Venerable Cunda recounts experiences from his monastic career, including times when he felt fear and worry. He explains how the fear was conditioned by a strong sense of self, including examples from Luang Por Pasanno and Luang Ta Maha Boowa, and illustrates how the monastic way of practice moves in the opposing direction of the eight worldly winds.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo meets for a discussion with the lay supporters. He talks about being interviewed for a book on Buddhist practitioners, and responds to a question about utilizing thinking in a skillful way, by suggesting that one memorize extended passages from the suttas, be deliberate in the use of language, and use the meditative technique of “No Thought”.… Read the rest

To mark Tisarana’s Vesak celebration, Ajahn Viradhammo reflects on the Buddha’s awakening and the teachings that point to this awakening. He stresses the importance of finding a way to rest the mind, thus freeing the mind from the constraints of thinking. He offers the technique of using a mirroring technique in the silence for training one’s mind, and explains how this technique can lead to wisdom and compassion.… Read the rest

Venerable Cunda describes the Buddhist path as one that is leading inwards, a path towards insight and the end of suffering. He shows how to use the path factors of Right Intention, Right Speech and Right Effort skillfully to navigate this path and be a friend to oneself.… Read the rest

Ajahn Punnadhammo speaks on the twin skills of knowing all experience in terms of its characteristic of not-self, while at the same time keeping the final goal of nibbana in mind. He gives importance to the spiritual faculties of sadda, faith, as it relates to the Third Noble Truth, and upekkha, equanimity, as it relates to the citta.… Read the rest

Venerable Cunda answers questions on how to skillfully deal with thoughts that can arise during formal meditation practice. He speaks on the importance of sense restraint when engaging others, and on finding nutriment in one’s spiritual practice. He reflects on how the Buddha answered the question of what is reborn after death.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo contrasts the conceit involved in having a fixed plan for a happy mind with the beauty involved in spontaneous generosity. He points out the importance in having a long range plan, and the wisdom needed to remember that a plan in itself cannot provide liberation.… Read the rest

Venerable Khemako discusses the importance of utilizing reflection to gain the full available potential from our meditation practice. He explains how to reflect using the Three Characteristics of anicca, dukkha and anatta, and how practices such as generosity and restraint can be understood as ways to know true happiness.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo speaks on the skillfulness of using reflection on change as a way to develop an awareness of that which is not changing. It is through this awareness that we can find a real and secure refuge. He likens the way of practice according to the Noble Eightfold Path as a craft which leads onwards to refuge.… Read the rest

Ajahn Viradhammo conducts a question and answer session with the lay retreat crew. He speaks on fear and doubt, the unskillful responses that can result from the attachment to these mind states, and a way to skillfully handle them according to the Four Noble Truths, and through knowing the mood of the mind. He explains how the parami, the Ten Perfections, can be a positive way to work with our karma and kilesas. He reflects on the role of the monastery in relating to the laity, and the role of karma in the eating of meat.… Read the rest