• The Human Realm
    Nov 19 2025

    What does it mean to be human? Dhammadinna's gently balanced and encouraging talk explores various perspectives on one of the fundamental questions, and clearly lays out various Buddhist approaches to the nature of our existence and consciousness, especially in relation to the other realms of the Tibetan wheel of life. Cherishing the opportunities is one of the challenges of this reflection - and this is a great way to begin. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Preciousness and Rarity of Human Life, given as part of the series The Four Mind-Turning Reflections, Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, 2005.

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    5 mins
  • The Music of Impermanence in the Six Realms
    Nov 17 2025

    Bhadra describes the six realms as a mirror in which to fully know the particulars of our own self created universe. Here, we learn how the presence of Avalokitesvara in the God Realm teaches of impermanence through music. Excerpted from the talk Wheel of Life: 3 - Practice As Knowing Where You Stand, given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2017.

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    3 mins
  • The Symbol of the Wheel of Life
    Nov 10 2025

    Maitreyi's visit to the Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, talking about communicating through symbols, this time round through the hub of the wheel of life. Excerpted from the talk entitled Communicating Through Symbols: The Hub of the Wheel of Life given at Mid Essex Buddhist Centre, 2020.

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    Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.

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    11 mins
  • Taming Spirits and Demons
    Nov 6 2025

    Vishvapani talks here about the Buddha's response to society's need for protection from demons the spirit world. Excerpted from the talk The Buddha and Society, part of the series Gautama Buddha, Birmingham, 2011. This series marked the launch of Vishvapani's book: 'Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One' (Quercus, 2011).

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    4 mins
  • Mara the Mischief Maker
    Nov 3 2025

    Dharmacharini Vidyajyoti, who passed away in 2010, offers a sparkling talk on a key part of the Buddha's legendary life story - his encounter with Mara. She's the ideal person to introduce the figure and the seriousness of her topic comes through well amidst the laughter and the key references to art and culture.

    Mara isn't the devil but what he represents is a challenge for us all in everyday life. Let Vidyajyoti's voice from the past bring him to life and show the ways to beat him…Excerpted from the talk simply entitled Mara.

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    5 mins
  • Conquering Mara
    Oct 30 2025

    The full moon in May is celebrated as the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment and his victory over the demon Mara. Sangharakshita explains what Mara represents and how he can be overcome. As well as containing much that will fascinate experienced Buddhists, this is also an excellent introductory lecture. Excerpted from the talk entitled The Buddha's Victory given in 1987.

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    7 mins
  • We Cannot Live in Isolation
    Oct 30 2025

    Khemasuri explores the message of Transforming the World in The Sutra of Golden Light at Sangha Night, Sheffield Buddhist Centre 2008. Excerpted from the talk Transforming the World given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2008.

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    5 mins
  • Let the Sutra Come Through Like a Dream
    Oct 27 2025

    Here Vajratara encourages her audience to enter a Mahayana text like one would reflect on a dream. Excerpted from the talk The Sutra of Golden Light given at Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 2008.

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    Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week.

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    4 mins