Abhayagiri Talks

Ajahn Naniko discusses the Sappurisa Dhammas, a set of the Buddha’s teachings describing the qualities of a great person. These are: knowing the nature of things, knowing ones spiritual goal or purpose, knowing ourselves, knowing the right measure, knowing the proper time, knowing cultural norms, and knowing with whom to associate. This talk was offered on December 29, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Kaccana gives tips on making and keeping resolutions or determinations, and describes how they are useful as a practice. This talk was offered on December 30, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Naniko discusses good will, rejoicing, analytical meditation, and the history and benefits of the eight precepts and Wan Phra observance. This talk was offered on December 22, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karunadhammo describes how the monastic community including its lay supporters is an expression of authentic practice of the Buddha’s teachings. He discusses the importance of wise or appropriate attention outlined in the Sabbasava Sutta to deal with the outflows of mind (sensual desire, becoming, and ignorance) which lead to suffering. He stresses the importance of spiritual friends in the practice. This talk was offered on December 15, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karunadhammo encourages us to have a nonjudgemental view of our challenges and hindrances in practice. We should remove harshness towards ourselves and keep evaluation and clarity operating. We can be nonjudgemental, but still have discernment. Peace and contentment are our benchmarks. This talk was offered on December 9, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karundhammo announces the purchase of a new property for the monastery due to a generous donor. Referring to the approaching winter retreat, he discusses three seclusions (viveka) to implement in practice: seclusion of the body, seclusion of the mind using sense restraint, and seclusion from becoming or from clinging to the aggregates as self. This talk was offered on December 7, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Amaro reflects on the topic of “Buddhism and Mindfulness in the West: Where are They Headed and What Challenges Do They Face?” He discusses the Buddha’s pragmatism in the process of setting up the structure of the monastic form and the tools necessary to undergo transformation and be relevant to people’s lives. He discusses the explosion of interested inot meditation after the many documented benefits of meditation on depression and other illnesses. Further he discusses the benefits and relevance of the monastic form and sila in the potential of the monastic form.

Ajahn Naniko discusses communal harmony, the power of the sangha when tasks arise or practice is difficult, and the weight of the generosity of senior teachers in the tradition. This generosity gives rise to faith. He encourages us to give when it is difficult to give and practice Dhamma in accordance with Dhamma. This talk was offered on December 2, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the mind’s tendency to focus on the negative. But we have a choice about what we attend to. We can train the mind through positive reflection and broaden our awareness to focus on goodness. We can understand the reactive, optional suffering we add to situations and lessen this through the practice. This talk was offered on November 30, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Kaccana describes the six recollections which the Buddha taught to inspire perserverance and gladden and brighten the mind. These are: recollection of the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, one’s virtue, one’s generosity, and traits of the Devas. One can employ these recollections with breath meditation or other techniques for stilling the mind. This talk was offered on November 25, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.