Abhayagiri Talks

Ajahn Pasanno offers his reflections on the Sāmaṇera training and the essential role of precepts as Anagārikas Gary and Ryan go forth. This ceremony was conducted on November 21, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

After telling an anecdote from the day’s almsround, Ajahn Dtun goes on to describe the path to liberation. He emphasizes the importance of keeping precepts and then explains how contemplating the true nature of the body leads to each of the four stages of liberation. This talk was offered on May 9, 2013 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery and was translated by Ajahn Tejapañño.

Ajahn Pasanno asks, “What does the mind do when it allows the truth of impermanence and dukkha to become apparent?” We will be disturbed by insight unless we see clearly and have cultivated resilience and brightness in the mind. Dispassion is nurtured by calming the body and experiencing joy in the mind. He discusses the last section of the Anapanasati Sutta: contemplation of impermanence, cessation, dispassion, relinquishment. This talk was offered on November 19, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Pasanno introduces and explains the second tetrad of the Anapanasati Sutta (MN 118).

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 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 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.