Sutta Meditation Series

By Sutta Meditation SeriesReligion & Spirituality Buddhism

Sutta Meditation Series episodes

May 31, 20226.3 THOSE WHO DELIGHT IN THE PEACE OF RENUNCIATION (YOUTH DHAMMA SESSION)
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
Another session to accompany the fifth module in the Youth Dhamma Gradual Teachings series looking into Buddha's Gradual Instructions to Lay People on THE BLESSINGS OF RENUNCIATION (nekkhamma ānisaṃsaṃ).
In this additional session, we examine THOSE WHO DELIGHT IN THE PEACE OF RENUNCIATION and the story of the Buddha's return from the Tāvatiṁsa realm associated with Dhammapada verse 181.
As we are still learning the Dhamma, it is not easy to truly understand the importance of renunciation and the blessings of renunciation, so this Dhamma session gives us another opportunity to examine the Buddha's teachings and another perspective to consider and reflect upon. Any time hearing the Buddha's words, is time well spent.
Suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this session:
— Mahāsamaya Sutta (DN 20),

— Samaya Sutta (SN 1.37)

— Pajjota Sutta (SN 1.26)

— Māradheyya Sutta (Iti 59)

— Mahākassapathera Vatthu (Dhp 56)
If you have any questions or comments regarding this talk, please email them to suttameditationseries[at]gmail.com or leave a voicemail message via anchor.fm
A VIDEO of this FULL SESSION with presentation slides has been published to the Sutta Meditation Series YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCr6gUYvHNI
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
15 min
May 28, 20226.2 HOW THE BUDDHA FULFILLED THE HIGHER PERFECTION OF RENUNCIATION (YOUTH DHAMMA SESSION)
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
Another session to accompany the fifth module in the Youth Dhamma Gradual Teachings series looking into Buddha's Gradual Instructions to Lay People on THE BLESSINGS OF RENUNCIATION (nekkhamma ānisaṃsaṃ).
In this additional session, we examine HOW THE BUDDHA FULFILLED THE HIGHER PERFECTION OF RENUNCIATION (AS THE BODHISATTA), to help us to gain insight from the former births of the Buddha and inspire our own development and practice.
One of the key things the Buddha says is:
"No, bhikkhus, my renunciation of the world, after leaving my kingdom, was not wonderful, when I had fully exercised the perfections; for before, even when my wisdom was still immature, and while I was still attaining the perfections, I left my kingdom and renounced the world."
Suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this session:
— Sumedhapatthanākathā (Bv 2)

— Makhadeva Jātaka (Ja 9)

— Yudhañcaya Jātaka (Ja 460)

— Hatthipāla Jātaka (Ja 509)

— Ayoghara Jātaka (Ja 510)

— Mūgapakkha Jātaka (Ja 538)
If you have any questions or comments regarding this talk, please email them to suttameditationseries[at]gmail.com or leave a voicemail message via anchor.fm
Bohoma pin to the person who requested this talk
A VIDEO of this FULL SESSION with presentation slides has been published to the Sutta Meditation Series YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rA9TNhuzWk
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
38 min
May 22, 2022BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE - Dhamma Q&A
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
In this Dhamma session, we answer a request for guidance on what are the recommended things to be done and how to make the best of the opportunity when going on Buddhist pilgrimage. We start by looking at the Saṁvejanīya Sutta (AN 4.118) and go from there.
In this session, we cover:
— The Four Inspiring Places (Nepal, India)

— Other Inspiring Places (India)

— Bodhi-pūjā, Buddha-pūjā, generosity and sharing the merits

— Taking the three refuges and observing the precepts

— Noble aspiration

— Transgressions, prostrations and asking for forgiveness

— Recitation or chanting

— Contemplating the suttas in the places where they were taught
Suttas referred to directly or indirectly:
— Saṁvejanīya Sutta (AN 4.118)

— Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16)

— Pītavimānavatthu (Vv 47)

— Dhātuvivaṇṇapetavatthu (Pv 35)

— Mekhalādāyikātherīapadāna (Thi Ap 2)

— Tirokuṭṭapetavatthu (Pv 5)

— Saraṇattaya (Kv 1)

— Pañcasikkhāpadasutta (SN 14.25)

— Sampakkhandanalakkhaṇasaddhāpañha (Mil 3.1.11)

— Ovāda Sutta (SN 16.6)

— Vimuttāyatanasutta (AN 5.26)

— Nagaropama Sutta (AN 7.67)
Bohoma pin (much merit) to the person that asked this question.
A VIDEO of this FULL SESSION with presentation slides has been published to the Sutta Meditation Series YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHAObAwCgMk
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
1 hr 1 min
May 15, 2022THE TRUE GOAL OF SPIRITUAL LIFE - with meditation practice (FULL DHAMMA SESSION, Vesak Poya)
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
This is the FULL DHAMMA SESSION, conducted on VESAK POYA (15 May 2022) via zoom, on THE TRUE GOAL OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. We examine the Mahāsāropama Sutta (MN 29), which is an important teaching of the Buddha on the benefits that result from making progress in the spiritual life, which can also become obstacles to the Path when unwholesome states enter our practice.
The 3 short meditation sessions from today's session are INCLUDED in this episode. The first was to lift the mind and the other two were to put into practise the insight pathway taught by the Buddha. You are invited to practise the short meditations we undertook during this Vesak Dhamma session.
**Please note - we are examining this teaching from the Buddha with the aspiration for the supramundane development of the Noble Eightfold Path**
In this Dhamma session, we cover:
— Why the Buddha taught the spiritual life?
— Background and context to the Mahāsāropama Sutta (MN 29)
— Mapping to the Higher Training (including the Noble Eightfold Path)
— What enables us to develop to fullness?
— “Deep dive” into the Simile of the Heartwood, including examples for each of the benefits and how we can go wrong, other sutta references, some meditation practice
Our earlier Dhamma session on "The Danger of Gain, Honour and Praise" can be also be listened to here - https://bit.ly/3yF68px
Some of the suttas covered directly or indirectly in this session:
— Aggidattabrāhmaṇavatthu (Dhp 190-192)
— Brahmacariya Sutta (AN 4.25)
— Dutiyajananakuhana Sutta (Iti 36)
— Vajjiputta Sutta (AN 3.84)
— Kalahavivādasuttaniddesa (Mnd 2/Mnd 11)
— Paṭhamasikkhattaya Sutta (AN 3.89)
— Dussīla Sutta (AN 5.24)
— Dāruṇa Sutta (SN 17.1)
— Pañcarathasata Sutta (SN 17.36)
— Ghaṭikāra Sutta (MN 81)
— Sekha-patipadā Sutta (MN 53)
— Paṭhamahatthaka Sutta (AN 8.23)
— Paṭhamaugga Sutta (AN 8.21)
— Dutiyaugga Sutta (AN 8.22)
— Dutiyagilāna Sutta (SN 35.75)
— Rathavinīta Sutta (MN 24)
— Sīlabbata Sutta (AN 3.78)
— Saṅghabheda, (Pli Tv Bu Vb Ss 10)
— Samādhibhāvanā Sutta (AN 4.41)
— Samādhibhāvanā Sutta (SN 22.5)
— Patisambhidamagga (Ps 1)
— Sāmaññaphala Sutta (DN 2)
— Avakujja Sutta (AN 3.30)
— Sambahulasīlādisampannabhikkhuvatthu (Dhp 271-272)

Bohoma pin to the person who requested this sutta.
A VIDEO of this FULL SESSION with presentation slides has been published to the Sutta Meditation Series YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S46qXRMlD9I
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
2 hr 28 min
May 09, 2022DHAMMA-FOLLOWER, FAITH-FOLLOWER & STREAM ENTRY - Dhamma Q&A
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
In this Dhamma session, we are addressing a Dhamma question (or topic) on the Dhamma-follower (dhammānusārī), Faith-follower (saddhānusārī), and Stream Entry.
In addressing this topic, we delve into the Buddha's words on these two kinds of persons, the fixed course of rightness, and how they enter the stream; reference to learning ability; the importance of developing the spiritual faculties (indriya); understanding the distinction between this two kinds of persons and the stream-enterer; revisit the definition of "the stream" and the factors leading to Stream Entry; reinforce the benefit of thoroughly learning the Dhamma; look into the commentarial reference to the “cūla sotāpanna”; and take in the Buddha's encouragement that this is a gradual training, gradual practice and gradual progress.
Suttas referred to directly or indirectly:
— Kīṭāgiri Sutta (MN 70)

— Paṭhamavibhaṅga Sutta (SN 48.9)

— Paṭipanna Sutta (SN 48.18)

— Ugghaṭitaññū Sutta (AN 4.133)

— Cakkhuvagga (SN 25.1-10)

— Sotānugata Sutta (AN 4.191)

— Sāsanapaṭṭhānadutiyabhūmi (Pe 2)

— Dutiyasāriputta Sutta (SN 55.5)
Bohoma pin (much merit) to the person that asked this question.
A VIDEO of this FULL SESSION with presentation slides has been published to the Sutta Meditation Series YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjyG5e_PqxE
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
44 min
May 06, 2022THE BENEFITS OF THOROUGHLY LEARNING THE DHAMMA
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
A Dhamma talk on the Sotānugata Sutta (AN 4.191) where the Buddha reminds us of the importance of thoroughly learning the Dhamma in this life and the benefits that can be expected in the future (assuming you live a wholesome life), particularly if one is concerned about passing away with a muddled mind.
In this session, we reference the Buddha's Learning System and the nine-fold division of the Buddha's teachings. We revisit the methods the Buddha encourages us towards to learn the Dhamma (i.e. followed by hearing, recited verbally and practised them, examined them carefully with the mind, and penetrated them well by (right) view); seeing this as part of the groundwork for spiritual progress (even at a later time); and a wise investment of our time and effort. We also visit the deva realms, through the suttas, in this Dhamma session.
Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:
— Sekha-patipada Sutta (MN 53)

— Nagaropama Sutta (AN 7.67)

— Accaya Sutta (AN 11.24)

— Paṭhamadevacārika Sutta (SN 55.18)

— Hatthaka Sutta (AN 3.127)

— Janavasabha Sutta (DN 18)

— Dutiyanaḷakapāna Sutta (AN 10.68)

— Mahānāmasutta (AN 8.25)
The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQaGArbTBwc
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
30 min
May 05, 2022THE STORY OF NANDA, THE HERDSMAN - Dhammapada verse 42
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
In today's session, we look at Dhammapada Verse 42 - THE STORY OF NANDA, THE HERDSMAN (Nandagopālaka Vatthu). The Buddha gives a very powerful teaching about the importance of a rightly directed mind and the safety of stream entry.
In this short session we examine Nanda's story and how he was able to enter the stream before his sudden death. We revisit the key dangers that are highlighted from this teaching, the importance of right view in activating the Noble Eightfold Path, being virtuous, and path and fruit of stream entry.
The Buddha's words from Dhp 42:
“Diso disaṁ yaṁ taṁ kayirā,
verī vā pana verinaṁ;
Micchāpaṇihitaṁ cittaṁ,
pāpiyo naṁ tato kare.”
“Whatever an enemy would do to an enemy,
or one hostile to another bearing hostility;
a wrongly directed mind,
can inflict far worse to itself.”
Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:
— Byasana Sutta (AN 5.130)

— Nakhasikhā Sutta (SN 13.1)

— Brahmacariyogadha Sutta (SN 55.2)

— Dutiyasāriputta Sutta (SN 55.5)

— Micchādiṭṭhika Sutta (Iti 70)

— Sammādiṭṭhika Sutta (Iti 71)
The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od8Dy2aIMU4
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
15 min
May 01, 2022HOW TO LIVE LONGER
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
In this Dhamma session we take a look at the Buddha's advice on longevity and vitality. We primarily examine the Anāyussā Sutta (AN 5.125-126) and the seven things that are conducive to shorter life and those that are conducive are conducive to longer life.
Some of these things you may already be familiar with, while others may encourage you to further investigation.
We also draw on other teachings of the Buddha where he talks of times where the life span of human beings was as great as 80,000 years and the reason why they declined to just over a hundred years. How it will reduce even further, and then the future period of growth leading to the coming of Metteyya Buddha.
And we also briefly touch on the development and perfection of the bases of spiritual power as another way of living longer.
Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:
— Cakkavatti Sutta (DN 26)
— Paṭhamaāyu Sutta (SN 4.9)
— Iṭṭha Sutta (AN 5.43)
— Vitthatūposatha Sutta (AN 8.42)
— Cūḷakammavibhaṅga Sutta (MN 135)
— Duccaritavipāka Sutta (AN 8.40)
— Bhojana Sutta (AN 4.59)
— Anatthapucchakabrahmana Vatthu (Dhp 104-105)
— Dussīla Sutta (SN 14.24)
— Āyusaṅkhārossajjana Sutta (Ud 6.1)
— Cetiya Sutta (SN 51.10)

The VIDEO with slides has been uploaded to the Sutta Meditation Series podcast channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhJZnes02OU
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
34 min
April 27, 2022WHAT IS THE IDEAL WAY TO LISTEN TO DHAMMA?
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
A Dhamma talk on the Avakujja Sutta (AN 3.30) where the Buddha talks about three kinds of persons and the way they listen to Dhamma, which results in different types of wisdom (i.e. inverted, lap-like, and wide wisdom). The Buddha gives us three very useful similes to contemplate and connect with this teaching. And he states that the person with wide wisdom in the best.
This is a very useful teaching to contemplate as it can be very helpful towards getting the most out of Dhamma teachings, sessions and talks, whether it is at a monastery, on retreat, or watching/listening at home. We can also correct the way we listen to Dhamma, or optimise each and every opportunity, so we can develop and grow in wide wisdom.
We also touch on the accomplishment in much learning (bahussuta), the importance of subduing the five hindrances (nīvarana), and activating the enlightenment factors (bojjhanga)
If may be helpful to listen to Episode 128 of this podcast on the Buddha's Learning System - https://bit.ly/3vjjiGo or watch the YT video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCHMI5VYmcY
Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:
— Sekha-patipada Sutta (MN 53)

— Nagaropama Sutta (AN 7.67)

— Anīvaraṇa Sutta (SN 46.38)

— Sīla Sutta (SN 46.3)
The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdmlpGNiwOE
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
29 min
April 26, 2022THE STORY OF A BHIKKHU WHO WISHED TO TAME THE MIND - Dhammapada verse 35
Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.
In today's session, we look at Dhammapada Verse 35 - THE STORY OF A BHIKKHU WHO WISHED TO TAME THE MIND (Aññatarabhikkhu Vatthu). This is encouragement and inspiration towards making effort to restrain, guard, protect and tame the mind.
To further our understanding, we examine the Buddha's explanation of a taming practice and a calming practice, both are most helpful in development and training. We also examine again the distinction between the mind of a worldling and the mind of an arahant. And we close with the Buddha as our most excellent role model - "graceful, inspiring confidence, with peaceful faculties and peaceful mind, one who had attained to the highest taming and serenity"
The Buddha's words from Dhp 35:
“Dunniggahassa lahuno,
yatthakāmanipātino;
Cittassa damatho sādhu,
cittaṁ dantaṁ sukhāvahaṁ.”
“Difficult to subdue (control),
swift, flying towards wherever there is pleasure;
it is profitable to tame the mind—
a tamed mind brings happiness.”
Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:
— Adantavagga (AN 1.31-40)

— Paṭhamakhama Sutta (AN 4.164)

— Pamādavihārī Sutta (SN 35.97)

— Padhāna Sutta (AN 4.13)

— Saṁvara Sutta (AN 4.14)

— Sekha-patipadā Sutta (MN 53)

— Nagaropama Sutta (AN 7.67)

— Vitakkasaṇṭhāna Sutta (MN 20)

— Rathopama Sutta (SN 35.239)

— Arahantavedanāvediyanapañha (Mil 6.1.6)

— Doṇa Sutta (AN 4.36)

— Salla Sutta (SN 36.6)
Bohoma pin to the person who requested this talk.
The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ7iQOzmrvY
Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai
22 min

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How to study the Buddha's Teachings and meditate on the insight pathways from the Theravada suttas.

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