Abhayagiri Talks

Ajahn Karunadhammo describes how to assess what the mind needs in meditation practice. He covers qualities of mind that are benchmarks for evaluating our practice. He emphasizes investigating the feeling tone in the mind and in the body to determine a suitable meditation method for a given time.

Ajahn Naniko describes his recent visit to Bodh Gaya to fulfill a determination to meditate for many days at the Bodhi Tree, the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

“Nothing whatsover should be clung to” is the Buddha’s concise teaching. Ajahn Pasanno discusses the four types of clinging which create suffering and the need to relinquish attachment to be free from suffering.

We are always shifting position to avoid unease, discomfort, and suffering both physically and mentally. Ajahn Pasanno explains that we seek relief through desire, but we should investigate the process of desire to see that it also leads to suffering. He discusses the seven factors of enlightenment which are tools to free us from dukkha.

Ajahn Karunadhammo reads “Mindfulness, its Friends and Relatives”, an essay by Ajahn Sucitto; and from “Stillness Flowing -The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Chah” Chapter VI, “The Heart of the Matter”, Sections Samatha and Vipassana, The Development of Insight, and Beyond the Monkey.

Ajahn Pasanno discusses the ten paramis (perfections) - human virtues which bring a sense of fullness and completeness. The ten work together to support a web of maturity and fundamental goodness which we can rely on for our well being and for the relief of suffering.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the process of mental proliferation, mental volition and using whole body awareness with breath meditation as a way to work with mental formations.

Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi discusses Dhammapada verses 110-115 which address what should be the purpose of our life from a Buddhist perspective. The verses mention moral restraint, meditation, samadhi, insight, and wisdom. They compare a life of one hundred years without these to a life of one day with them.

On the night of Magha Puja, Ajahn Pasanno explains the Buddha’s teaching on the ten principles of cordiality. These create affection and respect and lead to cohesiveness, to concord and unity in the sangha. (Anguttara Nikaya 10.50). They are to be developed for communal harmony and for internal balance and contentment within one’s practice.

At the commemoration of Ajahn Chah’s 100th birth year, Ajahn Pasanno recalls inspiring qualities of the revered teacher. He describes aspects of the monks’ training in contentment, and the focus on investigating suffering, and developing a generous spirit which allows one to relinquish the burden of self.