Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Ajahn Cittapalo is always a welcome teacher at AMG, he never fails to fill the house. Tonight he encouraged us to be patient with our impatience. Thoughts arise during meditation whether we want them to or not. Don't be impatient with yourself, let them go and gently bring your mind back to your meditation object.

Ajahn guided us through a 30 minute meditation that was well suited to beginners and intermediates.  He then gave a Dharma talk that was both humorous and relevant to our habit of being impatient with our minds.

How can we development wisdom in our day to day experiences? How does wisdom manifest in our actions, thoughts and feelings?

Ajahn Appichato talks about the wisdom component of Buddhism which brings you to the truth. Ajahn points out that human beings have an insight faculty to develop a deep understanding of themselves and life in general. And Ajahn talks about the link between awareness or mindfulness and wisdom. 

Ajahn Brahm responds to the question “how should Buddhists relate to Anzac Day?,” which is the day Australians and New Zealander’s commemorate those Australians and New Zealander’s who served and died in wars.

Ajahn gives a talk on the Buddhist attitude to military, wars, fighting and conflicts. And reflects upon how to relate to days such as Anzac Day, why do people join the army, what to do if we are called to go to war and are there other alternatives to these conflicts?

Ajahn Brahm begins by talking about having gentleness and patience with our meditation. How to stay in this present moment by caring for and looking after this present moment and our body and mind; just as waiter cares for his customers. Ajahn also talks about why the mind does and doesn’t wander off.

For the 2011 New Year's Eve Dhamma Talk, Ajahn Brahm reminds us that learning how to put happiness into life is one of the great teachings and secrets of Buddhism. Ajahn talks about how for him the happiness principle of Buddhism, that is learning how to put happiness into whatever you’re doing and how to take away your suffering, pain, misery, guilt, fear and worries is more important than philosophising and theorising.

Ajahn Brahm ponders why it is we get into an unhealthy habit of blaming others for the suffering we experience in life?

Ajahn talks about why blaming others is a waste of time and creates more problems, pointing out that the suffering or problem is not from the other person but from you.

Venerable Nirodha from Dhammasara Nun's Monastery gives a Dhamma talk on Christmas Eve. Venerable Nirodha tells us her story of what brought her Buddhism, how it all began and what made her change. Venerable points out that sharing and reflecting on our beginnings helps ourselves and others understand where we are now. Venerable strongly recommends we go through life with open eyes and not just rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.

“All that is mine, beloved and pleasing, will one day become separated from me” the Buddha. Ajahn Brahm gives a teaching on anicca or change and the importance of coming to terms with change. Ajahn talks about understanding and accepting the constant changing nature of our world and life and how doing this gives rise to wisdom and compassion.

Ajahn Brahm tells the story of the Four Old Men: wealth, success, peace and harmony. The story teaches us about getting our priorities right because Ajahn says a lot of problems in life come from when we focus on something which is not worth very much and sacrifice things which are worth far, far more. Ajahn explains how when we get our priorities wrong we suffer and we create suffering for others.

Ajahn Brahm offers a teaching not on finding the meaning of life, but putting meaning into our life; that is making our life meaningful. Ajahn Brahm tells us how to put meaning into our lives and points out that when we don’t life does become quite meaningless. Ajahn talks about developing the right attitude that gives our life purpose and meaning and what does and doesn’t give meaning.