Buddhist Society of Western Australia

10th Global Conference on Buddhism - Toronto, Canada. Pre-conference session by Ajahn Brahm - Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond - June 16, 2017

In this talk Ajahn Brahm discussed the step by step approach to the blissful deep meditative experiences, known as the Jhānas. This included the basic methods of meditation, hindrances to meditation, the qualities of right mindfulness, the Jhānas and the nature of deep insight.

"There's no jhana for one with no discernment, no discernment for one with no jhana. But one with both jhana & discernment: he's on the verge of unbinding" - Buddha (Dhammapada-372)

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Venerable Vissudha gives a broad Dhamma talk on finding peace in our everyday life. Venerable looks at modern people’s lives and why we experience happiness and suffering. Venerable explains how happiness and suffering are only states of mind and because of this we can train the mind to be peaceful.

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Ajahn regaled us with his usual wit and humour for the final time before the Rains Retreat.  We look forward to his return in three months.

Ajahn used his stories and jokes to both relax us and move us to a more happy state of mind before leading us in a beginners meditation.

Ajahn used his stories to show us what we unconsciously do to ourselves all day, every day, especially when we are dealing with stressful situations and or health issues.

Following the meditation Ajahn talked about anxiety, relating it to his annual visit to the Cancer Clinic in Cottesloe.  Ajahn explained to us that our anxiety is our own mind imagining what may, or may not, happen in the future.  We focus our attention on our own "two bad bricks" to such an extent that we don't see all the other perfectly laid bricks.  We spend so much time trying to control our minds and being unkind to ourselves that we don't see what's good in life.

As Ajahn has said to us many times “Stop looking into the past, reliving bad things that have happened, or imagining a future that may never happen, and live in the moment”.

Ajahn Brahm shares his experience of being busy and how to react to the stress that comes with it. Ajahn talks about dealing with the stress of life by making peace and being kind and gentle. Ajahn says instead of complaining you learn to let go, enjoy life and be selfless, kind and happy.

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Venerable Jhanarato teaches us the basics of meditation, how to relax and that contentment ends restlessness.

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Ajahn Sujato tells the story of what happened after the Buddha became enlightened and Ajahn reflects on what people do once they become enlightened. Ajahn explains how the Buddha worked and helped people to understand the Dhamma teachings.

Ajahn points out that each one of us has the quality of goodness, wisdom, love, caring, letting go, contentment, understanding and compassion. But the question is how do we find, manifest and draw out these seeds so we can use any situation?

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Ajahn Brahmali discusses why the suttas are important, their place in Buddhist practise and the benefits of studying them. Ajahn looks at why it is many people listen to particular Buddhist teachers but it’s not common for people to just follow the suttas. Ajahn hopes this talk will encourage us to read the suttas and become inspired from the word of the Buddha himself.

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Often, we try to make peace and joy in our meditation but that does not happen. Venerable Nitho teaches us to be passive and let everything slowly calm down all by itself, so that then you will experience peace and joy.

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Jacob Meddin a lay Buddhist guides a twenty minute meditation for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/ or Fibromyalgia. This meditation is designed to help us to become calmer, peaceful and easier to live with; both with ourselves and other people.

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

Jacob Meddin a lay Buddhist offers a guided meditation for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/ or Fibromyalgia.

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.