Cambridge Buddhist Centre Talks
These talks have all been given at Cambridge Buddhist Centre and uploaded to the Free Buddhist Audio website.
In this concluding talk Vaddhaka looks at the nature of things and at the nature of consciousness. He brings in views from various scientists and philosophers, and discusses their relevance for what might happen to consciousness after the death of the physical body.
Vaddhaka finishes with his...
In the final two talks of the series Vaddhaka broadens the scope beyond Buddhist notions of rebirth to explore more generally what might happen when we die.
In this talk he looks at different writers imagining in fiction what might happen if our consciousness continues after the death of the...
In this second talk on the truth or otherwise of rebirth and karma, Vaddhaka focuses on three specific areas; (i) the phenomenon of tulkus or reincarnate lamas, (ii) the scientific evidence for rebirth, and (iii) near-death-experiences. He concludes with Sangharakshita’s considerations on...
In this first of two talks on whether rebirth is true, Vaddhaka explores when and where beliefs in rebirth and karma emerged. Did they emerge from the desire for the universe to be a just universe?
What exactly does Buddhism teach about rebirth? Is the person who is reborn the same as the one who lives now? Or are they different?
Is there life after death? The Buddha taught rebirth, but what exactly did he teach? What’s the evidence for rebirth? Do we have to believe in rebirth to be a Buddhist? What can modern writers, philosophers and scientists add to the debate around life after death?
In this series of six talks...
In this short series given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre in early 2016, Vessantara explores Sangharakshita's idea that fundamentally there is one spiritual experience, which has different aspects that we can unfold. All the talks are linked together not only through ideas but also through a...
In this short series given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre in early 2016, Vessantara explores Sangharakshita's idea that fundamentally there is one spiritual experience, which has different aspects that we can unfold. All the talks are linked together not only through ideas but also through a...
In this short series given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre in early 2016, Vessantara explores Sangharakshitas idea that fundamentally there is one spiritual experience, which has different aspects that we can unfold. All the talks are linked together not only through ideas but also through a...
We've remastered this short series of talks given at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre in early 2016, where Vessantara explores Sangharakshita's idea that fundamentally there is one spiritual experience, which has different aspects that we can unfold. All the talks are linked together not only through...
Padmavajra has nearly 50 years experience of practising Buddhism. A cherished teacher and friend throughout Triratna and close disciple of Sangharakshita. Amidst the ever changing nature of life one thing is certain - we will die. Buddhism has a unique perspective on this explored in this series....
Arthapriya, much loved friend, Kalyana Mitra, public and private preceptor, diagnosed with terminal cancer early 2024 shares his remarkable experience in this tender, uplifting interview: Amidst the ever changing nature of life one thing is certain - we will die. Buddhism has a unique perspective...
When Vaddhaka first came into contact with Buddhism in his mid-forties he was, to use his own words, "a hard-bitten materialist, a disillusioned, sceptical Marxist, a rationalist." He was ignorant of the basics of Buddhism, and yet he was caught by something in Sangharakshita's...
Nagabodhi's book : The Boy, the Monk, the Man examines the life of Sangharakshita - audacious reformer, and for some a deeply controversial figure. In an absorbing narrative, Nagabodhi takes us on a journey through the twists and turns of Sangharakshita’s life; the experiences, insights...
Padmasuri talks about the nature of Sangha as part of our annual Sangha Day festival.
A talk by Amarachandra for Parinirvana Day, during the Coronavirus lockdown, on Themes from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.
Part of our Sangha Night series on Compassion for a Modern World.
The Buddha represents the spiritual ideal of Buddhism and through his life and teaching he exemplified a path of increasing selflessness, loving-kindness and a deep desire to help people achieve liberation. So how do we follow the...
In a special virtual Sangha Night, Saddharaja continues the theme of 'the taste of freedom' exploring how freedom is won when we make the effort to untie the knots of superficiality that sap our energy, block our creativity and waste our true potential.
The talk is introduced by...
Three members of the Cambridge Sangha give three different perspectives on the subject of change, each from a personal point of view, to mark our Parinirvana Day festival celebrations.
Buddhist ethics are not about conforming to a set of conventions, not about ‘being good’ in order to gain rewards. Instead, living ethically springs from the awareness that other people are no different from yourself. You can actively develop this awareness, through cultivating love,...
Buddhist ethics are not about conforming to a set of conventions, not about ‘being good’ in order to gain rewards. Instead, living ethically springs from the awareness that other people are no different from yourself. You can actively develop this awareness, through cultivating love,...
Three talks from three mitras from differing backgrounds on 'Why I am a Buddhist'.
In one of his best known teachings, the Buddha taught that there are five precious qualities that we need to nurture in order to realise our true potential. These are the qualities of faith, wisdom, energy, concentration and mindfulness. And whilst growth can never be linear or exactly the same for...
Our keynote talk from Sangha Day 2019. (Please note that, unfortunately, the latter part of the talk is missing from the recording).
Four Order members from the Cambridge Sangha, two with many years of experience who knew Bhante personally and two more recently ordained, reflect on Bhante Sangharakshita, one year on from his death.
As part of our Dharma Revolution Day, marking the 3rd anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism along with hundreds of thousands of his followers, in Nagpur, India, Sanghanath interviews Padmasuri about her experiences.
As a young English-born Order member, Padmasuri went...
Kalyanashi explains how spiritual community is at the heart of everything we do in Triratna and how we can contribute to it, and go more deeply into this essential refuge.
What is the Blue Jewel of Buddhism? How can it manifest and thrive within our lives in the 21 st Century, high-tech world with all it’s demands?
Amarachandra introduces us to the Yellow Jewel – the Buddha Refuge, with her characteristic knowledge and enthusiasm, and experience of Dharma practice in several countries of the world.
When the Buddha gained enlightenment 2,500 years ago he discovered and entered into a new way of being. In this second night of our series we hear from Sanghajata, an experienced Order member, exploring the theme of 'Happiness comes from within'.