Abhayagiri Talks

Luang Por Liem reflects on the Buddha’s teaching on how to know the mind and how to recognize the changing nature of the winds that flow through the mind in the form of thoughts and impressions. Mindfulness of the nature of this guides us towards the experience of the pure mind which lies beyond the sensory objects which the mind has the tendency to grab hold of. This Dhamma talk was offered as a part of the reception hall inauguration weekend at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery on July 1, 2018.

Luang Por Viradhammo reflects on the ability to be focused and present, and the relationship between that quality and a broader awareness and empathy. He describes how both of these aspects of heart and head are indispensable parts of the appreciation of reality and the path towards a natural stillness. This Dhamma talk was offered as a part of the reception hall inauguration weekend at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery on June 30, 2018.

Reverend Heng Sure reflects on the various bridges between Abhayagiri and the City of 10,000 Buddhas. He shares the story of Master Hua, Rev. Heng Sure’s teacher, offering the land which became Abhayagiri to Ajahn Sumedho. He shares many stories of the connections between the City of 10,000 Buddhas and the lasting impressions Abhayagiri and the Thai Forest Tradition has left on him: chanting, alms round, recitations of the Pātimokkha, the excursions into the Thai forest, and the regular visits at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery. He reflects on the strength that comes from such a long shared dedication to the Dhamma Vinaya. This Dhamma talk was offered as a part of the reception hall inauguration weekend at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery on July 1, 2018.

Ajahn Achalo reflects on his history with Luang Por Pasanno at Wat Pah Nananchat and Abhayagiri and the evolution of events that culminated in the establishment of the current reception hall and Buddha statue. He discusses his early struggles and self-consciousness as a young monk, and how Luang Por helped him see the wholesome and unwholesome and recognize his own growth in Dhamma. He encourages us to embrace kindness and to let go of the fault finding and self-critical mind. By noticing the pain which accompany the hindrances and cultivating mettā, we can more easily wash them away. He also encourages us to use mettā to brighten, but also balancing ourselves with body contemplation. This balance when joined with determination, commitment, and community can lead us to a long-term growth. This Dhamma talk was offered on July 5, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Jayasaro reflects on Luang Por Pasanno’s legacy and their long relationship. He further cultivating joy and happiness and sīla, moral precepts, as their basis. He further discusses the process of enjoying the breath and how subtle cues that affect how we approach meditation and our practice. He discusses the coming challenges and opportunities for the incoming abbots. This Dhamma talk was offered as a part of the reception hall inauguration weekend on June 30, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Sona reflects on his first arrival at Wat Pah Nanachat where Luang Por Pasanno was abbot, and was able to appreciate his patience, endurance, and wisdom. He reflects on Ajahn Jayasaro’s warm-hearted equanimity in dealing with various difficulties that arose in his early monastic years at Wat Pah Nanachat. He reflects on the simple beauty of the new reception hall that suggests a path to the peace and love in the space within. This Dhamma talk was offered as a part of the reception hall inauguration weekend on June 30, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Luang Por Jundee encourages us to develop the monastery in our hearts. This is the more difficult work through faith, mindfulness, wisdom, samadhi. We should look at the present to see the defilements and to develop peace. Wisdom arises through seeing change and through conquering identity with self. This talk was offered on June 29, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Luang Por Liem describes the tendencies of the mind. The ways in which the mind can become aware of the true nature of phenomena and moving steadily away from the realm of like and dislike. He describes sati and the knowing that can experience the mind more clearly in its natural state.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the movements of mind: sensuality, becoming, views, and ignorance which keep one bound to the round of rebirth. This talk was offered on June 24, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

On the commemoration of Ajahn Chah’s birthday, Ajahn Pasanno reads from the new biography, “Stillness Flowing” This reading was offered on June 17, 2018 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.