Hello there! And welcome to freebuddhistaudio

To get the best out of this website, please read on...

Your Language

We have set your language based on your browser language settings or location. To change language use the flag above.

Finding Talks

From any small talks panel you can use the (see all) or (more) link to see a large panel with all talks in this category.

Most large panels allow filtering. For example you can view talks just in your language by using the small flag icon.

Javascript Info

We'd like you to have the best possible experience of our new site, and we noticed you're using a browser that has a feature called Javascript turned off.

We've designed things so Free Buddhist Audio will continue to work for you anyway, but the site will look and work much better if you turn Javascript on. It's very easy! See how to enable JavaScript in your browser for more information.

Your Browser

We'd like you to have the best possible experience of our new site, and we notice you're using an older browser that isn't compatible with some of the latest developments on the internet.

We've designed things so Free Buddhist Audio will continue to work for you, but we invite you to a better experience of the web now and in future if you have a few minutes to upgrade...

Install (or update from an older version) a future-friendly browser:

(See All)

other talks in this theme

Other talks from Triratna Buddhist Community

There is no transcript for this talk. Help us make one!

Growing the Spiritual Community

by Sangharakshita

Why might gathering together in large numbers strengthen a spiritual community? Why did the Buddha counsel his monks not to change accepted practice? Do we respect spiritual elders? These are some of the questions asked in this exploration of what it's going to take to maintain the Western Buddhist Order and the FWBO as a vibrant and spiritually prospering community. Taking the Buddha's 'Seven points for the Stability of the Sangha' as his text, Sangharakshita explores their meaning and continuing relevance for 21st century Buddhists.

Please note, variable sound quality throughout.

Given on the FWBO International Retreat at Taraloka in May 2008

Tracks (click play to listen)

Play All

	1.	General introductions by Parami (2:30)
	2.	Karunasura chants the Mahamangalam Sutta (4:15)
	3.	Parami introducing Sangharakshita (3:06)
	4.	Sangharakshita - a network of spiritual friends (7:16)
	5.	Seven points for the survival and prosperity of the sangha (3:15)
	6.	Gathering together in large numbers (4:52)
	7.	Harmony and tolerance (5:58)
	8.	Not changing accepted practice (6:07)
	9.	Respect for spiritual elders (3:04)
	10.	Safeguarding our spiritual vision (2:28)
	11.	Wholehearted intensity of practice (2:32)
	12.	Welcoming people to the sangha (4:53)
	13.	Summing up by Parami (7:43)