 54 min
The Six Elements
FBA Podcast, "The Six Elements," Ratnaprabha introduces us to earth, water, fire, air, space and consciousness as the mystery of human experience. He then describes how to use the elements in meditation and life.
Sep 8, 2012 · 1 hr 2 min
Continuous Spiritual Death – Continuous Spiritual Rebirth
FBA Podcast, "Continuous Spiritual Death – Continuous Spiritual Rebirth" Padmavajra speaks about the stages of spiritual death and rebirth, specifically how to prepare for them, how they can be seen in all the stages of the path, as well as where they lead. Talk given on a Kula Gathering at Padmaloka, 2012.
Sep 1, 2012 · 57 min
Let your Inner Riches Shine
This week's FBA Podcast is a delightful talk by Danapriya titled: "Let your Inner Riches Shine." Exploring the themes of generosity and abundance, we are led into the heart of Buddhist practice.
Aug 25, 2012 · 41 min
Dana – the Emotional Life of the Sangha
In this week's FBA Podcast "Dana – the Emotional Life of the Sangha," Samacitta puts the practice of generosity under the microscope in this engaging talk on the first paramita. When we perform an act of generosity, what exactly is happening? How does it relate to the development of Wisdom? Is there such a thing as purely mental generosity and how effective is it? This talk explains the 'why', 'what' and how' of Dana-Paramita.
Aug 18, 2012 · 58 min
The Buddha's Advice to a Banker
This week's FBA Podcast was first given on Lord Buddha TV in India. In "The Buddha's Advice to a Banker" Subhuti talks about a conversation the Buddha had with his leading Lay disciple, who was one of the wealthiest men in North India. What makes him significant is that he was also recognised as a non-returner. In this conversation the Buddha talks as prosperity, wealth and what makes for happiness. We see both his straight-forward common sense and his vision for the depth and meaning of human life. Although advice given two and a half thousand years ago it holds good today. It is not wealth that bring meaning to life but the qualities of your mind and the relationships around us. This talk was given at the London Buddhist Centre
Aug 11, 2012 · 1 hr
All In This Together – Is It Time For a Buddhist Economics?
In today's FBA Podcast, "All In This Together – Is It Time For a Buddhist Economics?" Kavyasiddhi delivers beautifully in this first of a series of public talks at Manchester Buddhist Centre entitled 'Buddhism and the Big Question'.
Aug 4, 2012 · 50 min
The Alternative to God
Our FBA Podcast this week "The Alternative to God" is a very thought provoking talk by Maitreyabandhu. Does God exist or not? How do you know? A thoughtful and critical look at this age old question in light of the Buddha's teachings. Talk given at the London Buddhist Centre in November 2006.
Jul 28, 2012 · 42 min
Finding Freedom
"The true revolutionary is guided by love." (Che Guevara). In this weeks FBA Podcast, "Finding Freedom," Amalaketu explores freedom through images and stories and the Chappanakopama sutta, the discourse on the simile of the 6 animals, and shows how Buddhism is the way to ultimate liberation.
Jul 21, 2012 · 59 min
What is Enlightenment?
This week's FBA Podcast is a quietly passionate talk by Jinapriya titled: "What is Enlightenment" – impossible to pin down and utterly transformative. His main theme within the frame of such a big question is the struggle to live our lives in the present moment, especially in the face of pain. We are met with a thoughtful series of reflections, stories and images that all look to open up the gates of perception, and prepare the heart for the biggest change imaginable and possible for all. In that sense, this is a truly optimistic talk. Talk given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2003
Jul 14, 2012 · 39 min
Songs of the Elder Sisters
This weeks FBA Podcast, "Songs of the Elder Sisters" is one of a series of talks on the Therigatha, the songs or poems of the nuns at the time of the Buddha. Here, Gunasiddhi gently explores the three themes of Going Forth, Friendship and Impermanence through these tender yet powerful stories.