In this dual talk describing their recent three-month Winter Retreat, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about key tools, take-aways, and the particular dukkha and sukha, of sitting in quiet for 90 days… with 9 hours a day of sitting meditation on Zoom.

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar Dr. Jay Garfield (https://jaygarfield.org/).

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:00:25 – Biography of Professor Jay Garfield

00:01:48 – Prof. Garfield's Start Studying Buddhist Philosophy

00:06:14 – The Origin of the "Third World Expectation" Requirement

00:08:34 – Why Study at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies?

00:09:15 – Shared Experiences at Hampshire College

00:10:18 – Defining Indo-Tibetan Buddhism

00:12:13 – Comparing Theravada and Indo-Tibetan Traditions

00:17:17 – Explaining the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma

00:26:24 – Authenticity and the Definition of "Word of the Buddha" (Buddhavacana)

00:33:44 – The Story of the Academic Exchange Program

00:36:48 – Distinguishing the Three Vehicles (Yānas)

00:39:50 – Common Misunderstandings of Tantra

00:40:38 – Overview of the Four Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism

00:45:35 – The Role of Ethics (Sīla) in Buddhist Study

00:50:06 – The Guru: Fourth Jewel of Tibetan Buddhism

00:51:17 – Exploring Dzogchen and "Pointing Out" Instructions

00:59:18 – Which Languages Would You Prioritize Learning?

01:00:06 – Top Book Recommendations for Beginners

01:00:31 – Which Western Philosopher Should a Buddhist Read?

01:00:47 – Whose Mind Would You Like to Experience?

01:01:13 – Which Realm of Being Would You Inhabit?

01:01:45 – Have You Ever Considered Ordination?

Dr. Garfield's Biography:

Jay L. Garfield is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Smith College, visiting professor of Buddhist philosophy at Harvard Divinity School, Professor of Philosophy at Melbourne University, and adjunct professor of philosophy at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. His work has focused on Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, ethics, and cross-cultural work, addressing topics in cognitive science, modern Indian philosophy, epistemology, and Indo-Tibetan Madhyamaka and Yogācāra Buddhism in particular. He is the author or editor of over 30 books including "Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live without a Self," "Buddhist Ethics: A Philosophical Exploration," "Engaging Buddhism: Why Does Buddhism Matter to Philosophy?," and "How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go" in addition to nearly 200 articles, chapters, and reviews. He is also the Professor of the Great Courses Series on "The Meaning of Life."

The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how we can create true spiritual community, referencing the the six principles of harmony taught by the Buddha in the Kosambiya Sutta (MN 48 - https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN48.html). Understanding kalyāṇa-mittatā, or spiritual friendship, as relationship predicated on mutual support of shared spiritual values rather than resonance of personality, we can cultivate a truly inclusive and safe refuge for all.

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Ajahn Mahā Dam (https://www.facebook.com/buddhakhanti/), who was handicapped during the Walk For Peace.

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:27 – Early Faith and Becoming a Novice

00:03:24 – Moving to Thailand at Age 14

00:04:03 – Ajahn's "Second Birth" as a Buddhist

00:05:41 – Challenges of Language and Adaptation

00:07:07 – Sustaining Monastic Life as a Youth

00:09:34 – Transitioning to Pāli Studies in Bangkok

00:11:38 – The Technique of Pain Meditation

00:14:03 – Recollections of the Accident

00:17:00 – Duration of the Peace Walk

00:21:27 – Breath Meditation vs. Mantras

00:22:25 – The Importance of Mindfulness at Death

00:25:11 – Advice on Loss and Mindfulness Without the Breath

00:26:38 – Sensations Immediately After Impact

00:30:17 – Processing the News of Amputation

00:33:08 – Offering the Leg as Buddha Pūja

00:37:31 – Hopes for Future Service to the Dhamma

00:39:36 – Experiences with Racism and Being a Stranger

00:41:10 – Favorite Teachers of the Thai Forest Tradition

00:42:38 – Listening to Ajahn Chah in Isaan/Lao Language

00:44:01 – Hopes for Pilgrimage in India and Nepal

00:44:36 – The Core Purpose of the Walk for Peace

00:48:07 – Practicing with Loss and Avoiding Resentment

00:50:55 – Forgiveness and the "Second Arrow" of Anger

00:54:13 – Reflections on the Community’s Support

00:56:37 – Current Recovery and Future Hopes

00:58:54 – A New Companion: The Peace Dog

Ajahn Mahā Dam's Biography:

Ajahn Mahā Dam Prommasan (พระอาจารย์มหาดำ พรหมสาร) was born in Savannakhet, Laos and ordained as a novice monk at age nine. At age fourteen, he traveled to Ubon, Thailand to further his studies at Wat Phitsopārām (วัดพิชโสภาราม), later continuing his studies in Bangkok where he would complete the eighth of nine levels of Pāli Proficiency. In 2016, he moved to Wat Lao Buddha Khanti in Snellville, Georgia, where he now serves as head monk. At the end of last year, Ajahn Maha Dam joined Bhante Paññākāra's Walk for Peace tudong. While on this walking pilgrimage near Houston, Texas, he was struck by a vehicle, resulting in injuries so severe that his leg had to be amputated. Despite the profound physical trauma and the loss of his limb, he continues his life as a monk with a heart free of grievance, embodying the very peace he set out to share with the world.

To learn more about Ajahn Mahā Dam, visit: https://www.watlaobuddhakhanti.org/ OR https://www.facebook.com/buddhakhanti/

- Interview with the Walk for Peace leader, Bhante Paññākāra here: https://youtu.be/vgo0mhBAotM

- And Part Two of that interview here: https://youtu.be/r_AhRfLJJNw

#walkforpeace #alokathepeacedog #buddhistmonks

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo takes a cue from the Christian Calendar, speaking to the symbolism of Holy/Glorious/Low Saturday–the day after Christ's Crucifixion and before his Resurrection–as a metaphor for being with and understanding dukkha, suffering.

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's two-part interview with Bhante Paññākāra. You may find PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/vgo0mhBAotM

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:51 - Encounters with Suffering on the Road

00:09:14 - Walking Meditation and Mindfulness of Breath at the Edge

00:18:55 - Ajahn Mahā Dham's Accident and Amputation

00:24:32 - "Protest" and Police Encounters

00:38:40 - Personal Relationship to the Triple Gem: Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha

00:41:48 - Engaging with Christian Protesters - "No Religion"

00:50:30 - A Message for the World

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Bhante Pannyakara (https://dhammacetiya.com/), the Vietnamese-born Theravāda monk who led the recent "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington DC and who founded the Dhammacetiya Project in Fort Worth, Texas. This second part of the interview details the miraculous rescue of the 'ambassador dog' Āloka from India, the transformative impact of the 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' on those contemplating suicide or facing deep grief, the tragic yet transcendent accident of Ajahn MahāDham, the unique integration of law enforcement and protesters into a singular field of mindfulness, and how the internal discipline of watchin the breath can allow a practitioner to maintain a 'peaceful day' amidst the noise of the world.

To learn more, visit https://dhammacetiya.com/ or https://www.youtube.com/@walkforpeaceusa

Bhante's Biography:

Bhante Paññākāra is a Theravāda Buddhist monk and former IT engineer who transitioned from a corporate career to a life of mindfulness and service. Born in Vietnam and educated at the University of Texas at Arlington, Bhante Paññākāra immigrated to the U.S. in 1997 and took full ordination in 2010 in the lineage of the Most Venerable Ratanaguna, the last direct disciple of His Holiness the Venerable Vamsarakhita, founder and first Sangharaja of the Vietnamese Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. In 2020, he launched the Dhammacetiya Project to preserve the Tipiṭaka in a monumental marble stupa complex, a vision furthered by his 112-day, 2,100-mile ascetic Dhutanga pilgrimage across India and Nepal. That journey, chronicled in his memoir, The Footsteps of a Buddhist Monk, laid the foundation for his most recent undertaking: leading the only-very-recently-completed 2,300-mile, 108-day 'Walk for Peace' from Texas to Washington, D.C. He currently serves at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhāvana Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

To learn more about Bhante Paññākāra, visit: https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa/ or https://dhammacetiya.com/

#walkforpeace #alokathepeacedog #buddhistmonks

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the quality humility in Buddhism, and how to let go of pride and conceit. Though anattā, or "not-self", can seem like an abstract concept at first, Buddhist practice teaches us over time the embodied sense of what means to let go of a sense of self and ensuing suffering. In humility we find true majesty of spirit.

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's two-part interview with Bhante Paññākāra. PART TWO is scheduled to air April 1st here: https://youtu.be/r_AhRfLJJNw

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:23 - How is Āloka?

00:04:00 - Key Moments of Faith and Ordination

00:14:51 - Choosing Theravāda

00:23:12 - Making Vows

00:30:52 - Āloka Sighting

00:31:55 - Daily Vows and the Practice of Tudong Pilgrimage and Wearing Rag-robes

00:39:54 - How Bhante Met Āloka

00:47:26 - Social Justice Peace Walks vs. Renunciate Peace Walks

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Bhante Pannakara (https://dhammacetiya.com/), the Vietnamese-born Theravāda monk who led the recent "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington DC and who founded the Dhammacetiya Project in Fort Worth, Texas. This first part of the interview explores Bhante Paññākāra’s transition from a disillusioning IT career to the monastic life, the profound 'system-reboot' sparked by the simple sight of a falling leaf, the persistence required to secure his parents' and teacher's permission to ordain, the seven-year silent incubation of his vow to build the marble Dhammacetiya Project, and the physical rigors of a 2,100-mile ascetic pilgrimage through India and Nepal in hand-stitched rag robes.

Bhante's Biography:

Bhante Panyakara is a Theravāda Buddhist monk and former IT engineer who transitioned from a corporate career to a life of mindfulness and service. Born in Vietnam and educated at the University of Texas at Arlington, Bhante Paññākāra immigrated to the U.S. in 1997 and took full ordination in 2010 in the lineage of the Most Venerable Ratanaguna, the last direct disciple of His Holiness the Venerable Vamsarakhita, founder and first Sangharaja of the Vietnamese Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. In 2020, he launched the Dhammacetiya Project to preserve the Tipiṭaka in a monumental marble stupa complex, a vision furthered by his 112-day, 2,100-mile ascetic Dhutanga pilgrimage across India and Nepal. That journey, chronicled in his memoir, The Footsteps of a Buddhist Monk, laid the foundation for his most recent undertaking: leading the only-very-recently-completed 2,300-mile, 108-day 'Walk for Peace' from Texas to Washington, D.C. He currently serves at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhāvana Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

To learn more about Bhante Paññākāra, visit: https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa/ or https://dhammacetiya.com/

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/

00:00 Introduction

02:13 Monastics speak

15:45 Board & Land Development Team speak

44:18 Audience sharing with Q&A

On Sat. March 21, 2026, Clear Mountain's monastics, Board, and Land Development team announced to the community that the Friends of Clear Mountain Board had taken a final vote to approve acquisition of the 90-acre North Bend land for Clear Mountain Monastery. By doing so they met the March 22 deadline for the due diligence process. Community support for the land acquisition reflects the incredible generosity of the Clear Mountain community around the world, and the final donations for the purchase came through to Friends of Clear Mountain for the full $4.93 million purchase of the two North Bend parcels, the future home of Clear Mountain Monastery!

We rejoice in all those who contributed to this beautiful aspiration being realized! Sadhu!

To learn more, visit https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Bhante Sumitta, founder of “Dhamma USA” (https://www.dhammausa.org/). Topics discussed include Bhante Smnitta's going-forth at eleven, the benefits of loving-kindness, cultivation of metta, teaching Dhamma to children, the emerging bhikkhuni order in Sri Lanka and the US.

Bhante Sumitta's Biography:

Bhante Sumitta is the founder of “Dhamma USA”, a community-based charity organization to launch his community care and spiritual care activities. Bhante is actively engaged in social welfare and spiritual care activities in California and other states by conducting Dhamma Talks, Sutta Discussions, Meditations and Pali Language Classes apart from helping many under privileged families and children in Sri Lanka. Dhamma USA is also helping children education projects in India. Bhante Sumitta is currently a PhD Research scholar at the University of the West and is pursuing his research thesis on “Philosophy of Arahanta Ideal as Depicted in Mahaniddesa”. At his school, University of the West, Bhante Sumitta started “UWest Pali Society” to promote Pali studies and Buddhist Art & Culture. A weeklong Budart Exhibition was co-organized by Bhante Sumitta along with Budart. He works as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of the West in several Departments teaching Ethics in Buddhist Ministry; Fundamentals of Buddhism; Introduction to Buddhist Psychology and more. He works as a prison care volunteer for Engaged Buddhist Alliance in Southern California apart from teaching at Home Boys Industries in Los Angeles from time to time. Prior to arriving at United States, venerable has been working at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka as a Senior Lecturer in English. He has completed 2 Bachelor Degrees and 3 Master Degrees prior to pursuing his doctoral Degree at the University of the West.

To learn more, visit https://www.dhammausa.org/

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The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!