Buddhistisches Tor Berlin Podcast (Buddhistisches Tor Berlin)

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition:

“A special transmission outside the scriptures.

No dependence on words.

Direct pointing to the mind.

Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.”

In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind."

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective.

Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings.

Every Buddhist tradition has its own unique history and qualities. Tarapalita explores some of these in celebration of Triratna day.

The mind is our most precious asset. Untrained, it can also be the most dangerous thing in this world. Really, it is the only thing we have control over and can take responsibility for, at least potentially.

In Buddhism, Consciousness is central. It is at the centre of our perception and therefore conditions how we perceive ourselves and the world. It is so powerful that the Buddha said that "All things are preceded by mind, led by mind and produced by mind".

This is why meditation is such a central practice in Buddhism, because we work on our mind with our mind, directly and immediately.

In this talk, Dharmasara explores what the Buddha meant when he said that Mind precedes World. It's a simple statement which has endless implications. It's also a challenging statement since it tackles a view of ourselves and the world which is deeply rooted in materialism.

Join Tarapalita in this talk about How the Buddha´s community grew.

The Buddha was a true individual. Free from everything that we are restricted by and suffer from. Psychologically, socially, emotionally…spiritually. He discovered the causes and sources of his suffering and dissolved them in the profound and sustained depths of awareness. What was left afterwards was the ongoing bliss of Liberation…

On his journey towards that Liberated state, he fully commited himself to following his most subtle and radical spiritual instincts and intuitions, which at points meant going it alone. Fully alone.

And yet…although he finally became an earth-shaking embodiment of what it means to be free from the chains of conditioned existence, a true individual, he spent the rest of his life creating and nurturing a community. One rooted in wisdom, love and integrity, one that is still going strong 2500 years later.

An ongoing story of friendships that we here in Berlin are now a part of.

So how does all this go together? Becoming more individual and also more committed to a community? Why is the spiritual community or Sangha as its traditionally called, one of the Three Jewels every Buddhist bows to? Is just about organised religion promoting itself? Is it just nice people, drinking nice tea, trying to be nice and hoping the world will be nice to them? Perhaps we cynically think we know all about what Sangha means already and if so, has it then become another dead concept neatly ticked off in our mind?

The Buddha saw that we are infinitely stronger together and made sure that his community started and carried on in the right way. When there is so much distress and disharmony in our general collective experience right now, it’s good to remember that things can be different.

We can choose to contribute to the nucleus of a new society by taking responsibly for our own actions and raising our level of consciousness. And as we see with the rest of Buddhisms long history, you really never know how wider conditions change and what that can lead to.

If we play our part in keeping the flame burning strong and true, it’s possible for wider conditions in society to change and for more people to recognise and take up the Buddhas teachings in unexpected and beautiful ways.

It’s happened before, there’s no reason it can’t happen again.

We’re going to take a little journey into all this as Tarapalita talks to us about How the Buddha´s community grew.

Welcome to the second podcast episode of Padmasagara's 4-week meditation course, exploring 'The Essence of Meditation.' This week, we delve into the second line of the Zen tradition saying: "No dependence on words." What does this mean for our lives, and how does it impact us? Join us as we explore these questions, guided by mindfulness of breathing meditation and the captivating story of Zen master Hakuin's quest for healing from 'zen sickness.' As we unfold Hakuin's journey, discover how it sheds light on essential aspects of meditation for your own practice. This is week two of our 4-week course, focusing on the Zen saying: "A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one's own nature, realizing Buddhahood." Don't miss out – tune in and join the exploration!

In this Episode, Padmasagara explores the concluding line of a famous zen saying: "Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.” Drawing from a 9th-century Japanese monk, Kukai's poem, Padmasagara delves into themes of impermanence and beauty expressed through vivid nature and human imagery. Linking the verses to meditation, he discusses its role in clarifying perception by transcending thought worlds and embracing the truth of impermanence. He encourages us to embark on a shared journey of self-exploration, inviting us to fathom the true nature of both ourselves and the world around us. Through this collective exploration, the potential for an enduring sense of joy that transcends boundaries may be gained.

In this talk, Dharmasara looks at a fundamental question: Why on earth should be follow a 2500 year old Religion alles Buddhism?

Welcome to the third podcast episode of Padmasagara's 4-week meditation course, exploring 'The Essence of Meditation.' This week, we delve into the second line of the Zen tradition saying: "No dependence on words." What does this mean for our lives, and how does it impact us? Join us as we explore these questions, guided by mindfulness of breathing meditation and the captivating story of Zen master Hakuin's quest for healing from 'zen sickness.' As we unfold Hakuin's journey, discover how it sheds light on essential aspects of meditation for your own practice. This is week two of our 4-week course, focusing on the Zen saying: "A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one's own nature, realizing Buddhahood." Don't miss out – tune in and join the exploration!

In this episode, Padmasagara delves into the profound wisdom of the Bahiya Sutta. Join us as we explore the story of Bahiya, a revered figure yearning for enlightenment, and his transformative encounter with the Buddha.

Padmasagara unpacks the Buddha's revolutionary teaching: to experience the world directly, free from the burden of concepts and labels. We'll discover how Bahiya grasped this truth, achieving liberation in that very moment.

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition:

“A special transmission outside the scriptures.

No dependence on words.

Direct pointing to the mind.

Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.”

In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind." 

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective.

Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings. 

Join us on a profound journey into the heart of Buddhist practice as Padmavajra explores the fundamental role of energy in spiritual growth. In this fascinating episode, Padmavajra delves into the essence of five essential energies, or virya, that practitioners cultivate to enrich their lives and benefit others.

From Ever-Ready Energy, which instills the readiness to contribute positively at any moment, to Insatiable Energy, characterized by an unending thirst for growth and spiritual progress, each type of energy offers a unique pathway to personal transformation. Through captivating stories from the Buddha's life, personal anecdotes, and timeless teachings, Padmavajra illustrates how these energies can be harnessed to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.

Throughout the discussion, listeners are invited to reflect on the preciousness of human life, seek inspiration from spiritual companions, challenge self-imposed limitations, and share the wisdom of the Dharma with others. Ultimately, Padmavajra illuminates the path towards spontaneous compassionate activity—a selfless response to the needs of the world.

In this episode Tarapalita shares his top ten tips for living a spiritual life…starting with No.1- ‘Don’t try and be spiritual’.  Confused? Indeed.

The Buddha talks about 7 kinds of suffering. The 7th is the suffering of not getting what one wants.

So I would like you to pay attention to that when it hsppens. What is that like when we dont get what we want?. What thoughts arise?, what emotions arise? and very importantly how does that feel in the body? Also notice your relationship to all those things. Your thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. How are you relating to them?

This will lead us into the theme of the talk. Seeing suffering, ending suffering.

I will look at these 3 words and draw out how they relate to 3 sets of Buddhist teachings.

Talk by Arthaketu

Explore the concept of freedom through a Buddhist lens with Dharmasara. This talk delves into the gradual path of self-discovery outlined in Buddhist teachings. Dharmasara examines the idea of liberation from suffering and explores three key areas that can hinder progress: self-attachment, superficial practices, and indecision. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Buddhism, this talk offers insights into core Buddhist principles.

Join us on a profound journey through the life and teachings of Sangharakshita, as Padmavajra, a senior order member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, shares intimate reflections on his revered teacher. In this captivating talk, Padmavajra delves into his personal encounters with Sangharakshita, dating back to the vibrant era of the 1970s. With sincerity and emotion, he recounts the magnetic pull of Sangharakshita's lectures, books, and charismatic presence that left an indelible mark on his spiritual journey.

Through heartfelt anecdotes, Padmavajra unveils the enigmatic personality of Sangharakshita, from humorous moments to profound teachings, revealing the depth of his impact as a guru and mentor. Beyond the Triratna movement, Sangharakshita's influence resonated globally, shaping Buddhist literature, meditation practices, and community-building efforts.

Yet, Padmavajra candidly acknowledges the controversies surrounding Sangharakshita, from unconventional approaches to Buddhism to questions about personal relationships. Despite these challenges, he argues for the enduring value of Sangharakshita's teachings, urging listeners to engage with his profound insights.

With gratitude and reverence, Padmavajra honors Sangharakshita's legacy of love, wisdom, and transformation. His words resonate as an invitation for listeners to explore Sangharakshita's teachings, finding their own paths to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Embark on this exploration of Sangharakshita's legacy, embracing the enduring wisdom he left behind. Tune in to gain insights into the multifaceted contributions of this remarkable teacher and discover how his teachings continue to resonate across various avenues of thought.

In this episode Prasadavati talks about how mindfulness connects theory and practice on the buddhist path.

Being a Buddhist isn’t all about glory and light. Sooner or later we’ll encounter difficult experiences, even grief and death. How will Buddhism help us then?

In this talk, Padmasagara shares a story from the earliest Buddhist texts in which the Buddha helps one of his female followers - Kisagotami - overcome her grief and reach enlightenment.

Dharmasara shares his experience of a three-month retreat in the mountains and reflects on the meaning of becoming a Buddhist. Dharmasara explains that being a Buddhist involves going for refuge to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. He says that these are the three aspects of Buddhism that can help us develop ourselves, overcome suffering, and attain enlightenment, describing what each of these aspects means and how to practice them in our daily lives. Dharmasara concludes by quoting Sangharakshita, who summarises the three processes of turning around that happen when we convert to Buddhism: from limited ideals to an absolute transcendental ideal, from our little systems or habits or views to a path based on unchanging spiritual principles and truths, and from meaningless worldly contact to meaningful communication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gMw04jrNY8&t=35s

Join Tarapalita as he shares his profound experiences from a three-month ordination retreat. In this insightful talk, Tarapalita delves into the practice of walking meditation, reflections on life, and his deep interest in Japanese Buddhism and the teachings of Ajahn Chah. Tarapalita discusses various fears, including fear of loss, discomfort, and insubstantiality, and how these relate to Buddhist teachings on suffering. Tarapalita also emphasizes the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence, insubstantiality, and the unsatisfactory nature of life, and how understanding these can lead to a different experience of reality. Discover how these teachings can transform our understanding of reality and lead to a more mindful and compassionate life.

And what does Kentucky Fried Chickens latest advert ‘Believe in chicken’ have to do with any of this? 🐣🐔🍗🫨

Talk by Tarapalita

In this thought-provoking talk, Padmasagara, shares three impactful stories that have significantly influenced his life and quest for meaning. Beginning with "The NeverEnding Story," a tale of a boy's escape into a fantasy world, the speaker resonates with the desire for adventure beyond the ordinary.

Transitioning to the Vimalakirti Sutra, a Buddhist text featuring a sick bodhisattva imparting wisdom, Padmasagara explores the significance of imagination and the delicate balance between history and myth in shaping one's reality. The third narrative centers on Zen Master Hakuin, a monk afflicted with Zen sickness, cured through introspective meditation by a hermit. The speaker draws parallels between Hakuin's journey and his own experiences of dizziness, emphasizing the need to ground vision in body and energy.

Concluding the talk, Padmasagara engages the audience with reflective questions about their own stories, thresholds, and imagination. Encouraging individuals to become authors of their narratives, he invites them to explore these tales within the Buddhist center, fostering a collective journey towards self-discovery and meaning.

Why do people worship the Buddha if he is not a god? What might Enlightenment actually look and feel like? How do we free ourselves from the suffering caused by clinging?

Tarapalita takes us on a journey through all this and more.

Join Lalitaratna as he explores the essence of puja, a devotional practice honoring the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Discover how this practice can reshape our mental state and perspective on the world. The talk delves into Dharma Vinaya, unpacking the truths of impermanence, no-self, and suffering, along with the transformative path of ethical living, meditation, and wisdom. Lalitaratna uses a journey metaphor to explain spiritual growth, touching on intuition, experience, and reason. The discussion also introduces the 12 positive nidanas, guiding one from life's challenges to enlightenment ultimately.

The video to this talk:

https://youtu.be/ksDOtYYVFWY?si=CZtzcxB543r_EL22

In this insightful talk, Tarapalita delves into the multifaceted nature of the Buddha, challenging the notion of a static and fixed image. Instead, he portrays the Buddha as a dynamic and inspiring figure who conquered fear, ignorance, and suffering, unveiling the profound mysteries of life. The essence lies not in a rigid depiction, but in the transformative journey of overcoming adversity.Tarapalita emphasizes the profound significance of tradition, debunking the misconception that it involves the worship of ashes. Instead, he describes tradition as the passing on of a vibrant fire—an inheritance of vitality. Contrary to the perception of clinging to lifeless forms, tradition is portrayed as a dynamic force, urging individuals to be alive, creative, and energetic in their pursuits related to their practice.Central to the discussion is the concept of Sangha, transcending the superficial understanding as a positive group of friends. Tarapalita unfolds Sangha as a profound level of communication and understanding born from shared practices, collective study, and a unified vision of liberation. It goes beyond mere companionship, evolving into a communal journey toward enlightenment. Through practicing, studying, and aligning with a common vision, the Sangha becomes a transformative force that binds individuals together in their pursuit of spiritual awakening.Tarapalita's talk weaves together the dynamic nature of the Buddha, the vibrant essence of tradition, and the profound depth of Sangha.

The video to this talk: https://youtu.be/EqUMH0fLZeE

Why do so many people love Buddha statues so much in the modern West? You see them everywhere. Many people have Buddha statues and images in their living spaces without knowing anything about Buddhism or even considering themselves Buddhists. In this Episode Tarapalita Explorer this subject further.

Feeling stuck in a dusty life? The Buddha has a radical solution...

This episode dives into the story of Siddhartha Gotama, the future Buddha, and his dramatic "Going Forth" - leaving his comfortable life to become a homeless wanderer.

What is the deeper meaning of this that we can apply to our own lives today?

Join us as we explore the concept of "Going Forth" . Can we break free from the things that hold us back and cultivate a life that's "wide open, like the air?"

Tune in to find out how to transform your own reality, one step at a time.

This week, Sanghadarsini gives a talk on one of the central themes of Buddhism: Friendship. In many instances, the Buddha has emphasised the necessity of Friendship and companionship with people who journey on the path together.

One of those instances is the story of Meghiya, who was a young monk and one of the Buddha's personal attendants. He was an idealistic young chap and quite driven. He wanted to give it his all, and in his strive towards enlightenment was even prepared to leave the Buddha and leave him alone.

Obviously that didn't work. In one of the most interesting teachings of the old scriptures, the Buddha then explains to Meghiya how staying close to friends, especially those who are more developed than we are, is essential if we want to make progress on the path.

What does it really mean to live a Buddhist life? This week Dharmasara dives deep into the heart of Buddhist ethics. We'll explore how Buddhist practice translates into everyday actions, challenging misconceptions about passive detachment. Join us as we uncover the vibrant, nuanced world of Buddhist morality and how it shapes a life of value.

In this talk, Tarapalita looks at the Story of Angulimala: How did a serial killer, who’s passion was cutting off the fingers of people he’d killed to make a delightful necklace for himself, go on to become a disciple of the Buddha and eventually the patron saint of women in childbirth?

And just to say, even if you’re not a serial killer yourself, and you might not be, that’s ok as well, there are plenty of life lessons to be learnt from this story of redemption and transformation with one of the wildest characters in Buddhist history.

If it’s possible for Mr. Fingers to turn his life around and move towards his full blown potential, then it’s possible for us!

This episode dives into the ancient practice of Metta Bhavana, also known as loving-kindness meditation.

Our speaker, Padmasagara, takes you on a personal journey, from a meticulously planned life to a one-way ticket to Venezuela, all while exploring the transformative power of Metta.

Discover how Metta transcends boundaries and divisions, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.

Is Metta just a concept? Or can it truly be a force for harmony in a divided world? Tune in to find out, and remember, wisdom truly meets wonder on the Buddhistisches Tor Berlin podcast.

Metta isn't just something you think, it's something you practice. Start cultivating harmony today.

We began our journey by contemplating the first line of this famous saying from the Zen tradition:

“A special transmission outside the scriptures.

No dependence on words.

Direct pointing to the mind.

Seeing into one’s own true nature, realising Buddhahood.”

In this Episode, we explore the third week of the 'Essence of Meditation' course, drawing inspiration from the third line of a Zen saying : "Direct pointing to the heart-mind." 

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of metta bhavana meditation, a practice often considered challenging. Inspired by the insights of Zen hermit/monk Ryokan, Padmasagara guides us in simplifying and grounding the metta bhavana, making it accessible and effective.

Discover how to cultivate loving-kindness in a straightforward manner, with direct impacts on our hearts and the hearts of all beings. 

What does it mean to be upright in this life?

Well, it means not being spineless.

What does it mean to be spineless?

Being spineless means being utterly self-absorbed and giving in to any and all of your stories or desires.

Being spineless means being a bully, a bitch, a coward or a snitch…

It means playing the eternal victim or treading on others to get to some imagined top.

It means being the kind of person that people don’t respect.

The story goes that the Buddha was enlightened beneath a full moon. The land, the water, the bodhi tree under which he was sitting, as well as the person -his body, heart and mind - were all fully illuminated by and bathed in a reflective, silvery light. He was Enlightened, literally and metaphorically.

We celebrate this moment every year on full-moon day in May - which we call 'Buddha Day'. This weekend, as we edge towards the full moon of July, we'll be celebrating 'Dharma Day', the second major event in the life of the Buddha.

The story continues, saying that…after his enlightenment, the Buddha left the shelter of the bodhi tree in order to share his discovery with others. Not that they always wanted to hear what he had to say! The first person he met along the road was a man named Upaka. The Buddha declared to Upaka that he was a world-conqueror, free from all limitations, enlightened! Upaka simply swayed his head from side to side and said, "may it be so, friend", before carrying on along his way...

But when the Buddha was reunited with five of his former spiritual friends in a wild deer park at Isipatana, it was a different story.

They got it. They could see what had happened to him. They could feel it. They couldn't resist it. And as the Buddha communicated with them, skillfully pointing a finger towards the moon of the enlightened mind, they also - one by one - became enlightened.

The Buddha had successfully communicated the 'Dharma' - the truth, and the teachings that lead towards that vision of truth. He had, to use the traditional language, 'set rolling the Wheel of the Dharma'. The old texts tell us that as that happened:

"the ten-thousand-fold cosmos shivered & quivered & quaked, while a great, measureless radiance appeared in the cosmos, surpassing the light of the gods."

Talk given by Padmasagara

What are the core values you live your life around?

Where exactly did they come from?

Did you make them up yourself?

Did you pick them up somewhere?

Do you know their history? And what does it have to do with Instagram?

In this talk, Tarapalita explores how we become who we are.

The Buddha’s insight was so profound that words alone can’t express it, and we need images and symbols in multiple colours to evoke it.

This week I’ll be developing the theme a little further…

Not only can the profound insight of the Buddha be hinted at through visual images, it can also be expressed through sound.

The sound of the Buddha.

He spoke of it as the beat of his ‘Deathless Drum’.

What on earth could that mean!? Or a better question, what would that sound like?!

And in exploring the sound of the Buddha and his Deathless Drum, we also have to ask ourselves another vital question…

How should we listen to it?

We all know there are many ways to listen to music, and some are much more effective than others!

You don’t want to be listening to the Deathless through crap headphones, so how do we develop a capacity to listen to the Buddha that’s like a sweet sound system with a deep and stable bass?

Talk given by Padmasagara.

In this compelling talk, Tarapalita takes the audience on an intimate journey through the chapters of his life, vividly illustrating his remarkable transformation from a world of music, money, and a dangerous lifestyle to a profound exploration of spirituality through Buddhism.

Tarapalita delves into his early life, sharing insights into a youth spent surrounded by the allure of music, financial pursuits, and associations with gangsters and drug dealers. He opens up about pivotal moments that triggered his curiosity in the realm of spirituality, including the passing of his grandfather, the impactful book "Conversations with God," and a childhood connection with a Buddha statue.

The narrative unfolds as Tarapalita recounts his initial reluctance to engage with Buddhism, describing how a persuasive friend led him to a Buddhist center. He candidly shares his reservations about the cultural aspects of Buddhism and how he overcame those initial hurdles. The story takes a fascinating turn as he becomes captivated by Sangharakshita's talks on tape and experiences intriguing moments during meditation.

Tarapalita pays homage one of his close Buddhist friends, portraying him as a pillar of strength and kindness. This friend becomes an instrumental figure in Tarapalita's journey, guiding him through various challenges and assisting in his transition from a perilous living situation to a supportive men's community.

The talk becomes a celebration of transformation and gratitude as Tarapalita reflects on the positive impact Buddhism has had on his life. He explores the newfound realms of consciousness and wisdom that have opened up for him, attributing this metamorphosis to the teachings and practices of Buddhism. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who extended friendship and guidance, Tarapalita concludes by affirming that the path he embraced undeniably works. In a compelling call to action, he encourages others to persevere on their own journeys, emphasizing the transformative power of Buddhism and the potential for positive change.

In this episode Arthaketu talks about a period from Śāntideva's life within the context of the image of The Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist community. Arthaketu explores three stanzas from a classic buddhist text called the Bodhicariyavatara - meaning 'The way of the Bodhisattva'. The first stanza reads: 'Just as a blind man may find by chance a priceless jewel in a heap of refuse, so, somehow, this Bodhi-spirit is hidden even in me.'

Join us in exploring instances from Siddharta's life before he became enlightened. In this talk we explore what we can learn from his meeting with his first two teachers and how he related to other practices that he tried out on his quest to find the truth.

Welcome to the first podcast episode of Padmasagara's 4-week meditation course, exploring 'The Essence of Meditation.' This week, we delve into the second line of the Zen tradition saying: "No dependence on words." What does this mean for our lives, and how does it impact us? Join us as we explore these questions, guided by mindfulness of breathing meditation and the captivating story of Zen master Hakuin's quest for healing from 'zen sickness.' As we unfold Hakuin's journey, discover how it sheds light on essential aspects of meditation for your own practice. This is week two of our 4-week course, focusing on the Zen saying: "A special transmission outside the scriptures. No dependence on words. Direct pointing to the mind. Seeing into one's own nature, realizing Buddhahood." Don't miss out – tune in and join the exploration!