Best Free Buddhist Audio Podcasts (2025)

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Akshobya’s Appearance in the Bardo Thodol 4:33

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3h ago4:33

4:33

Saddharaja describes the qualities of Akshobya, the great blue Buddha of the eastern quarter of the mandala - the Unshakeable One, the Imperturbable Akshobya, with a reading from the Bardo of Thodol. Excerpted from the talk Akshobya given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2001 *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebudd…

1
Themes From The Bardo Thodol 40:05

4d ago40:05

40:05

Satyaraja offers this practical exploration of some themes from the Bardo Thodol, or the Great Liberation through Hearing in the Intermediate State. The talk was given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2022. ••• Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A f…

1
The Clear Light of Reality 5:58

1d ago5:58

5:58

According to Tibetan tradition, in the bardo, an 'intermediate state' in the endless round of birth and death, we are free for an instant from that round. The Tibetan book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) describes six of these opportunities for escape from reactivity. From the talk Psycho-Spiritual Symbolism in the Tibetan Book of the Dead given by Sang…

1
Life and Death are Calling 3:41

1d ago3:41

3:41

Here Candradasa shares Ted Hughes’ rendering of the Bardo Thodol, Tibetan Book of the Dead. He uses Buddhist scripture, vision literature, and poetry to tease out a sense of the Buddha's awesome vision of what life is, and how that might affect our ideas of what happens after death. Big ideas, big questions to sit with - all pointing to a practical…

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Relaxing Into What Is 2:53

9d ago2:53

2:53

Bhadra takes us through the myth of Persephone and an experiential exploration of awareness to celebrate the vital contribution the bardo; the in-between state, makes towards the spiritual life. Excerpted from the talk Celebrating the In-Between given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2016. ••• Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: htt…

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In the Light of Awareness 2:53

9d ago2:53

2:53

Vidyamala offers ways to approach higher states of concentration in meditation and how they bloom out of paying attention to pleasant vedana that has a felt quality of openness within it. Dhyana is not random but a result of where we place our attention in each moment. Excerpted from the talk Introduction to Citta and Dhyana with Guided Meditation …

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What Is It We Are Doing with Our One Wild and Precious Life 54:17

12d ago54:17

54:17

In this talk Vajradevi reflects on our good conditions, and our own conditioning in the light of Pratitya Samutpada and relates this reflection to the Women in Early Buddhism. This talk was given on the Women's UK and Ireland Area Order Weekend at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2018. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://fr…

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455: The Intimacy of Art and the Dharma 1:21:59

12d ago1:21:59

1:21:59

Today we meet three Buddhists with a full time professional painting practice, exhibiting at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Eco Park. And we’re treated to a generous and intimate conversation about the tensions and creative dynamics between an explicitly artistic life and an implicitly spiritual, even religious one. All in context of shared joy at ex…

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A Vision Bigger Than Life 5:10

18d ago5:10

5:10

Here, Jnanavaca explores the Bardo of Life. Excerpted from the talk entitled Root Verses of the Six Bardos: Life given at Vajrasana Retreat Centre, 2023. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. …

1
Tibetan Book of the Dead - The Six Bhardos 53:42

19d ago53:42

53:42

Padmavajra explores the great text that reveals the realms between death and new life, where anything is possible in the Bardo - the 'intermediate state'. This is also an excellent introduction to the recent history of the text itself as it has come into the West and influenced practitioners and cultural figures in many significant ways. Overall, t…

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The Eight Freedoms and The Ten Endowments 2:54

22d ago2:54

2:54

Vijayasri describes the Eight Freedoms and the Ten Endowments described in Gampopas teachings in the The Jewel Ornament of Liberation on the importance of a human birth. Excerpted from the talk entitled This Precious Human Life given at Croydon Buddhist Centre, 2015. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhista…

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Treasure Revealers 2:27

21d ago2:27

2:27

Arthaketu reflects on the Bardo Thodol, or Tibetan Book of the Dead, Here, he describes the hidden teachings, or termas, of Padmasambhava and how they are found. From the talk entitled Reflections on the Bardo Thodol given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2013. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com…

1
Gifts From My Teachers 35:11

27d ago35:11

35:11

A personal talk about gifts and teachings that Satyaraja has received from his Teachers, from the first retreat with S. N. Goenka in India early 1970's, to his first contact with Triratna and meeting Bhante Sangharakshita a few years later, to several very significant meetings with Bhante, and concluding with what his two kalyana mitras, Kamalashil…

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Love Puts Us Back Together 5:04

29d ago5:04

5:04

Parami describes Avalokiteshvara; her relationship to the figure, his origins and mythology. In this talk, she helps listeners connect with his compassion and find meaning in his example of skilful action to end suffering of all beings. Excerpted from the talk Introducing Avalokiteshvara given at Glasgow Buddhist Centre, 2023. *** Help us keep FBA …

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Sangharakshita’s Poetry 3:41

1M ago3:41

3:41

Vishvapani has been studying, reflecting upon, and living out the Dharma life as presented by Urgyen Sangharakshita, Triratna’s founding teacher, for over 40 years. To mark the fourth anniversary of “Bhante” Sangharakshita’s death in 2018, this new audio essay delves deep into the heart of what Vishvapani calls a “unique and strange” intuitive appr…

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Sleep Story with Buddhist Sutra Sounds. Koyasan Night Calm 2:12:35

1M ago2:12:35

2:12:35

A gentle sleep narration with the calming sound of Buddhist sutras, recorded in the rich nature of Koyasan. Let the words and chants guide you into silence, peace, and deep rest. We celebrate spirituality and wellbeing. Try the GASSHO app with a free trial — your pocket-sized pause. Relax, reset, and smile. 📱 iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/gassho/…

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The Boy, The Monk, The Man 28:25

1M ago28:25

28:25

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, and reflections that nurtured his approach as a teacher; and …

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A Whole Context for Our Lives 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

Saddhanandi offers reflections on creating sangha through meaningful, authentic friendships and communication. The talk includes references to her interviews about poetry with Sangharakshita. Excerpted from the talk A Vision of Communication given at Cardiff Buddhist Centre, 2023. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https:/…

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Sleep Story of Zen Emptiness - Gentle Buddhist Narration 2:28:29

1M ago2:28:29

2:28:29

A gentle Buddhist narration guides you into the stillness of Zen emptiness. Let the quiet story dissolve tension and open space for deep rest. Peaceful words become a path to serene sleep. Presented by gassho.info – Embrace stillness.By Gassho: Mindful Zen Meditation

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Fall Asleep Fast - Buddhist Story & Relaxing Sound 2:06:34

1M ago2:06:34

2:06:34

A gentle Buddhist story flows with calming sound. Let the mind settle as sleep comes naturally. A path of peace, guiding you to rest. Presented by gassho.info – Embrace stillness.By Gassho: Mindful Zen Meditation

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Sleep Story | Buddhist Tale of the Flowing Sleeve 3:12:20

1M ago3:12:20

3:12:20

A gentle Buddhist-inspired sleep narration, beginning with the flowing sleeve of the robe. Its quiet imagery carries you toward calmness and rest. We celebrate spirituality and wellbeing. Try the GASSHO app with a free trial — your pocket-sized pause. Relax, reset, and smile. 📱 iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/gassho/id6479964886 📱 Android: https://…

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Buddhist Story for Sleep & Relaxation : Gautama Buddha’s Path to Peace 41:14

1M ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, we share the story of Gautama Buddha’s path to peace, guiding you into calm, rest, and deep relaxation. Discover how the Buddha found serenity and enlightenment, and let his journey help you release stress and worries from your own day. Perfect for evening meditation or listening before sleep. For more resources on meditation and m…

1
Three Summers and Three Autumns Have I Seen 5:42

1M ago5:42

5:42

An exploration of Sangharakshita's poem 'Padmaloka' in which he looks forward to his own death. It's a poem about death, rebirth and nature, and Vishvapani connects it to other poetry which it echoes. The talk was given a week after Sangharakshita's death. Excerpted from the talk Sangharakshita Foresees His Death In 'Padmaloka' given at Cardiff Bud…

1
A Power that is Greater 54:58

1M ago54:58

54:58

Subhuti gives us an early sight of the developing vision behind the Sangharakshita Library and Study Centre at Adhisthana, via a stirring evocation of the need for a deep knowledge of the Dharma strong enough to meet the considerable challenges of the modern world. In recalling Sangharakshita's conviction that something was working through him, Sub…

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Don’t Be Late for Your Own Death 2:44

1M ago2:44

2:44

In this lovely talk following Sangharakshita's death, Ratnaguna urges us to get to know Bhante through his poetry. He then gives us a commentary on some of his favourite poems. Excerpted from the talk Getting to know Urgyen Sangharakshita through his Poetry given at Manchester Buddhist Centre, 2018. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! …

1
Taking Darshan 4:46

2M ago4:46

4:46

Urgyen Sangharakshita - Bhante - who died last year, is not only the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community, but also teacher and spiritual friend to Padmavajra. Padmavajra first met him when he was 17 and in this talk he shares some of his own most cherished memories of Bhante, including his experiences of being with him in India whe…

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Bodhisattvas and Buddhas 3:00

2M ago3:00

3:00

Aryajaya explores Sangharakshita's relationship to his teachers, who form the lineage for the Triratna Buddhist Order. A lovely exploration of the experience of relationship to the Bodhisattvas of Buddhist tradition via meditations passed from teacher to disciple, evoking a wide open sense of connection to the great beauty they represent. Excerpted…

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Unlocking Inner Peace: Your Guide to Mindfulness for Health and Well-Being 11:55

1M ago11:55

11:55

In this episode, we delve into the concept of mindfulness, a practice that has gained global recognition for its significant benefits for both mental and physical health. Mindfulness is defined as the state of consciously focusing on the present moment, paying attention to your thoughts and body just as they are, without judgment. We explore how, i…

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Bhante and the Bodhisattva Spirit 36:29

2M ago36:29

36:29

Dayanandi shares how she was encouraged and inspired by Bhante’s teachings on the Bodhicitta spirit. "Bhante encouraging shared collective community the creative conditions challenged us to go beyond us. As we were young and had a lot of energy, we took on Bhante’s task of creating the conditions for the Bodhicitta to arise. It was spiritually nurt…

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Final Journey to Ordination 4:50

2M ago4:50

4:50

Saddhaloka explores the key aspects of any practitioner's commitment, Going Forth and Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels, evoking how Sangharakshita engaged with these formative acts as foundations of his own practice in India at the end of the Second World War. With an introduction by Dhammarati.Excerpted from the talk Going Forth And Going For …

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The Dukkha of Change 4:28

2M ago4:28

4:28

Vessantara reflects on ways we create suffering through the tension of resistance and anticipation. Excerpted from a talk called Dukkha of Resisting and Anticipating Change given at Adhisthana as part of the series Dukkha and the Unbiased, 2018. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscr…

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Last Glimpses of Sangharakshita 43:32

2M ago43:32

43:32

In the weeks following Urgyen Sangharakshita’s death in 2018, Mahamati, one of his secretaries and companions, spoke informally at a number of Order gatherings about the experience of working closely with him during the last fifteen or so years of his life. Here, Mahamati reflects on aspects of their time together, and on aspects of Sangharakshita’…

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Suffering, and the End of Suffering 4:32

2M ago4:32

4:32

Balajit gives the second of a two-part talk on the 3rd and 4th of the Noble truths. The Buddha said that the whole of his teachings fits within the footprint of the four noble truths. Balajit explores the ways in which we can change our relationship to contraction and suffering by getting to know the deepest longing of the heart Excerpted from the …