The point of following the Buddhas teaching is to bring us to the realisation that life is perfect as it is. This talk illustrates how, using this idea as a starting point, the three trainings in ethics, mental development and wisdom fit together. We can find out directly for ourselves the true nature of reality and we discover that all the magic and mystery we could ever want is all around us – we just need to learn how to take off the blindfold. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquillity. This talk was given in May 2012
Is Buddhism relevant in the twenty-first century? The Buddha's teaching on the Four Nobel Truths relate to the same basic condition common to all humans regardless of the times. We all suffer and all seek freedom from suffering. But in this 'Age of Reason', we demand the freedom to find out the truth of things for ourselves. The talk looks at the three kinds of craving, how they manifest in daily life and meditation, and how they are overcome temporarily and permanently. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal mediation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquillity. This talk was given in August 2012
During the Olympic Games people spontaneously developed the wholesome mental quality of sympathetic joy. This talk describes how to practice this 'divine abiding' and it's benefit as a way of overcoming envy and discontent. As all worldly aspirations are ultimately fleeting and unsatisfactory, it is the spiritual successes that lead someone towards enlightenment which regarded as having the greatest benefit. Wisdom is defined as knowing what does and does not lead to genuine happiness. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal mediation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquillity. This talk was given in August 2012
Mind is a tool that we can learn to use effectively. Developing the practice of Metta teaches us how to use thinking skilfully. We learn how to acknowledge our negative habit patterns and ways of overcoming resentment. We can practice mindfulness as a love for all objects. We see how developing a friendly attitude changes our perception of the world. The sense of love that emerges is not enlightenment but has a similar quality, in the sense that all love is the absence of division. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquillity. This talk was given in May 2012.
When new to this training, we may not wish to comply with the rules, we may want to choose our own path, to maintain control. It is, however, the giving up of our attempts to control that enables us to follow the Buddha’s path. The story of the monk Cula Panthaka illustrates how this approach can unfold. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in March 2012.
The problem of suffering cannot be eradicated through external means alone. Such activity merely perpetuates the round of suffering indefinitely and still one's own freedom is yet to be won. The Buddha's path includes within it a balanced approach to dealing with the needs of others. But in the final analysis, it is only by looking closely at how life is constructed moment by moment at its most fundamental level that the transcendental understanding can be realised and the aggregates left behind forever. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in March 2010.
This talk considers the importance of a good teacher and also of a sangha. It discusses ways of relating to the teacher and how to determine whether the teacher and the teachings are right for you. Peter Case was a monastic for two years at the House of Inner Tranquility in the 1980's and continues to be a student of Paul Harris.. This talk was given in December 2023.
This podcast explores the myths around enlightenment and the importance of personal practice rather than book learning. It discusses how vipassana meditation gradually erodes our wrong views and ends with a description of what enlightenment is. Peter Case was a monastic for two years at the House of Inner Tranquility in the 1980's and continues to be a student of Paul Harris.. This talk was given in April 2023.
An arahant is a 'Perfected One', someone who has completed the Buddhist training and has realised the way life truly is. As such, they have accomplished the one true goal of this precious human life. They are free from all mental pollutions caused by delusion and are at peace. This talk describes a little of the way such individuals see life, some of the qualities needed to come to this same understanding and why arahants are worthy of the greatest reverence and honour. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in December 2009.
This podcast considers the problems with speculating about life and contrasts speculation with the pragmatic and practical approach of the Buddha’s teaching. The unease that fuels speculation and also methods of restraining it are discussed. It concludes with the importance of insights and their role in the realisation of enlightenment. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in October 2008.
This talk discusses the correct level of mental energy for meditation, describing the Buddha’s teaching on Right Effort. The effects of imbalances in energy on meditation are described along with ways to resolve them. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in April 2008.
This podcast explores how we create psychological barriers through resistance, ways to bring those barriers down, including mundane right view, the five precepts, metta and vipassana and how, finally, with enlightenment, there are no barriers. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in August 2008.
Path and non-path teachings are discussed making the distinction between the search and the seeing. The practice of and reasons behind vipassana are described and the combination of path and non-path explored. Then Paul explains how, finally, at the end of the path, the way is clear for enlightenment to arise. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in June 2008.
This talk considers the relationship between chaos and order and ways to bring harmony to our lives. Supporting conditions for mindfulness are explored along with how it uncovers the order behind the chaos, leading on towards enlightenment. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in December 2008.
We sometimes find ourselves at a crossroads in life. Looking for a new direction, some are attracted to Buddha-Dhamma, with its promise of bliss, wisdom and enlightenment for those who practise it. The key to understanding is through developing mindfulness in all aspects of our lives. But this requires us to be willing to face our demons. By taking refuge in the Triple Gem - the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha - we find the inspiration, guidance and friendship to help us overcome all the obstacles in our path. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in February 2009.
Material wealth is sought after because it is believed to bring us security and self-worth. However, all conditioned things are subject to decay and death and, therefore, attachment always brings with it the fear of loss. The Buddha enumerated seven 'treasures' that could not be taken away from us. These are explored in this podcast. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquiliity. This talk was given in August 2009.
In this podcast Paul outlines a practice for developing compassion. He describes its near and far enemies and their drawbacks, its relationship to wisdom and ends with a description of the benefits of living with a mind filled with compassion. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in April 2007
Paul discusses pitfalls that hamper mundane happiness, including expectations and attachment to views of how life should be, followed by ways to develop it using practices such as loving-kindness and service to others. He then describes how the practice of vipassana meditation, by looking at suffering and its true nature, leads eventually to supramundane happiness by the way of understanding and letting go of the pursuit of happiness. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in February 2007
This podcast introduces the concept of a kalyanamitta, a good spiritual friend, the qualities that such friends have and the reasons why we need them. It also discusses the necessary qualities needed by the student in order for the relationship to grow and how it develops over time, leading the student on towards enlightenment. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in October 2007
This podcast discusses the various aspects of the four noble truths and the three trainings of the noble eightfold path: sila (ethics), samadhi (mental development) and panna (wisdom). It then describes how insight develops and leads towards enlightenment. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in August 2007