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  ..read more

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  ..read more

This talk describes how Buddhism shares aspects of several other systems, including religion, ethics, psychology and philosophy. It discusses how trying to mix different systems can lead to problems and then points out the way in which Buddhism differs from all other systems, how it is a middle way,  which is all encompassing. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in February 2008  ..read more

This podcast discusses how life changes with the way we choose to respond to situations. It looks at the meaning of acceptance and the impact it has on our actions, including meditation, and how acceptance develops interest which leads to understanding and wisdom into the transient, conditioned nature of all things. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in May  2015  ..read more

This talk discusses the Noble Eightfold Path and the Buddha’s approach to conflict resolution, along with ways to achieve physical and psychological security. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in February 2004  ..read more

This talk discusses rebirth and its importance within the Buddha’s teaching. It explores the different impacts on our lives of holding a one-life view compared with a view of rebirth and describes how the noting of the five aggregates in vipassana meditation can take us beyond the cycle of rebirth to the realisation of enlightenment. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in November 2006 ..read more

In this podcast, Paul introduces the four cankers of sensual desire, becoming, views and ignorance, describes how they corrupt meditation and gives tips on how to overcome them. He then discusses ways to prepare in order to make the most of a retreat and the effect it can have on our practice ..read more

This podcast examines the power of the mind and how it can be used to influence our lives. It discusses the influence of the parami, kamma and rebirth, how the hindrances can hamper personal power and also warns about the potential dangers of the power of the mind. Finally it describes how certain acts of power can lead to enlightenment. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in December 2005 ..read more

This podcast discusses the role of renunciation in undertaking a Buddhist practice and the difference between renunciation and asceticism. It discusses how renunciation can show up our attachments and the hindrances to meditation, enable us to note the three marks of transience, unsatisfactoriness and non-self and finally, bring us to the realisation of nibbana. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in October 2005 ..read more

This talk discusses the topic of belief in self and the Buddha’s teaching of non-self, what we mean by “self” and how it develops. It introduces the Buddha’s three-fold training of ethical conduct, concentration and insight. Then how to see through the illusion of self by noting experience at the ultimate level, using the five aggregates. Paul Harris is the Spiritual Head and principal meditation teacher at the House of Inner Tranquility. This talk was given in August 2003 ..read more