Abhayagiri Talks

Before the Kathina Ceremony, Luang Por Pasanno offers a review of what has happened with the monastery and the monks after the fire. He discusses the fundamental universal truths of anicca, dukkha, and anatta and how the recent experiences can offer a reminder of the truly impermanent nature of our lives. He discusses how truly integrating the understanding of these truths into our awareness can create a healthy relationship to yourself and our circumstances. This Dhamma talk was offered on October 15, 2017 at Wat Buddhanusorn.

Ajahn Siripanyo reflects on the process of turning away from the sense realm through seeing the dangers and limitations of it. He discusses the natural peace that arises from moving away from the sense realm and the foundation that this can provide for deepening our understanding. He goes on to discuss that the teachings are intended to be experienced as opposed to just intellectualized and offers a number of similes on the nature of the difference between the experience of liberation and the conventions we use to discuss liberation. The Dhamma talk ends with a question and answer session from the students. This Dhamma talk was offered at Dharma Realm Buddhist University at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas on October 14, 2017.

Ajahn Jayanto offers reflections on being in the present moment and letting go of conceptions of where we should be. He discusses the learning process that happens when uncertainty and impermanence arise in our lives. Finally, he discusses how principles of awareness and seeing into what we identify with can be integrated with our experience and move us towards kindness, compassion, and equanimity throughout our lives. This Dhamma talk was given at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas on October 16, 2017.

Luang Por Pasanno expresses appreciation to the Sangha of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas for providing a refuge from the recent fires and a place for the continuity of practice. He discusses the fragile nature of existence, the importance of right view and understanding impermanence, and the need to brighten the mind.

Tan Kaccāna discusses what integrity is in the Buddhist world. He elaborates on precepts as freeing us from remorse and leading to a beautiful mind. This talk was offered on September 28, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Pasanno elaborates on the nature of mind that is free from the hindrances. It is luminous, empty of identity, and knowing. The Buddha likens it to clear water - unsullied by dye, heat, algae, wind or mud. The radiant, knowing mind does not have to mix with the experiences of the senses. This talk was offered on September 24, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Pasanno provides some historical background on the lunar observance tradition. He then discusses the meaning of samsara as wandering on. It is an activity we do; the constant movement of mind seeking pleasure, gratification and affirmation is samsara. Knowing that movement is the essence of meditation and training. Releasing the impulse to wander on is where our place of peace is. This talk was offered on September 20, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Dick Silaratano encourages the Abhayagiri community in their practice by describing how he arrived at Luang Ta Maha Boowa’s monastery and eventually became Luang Ta’s personal attendant for many years. This talk with questions and answers was offered on June 9, 2007 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Jotipalo recalls his latest hiking experiences in Yosemite to reflect on impermanence, learning to fall, continuity of meditation practice and being with failure. This talk was offered on September 17, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Inspired by his reading of Ajahn Chah’s biography, Ajahn Siripanyo discusses several key teachings from the Master. These include: Keeping expectations about meditation reasonable; mindfulness must be constant; sila is not negotiable; never run away from your dukkha, understand it; and things are just processes - they are nothing to be clinging to. This talk was offered on September 13, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.