Ajahn Punnadhammo speaks on the twin skills of knowing all experience in terms of its characteristic of not-self, while at the same time keeping the final goal of nibbana in mind. He gives importance to the spiritual faculties of sadda, faith, as it relates to the Third Noble Truth, and upekkha, equanimity, as it relates to the citta.… Read the rest
Venerable Cunda answers questions on how to skillfully deal with thoughts that can arise during formal meditation practice. He speaks on the importance of sense restraint when engaging others, and on finding nutriment in one’s spiritual practice. He reflects on how the Buddha answered the question of what is reborn after death.… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo contrasts the conceit involved in having a fixed plan for a happy mind with the beauty involved in spontaneous generosity. He points out the importance in having a long range plan, and the wisdom needed to remember that a plan in itself cannot provide liberation.… Read the rest
Venerable Khemako discusses the importance of utilizing reflection to gain the full available potential from our meditation practice. He explains how to reflect using the Three Characteristics of anicca, dukkha and anatta, and how practices such as generosity and restraint can be understood as ways to know true happiness.… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo speaks on the skillfulness of using reflection on change as a way to develop an awareness of that which is not changing. It is through this awareness that we can find a real and secure refuge. He likens the way of practice according to the Noble Eightfold Path as a craft which leads onwards to refuge.… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo conducts a question and answer session with the lay retreat crew. He speaks on fear and doubt, the unskillful responses that can result from the attachment to these mind states, and a way to skillfully handle them according to the Four Noble Truths, and through knowing the mood of the mind. He explains how the parami, the Ten Perfections, can be a positive way to work with our karma and kilesas. He reflects on the role of the monastery in relating to the laity, and the role of karma in the eating of meat.… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo conducts a question and answer session with the lay retreat crew. He speaks about reflecting on karma as a skillful means to develop one’s practice, versus taking a position on the workings on karma which can lead to religious doctrine and is not really helpful. He points out the way people often get caught up in a reactivity with the mood of the mind, and in vibhava-tanha, instead of practicing rightly in accordance with the Third Foundation of Mindfulness. He reflects on the different types of beauty, including a sensual kind which leads to kama-tanha and an absorption into the sense experience, and a different type of beauty that can incline the mind towards an awareness and sense of stillness.… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo reads the Vyagghapajja Sutta: Conditions of Welfare, from the Anguttara Nikaya (AN 8.54). He includes observations and reflections on how the Buddha’s advice from 25 centuries ago is relevant and of vital importance in how we lead our lives today.… Read the rest
Ajahn Viradhammo conducts a question and answer session with the lay retreat crew. He talks about family, monasticism and vocation as three paths by which one can practice self surrender and Right Livelihood, and how this can develop understanding. He discusses the distinction between experiencing an object and experiencing the awareness that knows this object, and points out how what we are really searching for can be found only in this awareness through the realization of the Third Noble Truth. He explores the idea of indulgence in an experience and how to let go of this indulgence through the teaching on Dependent Origination.… Read the rest
Venerable Cunda speaks on the perils of becoming stale in one’s practice and losing a sense of the beginner’s mind. He reflects on skillful ways of perceiving our everyday experiences which help us keep our practice fresh and interesting. Two ways we do this are through questioning our perceptions and witnessing the instability of all experience.… Read the rest
