Ajahn Jotipalo discusses monastic training and likens it to a trellis which provides a foundation, direction and structure for something to move toward the light. This talk was offered on November 18, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Luang Por Pasanno offers reflections as long-term lay resident, Jordan, takes on the white robes of an anagārika, leaving the householders’ life and taking on the eight precepts. This ordination took place on November 14, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Recalling his initial impressions of Ajahn Chah’s monastery, Ajahn Pasanno describes monastic practice as incorporating Dhamma into all aspects of life: formal practice, eating, chores, and interactions with others. Such practice naturally leads to continuity of mindfulness and skillful action.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the benefits and importance of meditation on the body as described in the first foundation of mindfulness in the Satipatthana Sutta. He emphasizes the impersonal nature of the body and using various body contemplations to calm the mind. This talk was given on November 11, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Pasanno discusses the third foundation of mindfulness - the mind- as it is integrated into the practice of anapanasati (breath meditation). He reminds us to investigate these subjects as we are aware of the breath. He mentions gladdening the mind, and experiencing directly, not through our projections of what we think we should be experiencing in meditation. This talk was offered on November 5, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Siripanno reflects on the subjects of religion, conditionality, and impermanence. Turning some common american phrases into Dhamma, he advises: First respond by not responding (to avoid heedlessness), plug in but stay unplugged (non attachment), and reach out by reaching in (look inward for the truth). This talk was offered on October 29, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Jotipalo reflects on how the recent fire in Redwood Valley brought connection and cohesion within the Sangha and within the larger region of Ukiah as people responded with compassion and generosity. This talk was offered on October 29, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Once a year, the junior members of the Abhayagiri community offer Dhamma reflections. [0:00] Upāsikā Beth: Offerings into the Void and Practice When Things Get Rough [17:50] Anagārika Gary: Overcoming the Self and Preferences as an Anagārika [28:30] Sāmaṇera Tissaro: Letting Go of Our Stories and Being with our Discomfort [46:55] Tan Sampanno: The Ethical Direction of the Buddha’s Teaching

Once a year, the junior members of the Abhayagiri community offer Dhamma reflections. [0:00] Upāsikā Debbie: A Deep Gratitude [12:35] Tan Pesalo: Using the Brahmavihāras to Move Beyond Our Conditioning [23:20] Tan Suddhiko: Honesty in Our Intentions [31:20] Sāmaṇera Guṇavīro: Investigating Pain, Pleasure, and What Lies Beneath [1:03:15] Anagārika Ryan: Supportive Friendships, Patient Endurance, Doing the Practice [1:11:07] Tan Suhajjo: Tough Mettā and the Gratification, the Danger, and the Escape of Unskillful Mental States [1:33:30] Ajahn Kassapo: Keep Practicing, There is a Benefit [1:35:50] Tan Sudhīro: How the Monastic Training Exposes our Weaknesses and Allows Us to Overcome Them [1:41:23] Tan Jāgaro: Accepting Experience As It Is

Ajahn Sek reflects on his life as a monk. He describes how several of his initial teachers disrobed and the effect it had on his growth in Dhamma. He describes how he found Wat Pah Pong, and what he learned in the process of being an upatakh for Luang Por Liem. This Dhamma talk was offered on October 5, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist monastery.