Ajahn Sucitto's most recent Dharma talks (Gaia House)

(Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary) Attention is a constant thing, so if you don’t place it, it will find its own place, and it will generally place itself into suffering – what could be, should be, things we can’t quite manage. Place it somewhere useful, starting with the body. This is the foundation. [10:03 instructions on breathing and breath energy] With good clear breath energy, mind can establish mindfulness. Careful attention prepares the ground so there’s something suitable to be mindful of. [20:10 begin silent sitting meditation]

(Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary) Rather than getting somewhere or accumulating anything, Dhamma practice is a matter of bringing forth from ourselves in terms of presence, faith and attention. Attention is a matter of the heart, and the heart is very much supported through the body. Mindfulness of body is the frame; with suitable posture the process of breathing can flow through naturally. [40:02 Begin standing instructions]

(Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary) The essence of Buddhist practice is dealing with dukkha, unsatisfactoriness. While on retreat, observing precepts, making determinations and simplicity support our cultivation. So there’s always something you can be cultivating throughout the day. Meditation is just a support to Dhamma, Dhamma is the main thing. Cover it all. [40:36 Guided meditation] Settling practices, settling into space. Begins with feeling ground beneath, upright axis of spine, using wide visual field as a support.

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Ajahn Sucitto describes the basic condition of being a monk as being in a field of dana. He expresses his appreciation. [Ends 6:53]

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Buddha’s last words were: All sankhāras are impermanent. Keep applying yourselves with vigilance. This closing talk offers a review of kāya-, citta- and vaci-sankhāra, and a simple 3 step process to moderate their energies: 1) Pay attention, 2) Soften, widen, 3) Include it all. These steps can be used in meditation practice as well as in interactions in the world. We will lose presence, but we don’t have to wait until the next retreat to work it out. When you notice the programs running, feel the body, come down into the feet, exhale, where am I?

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Settling into sitting meditation, tracing posture and energy up the back and down the front, spherical breathing from abdomen. [Bell at 38:17] [Instructions at 40:27] Invitation to loosen the intensity and congestion of thought - vaci-sankhāra, that which forms thought energy. Rather than not thinking, take time to formulate what to think about and bring heart qualities into that. This is a dhamma practice.

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) 1. Can you please speak about dependent origination; 2.(37:20 What is a skilful way to deal with boredom at work?; 3. (35:47) Question on body meditation; 4. (44:53) Could you talk about death?

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Before we know how we are or how we’re feeling, we have a sense of here. That’s the basis for whatever is felt and thought. Find what thoughts we are locking around, then opening, breathing - how is that? Is there acceptance of that? It doesn’t mean approving, but there is knowledge of it. This mood, this feeling, is not to be followed. Rather than opening oneself to critical mind, opening oneself through devotional gesture to awareness. This is keeping your citta clean from specks of kharma that can cause irritation and inflammations. [Instructions end 6:25]

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) An explanation of the Four Noble Truths, what keeps us from realizing them, and how to skilfully work to understand and realize each one. This is described as the rich center of the Buddha’s teachings from which everything else emanates. We are encouraged to contemplate the teachings and understand them for ourselves.

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) 1. How would you characterise freedom from sakkayaditthi (personality view)? 2. (18:08) I want to release self-hatred and “not good enough” patterns from an experience with a caregiver in my past that I have been carrying for 14 years. I have had metta towards the memories and the pattern has softened. I want to have metta for the caregiver. Any guidance gratefully received. 3 (32:13) Could you explain further about the body and mind connections?