Abhayagiri Talks

As the end of the winter retreat approaches, Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the importance of evaluating practice to see what worked and what are the results of our effort. He suggests certain benchmarks which are useful, including the eight qualities of a great being. Also one can assess, did my effort lead to wholesome or unwholesome activity? Am I content with the requisites? Am I treading lightly in the world? Is freedom of the mind a result of what I have been doing? This talk was offered on March 20, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Naniko suggests we connect the dots between cause and effect to understand our experience. He discusses being open and willing to learn from experience, such as enjoying the beauty of springtime, not to reject it. Nonattachment is moving through experience using discernment, not pushing it away. This talk was offered on March 16, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the sense of self as an agent, using the limited control we do have over thoughts and actions for virtuous choices, and not to experience oneself or others through a fixed lens. This talk was offered on March 13, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Kaccana discusses mindfulness of death practices that can help eliminate unwholesome states of mind, lessen identification with the body and develop urgency about practice. He also talks about nutriment, craving, and self identity which feed the cycle of birth and death. This talk was offered on March 9, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Naniko discusses the duty of the first noble truth - to understand dukkha (suffering). He encourages investigating it deeply. The results are building up qualities of the heart, a deeper sense of well-being, and moving forward on the path with strength and integrity. This talk was offered on March 5, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses how to use recollection of Dhamma-Vinaya, and of Sangha to inspire and uplift the mind. Recollecting the clarity and fullness of the teachings on liberation and on the training in conduct and discipline can energize and move us toward direct experience. Recollection of the Sangha can be a support in difficult times. This talk was offered on March 2, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Nyaniko recounts the teachings of Magha Puja. On the full moon night of February, the Buddha gave a short teaching to a group of 1250 enlightened beings who had gathered for practice and observance. Subjects include knowing the measure of the meal, commitment to solitude, and patient endurance. This talk was offered on February 19, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karunadhammo offers reflections on developing loving kindness or goodwill which is broad and not dependent on certain individuals or conditions. This mind state can be a firm grounding for further development of the practice and a good basis to offer support to others that is not based on expectation or attachment. Developing goodwill, compassion, joy and equanimity are part of right effort in practice. This talk was offered on February 6, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Approaching the half-way point of the Winter Retreat, Ajahn Naniko offers encouragement and suggests renewing noble silence and beginning anew. He offers meditation techniques on contemplation of the elements and parts of the body. These things are peaceful in and of themselves; it is the mind that is not peaceful. He asks, “What would it be like if, in my practice, I am not trying to get anything?” This talk was offered on February 12, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Our drive for security and stability leads us to familiar pleasures and bases of supposed security. But Ajahn Karunadhammo explains that these are often unsatisfying and still involve craving, clinging and becoming. We can substitute unskillful holding with skillful holding of experience by applying right mindfulness to form, feeling, mind and mind objects. We start by mindfulness grounded in the body which provides stability and refuge rooted in discernment. This talk was offered on February 2, 2019 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.