Subhuti:
Top Talks
Subhuti joined the Triratna Buddhist Order in 1973 and has since devoted himself to the practice and teaching of Buddhism. He played a significant role in establishing both the London Buddhist Centre, and the Guhyaloka retreat centre in Spain.
01
The Five Aspects of Dharma Life - The Higher Context
First talk of a series of 8 talks and one session of Questions and Answers by Subhuti on the System of Practice retreat at Padmaloka for men who have asked for Ordination. In these talks, Subhuti delves into the fundamental principles behind Integration, Positive Emotion, Spiritual Receptivity, Spiritual Death, and Spiritual Rebirth, finding in each new and deeper significance. He invites his hearers to apply them deeply in their own lives.
The Higher Context: We practise the Dharma so that we can transcend our self-clinging, thereby resolving our own suffering and contributing to the resolution of suffering in the world. This is the fundamental purpose of the Triratna Community.
02
What Are Views?
First talk in a series of ten given by Subhuti at Adhisthana during the retreat Transforming Ignorance into Wisdom between 15th to 22nd March 2019. What are views? Views must be seen against the larger context of being free from views, but what does that mean? And what therefore is the meaning of ‘view’.
Subhuti's precise definitions of a view, a right view and a wrong view can be read here.
03
Getting Away From Prapanca, The Practical Applications of the Honeyball Sutta
A ground setting talk by Subhuti at the start of an Order meditation retreat. He introduces material from the honeyball sutta in which the Buddha presents an alternative nidana chain that explains the basis of interpersonal conflict; in this context Subhuti brings emphasis on the internal dimensions and particularly the role of prapanca (abstraction, speculation). Our job in meditation is to stay with our 'primary experience' rather than getting drawn away which inevitably leads to unskilful behaviour on the basis of greed, hatred or delusion
Further recommendations
Eight Verses for Training the Mind: Talk 1
This is the first in a four-part series by Subhuti on the Tibetan text 'Eight Verses for Training the Mind' by Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa.
"May I always cherish all beings,
Withe the resolve to accomplish for them
The highest good that is more precious
Than any wish-fulfilling jewel."
Eros and Beauty 1a Bhante As Daemon
Subhuti explores the idea of Sangharakshita as 'servant of eros in pursuit of beauty', kicking off a groundbreaking series unfolding the place of beauty in the dharma life. Between his more philosophical expositions and Padmavajra's more poetic approach to the topic, this series is well worth listening to as some of the best modern dharma material on the topic.
Knowledge of Reality - Ramble One
How do we know? In this ground-breaking three part ramble Subhuti draws inspiration from Europes first Buddhist, Schopenhauer, and Indias ancient Yogachara. With immaculate clarity Subhuti takes us deep into the nature of mind and beyond. Talks given at the London Buddhist Centre in October 2014.
Reverence: Renunciation + Commitment
An outstanding series of talks by Subhuti on the theme of Sadhana during the Manjughosa Stuti Sadhana retreat at Adhisthana in 2017. Over the course of six talks he articulates the stages we traverse in the practice of sadhana, which correspond to the stages of the system of practice - Reverence, Solidarity, Wise Attention, The Illumined Image, Dwelling in Reality + Dedication.
Additional Links
Website
Find out more about Subhuti, and explore his essays.
Books
Available to purchase from Windhorse
Subhuti in India: A Documentary
A professional documentary by Mokshapriya
More Talks
Subhuti has given hundreds of talks, all available at FreeBuddhistAudio.