The Windhorse Publications Podcast https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com
#WPPodcast]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:12:18 +0100 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Arts:Books 1440 episodic Windhorse Publications is the biggest independent publisher of books on mindfulness, meditation and Buddhism in the UK. Follow us as we welcome authors, teachers and eminent practitioners to talk about our books and the ideas and themes they cover. Our Publishing Director Dhammamegha will also be exploring great new books coming up from Windhorse and other publishers, and pointing you to interesting new dharma writers. #WPPodcast Windhorse Publications Windhorse Publications No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13712733/Podcast_Logo.jpg The Windhorse Publications Podcast https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com 144 144 Reimagining Sangharakshita: The Vision Behind Modern Buddhism Reimagining Sangharakshita: The Vision Behind Modern Buddhism https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/reimagining-sangharakshita-the-vision-behind-modern-buddhism/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/reimagining-sangharakshita-the-vision-behind-modern-buddhism/#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:12:18 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/9e98d04c-286d-33ac-a939-6728cdd59c63 In this episode, Dhammamegha sits down with Vishvapani to delve into his new book Reimagining Buddhism: Understanding Sangharakshita and His Teachings. Together they explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Sangharakshita, a visionary, poet, and at times controversial pioneer in Buddhism’s journey to the modern world.

Through their conversation, Vishvapani reveals the sensibility and depth that made Sangharakshita such a distinctive teacher: his vision of the unity of the Buddhist tradition, his poetic imagination, and his insistence that spiritual growth is a process of unfolding and wholeness.

More than a biographical portrait, this discussion invites us to look afresh at Sangharakshita’s thought and imagination, and to engage deeply with his enduring influence as the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and movement. Links: Buy Reimagining Buddhism

]]> In this episode, Dhammamegha sits down with Vishvapani to delve into his new book Reimagining Buddhism: Understanding Sangharakshita and His Teachings. Together they explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Sangharakshita, a visionary, poet, and at times controversial pioneer in Buddhism’s journey to the modern world.

Through their conversation, Vishvapani reveals the sensibility and depth that made Sangharakshita such a distinctive teacher: his vision of the unity of the Buddhist tradition, his poetic imagination, and his insistence that spiritual growth is a process of unfolding and wholeness.

More than a biographical portrait, this discussion invites us to look afresh at Sangharakshita’s thought and imagination, and to engage deeply with his enduring influence as the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and movement.

Links:

Buy Reimagining Buddhism

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 4407 17 full Train Your Mind: Lojong and the Art of Wise Compassion Train Your Mind: Lojong and the Art of Wise Compassion https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/train-your-mind-lojong-and-the-art-of-wise-compassion/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/train-your-mind-lojong-and-the-art-of-wise-compassion/#comments Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/42ce484f-0b84-3786-ad29-3271b0c50320 What if your struggles could become tools for awakening? What if a few short slogans could reshape how you meet life’s challenges?

In this episode, Dhammamegha speaks with Dhirananda and Viryabodhi, authors of Train Your Mind: Tibetan Exercises in Wisdom and Compassion — a fresh, practical guide to the ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice of Lojong. Together, they explore how mind-training slogans like “Don’t expect applause”, “At this crucial time, practise the essentials”, and “Blame it all on the one culprit” offer pithy, powerful ways to meet life with clarity and courage.

We dive into the transformative power of these teachings — and the Tonglen meditation that often accompanies them — to discover how to work with our minds amid the messiness of real life. Whether you’re navigating relationship tensions, inner critics, or a busy modern life, this conversation is an invitation to practise wise compassion in the heart of it all.

Plus: hear how a Swedish-language book became a Windhorse English edition, and what keeps these authors inspired after decades of practice.

]]> What if your struggles could become tools for awakening? What if a few short slogans could reshape how you meet life’s challenges?

In this episode, Dhammamegha speaks with Dhirananda and Viryabodhi, authors of Train Your Mind: Tibetan Exercises in Wisdom and Compassion — a fresh, practical guide to the ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice of Lojong. Together, they explore how mind-training slogans like “Don’t expect applause”, “At this crucial time, practise the essentials”, and “Blame it all on the one culprit” offer pithy, powerful ways to meet life with clarity and courage.

We dive into the transformative power of these teachings — and the Tonglen meditation that often accompanies them — to discover how to work with our minds amid the messiness of real life. Whether you’re navigating relationship tensions, inner critics, or a busy modern life, this conversation is an invitation to practise wise compassion in the heart of it all.

Plus: hear how a Swedish-language book became a Windhorse English edition, and what keeps these authors inspired after decades of practice.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2521 16 full A Guide to Ritual in Buddhist Practice with Bodhidasa A Guide to Ritual in Buddhist Practice with Bodhidasa https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/a-guide-to-ritual-in-buddhist-practice-with-bodhidasa/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/a-guide-to-ritual-in-buddhist-practice-with-bodhidasa/#comments Wed, 28 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/83f4cdcf-373e-3563-8dbf-5fcf335c213d Dhammamegha speaks to Bodhidasa in Sydney, Australia, about his upcoming book Approaching Enlightenment: A Guidebook for Buddhist Ritual. The conversation covers:

  • Bodhidasa as a practitioner, teacher, and self-declared geek. We’ll hear about his interests in magic, games, popular culture, and literature, and how these are part of his practice and the book.
  • How ritual, archetypes, and myth enable a connection with transpersonal and enlightened qualities and potentials.
  • Different approaches to Buddhist practice - from ascetic and austere approaches on the one hand, to those drawn to objects, worldly activities, and emotions of devotion, joy, and integration.
  • Cultural tensions between secular life and ritual practices, and the Buddhist tradition’s own relationships with ritual—as a fetter and as a path.
  • How ritual opens us up to something inconvenient—the possibility that there is more in you and others than the limits we impose.
  • Bodhidasa’s own integration of elements of ritual into his day—through offering, worship, going for refuge, confession, and rejoicing.

Useful Links:

PUJA: The Triratna Book of Buddhist Devotional Texts.

Creative Symbols of Tantric Buddhism is available in Volume 13 of the Complete Works of Sangharakshita

FutureDharma Fund.

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Dhammamegha speaks to Bodhidasa in Sydney, Australia, about his upcoming book Approaching Enlightenment: A Guidebook for Buddhist Ritual. The conversation covers:

  • Bodhidasa as a practitioner, teacher, and self-declared geek. We’ll hear about his interests in magic, games, popular culture, and literature, and how these are part of his practice and the book.
  • How ritual, archetypes, and myth enable a connection with transpersonal and enlightened qualities and potentials.
  • Different approaches to Buddhist practice - from ascetic and austere approaches on the one hand, to those drawn to objects, worldly activities, and emotions of devotion, joy, and integration.
  • Cultural tensions between secular life and ritual practices, and the Buddhist tradition’s own relationships with ritual—as a fetter and as a path.
  • How ritual opens us up to something inconvenient—the possibility that there is more in you and others than the limits we impose.
  • Bodhidasa’s own integration of elements of ritual into his day—through offering, worship, going for refuge, confession, and rejoicing.

Useful Links:

PUJA: The Triratna Book of Buddhist Devotional Texts.

Creative Symbols of Tantric Buddhism is available in Volume 13 of the Complete Works of Sangharakshita

FutureDharma Fund.

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2812 15 full A First Aid Kit for the Mind - Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John A First Aid Kit for the Mind - Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/a-first-aid-kit-for-the-mind/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/a-first-aid-kit-for-the-mind/#comments Sun, 28 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/57352506-e4c6-307e-b02a-decb56d20931 Today, Dhammamegha speaks with award winning author and speaker Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason John about their soon-to-be-released pocketbook First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviours.

We hear about Vimalasara’s life and writing, and the deep well of experience through trauma and addiction recovery and mindfulness. They speak from the heart about all the tools to connect what you already have to live more embodied, skilful and free. These tools are all laid out in this small, illustrated, easy-to-use guide to healing the mind.

Order First Aid Kit for the Mind online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy First Aid Kit for the Mind (Europe)

Buy First Aid Kit for the Mind (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John.

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Today, Dhammamegha speaks with award winning author and speaker Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason John about their soon-to-be-released pocketbook First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviours.

We hear about Vimalasara’s life and writing, and the deep well of experience through trauma and addiction recovery and mindfulness. They speak from the heart about all the tools to connect what you already have to live more embodied, skilful and free. These tools are all laid out in this small, illustrated, easy-to-use guide to healing the mind.

Order First Aid Kit for the Mind online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy First Aid Kit for the Mind (Europe)

Buy First Aid Kit for the Mind (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John.

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 1699 14 full Student and Teacher - an interview with Cindy Rasicot Student and Teacher - an interview with Cindy Rasicot https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/student-and-teacher-an-interview-with-cindy-rasicot/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/student-and-teacher-an-interview-with-cindy-rasicot/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0000 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/3c79222e-ea05-3ed1-8582-7d5aec72c559 In this episode, Dhammamegha speaks with Cindy Rasicot - the author of a new book This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda. Cindy speaks about meeting her teacher Venerable Dhammananda, and responding to her challenging message of kindness and forgiveness rather than anger and hatred. The podcast conversation covers what it is like to be a student and disciple, different ways of practice in Asian and convert American Buddhism, and the radical transformation that can come with the healing practice of the medicine Buddha.

 

Links: 

Order This Fresh Existence online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy This Fresh Existence (Europe)

Buy This Fresh Existence (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Cindy Rasicot and Venerable Dhammananda’s Monastery.

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> In this episode, Dhammamegha speaks with Cindy Rasicot - the author of a new book This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda. Cindy speaks about meeting her teacher Venerable Dhammananda, and responding to her challenging message of kindness and forgiveness rather than anger and hatred. The podcast conversation covers what it is like to be a student and disciple, different ways of practice in Asian and convert American Buddhism, and the radical transformation that can come with the healing practice of the medicine Buddha.

 

Links: 

Order This Fresh Existence online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy This Fresh Existence (Europe)

Buy This Fresh Existence (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Cindy Rasicot and Venerable Dhammananda’s Monastery.

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2326 13 full The Subtle Art of Caring – an interview with author River Wolton The Subtle Art of Caring – an interview with author River Wolton https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-subtle-art-of-caring-%e2%80%93-an-interview-with-author-river-wolton/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-subtle-art-of-caring-%e2%80%93-an-interview-with-author-river-wolton/#comments Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:53:43 +0000 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/6c94fe37-cca9-39b0-ab40-aac33798b0ec Today we have a wonderful and insightful conversation with River Wolton, a poet, writer, activist, Buddhist teacher and author of her new book titled The Subtle Art of Caring. We talk about her life and practice and the Buddha’s teachings of the Brahma Viharas or divine abodes. In this book, River looks again at these ancient teachings as a resource for sustaining compassion through moments of pausing, befriending, enjoying, caring and letting be. 

As Dene Donalds, Dharma teacher in the lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh and founding member of The Colours of Compassion Sangha says: 'If you wish to explore how to take Buddhism off the meditation cushion and into the world, read this book.' 

 

Links: 

Order The Subtle Art of Caring online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy The Subtle Art of Caring (Europe)

Buy The Subtle Art of Caring (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about River Wolton and the book.

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

 

]]> Today we have a wonderful and insightful conversation with River Wolton, a poet, writer, activist, Buddhist teacher and author of her new book titled The Subtle Art of Caring. We talk about her life and practice and the Buddha’s teachings of the Brahma Viharas or divine abodes. In this book, River looks again at these ancient teachings as a resource for sustaining compassion through moments of pausing, befriending, enjoying, caring and letting be. 

As Dene Donalds, Dharma teacher in the lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh and founding member of The Colours of Compassion Sangha says: 'If you wish to explore how to take Buddhism off the meditation cushion and into the world, read this book.' 

 

Links: 

Order The Subtle Art of Caring online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy The Subtle Art of Caring (Europe)

Buy The Subtle Art of Caring (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about River Wolton and the book.

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

 

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 3203 12 full Buddhism: Where do you start? - In conversation with Sagaraghosa Buddhism: Where do you start? - In conversation with Sagaraghosa https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/buddhism-where-do-you-start/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/buddhism-where-do-you-start/#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:50:02 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/ff63c955-5e31-3d3e-83da-63cba79719bf In this new episode of the Windhorse Publications podcast, our publishing director Dhammamegha speaks to the author of a book we’ll be bringing out later in September – Starting on the Buddhist Path: An Invitation.

In the conversation, the author Sagaraghosa muses about her first encounters with Buddhism, the importance of friendship in practice and how the dharma can change our lives for the better. She also tackles that great Buddhist question of the nature of the self, and how we can reflect on the aspects of our experience and their possibilities as a gateway to greater happiness for ourselves and others.

 

Links: 

Order Starting on the Buddhist Path online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Starting on the Buddhist Path (Europe)

Buy Starting on the Buddhist Path (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Sagaraghosa and the book.

 

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

 

]]> In this new episode of the Windhorse Publications podcast, our publishing director Dhammamegha speaks to the author of a book we’ll be bringing out later in September – Starting on the Buddhist Path: An Invitation.

In the conversation, the author Sagaraghosa muses about her first encounters with Buddhism, the importance of friendship in practice and how the dharma can change our lives for the better. She also tackles that great Buddhist question of the nature of the self, and how we can reflect on the aspects of our experience and their possibilities as a gateway to greater happiness for ourselves and others.

 

Links: 

Order Starting on the Buddhist Path online, from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Starting on the Buddhist Path (Europe)

Buy Starting on the Buddhist Path (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Sagaraghosa and the book.

 

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

 

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2456 11 full ’Teachers of Enlightenment’ and going for refuge as part of a global sangha - a conversation with Vajratara ’Teachers of Enlightenment’ and going for refuge as part of a global sangha - a conversation with Vajratara https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/teachers-of-enlightenment-and-going-for-refuge-as-part-of-a-global-sangha-with-vajratara/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/teachers-of-enlightenment-and-going-for-refuge-as-part-of-a-global-sangha-with-vajratara/#comments Wed, 24 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/cd4db732-7035-348d-8d4b-ac967b7cf63e The Dharma is a universal teaching and an array of practices for liberation. In history, it is embodied by teachers who respond to the particular forms of suffering and bondage that they are born into, human and social. 

In its spread between India and what could broadly be called the West, the Triratna Buddhist movement and order is rather unique in contemporary convert Buddhism. 

In this episode, Dhammamegha is in conversation with Vajratara about the recent developments in the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist community and order, and the release of a new edition of the book Teachers of Enlightenment by Kulananda. They speak about the inclusion of Dr. Ambedkar from India and Anagarika Dharmapala from Sri Lanka as engaged teachers whom Sangharakshita found inspiring.

 

Links: 

Order Teachers of Enlightenment online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Teachers of Enlightenment (Europe)

Buy Teachers of Enlightenment (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Sangharakshita and the founding of the Triratna Buddhist movement in Nagabodhi’s recently published Sangharakshita: The Boy, The Man, The Monk.

 

The Anagarika Dharmapala biography and other writings are included in Volume 8 of the Complete Works of Sangharakshita, Beating the Dharma Drum: India Writings II

 

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> The Dharma is a universal teaching and an array of practices for liberation. In history, it is embodied by teachers who respond to the particular forms of suffering and bondage that they are born into, human and social. 

In its spread between India and what could broadly be called the West, the Triratna Buddhist movement and order is rather unique in contemporary convert Buddhism. 

In this episode, Dhammamegha is in conversation with Vajratara about the recent developments in the Refuge Tree of the Triratna Buddhist community and order, and the release of a new edition of the book Teachers of Enlightenment by Kulananda. They speak about the inclusion of Dr. Ambedkar from India and Anagarika Dharmapala from Sri Lanka as engaged teachers whom Sangharakshita found inspiring.

 

Links: 

Order Teachers of Enlightenment online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Teachers of Enlightenment (Europe)

Buy Teachers of Enlightenment (US & Canada)

 

Find out more about Sangharakshita and the founding of the Triratna Buddhist movement in Nagabodhi’s recently published Sangharakshita: The Boy, The Man, The Monk.

 

The Anagarika Dharmapala biography and other writings are included in Volume 8 of the Complete Works of Sangharakshita, Beating the Dharma Drum: India Writings II

 

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2127 10 full Learning to live in a free way - a conversation with Vessantara Learning to live in a free way - a conversation with Vessantara https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/learning-to-live-in-a-free-way-meeting-the-buddhas-with-vessantara/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/learning-to-live-in-a-free-way-meeting-the-buddhas-with-vessantara/#comments Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/9d030fb7-acb5-3991-9862-d2f8ecdcc50f Thirty years after the first publication of Meeting the Buddhas, Dhammamegha speaks with Vessantara about the new edition of this classic Dharma text. After learning how the book came to be, the discussion turns to the qualities of the enlightened mind, and the nature and power of these Buddha and Bodhisattva figures, and a whole path to living in freedom.

We had this conversation in Vessantara’s lounge in January this year, and the sound quality isn’t as good as we would have liked, but still definitely worth a listen.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order Meeting the Buddhas online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Meeting the Buddhas (Europe)

Buy Meeting the Buddhas (US & Canada)

 

About Vessantara

Vessantara's website and his new poem book Thirty Dragons and other Poems, 1967 – 2022

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok

]]> Thirty years after the first publication of Meeting the Buddhas, Dhammamegha speaks with Vessantara about the new edition of this classic Dharma text. After learning how the book came to be, the discussion turns to the qualities of the enlightened mind, and the nature and power of these Buddha and Bodhisattva figures, and a whole path to living in freedom.

We had this conversation in Vessantara’s lounge in January this year, and the sound quality isn’t as good as we would have liked, but still definitely worth a listen.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order Meeting the Buddhas online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Meeting the Buddhas (Europe)

Buy Meeting the Buddhas (US & Canada)

 

About Vessantara

Vessantara's website and his new poem book Thirty Dragons and other Poems, 1967 – 2022

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2791 9 full Sangharakshita: The man behind the name – A conversation with Nagabodhi about his new book Sangharakshita: The man behind the name – A conversation with Nagabodhi about his new book https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-man-behind-the-name-with-nagabodhi/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-man-behind-the-name-with-nagabodhi/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:30:00 +0000 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/9aaaa11b-a82e-30a5-bd18-1f65e0ef71d1 A great storyteller and author, in this podcast Nagabodhi tells us about his life in relationship to Sangharakshita, and the interesting process of writing about him. Who was Sangharakshita, and what was his life’s project – working out what it is to be a Buddhist in the world today.

We have a candid conversation about Sangharakshita’s sexuality, his relationships, his legacy, his experiments in ways of being, and the nature of community or Sangha. The book Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man comes out in the UK at the end of February 2023.

 

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

Links: 

Order Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man (Europe)

Buy Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man (US & Canada)

 

Learn more about Sangharakshita's life

About Nagabodhi

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.

]]> A great storyteller and author, in this podcast Nagabodhi tells us about his life in relationship to Sangharakshita, and the interesting process of writing about him. Who was Sangharakshita, and what was his life’s project – working out what it is to be a Buddhist in the world today.

We have a candid conversation about Sangharakshita’s sexuality, his relationships, his legacy, his experiments in ways of being, and the nature of community or Sangha. The book Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man comes out in the UK at the end of February 2023.

 

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

Links: 

Order Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man (Europe)

Buy Sangharakshita: The Boy, the Monk, the Man (US & Canada)

 

Learn more about Sangharakshita's life

About Nagabodhi

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 3792 8 full The Sound of One Hand – a memoir of a real Dharma life with Satyadasa The Sound of One Hand – a memoir of a real Dharma life with Satyadasa https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-sound-of-one-hand-%e2%80%93-a-memoir-of-a-real-dharma-life/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-sound-of-one-hand-%e2%80%93-a-memoir-of-a-real-dharma-life/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2022 10:45:00 +0000 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/dff4b1a5-ed1b-3436-98cf-9148ef95a29b Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order The Sound of One Hand online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy The Sound of One Hand (Europe)

Buy The Sound of One Hand (US & Canada)

 

About Satyadasa

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order The Sound of One Hand online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy The Sound of One Hand (Europe)

Buy The Sound of One Hand (US & Canada)

 

About Satyadasa

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 3173 7 full A Buddhist guide to digital life with Prajnaketu A Buddhist guide to digital life with Prajnaketu https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/a-buddhist-guide-to-digital-life/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/a-buddhist-guide-to-digital-life/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/66a24cdc-4570-3719-a4d2-8649c779dbb9 A lot of life is spent online these days. It is the medium for news, entertainment, work, debate and perspective, music, keeping up with friends, dating, and, for some, pornography.

In this podcast episode, Dhammamegha speaks with new author Prajnaketu about his upcoming book Cyberloka: A Buddhist guide to digital life. Prajnaketu wants to open up ways of thinking and talking about our digital lives that draw on the teachings of the Buddha. 

We talk about hyper-availability and how to go mindfully into our digital lives, leaving space for depth. We discuss super-stimulation and in particular the use of porn and other potentially addictive sources of pleasure online. And we hear about how to have better conversations online, including how to disagree more skilfully.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order Cyberloka online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Cyberloka (Europe)

Buy Cyberloka (US & Canada)

 

About Prajnaketu

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

 

]]> A lot of life is spent online these days. It is the medium for news, entertainment, work, debate and perspective, music, keeping up with friends, dating, and, for some, pornography.

In this podcast episode, Dhammamegha speaks with new author Prajnaketu about his upcoming book Cyberloka: A Buddhist guide to digital life. Prajnaketu wants to open up ways of thinking and talking about our digital lives that draw on the teachings of the Buddha. 

We talk about hyper-availability and how to go mindfully into our digital lives, leaving space for depth. We discuss super-stimulation and in particular the use of porn and other potentially addictive sources of pleasure online. And we hear about how to have better conversations online, including how to disagree more skilfully.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order Cyberloka online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Cyberloka (Europe)

Buy Cyberloka (US & Canada)

 

About Prajnaketu

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

 

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2699 6 full The Dharma of overcoming addiction – an interview with Vimalasara The Dharma of overcoming addiction – an interview with Vimalasara https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-dharma-of-overcoming-addiction-%e2%80%93-an-interview-with-vimalasara/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-dharma-of-overcoming-addiction-%e2%80%93-an-interview-with-vimalasara/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/7f661770-47d7-339b-9b7c-3184c8bfc8af It’s always good news when one of our books starts selling well. But in this case, the popularity of Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction points to the rise of compulsive and addictive behaviour and thought over lockdown and beyond. Dhammamegha sat down to talk with the book’s co-author, Valerie Mason-John (Buddhist Order name Vimalasara). 

Perhaps you’re aware of compulsion in yourself or others? In this podcast, Vimalasara and Dhammamegha talk about ‘stinking thinking’ and the difficult and beautiful path to sobriety of thoughts and feelings, putting something positive and wholesome at the centre of our lives. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order Eight Step Recovery online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Eight Step Recovery (Europe)

Buy Eight Step Recovery (US & Canada)

Audio book edition

 

About Vimalasara and her website

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> It’s always good news when one of our books starts selling well. But in this case, the popularity of Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction points to the rise of compulsive and addictive behaviour and thought over lockdown and beyond. Dhammamegha sat down to talk with the book’s co-author, Valerie Mason-John (Buddhist Order name Vimalasara). 

Perhaps you’re aware of compulsion in yourself or others? In this podcast, Vimalasara and Dhammamegha talk about ‘stinking thinking’ and the difficult and beautiful path to sobriety of thoughts and feelings, putting something positive and wholesome at the centre of our lives. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about future podcast releases.

 

Links: 

Order Eight Step Recovery online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy Eight Step Recovery (Europe)

Buy Eight Step Recovery (US & Canada)

Audio book edition

 

About Vimalasara and her website

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2694 5 full Beyond the known self – a conversation with Nagapriya Beyond the known self – a conversation with Nagapriya https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/beyond-the-known-self-%e2%80%93-a-conversation-with-nagapriya/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/beyond-the-known-self-%e2%80%93-a-conversation-with-nagapriya/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2022 11:34:17 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/1c6eb0ed-3e85-3aa2-98c2-6870106be472 In this episode, Dhammamegha interviews Nagapriya, author of the forthcoming book: The Promise of a Sacred World: Shinran’s Teaching of Other Power. It is due out in early September 2022. 

Nagapriya encountered the writings of the Japanese Pure Land teacher Shinran at a point of crisis in his own spiritual life. After a decade of enthusiastic striving towards enlightenment, Nagapriya came up against the limits of self-directed practice. In that moment, Shinran and Other Power opened a different way of thinking about enlightenment and a life in the Dharma. 

I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Nagapriya about his life and practice. In this generous and spacious interview – I found him warm and deeply thoughtful about what it means to be a Buddhist. Through reflection, mythic and poetic thinking, Nagapriya explores Shinran’s existential liberation, and the nature of connection, openness and encounter with something beyond the known self. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about the book’s release and launches

 

Links: 

Order online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy The Promise of the Sacred World (Europe)

Buy The Promise of the Sacred World (US & Canada)

About Nagapriya 

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> In this episode, Dhammamegha interviews Nagapriya, author of the forthcoming book: The Promise of a Sacred World: Shinran’s Teaching of Other Power. It is due out in early September 2022. 

Nagapriya encountered the writings of the Japanese Pure Land teacher Shinran at a point of crisis in his own spiritual life. After a decade of enthusiastic striving towards enlightenment, Nagapriya came up against the limits of self-directed practice. In that moment, Shinran and Other Power opened a different way of thinking about enlightenment and a life in the Dharma. 

I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Nagapriya about his life and practice. In this generous and spacious interview – I found him warm and deeply thoughtful about what it means to be a Buddhist. Through reflection, mythic and poetic thinking, Nagapriya explores Shinran’s existential liberation, and the nature of connection, openness and encounter with something beyond the known self. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about the book’s release and launches

 

Links: 

Order online from your nearest independent bookshop or: 

Buy The Promise of the Sacred World (Europe)

Buy The Promise of the Sacred World (US & Canada)

About Nagapriya 

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 4099 4 full The man who entertains cancer (how to deal with cancer) with Devamitra The man who entertains cancer (how to deal with cancer) with Devamitra https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-man-who-entertains-cancer-how-to-deal-with-cancer-with-devamitra/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/the-man-who-entertains-cancer-how-to-deal-with-cancer-with-devamitra/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2022 09:35:28 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/015b2d79-166a-3498-a041-b01887cd1ab6 In February this year, we published a memoir by a man diagnosed with life-threatening prostate cancer. The book is called Entertaining Cancer the Buddhist Way. That man is Devamitra, and his book covers his remarkable story of working with his mental states through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

In this podcast Dhammamegha interviews Devamitra to learn more about the man behind the cancer journey, and finds out what conditioned his strength of character, and his Buddhist practice.

After a period of remission, Devamitra’s cancer has returned, and in this forthright and often unexpected conversation he talks about facing uncertainty, death and the beauty and love that can come from meeting ill health fully. It’s a longer listen than usual, so sit back and enjoy.

Trigger warning: This podcast deals with difficult topics such as cancer and death. Please be advised before listening.

Useful Links: 

Buy Entertaining Cancer (Europe)

Buy Entertaining Cancer (US & Canada)

Prostate Cancer UK

London Buddhist Centre

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> In February this year, we published a memoir by a man diagnosed with life-threatening prostate cancer. The book is called Entertaining Cancer the Buddhist Way. That man is Devamitra, and his book covers his remarkable story of working with his mental states through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

In this podcast Dhammamegha interviews Devamitra to learn more about the man behind the cancer journey, and finds out what conditioned his strength of character, and his Buddhist practice.

After a period of remission, Devamitra’s cancer has returned, and in this forthright and often unexpected conversation he talks about facing uncertainty, death and the beauty and love that can come from meeting ill health fully. It’s a longer listen than usual, so sit back and enjoy.

Trigger warning: This podcast deals with difficult topics such as cancer and death. Please be advised before listening.

Useful Links: 

Buy Entertaining Cancer (Europe)

Buy Entertaining Cancer (US & Canada)

Prostate Cancer UK

London Buddhist Centre

FutureDharma Fund

Follow Windhorse Publications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 3177 3 full Mindfulness and the suffering of the world with Bhikkhu Anālayo Mindfulness and the suffering of the world with Bhikkhu Anālayo https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/mindfulness-and-the-suffering-of-the-world/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/mindfulness-and-the-suffering-of-the-world/#comments Mon, 30 May 2022 11:43:59 +0100 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/ce02c429-edb8-39a9-8e3c-2b7bc8c94745 In this episode, scholar-monk Bhikkhu Anālayo continues the conversation with Dhammamegha about two mindfulness books published by Windhorse Publications in 2019. 

The conversation covers the crucial question of the place of mindfulness of others in meditation, the importance of sangha or community, and the relationship between what happens on the cushion and our ways of being in the world. 

Getting closer to some of our collective challenges, Bhikkhu Anālayo talks about climate change and the Six Element Practice. We then move onto Bhikkhu Anālayo’s concerns about the dangers of going too far in deconstructing truth and morality in current culture, particularly in the USA, as well as the overemphasis of subjectivity. 

 

Links: 

About Bhikkhu Anālayo and Windhorse Publications 

https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product-category/authors/analayo/

https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/teacher/bhikkhu-analayo/

www.windhorsepublications.com

 

Links to audio resources: 

Elements meditation

Mindfully Facing Climate Change interview

 

Where to purchase the books:

Introducing Mindfulness: Buddhist Background and Practical Exercises

UK & Europe

US & Canada

Mindfulness in Early Buddhism: Characteristics and Functions

UK & Europe

US & Canada

Mindfully Facing Climate Change

UK & Europe

US & Canada 

Superiority Conceit in Buddhist Traditions: A Historical Perspective

UK & Europe

US & Canada

]]> In this episode, scholar-monk Bhikkhu Anālayo continues the conversation with Dhammamegha about two mindfulness books published by Windhorse Publications in 2019. 

The conversation covers the crucial question of the place of mindfulness of others in meditation, the importance of sangha or community, and the relationship between what happens on the cushion and our ways of being in the world. 

Getting closer to some of our collective challenges, Bhikkhu Anālayo talks about climate change and the Six Element Practice. We then move onto Bhikkhu Anālayo’s concerns about the dangers of going too far in deconstructing truth and morality in current culture, particularly in the USA, as well as the overemphasis of subjectivity. 

 

Links: 

About Bhikkhu Anālayo and Windhorse Publications 

https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product-category/authors/analayo/

https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/teacher/bhikkhu-analayo/

www.windhorsepublications.com

 

Links to audio resources: 

Elements meditation

Mindfully Facing Climate Change interview

 

Where to purchase the books:

Introducing Mindfulness: Buddhist Background and Practical Exercises

UK & Europe

US & Canada

Mindfulness in Early Buddhism: Characteristics and Functions

UK & Europe

US & Canada

Mindfully Facing Climate Change

UK & Europe

US & Canada 

Superiority Conceit in Buddhist Traditions: A Historical Perspective

UK & Europe

US & Canada

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 1133 2 full Bhikkhu Anālayo and the Buddhist roots of mindfulness Bhikkhu Anālayo and the Buddhist roots of mindfulness https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/bhikkhu-analayo-and-the-buddhist-roots-of-mindfulness/ https://windhorsepublications.podbean.com/e/bhikkhu-analayo-and-the-buddhist-roots-of-mindfulness/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:17:58 +0000 windhorsepublications.podbean.com/f18b98a4-38f8-30a5-828f-47519b862387 In this episode of the new Windhorse Publications podcast, scholar-monk Bhikkhu Anālayo talks to Dhammamegha about two books we published in 2019, written for mindfulness practitioners interested in the Buddhist background to mindfulness. 

Along the way he talks about bare mindfulness and how it differs from mindfulness in the context of the Buddhist path. The interview covers the basic function of monitoring and acceptance to protect the mind, and the wisdom part of mindfulness practice. Anālayo talks about the importance of getting into the body and working with conditions as they are, opening the heart and bringing it all on the path.

Finally, our guest talks about studying early Buddhism – imagining the Buddha, how close we can get to imagining the historical Buddha, and the importance of relying on the Dharma.

 

Links for this episode:

Bhikkhu Anālayo's bio: https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product-category/authors/analayo/

Barre Center for Buddhist Studies: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/

 

Where to purchase the books:

Introducing Mindfulness: Buddhist Background and Practical Exercises.

Europe - https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product/introducing-mindfulness-paperback/

US & Canada - https://bookshop.org/a/5803/9781911407577

Mindfulness in Early Buddhism: Characteristics and Functions.

Europe - https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product/mindfulness-in-early-buddhism-characteristics-and-functions-paperback/

US & Canada - https://bookshop.org/a/5803/9781911407553

]]> In this episode of the new Windhorse Publications podcast, scholar-monk Bhikkhu Anālayo talks to Dhammamegha about two books we published in 2019, written for mindfulness practitioners interested in the Buddhist background to mindfulness. 

Along the way he talks about bare mindfulness and how it differs from mindfulness in the context of the Buddhist path. The interview covers the basic function of monitoring and acceptance to protect the mind, and the wisdom part of mindfulness practice. Anālayo talks about the importance of getting into the body and working with conditions as they are, opening the heart and bringing it all on the path.

Finally, our guest talks about studying early Buddhism – imagining the Buddha, how close we can get to imagining the historical Buddha, and the importance of relying on the Dharma.

 

Links for this episode:

Bhikkhu Anālayo's bio: https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product-category/authors/analayo/

Barre Center for Buddhist Studies: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/

 

Where to purchase the books:

Introducing Mindfulness: Buddhist Background and Practical Exercises.

Europe - https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product/introducing-mindfulness-paperback/

US & Canada - https://bookshop.org/a/5803/9781911407577

Mindfulness in Early Buddhism: Characteristics and Functions.

Europe - https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product/mindfulness-in-early-buddhism-characteristics-and-functions-paperback/

US & Canada - https://bookshop.org/a/5803/9781911407553

]]> Windhorse Publications false No 2015 1 full