How can we cultivate a connection with the Buddha as a Spiritual friend? Why would we do that? In this short talk Singhamati explores this theme, offering practical suggestions and encouragement for anyone interested in exploring or deepening their connection with the Buddha.

In this talk Padmavajra explores the Altruistic dimension of Going for Refuge - The Bodhisattva Ideal - through Bhante's poem 'The Guardian Wall'. He particularly explores the line in the poem: 'The loveliest Bodhisattvas are the anonymous' and what this means for somebody aspiring to practice the great ideal of the Bodhisattva. Talk given at Padmaloka retreat centre during the 'Bodhisattva Ideal' retreat in January 2020.

In this talk Padmavajra explores the Altruistic dimension of Going for Refuge - The Bodhisattva Ideal - through Bhante's poem 'The Guardian Wall'. He particularly explores the line in the poem: 'The loveliest Bodhisattvas are the anonymous' and what this means for somebody aspiring to practice the great ideal of the Bodhisattva. Talk given at Padmaloka retreat centre during the 'Bodhisattva Ideal' retreat in January 2020.

In the game of life we wander between realms, moving from lower states to higher as our actions affect the state of our mind. Continuing from last week's talk, Pradaya completes the tour of the third ring of the wheel of life, the six realms of worldly existence which depict the kinds of world we can live in according to our state of mind. His talk focuses on the worlds of animals, gods and humans, informing us on how to recognise which realm we're in and how to create opportunities for growth. The human realm is unique in being a doorway through which one may leave the endless cycles of the wheel and step onto the spiral path, the upward path of spiritual development which leads all the way to the boundless freedom and bliss of Enlightenment. In the words of Sangharakshita, 'our first task in the spiritual life is to become a happy, healthy human being'. This series of talks explores three great Buddhist symbols that describe the way things are: the wheel of life, the spiral path and the ultimate goal of Enlightenment. Together they form a guide to escape from the ultimate vicious circle into the complete freedom and fulfilment of Awakening. Questions for reflection and discussion: How much of your life is spent dwelling on the fulfilment of your basic needs? What helps you to be a happy, healthy human? Recorded at Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 28.1.20