Abhayagiri Talks

Reflecting on his recent experience with a Seattle meditation group days after the American presidential election, Tan Kaccāna contemplates fear from a Buddhist perspective. He points out that there are skillful states of fear and discusses two – otapa (fear of the results of unskillful actions that inspires sila) and samvega (a fear of dukkha that inspires ones practice). But he also reflects how unskillful fear born of uncertainty about the future can lead us to abandon refuge in worldly things and to seek refuge in dhamma. This talk was offered on November 19, 2016 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Under a full November moon, Luang Pa gives us a beautifully comprehensive reflection on Dhamma. Covering a few gradual aspects of the path and the basis for training, embellished by stories and direct quotes from the canon, as well as a few inspirational words from some of the great teachers of our day. This talk was offered on November 14, 2016 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Using the example of body image, Ajahn Karunadhammo shows how we can employ intention and attention to gradually but radically change our perception of the world. He continues with a guided reflection which develops our capacity to change our perceptions of people toward whom we feel anger or aversion. This talk was offered on the daylong retreat “The Colors of Experience” at Spirit Rock Mediation Center on November 13, 2016.

During the mornings first question and answer period, Ajahn Karuṇadhammo answers a question involving the difficulty of practicing during the day or at work. He also explores the topic of resurging memories and the process of reprogramming our perception- highlighting themes to come. He responds to a question concerning the relevance both the accurateness and in-accurateness of our perceptions by reminding us of our objective. Wrapping up with some skilful advice on how to navigate charged interactions with our friends and family. This talk was offered on the daylong retreat “The Colors of Experience” at Spirit Rock Mediation Center on November 13, 2016.

In the third question and answer session, Ajahn Karuṇadhammo responds to questions about the meaning of “knowing and letting go” by describing the transcendent goal of Buddhist practice. He also discusses overcoming negative perceptions of working in the city. This question and answer session was offered on the daylong retreat “The Colors of Experience” at Spirit Rock Mediation Center on November 13, 2016.

In the second question and answer session, Ajahn Karuṇadhammo responds to questions about working with fear and unpleasant feeling, perceptions regarding the 2016 election, and the desire to run away. This question and answer session was offered on the daylong retreat “The Colors of Experience” at Spirit Rock Mediation Center on November 13, 2016.

Our perception of the world and other people is fabricated from sense experience and underlying tendencies. Ajahn Karuṇadhammo gives many examples that illustrate this point and show the drawbacks of blindly believing our perceptions. The talk concludes with walking meditation instructions. This talk was offered on the daylong retreat “The Colors of Experience” at Spirit Rock Mediation Center on November 13, 2016.

In the first talk of the day, Ajahn Karuṇadhammo intoduces the days theme, perception (saññā), with emphases on learning how to get a feel for the process in action, before reconstructing it so as to experience a greater sense of peace in our lives. This talk was offered on the daylong retreat “The Colors of Experience” at Spirit Rock Mediation Center on November 13, 2016.

Exploring the idea what it might be like to unburden ourselves from the five senses through simile, Ajahn goes through each aggregate in detail. Illustrating the peace that we can experience when we begin to recognize the heaviness of attachment, and let go. This talk was offered on November 12, 2016 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Four years into his retirement as abbot and a lifetime of practice in all parts of the world, Ajahn Tiradhammo returns to Abhayagiri for a short visit and shares with us some reflections on right thought and skillful means. This talk was offered on November 5, 2016 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.