Dharmabytes from free buddhist audio
Religion & Spirituality
About
Dharmabytes features bite-sized dharma, three times a week, from the Free Buddhist Audio archives. Themed in conjunction with our weekly full length talk podcast, these are inspiring short extracts from over 5,000 talks on Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness!Tune in, be inspired!
Episodes
- At the Brink of Enlightenment
Suddhaka shares experiences as an Order Member to illustrate overcoming unhelpful psychological conditioning, drawing from Sangharakshita's 1969 talk.
- A Journey of Discovery
Dhivan explores the Buddha's noble quest, as told in the Ariyapariyesana-sutta, examining its relevance as a model for self-development within the Dharma life.
- Confronting Mara
Shubhavyuha discusses how to address inner obstacles, drawing parallels with early Buddhist women confronting Mara, the embodiment of hindrances. This excerpt is from a talk at Taraloka Retreat Centre.
- A Conscious Effort to be Kind
Bodhidasa shares insights on connecting with the transcendent through everyday devotion, drawing inspiration from Milarepa. This episode explores moving beyond typical conceptions of the Dharma Path.
- Transforming Demons
Balajit explores the potential of working with emotion as a process for transformation. This is an excerpt from the talk "Perfect Emotion" given in 2021.
- Maintaining Our Vision
A lecture from Dharmabytes features Sangharakshita reflecting on impermanence and his future hopes, given on the 20th anniversary of the Order's foundation.
- Together, A Force for Good in the World
Sanghagita discusses Avalokitesvara, the embodiment of the Triratna Buddhist Order, and how the community, through Avalokitesvara's thousand hands, can become a Bodhisattva responsive to the world's suffering.
- Views that Liberate the Mind
This Dharmabytes episode features Vishvapani discussing the Buddha's experiences leading up to, during, and after his Enlightenment. The talk draws on words attributed to the Buddha to explore his journey.
- The Buddha's Gift of Communication
Sangharakshita discusses the origins of ritual offering symbolism in Hinayana and Mahayana traditions, and its later development within Tantric offerings, specifically the Mandala.
- Through the Lens of Love
Karunagita, author of A Path For Parents, shares insights on integrating spiritual practice into parenting, viewing it as a distinct context for personal growth, habit alteration, and deepening awareness and love. The talk
- Concentration meditation and presence meditation
Upayavira shares insights on meditating with children, detailing how parents can practice concentration and presence meditation even with young children around, highlighting potential benefits.
- Tranquility and the Dharma Doors of Parenting
This episode features Amaragita exploring Buddhist practice and parenting, noting that while tranquility is challenging with children, gaining perspective can alter one's view of situations.
- Cherishing Positive Emotion
This episode features Padmavajra discussing the Buddhist concepts of love, beginning with its roots in the Pali Canon and Mahayana sutras. It is the first in a series about Metta Bhavana practice and
- Practice Unfolding in Collective Context
Sanghamani discusses the transformative power of acknowledging human imperfections in spiritual guides, drawing faith from this in her own unfolding practice within a collective setting. This talk was excerpted from a 2014 event at Adhisth…
- A Steadfast Gaze In Relation to Others
Vajratara explores discipleship as a practice rooted in faithfulness and a steadfast gaze on deeply held values. This understanding of Going for Refuge is shared through friendship, practice, and devotion, as discussed in this excerpt from…
- Awakening As Gratitude
This Dharmabytes episode explores Awakening as gratitude, inspired by a story of the Buddha. It suggests that the Awakened mind feels supported by others and conditions, contrasting with a grasping mind.
- Characteristics of reality
This episode discusses the Buddha's teaching on the three characteristics of conditioned existence: impermanence, insubstantiality, and imperfection. It explores how reflecting on these marks can influence our expectations and lead toward…
- We Have to Start Somewhere
Suddhayu explains the importance of meditation as a refuge during difficult times, highlighting its role in tending to one's own inner state and influencing the world beyond the meditation cushion. This excerpt is from a talk given at Arya…
- Confidence in the Buddhist Tradition
This Dharmabytes episode features Aryajaya's exploration of the first seven verses of the Cetokhila Sutta. It focuses on the conditions that enable or hinder spiritual growth, specifically addressing five 'wastelands' like doubt and anger…
- The Buddha as a Wise Friend
Jinapriya discusses the quicksilver, transformative nature of Enlightenment and the struggle to live in the present, especially when facing pain. This talk is excerpted from "What is Enlightenment?" given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre in 20…
- Going for Refuge to the Buddha
Sangharakshita discusses the Buddha's life and explores how to define or categorize him, in an excerpt from his 1968 talk "Who is the Buddha?".
- Vajrasattva is Connected With Death
Sangharakshita discusses the connection between Vajrasattva and death, sharing personal anecdotes. The lecture explores impermanence and the Buddha's Parinirvana, referencing the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.
- In Praise of Ananda
This episode features Vadanya sharing the Buddha's final words of encouragement and public praise for his devoted companion, Ananda, who is overcome with grief.
- The Journey to Kushinara
Kavyamani shares the story of the Buddha's final days and Parinirvana, drawing on the power of narrative to convey deeper truths about human life. This episode is excerpted from the 2022 talk "In the Footsteps of the Buddha Retreat (6 of 6…
- King Ajatasattu
Amarachandra recounts themes from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, focusing on King Ajatasattu, a Buddha disciple who considered going to war. The excerpt comes from a 2021 talk during Coronavirus lockdown at Cambridge Buddhist Centre.
- Attending Closely to the Transient Nature of Things
Punyamala explores Buddhist teachings on impermanence and how to live with the fact of death, drawing from a 2015 talk at Taraloka Retreat Centre.
- What Legacy Will You Leave?
Bodhidasa uses the image of the reclining Buddha to explore how individuals, like the Buddha, continue to be a force for good and leave a lasting legacy through inspiration and remembrance after their physical passing.
- What happens to the Buddha when he dies?
This Dharmabytes episode features a Sangharakshita lecture on the Buddha's Parinirvana, detailing six essential meditation practices for achieving Enlightenment, referred to as the 'Deathless'. The talk is an excerpt from the 1972 series '…
- Exemplification in the Aryasangha
Sraddhagita discusses spiritual friendship, referencing Rumi's poem "On Being Woven." The content is an excerpt from a 2016 talk titled "Things You Can Learn From Geese."
- A Sense of Solidarity with Others
Vishangka discusses the meaning of a full Buddhist life, emphasizing the roles of meditation and community. This is an excerpt from the talk "Awake to Life" given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre.
- What Kind of Buddha Will You Become?
This Dharmabytes episode features Ratnaghosha discussing contemplation of a Buddha's virtues and the concept of spiritual rebirth, as presented in the fifth talk of a series on the Five Stages of Spiritual Life.
- Nothing is Random
This Dharmabytes episode features Khemasuri discussing Milarepa, the consequences of his actions, and the law of karma. It explores how Milarepa's understanding impacted his life and poses the question of whether it can affect listeners si…
- Karma and the Six Realms
Nagapriya provides an introduction to karma and rebirth, explaining their relationship to Buddhist ethics. The discussion is an excerpt from a 2000 talk titled "Understanding Karma and Buddhist Ethics."
- To Be A Human Being
Akasaraja explores the question of why the Buddha seemingly left the world, discussing the nature of presence and absence in human encounters. The reflection concludes that true presence is achieved through absence, or by stepping aside.
- An Upward Spiraling Trend
Dharmaprabha explores conditioned co-production using personal experience with chronic illness, referencing early Buddhist formulations like pratitya samutpada and the four noble truths as guidance for practice.
- Glimpses of The Beyond
Suryadarshini discusses her personal experience of moving away from suffering and towards joy, incorporating the teaching of the spiral path. This is an excerpt from a 2018 talk given at the Norwich Buddhist Centre.
- The Story of Bahiya
This episode, "The Story of Bahiya," features an excerpt from Sangharakshita's 1965 talk "Stream Entry." It discusses how the Wheel of Life governs experience and how the path to Enlightenment can halt this cycle.
- Taking Responsibility for Our Mental States
Paramabandhu shares reflections on over 30 years of practice within the London Buddhist Centre Sangha. The talk is an excerpt from "As Fire Tests Gold," given in 2021.
- Living in the Present
Srivati offers a talk on living in the present moment, examining the nuances of past and present, memory, and expectation. The discussion utilizes storytelling and poetry to explore impermanence and encourage presence.
- Think Deeply, Stand Up and Celebrate
Gunaketu's talk, given at an Oslo Sangha retreat, focuses on the prerequisite of exploring and cultivating our best selves for becoming true individuals and creating spiritual community.
- Context is Everything
This Dharmabytes episode explores the concept of Sangha, its links to truth and relationships, and the significance of community and spiritual friendships in understanding Dharma, drawing from Sanghadhara's reflections.
- We Are Deeply Connected to Each Other
Suryagupta examines the rise of war, destruction, and conflict in the world and in individual lives. The episode explores how to live in a way that fosters a less conflicted world and a more creative, integrated existence.
- Collectively and Individually Spreading the Dharma
Maitrivajri examines gender and leadership within the framework of Sangharakshita's five aspects of the true individual. This content is an excerpt from a 2014 talk.
- The Spirit that Comes Through Us
This Dharmabytes episode features Subhadramati interviewing Buddhist artist Amitajyoti about her artistic work and Buddhist practice. It includes information about Amitajyoti's art and ways listeners can support Free Buddhist Audio.
- Everyone Needs the Dharma- Milarepa's Song
This episode features Sangharakshita emphasizing the universal applicability of Buddhism beyond its Eastern cultural associations. He argues for the necessity of a non-sectarian Buddhist movement in the West, drawing from a 1979 talk.
- Grow Into Real Individuality
Rijumati discusses meditation within the context of personal growth, offering a path to address fundamental questions about identity and life direction. The content is excerpted from a talk given at Centro Budista Triratna de Barcelona.
- Bringing Mindfulness More Into Our Lives
This Dharmabytes episode features Vadanya discussing how focusing on reality over mental noise can enrich life and create vivid experiences of beauty. It raises questions about whether present-moment awareness alone leads to happiness or i…
- People Just Want to Be Happy
This Dharmabytes episode, "People Just Want to Be Happy," addresses the universal desire for peace and contentment. It explores the Buddhist perspective that our experience dictates whether we find satisfaction or grasping, and discusses t…
- Three Points of Transition
Sangharakshita explains the Buddha's enlightenment by discussing the twelve negative and twelve positive nidanas, which represent reactive and progressive trends within conditionality.
- The Human Realm
Dhammadinna discusses Buddhist approaches to understanding human existence and consciousness, relating them to the realms of the Tibetan wheel of life. The talk encourages cherishing opportunities for reflection.