Podcast, Page 27

Ajahn Viradhammo uses carpentry to examine how we learn and apply knowledge to our practice.… Read the rest

Venerable Cunda talks about the four modes of speech. Focusing closely on the first two modes.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo explores the reflective capacity and speaks about how to apply reflection – not for the sake of knowledge, but to learn what it is we are supposed to reflect upon. Examining the absence of conditions and exploring not self, non-becoming and non-resistance.… Read the rest

On Canada Day, Ajahn Viradhammo talks about how different people react to the same occasion with different points of view and also how gratitude can lead to a deep sense of peace.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo reflects on the monastic life as one in which we allow each other different moods of mind. Reading from the Visuddhimagga he explains how acceptance of these mind states creates the possibility of transcending them.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo reflects on being caught in the conditions of life. He suggests that we ask the question “What is the unconditioned?” as a skillful way of developing awareness of the difference between conditioned existence and that which is unconditioned. He uses the teaching on Dependant Origination to show how we can stop the chain of conditioned arising and bring attention fully into the present moment.… Read the rest

Venerable Cunda recounts experiences from his monastic career, including times when he felt fear and worry. He explains how the fear was conditioned by a strong sense of self, including examples from Luang Por Pasanno and Luang Ta Maha Boowa, and illustrates how the monastic way of practice moves in the opposing direction of the eight worldly winds.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo meets for a discussion with the lay supporters. He talks about being interviewed for a book on Buddhist practitioners, and responds to a question about utilizing thinking in a skillful way, by suggesting that one memorize extended passages from the suttas, be deliberate in the use of language, and use the meditative technique of “No Thought”.… Read the rest

To mark Tisarana’s Vesak celebration, Ajahn Viradhammo reflects on the Buddha’s awakening and the teachings that point to this awakening. He stresses the importance of finding a way to rest the mind, thus freeing the mind from the constraints of thinking. He offers the technique of using a mirroring technique in the silence for training one’s mind, and explains how this technique can lead to wisdom and compassion.… Read the rest

Venerable Cunda describes the Buddhist path as one that is leading inwards, a path towards insight and the end of suffering. He shows how to use the path factors of Right Intention, Right Speech and Right Effort skillfully to navigate this path and be a friend to oneself.… Read the rest