Mantra Memory Merriment – The Sati Mantra: “Citte Cittānupassī Viharati …” | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo teaches the third Foundation of Mindfulness as being “The Sati Mantra” and will suggest – along with...
This Talk Will Get Under Your Skin: The Ancient Practice of Body Contemplation | Ajahn Nisabho In 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 In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ayyā Santacittā of the Āloka Earth Room. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
“For I am Papañca, Producer of Worlds” & Other Proliferative Profundities | Ajahn Nisabho Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Buddhist term “papañca”, often translated as “mental proliferation” or “objectification”, as...
Reflections on the 5th Precept Against Taking Intoxicants | Ajahn Nisabho Q&A In 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....
New Year’s Eve All-Night Meditation Vigil (In-Person & Online) Beginning at 7 pm on New Year’s Eve, Clear Mountain will host an all-night meditation vigil to celebrate the past year and set our aspiration together for the future.The evening, held in-person at...
Dealing with Difficult Emotions | Ven. Sangye Khadro A talk and Q&A with Ven. Sangye Khadro of Sravasti Abbey (https://sravastiabbey.org/) Podcast & YouTube Play &...
“Your Heart Was Made for This” | Oren Jay Sofer Q&A In 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”...
Dependent Origination, Thusness, & the Drum of the Deathless | Ajahn Nisabho In 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...
Why Buddhism Isn’t a Cult, Dhamma Parenting, & the University of Ordination | Ayyā Ahiṃsā Q&A In 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 In 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...
A Vital Message from the Simile of the Saw | Ajahn Kovilo In 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. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Exploring Enlightenment: A Swami & Bhikkhu Discuss Humility, Psychic Powers, & God In 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 In 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 In 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. Podcast &...
Why Bow? A No-Pressure Response From Two Biased Buddhist Bhikkhus | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss the deeper implications of the practice of bowing. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
What is Grace in Buddhism? | Ajahn Nisabho In 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 In this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Ajahn Ñāniko, abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery on the topics of “Insights from Abbotting” and a few lessons from woodwork Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Reconciling Rich Heritage with Rich Habits | Ayya Niyyānika In this session, Ayya Niyyānika speaks about habits, addiction, and embarassment. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Being Compared to a Dog, a Squirrel, a Pig, and a Donkey by Ajahn Chah | Kittisāro Weinberg Q&A In this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Kittisaro Weinberg about his time living and training with Ajahn Chah. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
The Third Dart: How Convert-Buddhists Often Add Neurosis Onto Suffering Onto Pain | Aj. Kovilo In 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...
Using Dhamma to Overcome Addiction | Recovery Roundtable In 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 In 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...
Don’t Be Sucky at Sukha! | Ajahn Kovilo In 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...
Not Slacking Off: Relax | Ayya Niyyanika In this session, Ayya Niyyanika explores the seemingly contradictory – but actually synergistic – qualities of “not slacking off” and “relaaaax!” Podcast & YouTube Play &...
What to Do if Your Kid Goes to a Monastery: A Monk Interviews His Parents In this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews his parents, Sarah Conover and Doug Robnett, about their experience having a son in robes and their own spiritual journeys. Podcast & YouTube Play...
Pāḷi-Amory: Finding Insights in the Buddha’s Lingua-Franca | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss finding insights from reading the Pāli Canon. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
To the Deathless Through the Death-bound: Mindfulness of Body (Satipaṭṭhāna I) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the framework and first elements of the Foundations of Mindfulness described in the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta (MN 10). The talk delves...
“When Your Parents Call, Immediately Respond” | Jin Chuan Shi Q&A In this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Jin Chuan Shi of Berkeley Buddhist Monastery and the Redwood Vihara for a second time, continuing their previous discussion captured in the video...
Dimensions of Dukkha: Unraveling the Buddhist Concept of Suffering | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the various meanings of the Buddhist concept of “dukkha”, translated as “suffering” and “stress”, and...
Give! – 23 Practical Tips from the Buddha | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will present 23 tips on how best to give as found in various Suttas taught by the Buddha in the Pāli Canon. See the video’s description on our YouTube channel for a...
One Little Line to Supercharge Your Refuges and Precepts | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about “supercharging” one’s practice of taking refuges and precepts through adding the simple line “For the Benefit and Happiness of...
Vow Power! – Hearing One’s “Calling” and Multi-Life Practice | Jin Chuan Shi Q&A In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with his kaḷyāṇamitta Jin Chuan Shi on the topic of entering into monastic life, “past vows”, service, and...
Counting Time – The Metrics of Metta: A Summer with Clear Mountain There are an infinite number of ways that we could count our time. In one discourse (AN 7.74), before going on to suggest that we should all meditate more, the Buddha does the math to creatively...
Reconciliation & Liberation: Theravāda & Mahāyāna; Gradual & Sudden; EBT & Later | Bhikkhu Bodhi Q&A In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview the Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi. Topics touched upon include Theravāda Buddhism and Early...
An Exploration of Buddhist Responsibility (Response-Ability) | Ayya Niyyānika In this talk, Ayya Niyyānika speaks to the sense of responsibility, or “Response-Ability’, in a Buddhist life. The investigation explores several suttas in which the Buddha...
“‘The days and nights are relentlessly passing; how well am I spending my time?’ This should be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.” (AN 10.48) Introduction There are an infinite number of ways that we could count our time. In one discourse (AN...
Radical Forgiveness, Remaining in Robes, & Keeping the Dhamma as Center | Ajahn Nyaniko Q&A In this session, Ajahn Nyaniko speaks about how to let go of irritation, the overlap of Mahāyāna and Theravāda teachings, the necessity of keeping the Triple Gem...
Building Pāramī | Ajahn Nando In this session, Ajahn Nando teaches about the concept of “Pāramī”, or spiritual perfection. Often spoken about as ten qualities, “pāramī” represents a strength of heart that can be developed through practice on...
Training in Thailand | Ajahn Nando Q&A In this session, Ajahn Nando speaks about his experience practicing in the forests of Thailand, and addresses subjects ranging from lessons learned from living in the jungle to factors involved in monks remaining ordained....
83 Years in Robes, Indicators of Enlightenment, & Euthanasia | Bhante Gunaratana Q&A In this interview, Ven. Bhante Gunaratana, fondly known by his students as “Bhante G”, speaks about the possibility of enlightenment in the present age, signs that...
The Apaṇṇaka Dhammas – Teachings That Are Never Wrong | Ajahn Nando In this session, Ajahn Nando speaks about the three Apaṇṇaka Dhammas, or “incontrovertible teachings”: 1) indriya-saṃvara – sense-restraint2) bhojane-mattaññutā – knowing...
Relinquishing Gain, Honor, and Praise | Ajahn Nisabho Q&A In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the power of gain, honor, and praise, a set of influences the Buddha warned extensively against, even dedicating an entire chapter of the Connected Discourses to...
Faith in the Buddha and the Reality of Possibility | Ayyā Ahiṃsā In this talk, Ayyā Ahimsa, Visiting from Canmore Buddhist Theravada Community, speaks about faith and its role on the path, our real potential for Awakening, not being discouraged by one’s age,...
Buddhist Lectio Divina & Fire Horse Dhamma | Samaneri Jayasāra Q&A In this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo interview Samaneri Jayasāra of Viveka Hermitage, New South Wales, Australia. The conversation touched on such topics as rebelliousness in...
Respect for Dhamma as Life’s Compass – Bowing to Bodhi | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the value of respect in a Buddhist life discussing the implications of the Buddha’s insight that: “One without respect, without...
Buddhist Psychotherapy and Awareness Itself | Ayyā Jitindriyā Q&A In this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo interview Ayyā Jitindriyā of Viveka Hermitage, New South Wales, Australia. The conversation touched on such topics as awareness itself, disrobing and...
Traveling back to Seattle along the North Cascade Highway last month, Ajahn Kovilo and I descended through the choke of rock past where Diablo Lake shines turquoise in the mountain’s hand. I’m struck by that descent every time, seeing the passage carved by water and...
“If They Call You A Dog, Look To See If You Have A Tail” | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss finding treasure in feedback/admonishment. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Ancient Greek Monks & the Writing of the Pali Canon | Ajahn Sona Q&A In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Ajahn Sona of Birken Forest Monastery and learn about his recent research into early Western Buddhist Monks. The discussion touches...
“We Need All the Help We Can Get” (“Finding a Home” Ceremony 2023) | Luang Por Pasanno In this second talk of the 2023 Clear Mountain Monastery “Finding a Home” Pah Bah Ceremony held on June 17th at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Luang Por Pasanno –...
Ajahns Nisabho and Kovilo | Bojjhanga Jangles – The 7 Factors of Awakening In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about balancing the Seven Factors of Awakening: 1. Mindfulness (Sati); 2. Investigation (Dhamma-vicaya); 3. Energy (Vīriya); 4. Joy...
Buddhist Memory Palaces and Sangha Spaced Repetition | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will speak on Buddhist mnemonic techniques that can be used for memorizing long Dhamma. See:...
We Breathe Life Into These (“Finding a Home” Ceremony 2023) | Ayyā Ānandabodhī In this fourth talk of the 2023 Clear Mountain Monastery “Finding a Home” Pah Bah Ceremony held on June 17th at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Ayyā Ānandabodhī –...
Guided Meditation: The Energy of the Breath | Ajahn Kaccana This guided meditation was given by Ajahn Kaccāna on June 24, 2023 at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle, WA. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
How to Create a Buddhist University | Ajahn Kaccāna In this talk, Ajahn Kaccāna, visiting from Chithurst monastery in England, speaks about his recent visit with faculty of Dharma Realm Buddhist University in California, and the curriculum they’re creating in...
Tibetan Special Sauce | Ven. Thubten Chodron Q&A In this special event, Ven. Thubten Chodron, founder of Sravasti Abbey, joins Clear Mountain Monastery for a Q&A about the differences in Mahayana and Theravāda practice, the concept of Emptiness, skillful means...
The Amazing Feeling of Sangha | Friends of Clear Mountain Board In this introduction to the 2023 Clear Mountain Monastery “Finding a Home” Pah Bah Ceremony held on June 17th at St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Board members of the Steward Organization...
Stronger Together (“Finding a Home” Ceremony 2023) | Ayyā Santussikā In this first talk of the 2023 Clear Mountain Monastery “Finding a Home” Pah Bah Ceremony held on June 17th at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Ayyā Santussikā – founder of Karuna...
Being Dhamma (with Tigers) | Ajahn Pasanno Q&A In this Q&A session, Luang Por Pasanno speaks about his journey into robes and faith in Luang Por Chah, encounters with tigers, the path as a progression from “knowing” to “seeing” to...
These Are a Few of My Favorite Buddhist Things | Ajahn Kovilo Ajahn Kovilo makes a joke, and talks about a mnemonic device along the lines of “My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music! Followed by Q&A with Ajahns Nisabho and Kovilo. Podcast &...
Non-Self vs. Nun-Self | Venerables Candā and Upekkhā Q&A In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Venerable Candā and Venerable Upekkhā of the Anukampā Bhikkhunī Project. For more information about the Anukampā Bhikkhunī Project visit:...
The Transformative Power of Gratitude | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho discusses the effect gratitude can have on a life, and how it can make the mundane sacred. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
“This is peaceful, this is sublime – that is … Nibbāna” | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the Canonical recollection of Nibbāna: “Etaṃ santaṃ, etaṃ paṇītaṃ – yadidaṃ sabba-saṅkhāra-samatho, sabb-ūpadhi-paṭinissaggo,...
Neutral Feeling and Creativity | Ajahn Jotipālo In this talk, Ajahn Jotipālo, a monk of over twenty years ordained at Abhayagiri Monastery, speaks about the benefits of attending to neutral feeling, which comprises so much of our experience, and of pursuing the...
Advice for Ordination | Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about what one should consider when deciding if, when, and where to go forth as a monastic. Reflections can be applied to the lay life as well, and address the path as a whole. Podcast &...
Body Contemplation: A Core Teaching the West Forgot | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes body contemplation, a practice emphasized throughout the suttas but neglected in the West. By using the calm mind to investigate the body in terms of the...
Wandering Tudong in California | Tan Jāgaro In this session, Tan Jāgaro speaks about his wandering up the California coast on monastic “tudong”, depending on the kindness of strangers for food and often the side of the road for rest. His stories inspire...
Beginnings matter; how we plant this spring’s seed determines the shade of oak that will touch our children’s hands. This June, Clear Mountain will hold its first formal and formative event: a robe offering ceremony. Traditionally, Kathina and Robe Offering Ceremonies...
Guided Meditation: Breath as Nourishment | Ajahn Kaccāna In this meditation, Ajahn Kaccāna guides listeners through how to maintain awareness with breathing by finding pleasure in this simplest of activities. For more in-depth instructions, see Luang Por...
A Hierarchy of Blessings: The Mangala Sutta | Ajahn Kaccāna In this talk, Ajahn Kaccāna speaks about the Mangala Sutta https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/khp/khp.5.nara.html which describes the various blessings or protections one may cultivate through...
Finding Faith in Nibbāna | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about finding faith in Nibbāna. See Chapter 6 of P.A. Payutto’s Buddhadhamma: https://buddhadhamma.github.io/nibbana-supreme-peace.html Podcast...
Demystifying the 10 “Bases of Merit” (Puññakitiyavatthu) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the 10 “Bases of Merit” or “Rituals of Richness” (Puññakitiyavatthu) as skillful means for a good life. Podcast &...
In Six Facets of Awakening | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces and reads 155 names for/facets of Nibbāna. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
How to Take the Monastery Back to Your Job | Clear Mountain Community In this Community Stories session, Mark, Mike, and Dennis speak about their path to the monastery and back to the world (for now), and what lessons they take with them. Steve reflects on the special...
Building Buddhist Community (not a 70’s Commune) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the six principles of communal harmony laid out by the Buddha in MN 48: https://suttacentral.net/mn48/en/sujato Podcast & YouTube Play &...
5 Fantastic Theravāda Websites | Ajahn Kovilo In this video, Ajahn Kovilo will give a guided introduction to five powerful online Sutta study resources:1) Reading Faithfully – readingfaithfully.org2) Access to Insight – accesstoinsight.org3) Sutta Central...
On Clear Mountain’s recent pilgrimage to Thailand and India, we had local agate beads blessed by senior teachers and determined by the community under the Bodhi Tree. Over the past few months, we’ve worked to finish, adjust, and in many cases restring, the malas made...
The Persistence of Mindfulness – Mālas in Daily Life | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the practice of using māla-beads: how he has used them, how others use them, and how they can be a symbol for life’s phases. Podcast & YouTube...
How to Quit Your Job & Go to a Monastery | Clear Mountain Community In this Community Stories session, three community members, Xander, Adam, and Daniel, speak about the meaningful steps they have taken towards aligning their lives with Dhamma and possibly...
Finding Joy on the Road of Tudong | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss finding joy on the road of tudong (walking pilgrimage on faith). Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Is Buddhism True (And Which Sect)? | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the Buddhist conception of truth and means for discerning the path, especially as outlined in the Kalama Sutta (https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN3_66.html) and Canki Sutta...
The Freedom of Morality: Psychological Development in Buddhism | Ajahn Sādaro & Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with Ajahn Sādaro (https://www.bsv.net.au/ajahn-sadaro/) on the topics of sīla (morality), self, society, and salvation. Podcast &...
Culture War Pacifism (The Dhamma of Dolly Parton) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how, like the uniquely politically-transcendent figure of Dolly Parton, we can become conscientious objectors in the culture wars. While we may engage in...
32 Marks of a Buddha Explained! Part 2 – The Face | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will continue speaking on the 32 “Marks of a Great Person” (specifically those from the neck up) as discussed in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (DN 30) and will...
Saturday, June 17th, 9:30 am – 2 pm at St. Mark’s Cathedral’s Bloedel Hall (enter through back of cathedral), 1245 10th Ave E. Those unable to attend in-person are also welcome to tune in via Zoom or YouTube livestream. You may spread the word by downloading and...
Stages of Awakening | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho details the stages of Awakening described by the Buddha, and emphasizes the importance of practicing for Stream Entry, the first stage of Enlightenment. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Arahant or Bodhisattva Path? | Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the figures of the Bodhisattva and Arahant as presented in different traditions, and whether or not the two ideals can harmonize. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Addiction, Motorcycle Accidents, & Teddy Bears as Dhamma Doors | Clear Mountain Community In this session, members of Clear Mountain’s community share how they came to the Dhamma, and what it’s meant to them. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Finding Heart in the Intellectual | Aj Kovilo & Aj Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss how to bring embodiment, intuition, and insight into seemingly heady Buddhist study. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
The Dhamma of George Constanza | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how practice involves a radical flip of our worldly perceptions, where we lean into suffering as a source of learning and difficulty as a ground for practice. Just like in the...
32 Marks of a Buddha Explained! Part 1 – The Body | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the 32 “Marks of a Great Person” (specifically those from the neck down) as discussed in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (DN 30) and will suggest ways to make...
Guided Meditation: Letting Go into Death | Ajahn Nisabho This guided meditation, based on one by Ajahn Brahmali, helps one move towards letting go of the world into a place of stillness. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Maraṇasati: Mindfulness of Death | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes maranasati, or mindfulness of death, both as a clarifying recollection in one’s daily life and a meditation object. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Line-For-Line: Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo continues to discuss the Buddhist holiday Māgha Pūjā or “Sangha Day” (Mach 6th, 2023) – commemorating when the Buddha taught the “Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha” to 1250 fully...
How does Kamma Work? | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how kamma works, and the Buddha’s instructions on how we can cultivate that kamma which leads to the ending of all kamma. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Saṅghānussati: Recollection of Saṅgha – Meditating with “Saṅ-gho” | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and Q&A focusing on the upcoming March 6th, 2023 Buddhist holiday Māgha Pūjā or “Sangha Day” –...
