Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Using the Dhammapada as the source of inspiration, Ajahn Nissarano gives advice on how to keep our mind focused on that which is most important and essential in life, and to put less important upon that which is not essential, and thereby realise the essence of life.

Is Buddhism a religion? Or is it a way or life or a philosophy? What is it? And what are Buddhists supposed to do? Ajahn Brahm uses his characteristic humour and wisdom to answer these questions?

Ajahn Brahm explores craving. Are there different types? Are some forms of craving necessary for survival? Is all craving ‘bad’? Ajahn Brahm shares the secret of finding a balance in the here and now by understanding the nature of craving and the different types of craving, and how to work giving up the types of craving most harmful to us whilst holding on (for the mean time) to those cravings which have some use to us and others.

Mindfulness isn’t an end itself, but a means of uncovering the deeper truths of existence that the Buddhist teachings are encouraging us to see. Mindfulness is the first of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. Ayye Vayama reminds us how developing mindfulness is an essential quality of mind that leads to insight, knowledge and ultimately to Awakening.

Is power any good at all? What is realpower and how is it going to be of benefit to people in the world? How to people get addicted to power and become unwilling to give it up? Ajahn Brahm discusses these questions about the nature of power from a Buddhist perspective.