Mindulness Q & A
Venerable Cunda also answers a question regarding bare mindfulness versus a more involved investigation in one’s practice.… Read the rest
The Contemplative’s Work
Ajahn Viradhammo compares the work of a scholar with that done by a contemplative. He explains how a scholar amasses teachings and knowledge, while a contemplative uses these teachings as bases for reflection. Using the example of the teaching on the Four Noble Truths, he shows how reflection can develop into a cherishing of all living beings.… Read the rest
Interested in Peace
Venerable Cunda speaks on the Five Hindrances, specifically restlessness and anxiety, and how these are tied in with regret and remorse. He points out the value of sila (morality) in overcoming these hindrances, and how right speech can be cultivated to lead us towards peace.… Read the rest
Beyond all Flat Tires
Ajahn Viradhammo gives a talk using the analogy of how we suffer when we get a flat tire and explores the skills needed to see beyond self-identified suffering due to our social conditions.… Read the rest
The Cards You’ve Been Dealt
Ajahn Viradhammo expounds the Buddhist practices of sense restraint and being content with little, but stresses that while these are important practices, they are methods for reaching the final goal, and not the goal itself. He offers advice in accepting one’s own kamma as the cards that one has been dealt.… Read the rest
Election Dukkha
This is a past talk by Venerable Khemako offered at the Ottawa Buddhist Society. Venerable Khemako examines various sources of stress in our lives and compares the situation of the US Presidential Elections as a cause of Dukkha and how we react to it.… Read the rest
Going Forth: A Year of Service
Ajahn Viradhammo talks about the commitment of a Year of Service offered by Anagarikas with the hope of understanding Sangha life and serving the Sangha on the occasion of David’s Anagarika ordination.… Read the rest
Playing with Dominoes
Ajahn Viradhammo speaks about gratitude to one’s parents, and what to do if this gratitude is difficult to develop. He offers reflections in training the mind by repeatedly returning to the stillness of knowing, and through cultivating an awareness of the basic senses of listening and tactile sensations… Read the rest
Moral Boundaries and the Buddhist Precepts: Q & A
Ajahn Viradhammo answers questions about how to live a wholesome, productive life without getting caught in the trap of becoming. He speaks on the value of upholding the precepts and developing the parami, the Ten Perfections, as ways to develop skills without creating an ego around the skills. He also advises using meditation based on awareness of the breathing and the bodily posture as ways to gradually get more in touch with intense forms of suffering. He recommends an objective knowing of the khandas as a skillful way to deal with interpersonal conflict.… Read the rest
What’s on Netflix?
Ajahn Viradhammo speaks on Right Livelihood in three aspects, that of profit, skill and development of character. He points out how this character development can lead to a patience which is able to overcome greed, hatred and delusion.… Read the rest