TisaSteward

This Dhamma reflection was given by Ajahn Sumedho on the 8th of March at Amaravati Monastery, UK.

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This Dhamma reflection was given by Ajahn Sumedho on the 26th of February at Amaravati Monastery, UK.

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Ajahn Viradhammo explains how to disempower difficult states of mind. He discusses how instilling contrasting states of mind can be helpful in becoming aware of and bearing with, for example, the self-critical mind. These contrasting states include body awareness and the Brahmaviharas. The talk concludes with a question and answer period. (Dhamma talk via Zoom recorded on 19 September 2020. Duration 48:00)

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This retreat at Rai Poonyavee, Thailand was conducted via Zoom with Ajahn Viradhammo. It included both guided meditations, Desanas (brief comments prior to the meditations), and Dhamma talks. Many thanks to the Angel Group Thailand for hosting the retreat and editing the recordings. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

1. Nov. 22 – Desana and Guided meditation
2. Nov. 23 – Desana and Guided meditation
3. Nov. 24 – Desana and Guided meditation
4. Nov. 25 – Desana and Guided meditation
5. Nov. 26 – Desana and Guided meditation
6. Nov. 27 – Desana and Guided meditation
7. Nov. 28 – Desana and Guided meditation
8. Nov. 29 – Desana and Guided meditation

A. Nov. 21 – Dhamma Talk
B. Nov. 22 – Dhamma Talk
C. Nov. 23 – Dhamma Talk
D. Nov. 24 – Dhamma Talk
E. Nov. 25 – Dhamma Talk
F. Nov. 26 – Dhamma Talk
G. Nov. 27 – Dhamma Talk
H. Nov. 28 – Dhamma Talk
I. Nov. 29 – Dhamma Talk
J. Nov. 30 – Dhamma Talk

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Ajahn Viradhammo discusses how our misperceptions of ourselves are strongly conditioned, and feel very real. However, through trusting in the changing nature of mental phenomena, trusting in awareness, and patiently bearing with these difficult self-perceptions, we find the space to appreciate the beauty in our lives. (Dhamma talk via Zoom recorded on 12 July 2020. Duration 31:50)

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Venerable Khemako describes how views and opinions are quick sketches and shortcuts for the fullness of the present moment. Once we see this, we can hold our opinions more tentatively and recognize their uncertainty. He encourages us to investigate how the process of constructing opinions unfolds, and thereby providing an opportunity to see something new. (Dhamma talk recorded at Arnprior Retreat 30 November 2019. Duration 47:38)

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In this question and answer session, Ajahn Viradhammo discusses how to overcome biases by opening the heart. He also describes how to be socially relevant in difficult times, while inclining the mind towards silence. He also comments on practice-related questions on using the end of the out breath and visual images arising during meditation. (Dhamma talk recorded via Zoom on 16 September 2020. Duration 38:32)

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In this wrap up of the online retreat, Ajahn Viradhammo encourages us to trust in awareness, rather than defaulting to a habit of, for example worry. He explains that a willingness to witness our reaction to being in an emotionally vulnerable (but safe) situation is a form of Metta. He encourages us to use meditation as a practice of purification, where we cultivate open-hearted awareness of difficult states of mind. (Dhamma talk recorded via Zoom on 17 September 2020. Duration 30:24)

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In this Question and Answer session,Venerable Khemako explains that while part of what we experience as fear is primal and rooted in our human physiology, part of the experience is rooted in a self-schema driven by desire (e.g., wish to remove perceived threats to ego). He also describes how meditation practice can help in the investigation of what triggers our unwholesome desires and mental activity. (Dhamma talk recorded via Zoom on 20 August 2020. Duration 37:14)

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Ajahn Viradhammo discusses how important it is for mindfulness to be in the context of Sila (morality) and Panna (wisdom). Each has our own predicament where mindfulness is lost, and Metta (loving-kindness) supports bearing witness to difficult mind states which strengthen mindfulness and awareness. He highlights the importance of constant reflection on uncertainty and enquiry that brings the mind to silent knowing. (Dhamma talk recorded at Tisarana Monastery on 18 August 2020. Duration 37:47)

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