Dhamma Talks
The Unshakeable Heart & Equanimity at the Sense Doors | Ven. Canda Bhikkhuni
The Unshakeable Heart & Equanimity at the Sense Doors | Ven. Canda Bhikkhuni
In this talk, Ven. Canda, an honored guest visiting from the U.K., speaks about how to develop equanimity by analyzing contact at the sense doors, and developing poise in relation to it. Understanding the conditioned nature of the experience allows us to dispel its power to push us into greed or aversion, and allows us to maintain a stance of gentle care towards the world.
To support and learn more about Ven. Canda and the Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Vihara, visit https://anukampaproject.org/
Buddhadhamma and Abhidhamma for Vipassana | Ajahn Panot (Prakru Medhaṅkara)
Buddhadhamma and Abhidhamma for Vipassana | Ajahn Panot (Prakru Medhaṅkara)
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Ajahn Panot (Prakru Medhaṅkara), disciple of P.A. Payutto, the foremost scholar monk in Thailand.
Buddhadhamma by P.A. Payutto can be found here.
Beyond the Five Aggregates & the Vortex of Self | Ajahn Nisabho
Beyond the Five Aggregates & the Vortex of Self | Ajahn Nisabho
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the 5 Khandhas, or aggregates of clinging, described by the Buddha as the subjective constituents of our sense of self. Letting go of 1) form (rupa), 2) feelings (vedana) 3) perception/ cognition (sañña) 4) formations (sankhara) and 5) consciousness (viññana) allows one to touch a reality beyond them—”Nibbāna”.
Suttas referenced in the talk include the “Lump of Foam” Sutta and the “Discourse on Not-Self”
To Bow Like Ajahn Chah & Listen Like Guan Yin | Thanissara Q&A
To Bow Like Ajahn Chah & Listen Like Guan Yin | Thanissara Q&A
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview the Dharma teacher and founder of Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat Center, Thanissara. The session touches on Thanissara’s experiences with Luang Por Chah, her twelve years of experience as a nun, her practice of turning towards the transcendent, and Guan Yin.
To learn more about Thanissara, visit: https://www.dharmagiri.org/
Cultivating the Unhindered Mind | Ajahn Nisabho
Archive
Finding the Breath in the Body | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
Finding the Breath in the Body | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn NisabhoIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss the intersection between breath meditation (ānāpānassati) and mindfulness directed toward the body (kāyagatāssati).
Lighten Up: The Playful Path to Samādhi | Ajahn Nisabho
Lighten Up: The Playful Path to Samādhi | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how to cultivate the luminous mind through a playful approach in meditation, utilizing both a primary focused object, such as the breath, alongside a secondary object, such...
Being Psychic vs. Being Psychotic – A Father and Son Discuss the Mind | Dr. James R. Hillard
Being Psychic vs. Being Psychotic – A Father and Son Discuss the Mind | Dr. James R. HillardIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews his father, psychiatrist James R. Hillard, about mental well-being and psycho-pathology – especially how these relate to Buddhist...
A Buddhist Guide to Sanity in an Election Year | Ajahn Nisabho
A Buddhist Guide to Sanity in an Election Year | Ajahn NisabhoIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks on being a pacifist in the culture wars.
The Case for Post-Materialist Science and Evidence for Rebirth | Marjorie Woollacott Ph.D.
The Case for Post-Materialist Science and Evidence for Rebirth | Marjorie Woollacott Ph.D.In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Marjorie Woollacott. Marjorie Woollacott, Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor and prior chair of the Dept. of Human...
Grieving for Loved Ones | Clear Mountain Community
Grieving for Loved Ones | Clear Mountain CommunityIn this "Community Stories" session, Clear Mountain members Jessica, Sid, Mary, Axel, Jon, Sarah, Damien, Joseph, Liem, Samek, and JT speak about what the Dhamma has meant to them, and how it's helped them move through...
What Kind of Bhikkhuni Could Illuminate the Redwood-Tree Grove? | Ayyā Santussikā & Ayyā Cittānandā
What Kind of Bhikkhuni Could Illuminate the Redwood-Tree Grove? | Ayyā Santussikā & Ayyā CittānandāIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview their good kalyāṇamittas Ayyā Santussikā & Ayyā Cittānandā of the Karuna Buddhist Monastery. Both Ayyās...
The Sacred, the Beautiful, & Other Technologies of the Heart | Ajahn Nisabho
The Sacred, the Beautiful, & Other Technologies of the Heart | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the need to bring joy, beauty, and love into spiritual practice to sustain and strengthen the heart through the acts of relinquishment the path...
Zen and the Art of Buddhist Chaplaincy | Zenshin Dillon Balmaceda
Zen and the Art of Buddhist Chaplaincy | Zenshin Dillon BalmacedaIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with his friend and fellow Dharma Realm Buddhist University student, Zenshin Dillon Balmaceda about his work doing Buddhist Chaplaincy including hospice work and...
Pride, Prejudice, & Putting Down the Grapes of Wrath | Ajahn Nisabho
Pride, Prejudice, & Putting Down the Grapes of Wrath | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about ways to counter anger and aversion, cultivating forgiveness and an understanding of conditionality instead. The "Eight Verses of Mind Training" referenced...
Two Bhikkhus & A Rabbi Walk into a Livestream… | Rabbi Bendat-Appell Q&A
Two Bhikkhus & A Rabbi Walk into a Livestream... | Rabbi Bendat-Appell Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo interview Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell about contemplative practices and shared resonances in the Jewish and Buddhist traditions.
Healing Kundalini Syndrome | Tara Springett Q&A
Healing Kundalini Syndrome | Tara Springett Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Tara Springett, a meditation teacher specializing in "Kundalini Awakening", about meditation-induced spiritual crisis, side effects of expansion of consciousness, effects of...
Hells, Heavens, & the Realms of Māra | Ajahn Nisabho
Hells, Heavens, & the Realms of Māra | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the Buddhist cosmos, from the hells to the heavens, ending with advice for how we can confront the Māra, master of the sensual sphere.
Finding the Right in Writing | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
Finding the Right in Writing | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn NisabhoIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about the using writing as a Dhamma support.
The Headless Way: Being Space for the World | Richard Lang
The Headless Way: Being Space for the World | Richard LangIn this interview, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with Richard Lang, teacher of "The Headless Way." To learn more about Richard and The Headless Way, visit: https://www.headless.org/
Following the Flag of Fearlessness – The Origin of “Itipi So”| Ajahn Kovilo
Following the Flag of Fearlessness - The Origin of "Itipi So"| Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the origin of the "Itipi So" chant as found in the Dhajagga Sutta (SN 11.3) and further speaks to the essence of the Recollection of the Buddha -...
How Different Meditative Techniques Affect Morality & Other Scientific Sojourns | Ajahn Sādaro Q&A
How Different Meditative Techniques Affect Morality & Other Scientific Sojourns | Ajahn Sādaro Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sādaro - touching on such topics as not-self (anatttā) and its relation to moral responsibility,...
Secular Buddhism Without the Beef: A Contemporary Conversation on Awakening | Doug Smith
Secular Buddhism Without the Beef: A Contemporary Conversation on Awakening | Doug SmithIn this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho have a friendly and informative conversation with Doug Smith of the popular YouTube Channel “Doug’s Dharma”.
Four Graded Questions From the Buddha – How Do You Score? | Ajahn Kovilo
Four Graded Questions From the Buddha - How Do You Score? | Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo – in reference to the Upakkilesa Sutta (MN 128) – frames the "Buddha's Hierarchy of Needs" as a parallel to Maslow's, and speaks about four sequential questions the...
A Bhikkhu & a Ukrainian Catholic Monk Walk Into a Livestream… | Brother Zacharias Q&A
A Bhikkhu & a Ukrainian Catholic Monk Walk Into a Livestream... | Brother Zacharias Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Brother Zacharias, an Orthodox Christian monk at Mount Tabor Monastery (https://www.monksofmttabor.com/), about Christian monastic...
The 7 Habits of Highly Reflective People | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
The 7 Habits of Highly Reflective People | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho celebrate the dawning of the new year by describing the seven "Dawnings of the Dhamma" detailed by the Buddha in SN 45.49-55...
Solitary Refinement: How 12 Years in a Cave Can Change the World | Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Q&A
Solitary Refinement: How 12 Years in a Cave Can Change the World | Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on the topics of Rigpa, training in seclusion and society, debate, female ordination, and...
The Womb of the Buddha: From Yoniso-Manasikāra to Tathāgata-Garbha | Ajahn Kovilo
The Womb of the Buddha: From Yoniso-Manasikāra to Tathāgata-Garbha | Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the birth of the Buddha and the place and implications of "yoniso-manasikāra" as "turning the mind to the womb".
Hercules & the Buddha: The Legend Continues? | Ajahn Sona Q&A
Hercules & the Buddha: The Legend Continues? | Ajahn Sona Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sona of Birken Forest Monastery discussing Gandhāra manuscripts, various debate traditions, scholastic agendas, and more For more...
Have a Buddhist Wish? Try These Five Practices! | Ajahn Kovilo
Have a Buddhist Wish? Try These Five Practices! | Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the Ākankheyya Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/mn6/en/bodhi?lang=en) and its suggestions for skillful Buddhist wishing.
Buddhist Insights From Ancient Gandhāra | Prof. Richard Salomon Q&A
Buddhist Insights From Ancient Gandhāra | Prof. Richard Salomon Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Prof. Richard G. Salomon, a former professor at University of Washington and one of the world's leading experts in the ancient Gandhari scrolls. For more...
Light That Lands on Nothing: Nibbāna, the Deathless, & Awakening | Ajahn Nisabho
Light That Lands on Nothing: Nibbāna, the Deathless, & Awakening | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Buddhist concept of Enlightenment, and the intuition, practices, and steps which can draw us closer to it.
Mantra Memory Merriment – The Sati Mantra: “Citte Cittānupassī Viharati …” | Ajahn Kovilo
Mantra Memory Merriment - The Sati Mantra: "Citte Cittānupassī Viharati ..." | Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo teaches the third Foundation of Mindfulness as being "The Sati Mantra" and will suggest - along with instructions - that practitioners memorize the...
This Talk Will Get Under Your Skin: The Ancient Practice of Body Contemplation | Ajahn Nisabho
This Talk Will Get Under Your Skin: The Ancient Practice of Body Contemplation | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the practice of body contemplation, speaking to the practice of the 32 parts, 4 elements, and charnel ground contemplations, as...
Earthworm Practice: “Times Are Urgent! Let Us Slow Down.” | Ayyā Santacittā
Earthworm Practice: "Times Are Urgent! Let Us Slow Down." | Ayyā SantacittāIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ayyā Santacittā of the Āloka Earth Room.
“For I am Papañca, Producer of Worlds” & Other Proliferative Profundities | Ajahn Nisabho
"For I am Papañca, Producer of Worlds" & Other Proliferative Profundities | Ajahn NisabhoAjahn Nisabho speaks about the Buddhist term "papañca", often translated as "mental proliferation" or "objectification", as described in the Honeyball Sutta...
Reflections on the 5th Precept Against Taking Intoxicants | Ajahn Nisabho Q&A
Reflections on the 5th Precept Against Taking Intoxicants | Ajahn Nisabho Q&AIn this talk and Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how the Buddha recommended we hold the fifth precept against taking intoxicants, and if this allows for even moderate use.
Dealing with Difficult Emotions | Ven. Sangye Khadro
Dealing with Difficult Emotions | Ven. Sangye KhadroA talk and Q&A with Ven. Sangye Khadro of Sravasti Abbey (https://sravastiabbey.org/)
“Your Heart Was Made for This” | Oren Jay Sofer Q&A
"Your Heart Was Made for This" | Oren Jay Sofer Q&AIn this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Oren Jay Sofer on the topics (among others) of:- his new book "Your Heart Was Made for This" (https://www.orenjaysofer.com/your-heart)- insights to be...
Dependent Origination, Thusness, & the Drum of the Deathless | Ajahn Nisabho
Dependent Origination, Thusness, & the Drum of the Deathless | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the twelve links of Dependent Origination, or Paṭiccasamuppāda, the Buddha's articulation of how we move from ignorance to suffering, and the sense of...
Why Buddhism Isn’t a Cult, Dhamma Parenting, & the University of Ordination | Ayyā Ahiṃsā Q&A
Why Buddhism Isn’t a Cult, Dhamma Parenting, & the University of Ordination | Ayyā Ahiṃsā Q&AIn this interview, Ayyā Ahiṃsā of the Canmore Theravada Buddhist Community speaks about leaving a fundamentalist religious community, falling in love with the...
Transforming Tragedy: The Power of Spiritual Friendship | Clear Mountain Community
Transforming Tragedy: The Power of Spiritual Friendship | Clear Mountain CommunityIn this "Community Stories" session, Cheryl, Aruna, Trenton, Grace, Jeremy, Kristen, Noah, Sooz, and Miles share how they came to the Dhamma and how their journeys have unfolded this...
A Vital Message from the Simile of the Saw | Ajahn Kovilo
A Vital Message from the Simile of the Saw | Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo will speak about the Simile of the Saw (Majjhima Nikāya 21) and how it can inform how we speak in challenging times.
Exploring Enlightenment: A Swami & Bhikkhu Discuss Humility, Psychic Powers, & God
Exploring Enlightenment: A Swami & Bhikkhu Discuss Humility, Psychic Powers, & GodIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Swami Atmavidyananda Giri about Kriya Yoga, his path to ordination, stories of faith from his teachers, the Yogic idea of awakening,...
Words Worth Treasuring: Monastic Insights into Right Speech | Ajahn Nisabho
Words Worth Treasuring: Monastic Insights into Right Speech | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the ways the Buddha recommended refining speech, from avoiding lying, divisive talebearing, harsh speech, and idle chatter, to ensuring what we say is...
“Justice” Is Not a Buddhist Word | Ajahn Nisabho
"Justice" Is Not a Buddhist Word | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the impulse towards vengeance which can hide in the concept of justice, noting how the Buddha taught an ethic of forgiveness rather than retribution.
Why Bow? A No-Pressure Response From Two Biased Buddhist Bhikkhus | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
Why Bow? A No-Pressure Response From Two Biased Buddhist Bhikkhus | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn NisabhoIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss the deeper implications of the practice of bowing.
What is Grace in Buddhism? | Ajahn Nisabho
What is Grace in Buddhism? | Ajahn NisabhoIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about grace as a movement through the Four Noble Truths. To move from the dark night of the first to the peace of the third requires the qualities of patient endurance, faith, and gratitude.
Insights from Abbotting | Ajahn Ñāṇiko
Insights from Abbotting | Ajahn ÑāṇikoIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Ajahn Ñāniko, abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery on the topics of "Insights from Abbotting" and a few lessons from woodwork
Reconciling Rich Heritage with Rich Habits | Ayya Niyyānika
Reconciling Rich Heritage with Rich Habits | Ayya NiyyānikaIn this session, Ayya Niyyānika speaks about habits, addiction, and embarassment.
Being Compared to a Dog, a Squirrel, a Pig, and a Donkey by Ajahn Chah | Kittisāro Weinberg Q&A
Being Compared to a Dog, a Squirrel, a Pig, and a Donkey by Ajahn Chah | Kittisāro Weinberg Q&AIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Kittisaro Weinberg about his time living and training with Ajahn Chah.
The Third Dart: How Convert-Buddhists Often Add Neurosis Onto Suffering Onto Pain | Aj. Kovilo
The Third Dart: How Convert-Buddhists Often Add Neurosis Onto Suffering Onto Pain | Aj. KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo looks more closely at a particular kind of dukkha: Western Convert dukkha - through the lens of 3 lines from the Buddha's First Discourse.
Using Dhamma to Overcome Addiction | Recovery Roundtable
Using Dhamma to Overcome Addiction | Recovery RoundtableIn this session, Bree Lemasters, Devon Klein, and Hiram—Clear Mountain practitioners who have used Dhamma to overcome addiction—speak about their journeys and offer guidance for others trapped in the depths of...
Finding Freedom in Prison | Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
Finding Freedom in Prison | Ven. Pomnyun SunimIn this Q&A, honored guest Ven. Pomnyun Sunim speaks about how to find freedom from anger, the mundane worries of our lives, or even the brutality of torture. Ven. Sunim's answers, given in his characteristic Chan...
Don’t Be Sucky at Sukha! | Ajahn Kovilo
Don't Be Sucky at Sukha! | Ajahn KoviloIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo will touch on the "five desires" mentioned in Mahāyāna Buddhism (desire for sex, food, fame, sleep, and wealth) and 10 Theravāda Equivalents - whether or not one needs to give them up, why, and how.
Not Slacking Off: Relax | Ayya Niyyanika
Not Slacking Off: Relax | Ayya NiyyanikaIn this session, Ayya Niyyanika explores the seemingly contradictory - but actually synergistic - qualities of "not slacking off" and "relaaaax!"