The Contemplate’s Companion – Audio
We are delighted to let you know that the audio talks of all sessions transcribed in The Contemplative’s Companion can be found on the link here. The audio version is posted on Tisarana’s YouTube Channel as a separate playlist.
Luang Por Viradhammo and all of us at Tisarana send you our best wishes.… Read the rest
The Contemplative’s Companion
We’re delighted to announce the release of Luang Por Viradhammo’s latest book, The Contemplative’s Companion.
Based on a meditation retreat that he led during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book presents Luang Por Viradhammo’s reflections on Presence and using that as a means to experience opening of the heart.
Setting aside conventional analysis and lists, Luang Por Viradhammo speaks from his own experience, uses everyday language, and cites familiar metaphors to generate deeper understanding and compassion. Luang Por’s teachings hold out touchstones that guide readers in a straightforward, intuitive manner, encouraging us to awaken to what IS, moment to moment.
The book is available in multiple formats including PDF, EPUB and MOBI. Free physical copies of the book can be picked up at Tisarana Buddhist Monastery where Luang Por resides as the abbot.
Click here to download a soft copy of the book.
The Contemplative’s Companion
This electronic edition of The Contemplative’s Companion is offered in commemoration of Ajahn Viradhammo’s 78th birthday on April 27th, 2025.
This book is based on a meditation retreat organised by the Ottawa Buddhist Society and taught by Ajahn Viradhammo during the COVID-19 pandemic. His wise and gentle teachings, offered before vaccines were announced, were an inspiration during those trying and tumultuous times. His reflections skilfully guided participants away from heavy and negative mind states that were prevalent at that time.
Setting aside conventional analysis and lists, Ajahn Viradhammo presents his reflections on presence as a
companion to all contemplatives. He speaks from his own experience, uses everyday language, and cites familiar metaphors to generate deeper understanding and compassion. Ajahn’s teachings hold out touchstones that guide readers in a straightforward, intuitive manner, encouraging us to awaken to what IS, moment to moment.… Read the rest
Winter Retreat 2025 and Dhamma Hall usage.
Dear friends, warm greetings and all good wishes for 2025 from Luang Por Viradhammo and the Tisarana Community.
As always, the residents here at the monastery have started our annual Winter Retreat which will end on Mar 31st, 2025. April will be our month of planning and New Visitor Orientations will commence in May. Those dates will be published in our calendar in April. We do not accept overnight visitors during the Winter months.
The Dhamma Hall is now ready, providing a lovely space for meditation, contemplation and silence. The resident community would like to welcome you to use the hall for your practice when you visit. Please park your vehicles in the parking lot and proceed directly to the Dhamma Hall.
The house can be accessed if you are bringing dāna, but if not, please restrict your visit to the Dhamma Hall itself. The hall will be accessible from 8 AM to 9 PM every day. No permission or prior intimation is required.
Though there’s a tea station available in the Dhamma Hall, we would request that food and drink not be brought into the Hall, but restricted to the hallway areas. All are encouraged to imbibe the silence and stillness of the Dhamma Hall by being mindful when entering, leaving and using the space.… Read the rest
Farewell, Bruno.
Dear friends,
It pains us to share recent events regarding Bruno, our very own four-legged Bodhisattva. As you may have known, Bruno had been suffering from various illnesses over the past few weeks. These had left him weak and he began to lose weight drastically.
After numerous tests and treatments, doctors finally confirmed last Saturday that he was suffering from lymphoma. A variety of treatments were attempted, unfortunately, his deterioration was rapid as his condition was too virulent.
Bruno peacefully breathed his last around 11.30 AM the day before yesterday, 27th Dec 2024. The conditions assailing him seemed to have been more than enough and he was ready to let go. His end was extremely peaceful and his departure was very smooth. Bruno succumbed, bravely facing lymphoma. A real trooper.
He was surrounded by loved ones – we chanted, laughed, cried, but mostly held and stroked him gently. He responded with wags and looked deeply into our eyes, snuggling close and he finally let go ever so gently.
His presence will be sorely missed as he brought so much joy and love to everyone who met him. However, we are all greatly relieved that his suffering has come to an end and he’s resting in a much better destination, free from bodily pain and disease. … Read the rest
Sunday Public Meditation cancelled – 10 Nov 2024.
Dear friends,
The upcoming Sunday Public Meditation session on 10th November is cancelled.
Unfortunately, some members of our community are down with Covid and are self-isolating. We are unsure how long it would be for regular activities to resume and for those sick to get better.
We realise that these sessions are very popular, but regrettably, the situation is unavoidable. Please look out for an announcement regarding Nov 17th, Sunday, if things are better, we will certainly let you know.
All of us here send you our warmest regards and most sincere regrets for cancelling.… Read the rest