Abhayagiri Talks

Returning from his time in Thailand, Ajahn Naniko offers reflections on overcoming negativity, meditating in India, uncertainty, and spiritual friendship.

Ajahn Amaro reflects on letting go of the the process of identification and the Vakkali Sutta where the Buddha reflects “One who sees the Dhamma sees the Buddha. One who sees the Buddha sees the Dhamma.” He reflects further on the Heart Sutra and the Jesus’ quote “I am the way and the truth and the light” from a contemplative point of view in that all of these teachings point to a much broader truth.

Ajahn Naniko discusses challenges associated with a new place, the beginning of retreat, entering monastic life. These challenges are necessary to prove our dedication to what we are about to undertake, and they define our experience if we remain open.

Ajahn Naniko emphasizes making the chanting, dedication and meditation a heart centered practice and to develop a deep, unshakable faith in the Buddha’s teachings. He suggests we become comfortable with uncertainty as it opens the heart to possibilities

Ajahn Sundara reflects on the temptation of approaching the world as “The Way Things Should Be” and the suffering it creates for ourselves. She reflects on the nature of reliving traumas and the incessant effort to try to change things according to our sense of self. She further discusses the role of mettā and compassion in counteracting this tendency to resist and control and developing a sense of peace within ourselves. This talk was included as a part of the Abhayagiri 20th Anniversary Collection.

Ajahn Karunadhammo discusses the importance of harmony in community and the quality of self-effacement. He describes the need to relinquish one’s views in deference to others. He explains the six principles of cordiality that the Buddha put forth, and the reviewing knowledges: ways to reflect on one’s experience to determine if we are practicing with right view.

Ajahn Karunadhammo offers reflections on aging, sickness, death (including charnel ground contemplations), impermanence, and kamma.

Tan Kaccana discusses accounts of the Buddha’s life described in the Pali Canon and biographies and suggests contemplation of the Buddha in meditation.

Ajahn Sucitto offers reflections on the process of running away and towards the preoccupations of the mind. He discusses the process of seeing this process without value judgments and analysis and developing balance as a reference point. He reviews how the mind frames the world, the real and imagined dangers of existing in the world and dealing directly with the fear that rises. This Dhamma talk was offered at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery on May 26, 2007.

Reflecting on his upcoming trip to Thailand, Ajahn Pasanno discusses the importance of making time for connecting with others in the Sangha and outside of it. He reminds us of the Buddha’s words that spiritual friendship is the whole of the holy life. This talk was offered on November 26, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.