Abhayagiri Talks

Ajahn Amaro recounts the story of Mara’s temptations. This talk was originally given in 1997 and was featured on the 20th anniversary compilation.

Tan Kāccana reflects on the eight precepts. Following the precepts brings happiness to oneself and safety to oneself and others. This talk was offered on May 25, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Tan Kaccāna reflects on the nature of suffering - dukkha and the duties of the four noble truths. He encourages us to investigate the dukkha that is present right now and often in the body. He asks, “Am I expecting anything from the world? Do I want this condition to be different than it is? That is dukkha. He discusses the 5 aggregates subject to clinging. When we identify with any of them as me or mine, that is dukkha. When we can let go of this identification, that is the cessation of suffering. This talk was offered on May 21, 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. This talk was given as a part of the Thanksgiving retreat 2015. All the talks from this retreat can be downloaded as a zip file here.

Ajahn Pasanno describes the five hindrances as the mind’s unsuccessful strategy to deal with suffering. He encourages us to investigate the hindrances and be aware of the swings of the mind - from sinking/inertia to the momentum of being swept along by a particular mind object. He describes antidotes for the hindrances and reminds us that awareness of greed, for example, is not greed. The fruit of this training in awareness is the recognition: “I am mindful; I am content.” This talk was offered on May 18, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Pasanno discusses the purposes of loving kindness meditation: as an antidote to anger and other unskillful mind states, and to brighten and settle the mind. He mentions different ways to develop the feeling of loving kindness towards our self and towards others. Loving kindness meditation can facilitate investigation since peaceful, clear states which result are subject to change. This talk was given on May 13, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Going forth and right effort towards the beautiful. This talk was given at Tan. Cunda’s ordination on May 22, 2008. This talk was featured on the 20th anniversary compilation of talks.

On Vesākha Pūjā evening commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, Ajahn Pasanno describes the importance of happiness and well-being in the practice. A happiness borne from what is wholesome, skillful, and beneficial leads to concentration. He cautions us to practice in a balanced way - not to hold the precepts too tightly or force the mind in meditation. Using the example of a small bird in the hand, he advises to hold it firmly, but not tightly. He urges us to emulate the Buddha’s qualities in our heart and live out the refuges of Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha in our daily life. This talk was offered on May 10, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Anagārikas Jeff, Dorian and Hector request and receive the sāmaṇera precepts to further their monastic training. Ajahn Pasanno reflects on the purpose and benefit of living according to the precepts and the monastic form. He describes the Buddha’s teaching on contentment with the training: contentment with the requisites as they are given, contentment with relinquishing the unwholesome and cultivating the wholesome, and contentment without comparison to others. At the end of the ceremony, Ajahn Pasanno gave Jeff, Dorian and Hector their new names: Guṇavīro, Tissaro and Ṭhitasukho respectively. This talk was given on May 6, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.

Ajahn Jotipalo explains the cultivation of the ten paramis or perfections. He gives different ways to practice them - in chanting, during walking meditation, and as aspirations. He suggests we focus on the parami that is called for in a particular situation. He reminds us that cultivation of the paramis is not just for our own spiritual development, but for the welfare of others. This talk was given on May 3, 2017 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.