Talks by Subhuti - suitable for all
For many years Subhuti has shone as a leading light amongst Sangharakshita's disciples and has been instrumental in many key developments within the Order and FWBO. Among his many talents is that of public speaking....
Building Sangha
In this talk, delivered on the 21st anniversary of the opening of the London Buddhist Centre, Subhuti outlines a blueprint for Sangha. He enumerates seven 'tools' which promote the building of Sangha: taking responsibility for one's own actions, being objective, ways of communicating criticism, confession, forgiveness, rejoicing in merits, giving thanks. He also speaks about shame, respect for wise opinion, and 'the morality of the private moment'. (70 mins.)
The Need for Spiritual Hierarchy
With this excellent and challenging talk Subhuti launched his new book 'Sangharakshita - a new voice in the Buddhist Tradition'. Subhuti explores the deeply rooted wrong view of pseudo-egalitarianism and examines the notion of inequality within Buddhism emphasising the need for veneration and respect. Citing responsibility as a fundamental vehicle for spsiritual growth he considers it's importance particularly within the framework of spiritual hierarchy in the FWBO. (61 mins)
The Courage to Build
Our times are marked by growing individualism; the belief that the needs of the individual are preeminent. In this talk, given in 1998, Subhuti speaks about his thoughts and concerns in relation to this. He argues that individualism is a sign of the times and that the urge to deconstruct institutions is an easy option nowadays. Yet institutions are fundamental to life, and for the majority, essential to living the an effective Buddhist life. Therefore the courageous, and necessary, path is the creation of institutions that serve spiritual ends and whose means are ethical. In particular he relates his thinking to the institutions of the FWBO. (73 mins.)
Talks aimed at WBO and those pursuing ordination
Do we have Faith in the Order?
Speaking to members of the Western Buddhist Order at the 1998 WBO Day Subhuti addressed a subject of vital importance. In the light of recent attacks on the FWBO Subhuti explores the basis of faith. With reference to the sutta called The Lesser Discourse on the Lion's Roar, he examines the Buddha's teaching of the four beses of faith in the Order and teaching, and considers how these are relevent to us. [This video is appropriate to Order Members and men and women who have asked for ordination]. (66 mins.)
What is the Order? 6 talks
1. WHAT IS THE ORDER?
Introducing the theme of these talks Subhuti outlines why there is a need for an Order and the validity of ordinations into that Order. He presents criteria by which it would not be necessary to have an Order and concludes by addressing the theme of both the talk and the series.
2. HOW TO BECOME AN ORDER MEMBER
Request - Response - Interaction - Acceptance - Ordination Covering each of these phases Subhuti takes us step by step through the process towards ordination touching on areas such as eccentricity and individualism, the threefold model of the Buddhist Community (drawn from 'Buddhist Saints in India') and the driving principle of the Order.
3. THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER
What is the 'final end' towards which the Order is working? Subhuti presents a vision of this end in terms of what he calls the third order of consciousness. Defining what this means he speaks about the faculty active in this order of consciousness (sometimes loosely referred to by such terms as the Intellect, the Imagination, Intuition or Shraddha) he explains how this allows both unity and diversity within the Order.
4. THE POLITICS OF KALYANA MITRATA
By relating how Bhante has systematically handed on his responsibility, Subhuti explores the hierarchy of responsibility within the movement. He explores both the position of those who genuinely do not fit into the central institutions of the movement and the modus operandi of those individuals who take positions of leadership and responsibility within a structure that is not based on power.
5. THE INSTITUTION OF KALYANA MITRATA
The institutions of the movement are set up as a framework solely for communicating the spirit of the Order and though they are important this purpose is primary and the form secondary. These institutions should not take on a life of their own independent of this purpose. Beginning in this way Subhuti then investigates the idea of duty, and specifically the practical duty of Order Members to maintain harmony within the Order.
6. ONE THOUSAND HANDS
In his final talk Subhuti describes how it is the duty of Order Members to help others Go for Refuge to the Three Jewels and to act as a bridge to the Order. This duty is both practical and an expression of the individual Order Member's Going for Refuge. He concludes by speaking how this might manifest through the creation of the New Society.
Fifteen Points for Effective Refuge
In the context of a men's retreat at Aryaloka, USA, in 1993, we see Subhuti at his best. His talk is good humoured and natural, and yet he speaks with great passion, and self avowed bluntness about what is very close to his heart - what do we need to do to make our Going for Refuge effective. In fifteen pertinent and considered points he highlights the practices, views and attitudes that need to be strengthened before we can be ready to join the Western Buddhist Order. (85 mins)
To the Sangha for Refuge I Go
At the 1999 Men's Order Convention Subhuti delivered this talk as an exploration of the act of Going for Refuge to the Sangha. In exhorting his audience to practise Sangha more wholeheartedly Subhuti looks at the cognitive, affective and volitional aspects of the act. He examines how the act of Going for Refuge to the Aryasangha, which is the true refuge, is worked out ever more fully through the engagement with the Order, and then concludes with practical means by which this can be accomplished. (73 mins.)
The Future of the Order and Movement
In the keynote address of the 2003 Order Convention Subhuti tackles the question of who is ‘in charge’ in the Western Buddhist Order and how flexibility around our forms and structures is necessary for the future. In a rich and honest talk he explores how to encourage diversity while maintaining unity. Topics include the need for kalyana mitrata to be spontaneous and personal, Bhante’s relationship to ordination and the way of seeing the FWBO as the creative and altruistic activity of Order Members. (71 min)
Where I am Now and Where I Want to Go
At the November 2004 Men’s national Order weekend
Subhuti addressed the Order in two important talks.
The first entitled ‘Where I Am Now’ was especially
concerned with his responses to Bhante and decisions
about the part he was willing to play in the future of the
Order and movment.
In the second talk ‘Where I Want To Go’ Subhuti expressed
where he didn’t want to go back to, and more crucially where he
wanted the Order to go in the future. (162 min total)