Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

A short extract from the FULL Dhamma live session on "The Buddha's advice on meditation practice for busy people" based on the Mahānāma Sutta (AN 11.11) on 20 July 2024.

This extract is the explanation of the EIGHT DIRECTIONS that makes the Buddha the "unsurpassed trainer of persons to be tamed" or in pali "anuttaro purisadammasārathi".

When we develop these eight directions, we see through the gross and subtle things that we attached to that bind us to suffering. We have learned most of this Dhamma through our sutta meditations in order to train. And by developing in these eight directions, we sharpen our spiritual faculties and would naturally incline towards Nibbana as our goal and Nibbana as our object.

For the FULL Dhamma session - https://t.ly/j504j (video) OR https://t.ly/AyXKt (audio)

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

Selected tables, slides and documents are shared via the Sutta Meditation Series Telegram channel - https://t.me/suttameditationseries

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

A short extract from the FULL Dhamma session on "The Third Doorway to Nibbana" or Pleasant Practice with Slow Realisation on 5 October 2023.

This extract is a brief explanation on the contemplation of mind (cittānupassanā), which is the third establishment of mindfulness as set out by the Buddha in the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta (MN 10).

The Buddha encouraged us to contemplate the mind as mind. It is fundamentally about understanding our mind states - how they come to arise and how they pass away. We have already learned enough from our sutta meditations to understand how to develop this practice. When we establish mindfulness regarding the mind and insight into the true nature of the mind, we would not cling to the mind.

I referred to this Dhamma part in our recent live session on "How to be the best among the best" based on the Sekha-paṭipadā Sutta (MN 53), when we examined the good quality of mindfulness (one of the 15 caranadhamma) in the trainee's path of practice.

For the FULL Dhamma session on the Third Doorway to Nibbana - https://tinyurl.com/yu52259m (video) or https://tinyurl.com/yem5zr2c (audio)

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

Selected tables, slides and documents are shared via the Sutta Meditation Series Telegram channel - https://t.me/suttameditationseries

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

In this livestream Dhamma session on Binara full moon poya, we examine the "HOW TO BE THE BEST OF THE BEST" based on the Venerable Ānanda's teaching in the Sekha-paṭipadā Sutta (MN 53).

We begin with the verse:

“The ruling elite is the best among people

For those whose standard is the clan,

But one accomplished in knowledge and conduct

Is best among devas and humans.”

and examine the full teaching in the Sekha-paṭipadā Sutta (MN 53) on a trainee's mode of practice to be accomplished in knowledge and conduct (vijjācaraṇasampanno), in other words "the best among the best".

**Much merit (bohoma pin) to the person who requested this sutta**

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel -

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

Selected tables, slides and documents are shared via the Sutta Meditation Series Telegram channel - https://t.me/suttameditationseries

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

In this livestream Dhamma session on Esala full moon poya, we examine the "BUDDHA'S ADVICE ON MEDITATION PRACTICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE" based on the Buddha's teaching in the Mahānāma Sutta (AN 11.11).

In this session:

00:00 Start of the session

06:25 Overview of the Mahānāma Sutta (AN 11.11)

07:50 Why this teaching is beneficial and fruitful

11:49 Similar teachings to monastic and lay disciples of the Buddha

17:20 Who was Mahānāma the Sakyan?

19:25 Mahānāma’s question to the Buddha and his brief response

21:00 Establishing the five spiritual faculties

24:05 The six things to be developed

27:58 How it connects to noble attainment (path and fruit)

31:31 “Deep dive” into the recollection of the Buddha

38:07 What happens when we recollect the Buddha's qualities?

40:05 Qualities of the Buddha - first three

59:12 Qualities of the Buddha - middle three

01:22:34 Qualities of the Buddha - last three

01:27:41 Short meditation - recollection of the Buddha (10 mins)

01:37:55 Deepening our understanding the meaning of "one who sees the Dhamma sees me"

01:41:35 “Deep dive” into the recollection of the Dhamma

01:53:44 Short meditation - recollection of the Dhamma (5 mins)

01:59:38 “Deep dive” into the recollection of the Sangha

02:02:25 Eight persons and Eight qualities

02:11:44 Short meditation - recollection of the Sangha (5 mins)

02:16:19 “Deep dive” into the recollection of our own virtuous behaviour

02:24:49 Short meditation - recollection of our own virtuous behaviour (5 mins)

02:30:21 “Deep dive” into the recollection of our own generosity

02:40:25 Short meditation - recollection of our own generosity (5 mins)

02:45:18 “Deep dive” into the recollection of the devas

03:02:54 Short meditation - recollection of the devas

03:07:23 Encouragement

03:10:20 Sharing the merit and Blessings

**Much merit (bohoma pin) to the person who requested this sutta**

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://t.ly/j504j

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

Selected tables, slides and documents are shared via the Sutta Meditation Series Telegram channel - https://t.me/suttameditationseries

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Welcome to Mettā Lab @suttameditationseries

Mettā Lab is a weekly YouTube livestream Dhamma session on the Sutta Meditation Series channel to develop and intensify our loving kindness (mettā) practice.

— Timestamp —

00:00 Mettā Lab - First Doorway to Nibbāna - 6 July 2024

04:00 Recap on the first four steps of Painful practice with slow realisation to reach the heavenly or divine abode

19:58 First right striving (including the connection to Āneñjasappāya

22:22 Thoroughly contemplating the Noble Truth of Suffering

37:45 With the insight and wisdom up to this point, making the Determination for Truth (for Nibbāna)

45:05 Fulfilling the Concentration due to Desire

48:20 Why restraint of the sense faculties is needed to protect our mind and what we've developed in this insight pathway

55:04 Connecting to the Karaṇīyametta Sutta at "controlled at the sense faculties" (santindriyo) to reach immeasurable loving kindness

57:20 How a deeper understanding of the noble truth of suffering provides a strong foundation for the development of immeasurable loving kindness

01:00:38 How to reach the Beautiful Liberation (subhavimutti) from immeasurable loving kindness

01:01:15 Advice on developing the First Doorway to Nibbana or Painful Practice with Slow Realisation and other resources on Sutta Meditation Series

01:04:33 Brief overview of the key inflection points in this insight pathway

01:09:30 Revisiting the Dhammapada verse 40

01:14:20 Taking a break from Mettā Lab weekly slow sessions to develop and practice these meditations (Karaṇīyametta Sutta and Painful Practice with Slow Realisation) towards immeasurable loving kindness

01:16:03 Sharing the merit and blessings

The focus is on developing *supramundane* loving kindness in accordance with the Buddha's teachings in the Pali Canon.

(1) We will begin with the Buddha's instructions on how to develop mettā in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(2) Then we will develop the First Doorway to Nibbana or Painful Practice with Slow Realisation which culminates in immeasurable mettā, based on the Asubha Sutta (AN 4.163) and Suttavebhaṅgiya (Pe 9). It also draws on what we learn in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(3) Then we will develop mettā with the seven enlightenment factors (bojjhangas), based on the Mettāsahagata Sutta (SN 46.54), which distinguishes the Buddha's teaching of mettā from all others. And liberation of mind by loving kindness (mettācetovimutti)

These are purposely "slow sessions" to gradually learn (or revise), develop and practise each step of these sutta meditations. Each session will be 1 to 1.5 hours duration. And during the session there will be short meditation periods. It may take a few weeks to complete each sutta meditation.

Mettā Lab is for beginners and meditators who wish to refresh and deepen their loving kindness practice. Everyone is welcome.

To watch the YouTube livestream - https://t.ly/ZHHq3

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

In this livestream Dhamma session on Poson full moon poya, we examine the Buddha's teaching in the Āneñjasappāya Sutta (MN 106) on the way to the imperturbable.

— TIMESTAMPS —

00:00 The Way to the Imperturbable

01:40 What we'll cover

04:11 What is “āneñja” and the context for this teaching?

18:35 Examples of the Buddha and the imperturbable

22:30 Overview of the Āneñjasappāya Sutta (MN 106)

23:45 “Deep dive” into the Buddha’s teaching on sensuality

46:04 "Deep dive" into the Buddha's teaching on the three ways directed to the imperturbable

1:01:58 "Deep dive" into the Buddha's teaching on the three ways directed to the base of nothingness

1:33:52 "Deep dive" into the Buddha's teaching on the three ways directed to the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception

1:45:28 "Deep dive" into the Buddha's teaching on noble liberation

2:00:35 Encouragement towards investigating

2:03.38 Sharing the merit and blessings

In this session we cover:

— What is “āneñja” and the context for this teaching?

— Examples of the Buddha and the imperturbable

— Overview of the Āneñjasappāya Sutta (MN 106)

— “Deep dive” into the Buddha’s gradual teaching on sensuality, the higher concentrations and noble liberation

— Encouragement from the Buddha towards investigating

Bohoma pin to the person who requested this sutta.

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://t.ly/q3Bwi

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

Selected tables, slides and documents are shared via the Sutta Meditation Series Telegram channel - https://t.me/suttameditationseries

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Welcome to Mettā Lab @suttameditationseries

Mettā Lab is a weekly YouTube livestream Dhamma session on the Sutta Meditation Series channel to develop and intensify our loving kindness (mettā) practice.

— Timestamp —

00:00 Mettā Lab - First Doorway to Nibbāna - 15 June 2024

03:32 Recap on the four profitable directions (modes of practice)

09:30 Painful practice with slow realisation

14:05 The five contemplations or profitable perceptions

31:34 Activating or developing the noble eightfold path

32:43 Fulfilling the first jhāna

38:14 Buddha's simile for the first jhāna

46:29 Context within higher training

48:22 Short meditation

1:01:07 First establishment of mindfulness

01:03:24 Arising and passing away of form

01:13:15 Heavenly abiding

01:21:52 Sharing the merit and blessings

The focus is on developing *supramundane* loving kindness in accordance with the Buddha's teachings in the Pali Canon.

(1) We will begin with the Buddha's instructions on how to develop mettā in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(2) Then we will develop the First Doorway to Nibbana or Painful Practice with Slow Realisation which culminates in immeasurable mettā, based on the Asubha Sutta (AN 4.163) and Suttavebhaṅgiya (Pe 9). It also draws on what we learn in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(3) Then we will develop mettā with the seven enlightenment factors (bojjhangas), based on the Mettāsahagata Sutta (SN 46.54), which distinguishes the Buddha's teaching of mettā from all others. And liberation of mind by loving kindness (mettācetovimutti)

These are purposely "slow sessions" to gradually learn (or revise), develop and practise each step of these sutta meditations. Each session will be 1 to 1.5 hours duration. And during the session there will be short meditation periods. It may take a few weeks to complete each sutta meditation.

Mettā Lab is for beginners and meditators who wish to refresh and deepen their loving kindness practice. Everyone is welcome.

To watch the YouTube livestream - https://t.ly/SBjai

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

Welcome to Mettā Lab @suttameditationseries

Mettā Lab is a weekly YouTube livestream Dhamma session on the Sutta Meditation Series channel to develop and intensify our loving kindness (mettā) practice.

— Timestamp —

00:00 Mettā Lab - Mettā Q&A - 8 June 2024

04:43 Short meditation - Karaṇīyametta Sutta

15:55 Mettā Q&A

16:02 What meditations would you recommend to prepare the mind for loving kindness?

23:56 What should I do if my mind wanders off while I am taking my own example?

27:40 What's the best way to teach my children Buddha's loving kindness? Do they have to be a certain age to understand?

34:28 Do you have any advice on how to overcome grudges as part of developing mettā?

50:50 Can I spread loving kindness to a relative or friend who has passed away?

53:30 Can you comment on the flow of how we're supposed to develop this Karaṇīyametta Sutta? How much time developing the qualities and then spreading loving kindness?

56:54 When we develop mettā using this method (Karaṇīyametta Sutta) is it linked to the jhānas?

1:03:50 First Doorway to Nibbāna - context and overview

1:30:53 Sharing the merit and blessings

The focus is on developing *supramundane* loving kindness in accordance with the Buddha's teachings in the Pali Canon.

(1) We will begin with the Buddha's instructions on how to develop mettā in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(2) Then we will develop the First Doorway to Nibbana or Painful Practice with Slow Realisation which culminates in immeasurable mettā, based on the Asubha Sutta (AN 4.163) and Suttavebhaṅgiya (Pe 9). It also draws on what we learn in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(3) Then we will develop mettā with the seven enlightenment factors (bojjhangas), based on the Mettāsahagata Sutta (SN 46.54), which distinguishes the Buddha's teaching of mettā from all others. And liberation of mind by loving kindness (mettācetovimutti)

These are purposely "slow sessions" to gradually learn (or revise), develop and practise each step of these sutta meditations. Each session will be 1 to 1.5 hours duration. And during the session there will be short meditation periods. It may take a few weeks to complete each sutta meditation.

Mettā Lab is for beginners and meditators who wish to refresh and deepen their loving kindness practice. Everyone is welcome.

To watch the YouTube livestream - https://t.ly/NSZmV

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

This unique Dhamma session was held over Vesak via zoom on "DISPELLING BUDDHIST MYTHS". In this session, we tackled about 6 common Buddhist myths, though we had a longer list of Buddhist myths.

One of our kalyanamittas was keen to have an interactive and fun session during Vesak to debunk or dispel some of the common Buddhist myths that exist, particularly in Buddhist countries.

As always, take what is useful.

Much merit (bohoma pin) for the invitation to be part of this session, coming up with our initial list of Buddhist myths and helping to facilitate this session for the benefit of others.

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://t.ly/TGlaR

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

Selected tables, slides and documents are shared via the Sutta Meditation Series Telegram channel - https://t.me/suttameditationseries

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Welcome to Mettā Lab @suttameditationseries

Mettā Lab is a weekly YouTube livestream Dhamma session on the Sutta Meditation Series channel to develop and intensify our loving kindness (mettā) practice.

— Timestamp —

00:00 Metta Lab - Karaṇīyametta Sutta - 1 June 2024

05:50 Insight pathway and where we ended in the last session on 25 May 2024

08:26 Understanding and applying Buddha's example of a mother and her one and only child

16:22 How we spread loving kindness in all directions without obstruction, hate and hostility

19:07 Four postures, without drowsiness

21:15 Remembering or being mindful - what we have developed is a "divine abode"

24:48 Virtuous - 9 skilled states

27:31 How we get to the insight (wisdom) of developing this Karaṇīyametta Sutta meditation and noble attainment (path and fruit of non-return)

42:48 Recap of insight pathway meditation - 15 steps

53:34 Short meditation

1:09:12 Info on Upcoming session - First Doorway to Nibbana (Painful Practice with Slow Realisation)

1:13:27 Sharing the merit & blessings

The focus is on developing *supramundane* loving kindness in accordance with the Buddha's teachings in the Pali Canon.

(1) We will begin with the Buddha's instructions on how to develop mettā in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(2) Then we will develop the First Doorway to Nibbana or Painful Practice with Slow Realisation which culminates in immeasurable mettā, based on the Asubha Sutta (AN 4.163) and Suttavebhaṅgiya (Pe 9). It also draws on what we learn in the Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

(3) Then we will develop mettā with the seven enlightenment factors (bojjhangas), based on the Mettāsahagata Sutta (SN 46.54), which distinguishes the Buddha's teaching of mettā from all others. And liberation of mind by loving kindness (mettācetovimutti)

These are purposely "slow sessions" to gradually learn (or revise), develop and practise each step of these sutta meditations. Each session will be 1 to 1.5 hours duration. And during the session there will be short meditation periods. It may take a few weeks to complete each sutta meditation.

Mettā Lab is for beginners and meditators who wish to refresh and deepen their loving kindness practice. Everyone is welcome.

To watch the YouTube livestream - https://t.ly/P214s

For all enquiries - [email protected]

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai