Ajahn Sucitto's most recent Dharma talks (Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge)

(Cittaviveka) With effort, citta is the main thing. It’s both the heart quality from where intention streams and that which harvests the results. Then one knows where to best apply energy and how that’s done. Practise the application of effort to mindfulness of breathing, acknowledging and moderating the tools being used and the material they’re being applied to. When you practise rightly, there will be fortunate results.

(Cittaviveka) March 2025 retreat - talk 1 - This teaching uses the metaphor of a keel of a boat, that which gives balance in open ocean waters, to point to how to handle conditionality. Finding that balance between what we restrain from (varita) and what we do (charita); between internal and external. The heart already knows this balance, if we can just shine a light on it.

(Cittaviveka) Whether one’s context is of a meditative community, or a natural world, or of mainstream society, one’s world is based on perceptions. To get perspective on this, bodily presence is basic. It opens an awareness before the mind gets going, and before the world of circumstance. Learn to filter the shocking ‘world’ of the media.. Sustain perceptions of the bright and worthy- and live in accord. Don’t go automatic!

(Dhamma Stream Online Sessions) Questions are précised. 00:36 Q1. Can you please clarify the difference between awareness and presence; 09:04 Q2 I became a monk but left due to overwhelming negative meditation experiences which are still continuing. Can you suggest something please? 15:24 Q3 In the evening I think I would like to get up early so there’s more time for practice; 19:42 Q4 I’ve been a Buddhist for 35 years but only recently have started to open up the heart. I’ve never been able to cry, only anger and depression. Since my mother died I cry a lot, even through the day. What can I do?22:43 Q5 I’m on two and a half solitary retreat. I use body practices but I am experiencing migraines. What can you suggest; 27:42 Q6 I live by myself after being asked to leave by house mates with no explanation. In my new place the neighbours pick fights with me and yell at my door. My previous housemates said I was psychotic. I am depressed. How do I not loose heart? 42:18 Q7 How can one embrace this human existence and remain unattached to any identity?

(Dhamma Stream Online Sessions)

(Dhamma Stream Online Sessions)

(Dhamma Stream Online Sessions)

(Cittaviveka) (The occasion of Magha Puja)

The Buddha established the Great Assembly (male/female monastic/lay) to preserve the ongoing transmission of Dhamma. Patiently bearing with conditions is the way to curtail negative engagement - and relate more wisely. Thus one acknowledges what arises as objects - and thus reveal the open knowing. With this, a purer relationship to what arises, rather than identifying with it, is established.