Tan Khemako answers questions from the lay community at Tisarana on the subject of dependent origination. He contrasts the three lifetime and single lifetime versions from the commentary, and explains how to develop awareness so as to break this cycle of dependence.
(Q&A recorded at Tisarana on 6 December 2017. Duration 59:23)… Read the rest
Tan Khemako has tea with the community and begins by talking about his recent trip to Israel that he went on with some of his family members to tour some of the holy sights in that area. He describes how the people living in that area of the world have very little knowledge of Buddhism or what a Buddhist monk is; so the sight of a bald man walking around in orange robes is an unusual thing to see. But people were none the less very curious and would occasionally approach him and ask him who he was and why he dressed the way he did, which he would kindly explain.
Later on in the discussion, Venerable Khemako was asked to talk a little about his background and how he got interested in Buddhism and the monastic life. He goes into detail about some of the places he traveled to, the people he met, and teachers that inspired him along the way.
(Q&A recorded at Tisarana on 18 May 2018. Duration 1:13:14)… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo shares some reflections on going beyond pleasure and pain, the past and the future. The usual course of existence is manipulating phenomena in order maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Ajahn Viradhammo encourages us to apply our energies to put our attention on the simple reality, to dwell in non-preoccupation, to free our selves from suffering. (Talk recorded at Tisarana on 4 August 2018. Duration 29:14)… Read the rest
Tan Khemako shares a guided meditation on scanning through the parts of the body.
(Guided meditation recorded at Tisarana on 9 December 2017. Duration 27:54)… Read the rest
Mindfulness is now a ubiquitous buzzword that is often used to just refer to being aware. In truth, when cultivated intensively, it becomes a real power and it is present in any wholesome state. He also answers some questions and at the end of the talk. (Talk recorded at Tisarana on 28 July 2018. Duration 41:04)… Read the rest
On the full moon night of Vesak Puja, Ajahn Viradhammo advises Tisarana’s resident community to consciously develop a feeling of gratitude and devotion to the Buddha, and to his teaching which has remained alive in the world for over 2500 years. He explains how by using compassion we can awaken to our states of mind in a way that is both harmonious to those around us and liberating to all.
(Talk recorded at Tisarana on 29 May 2018. Duration 27:42)… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo shares with us the story of the 4th uncle, a chinese healer. He then answers questions about the evolution of “practice” developing the themes of right understanding, not grasping, the knowing and hiri-ottappa. He concludes by showing how to deal with grief and use a doctrine as a tool for reflexion and not as an opinion.
(Q&A recorded at Tisarana on 27 May 2018. Duration 1:17:04)… Read the rest
On Vesak Day, Ajahn Viradhammo and Ajahn Amaro give readings on the birth, enlightenment and final parinibbana of the Buddha.
(Recorded at Tisarana on 19 May 2018. Duration 01:12:42)… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo explains how an attempt to get something from sensory experience pulls the mind into a sense of self and inevitable suffering. By making a firm intention to be aware of neutral experiences such as touch, sound and the movement of the body, he shows how we can train the mind to remain in the present, not takes things personally and know things as they really are.
(Talk recorded at Tisarana on 20 July 2018. Duration 32:04)… Read the rest
Ajahn Pavaro reflects on a few obstacles that can challenge experienced Buddhists and meditators. He encourages us, especially those coming from a Western background, to reflect on the role of faith and balance in our practice. After the talk, Ajahn Pavaro also answered a few questions from the attendees.
(Talk recorded at Tisarana on 21 July 2018. Duration 51:47)… Read the rest
