In this guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha uses Santa Claus as a metaphor for the process of emptying the mind.
Santa's  job is to give gifts to all the kids for Christmas. He's working very  hard to fulfill this task, travelling on his sleigh carrying a very big  and heavy sack with all the presents. Similarly, our mind is carrying  around the heavy load of all kinds of different emotions, feelings,  moods, worries, desires, hopes, concerns, phantasies, images,  thoughts... and so on.


When  Santa takes the gifts out of his sack, his task is simply to give it  away to the kid that requested that particular gift. Whether the gift is  some beautiful doll, or some ugly monster, or some boring game, Santa  is not getting involved at all:

 He's not terrified at the monster


 He's not attached to the handsome doll trying to keep it for himself


 He's not throwing away some yukky looking Ninja Turtle in disgust



Whatever he finds in the sack, he just acknowledges it and then gives it  away to the kid it's meant for, without clinging or aversion to the  gifts.


Similarly,  whatever comes up in our mind, we just acknowledge it for what it is,  but don't get involved at all. We don't attach to the pleasant stuff,  we're not averse to the unpleasant mental objects, no liking, no  disliking, no holding on. It's not our's anyhow, so we just give it all  away, letting go, emptying our mind.




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Santa Meditation - Empty the Heavy Sack! | Guided Meditation | Xmas | Christmas | Ajahn Dhammasiha

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Dhammatalks, Chanting, Precepts and Meditation 
with Ajahn Dhammasiha and other 
experienced Senior Buddhist Monks 
in the Theravada Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. 
Recorded at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, 
Brisbane, Australia.

Our website: 
https://www.dhammagiri.net

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including regular live streams on the weekend 
"Dhammatalks at Dhammagiri": 
https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724

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Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question how we can develop gratitude methodically.
Being grateful (Kataññū Katavedī) has been praised by the Buddha as belonging entirely to the sphere of a truly good person. However, he also pointed out that it is a rather rare character trait.
Gratitude may not always come naturally, so we have to make a deliberate effort to develop that character trait.
For example, we can start doing Buddha Pujas with an emphasis on a feeling of gratitude to the Buddha for pointing out the way leading to the end of all suffering.
Another good exercise is simply writing down a list of all the things we have received in our life from others that were beneficial and helpful to us.
Of course, we could just as well keep a list of all bad things we had to endure. Both lists are 'objectively' valid.
But how does it make us feel to dwell on them?
How do we feel after thinking for an hour about anything bad anyone may have done to us?
How do we feel after thinking for an hour about all the good we have received?
Simply doing that much will show us how much more enjoyable, emotionally uplifting, and leading to a sense of contentment it is to dwell on the 'gratitude list', rather than the 'complaints' list 

How to Develop Gratitude | Kataññu Katavedi | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk

This is the ceremony of taking refuge in the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, followed by taking of the FIVE precepts.


We do this ceremony at Dhammagiri:

 Every Saturday morning 07.30 am
 On the Sundays closest to the full moon at 09.00 am



Requesting Triple Refuge & FIVE Precepts
Mayaṃ Bhante, 
tisaraṇena saha 
pañca-sīlāni yācāma. 
Dutiyampi, 
mayaṃ Bhante 
tisaraṇena saha 
pañca-sīlāni yācāma. 
Tatiyampi, 
Mayaṃ Bhante 
tisaraṇena saha 
pañca-sīlāni yācāma. 


(English trsl., not chanted during session:
"Venerable Sir, 
we request the Triple Refuge 
together with the 5 precepts. 
For the second time... 
For the third time...")


Homage to the Buddha Recited by Monk 3x


Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!


Homage to the Buddha Repeated by Laity 3x


Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!


(English translation, not chanted during session:
"Homage to the Exhaulted, Noble, and perfectly enlightened one!" 3x)


Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha 3x
(recited line by line by monk, and repeated line by line by laity)
Buddhāṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.


Dutiyampi Buddhāṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyampi Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.


Tatiyampi Buddhāṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyampi Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.


(English translation, not chanted during session:
"I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dhamma.
I take refuge in the Sangha
For the second time, I take refuge...
For the third time, I take refuge...")


Taking the 5 Precepts
(recited line by line by monk, and repeated line by line by laity)

  Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Surā-meraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi



(English translation, not chanted during session:

  "I undertake the training to abstain from killing any living beings.
  ... to abstain from stealing.
  ... to abstain from sensual misconduct.
  ... to abstain from lying.
  ... to abstain from alcohol or any other drugs that cause intoxication and heedlessnes.")



Monk Recites Blessing
Imāni pañca-sikkhāpadāni 
sīlena sugatiṃ yanti, 
sīlena bhogasampadā, 
sīlena nibbutiṃ yanti -
tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye!


(English translation, not chanted during session:
These five training steps 
lead through virtue to a good rebirth, 
lead through virtue to the acquisition of wealth, 
lead through virtue to the extinction of suffering -
therefore, may your purify your virtue!)


By the way, we've got playlists of our Visiting Teachers, Chanting, Guided Meditations and Sutta Explorations available on our Spotify Profile here:
⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcre⁠⁠


Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast⁠⁠⁠


More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠⁠⁠


Our Youtube Channel:
⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/⁠⁠⁠@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724


Our email Newsletter:
⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter⁠⁠⁠


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Buddhist Triple Refuge & 5 Precepts Ceremony | Tisarana | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha

This is the ceremony of taking refuge in the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, followed by taking of the EIGHT precepts.


We do this ceremony at Dhammagiri:

 Every Saturday morning 07.30 am
 On the Sundays closest to the full moon at 09.00 am



Requesting Triple Refuge & 8 Precepts
Mayaṃ Bhante, 
tisaraṇena saha 
aṭṭha-sīlāni yācāma. 
Dutiyampi, 
mayaṃ Bhante 
tisaraṇena saha 
aṭṭha-sīlāni yācāma. 
Tatiyampi, 
Mayaṃ Bhante 
tisaraṇena saha 
aṭṭha-sīlāni yācāma. 


(English trsl., not chanted during session:
"Venerable Sir, 
we request the Triple Refuge 
together with the 8 precepts. 
For the second time... 
For the third time...")


Homage to the Buddha Recited by Monk 3x


Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!


Homage to the Buddha Repeated by Laity 3x
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa!


(English translation, not chanted during session:

  "Homage to the Exhaulted, Noble, and perfectly enlightened one!" 3x)



Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha 3x
(recited line by line by monk, and repeated line by line by laity)
Buddhāṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.


Dutiyampi Buddhāṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyampi Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.


Tatiyampi Buddhāṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyampi Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.


(English translation, not chanted during session:
"I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dhamma.
I take refuge in the Sangha
For the second time, I take refuge...
For the third time, I take refuge...")


Taking the 8 Precepts
(recited line by line by monk, and repeated line by line by laity)

  Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Surā-meraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Vikāla-bhojanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūkadassanā mālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
  Uccā-sayana-mahā-sayanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.

Imāni aṭṭha-sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi (3x)


(English translation, not chanted during session:

  "I undertake the training to abstain from killing any living beings.
  ... to abstain from stealing.
  ... to abstain from non-celibacy.
  ... to abstain from lying.
  ... to abstain from alcohol or any other drugs that cause intoxication and heedlessnes.
  ... to abstain from eating at the wrong time (= eating only between dawn and solar noon).
  ... to abstain from dancing, singing, music, entertainments, garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, make-up, jewellery and adornments.
  ... to abstain from high and luxurious beds or resting places.

I undertake these eight training steps!")


Monk Recites Blessing
Imāni aṭṭha-sikkhāpadāni 
sīlena sugatiṃ yanti, 
sīlena bhogasampadā, 
sīlena nibbutiṃ yanti -
tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye!


(English translation, not chanted during session:
These eight training steps 
lead through virtue to a good rebirth, 
lead through virtue to the acquisition of wealth, 
lead through virtue to the extinction of suffering -
therefore, may your purify your virtue!)


By the way, we've got playlists of our Visiting Teachers, Chanting, Guided Meditations and Sutta Explorations available on our Spotify Profile here:
⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcre⁠


Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast⁠⁠


More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠⁠


Our Youtube Channel:
⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/⁠⁠@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724


Our email Newsletter:
⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter⁠⁠


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Buddhist Triple Refuge & 8 Precepts Ceremony | Tisarana | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha

When cultivating bhāvanā (meditation), naturally we have to be mindful of and focussed upon our meditation object; for instance 'Buddho', or the breath, or mettā; and so on...
However, if we try to exclusively focus only on the meditation object with all we've got, the effort quickly becomes ineffective, or even couterproductive. 
Instead, while meditating, we always have to check out:

 How our mind relates to the meditation object
 How the mind relates to the process of meditating
  How the mind feels while meditating 
  What effect meditation has on our mind: Do unwholesome states diminish, and wholesome states grow? Or does whatever I'm doing in my meditation actually cause unbeneficial mindstates to arise?

In other words, we always have to do Cittānupassanā ('Mindfulness of the Mind') to some extend, even if the primary focus of our meditation is an aspect of the body, or feelings, or some other kammaṭṭhāna (meditation object).


By the way, we've got playlists of our Visiting Teachers, Chanting, Guided Meditations and Sutta Explorations available on our Spotify Profile here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcre


Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast⁠


More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠


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⁠https://www.youtube.com/⁠@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724


Our email Newsletter:
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Don't Obsess about your Meditation Object | Cittanupassana | Mindful of Mind | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to the question how Karuṇā (Compassion) differs from Mettā (Loving Kindness).
Compassion is the wish for all beings to be free from pain and suffering in any form. 
Loving Kindness is the wish for all beings to be happy and well.
Though both belong to the 4 'Divine Abidings' (4 Brahmaviharas), and are closely related, in actual experience they feel quite distinct when developing them:

 Developing compassion retains a stronger awareness of suffering. It can be easier to 'switch' from developing compassion (which is a form of samatha/calmness meditation) to developing insight/vipassana, for example by contemplating the 4 noble truths
  It may be subjectively easier to generate compassion than mettā in cases when we encounter abject suffering, like someone dying in pain without proper care or similar. 
  It's easier with mettā to get a bit too 'dewy-eyed', thinking everything is fine and everyone will be a darling if only we radiate loving kindness. We then may be shocked when 'bad' things still happen. With compassion one is less prone to fall into the delusion of 'it's all good', 'we're all fine', 'nothing to worry'.



By the way, we've got playlists of our Visiting Teachers, Chanting, Guided Meditations and Sutta Explorations available on our Spotify Profile here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcre


Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast


More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
Our Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724
Our email Newsletter:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter








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Santa Meditation - Empty the Heavy Sack! | Guided Meditation | Xmas | Christmas | Ajahn Dhammasiha

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