Love is a (Non-violent) Battlefield | Ajahn Nisabho In honor of Valentine’s day, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how we can use romantic love as a pathway to develop a greater compassion, and also how we can cultivate romance with our meditation object. Play &...
It’s Māgha-Pūjā! (Buddhist All-Saints Day) – Come Learn the Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha! | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on Māgha Pūjā or “Sangha Day” – commemorating when the Buddha taught the...
Anger | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how we can confront anger with integrity, and how this humble act is the true route to a deeper loving-kindness. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Eight Verses for Training the Mind II: “I Will See Ill-Natured Beings as a Treasure” I Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the first two of the “Eight Verses of Training the Mind”, an ancient and powerful teaching from the...
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (10.12.2022) In this Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how to deal with pain, the four Buddhist levels of awakening, and more. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (2.23.2022) In this Q&A, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how to use mantra practice, ones obligation to one’s parents, and cultivating sacca, or truthfulness. Play & Download iTunes Google Play...
Eight Verses for Training the Mind III: “My Enemy Is My True Teacher” I Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the verses 5-8 of the “Eight Verses of Training the Mind”, an ancient and powerful teaching from the Tibetan...
Community Celebration! | Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, & the Clear Mountain Community In this session, the community celebrated the past year-and-half of growth, with individual members expressing their gratitude for what the group has given them. Sadhu! Play &...
Addiction, War, & Quitting Your Job (Community Stories I) | Ajahn Nisabho, Katie, Steve, Bree, & Jen In this “Community Speaks” session, various members of the Clear Mountain community speak about how they came to the path. Play & Download...
The Pleasure of Blah | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a guided meditation on neutral feeling – both when it is acknowledged and when it is ignored – and examines its relationship with dependent origination . See Chapter 4 of P.A....
Stream Entry | Ven. Nisabho Ajahn Nisabho describes the Buddha’s teachings regarding the first stage of awakening, or Stream Entry. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
13) Knowledge of Other’s Births (MN 39) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will speak about the second the “three knowledges” featured in The Greater Discourse at Assapura, that is, knowledge of the rebirth of others (MN 39...
Ayya Brahmavara – Full Interview This is the full, 1:15:00 video of Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho’s conversation/interview with Ayya Brahmavara. Read more about Ayyā Brahmavarā’s monastic residence, Dhammadharini, here:...
Spiritual Friendship (Community Stories II) | Holly, Wanida, Jon, Alison, Gail, & Kim In this “Community Stories” session, various members of the Clear Mountain community speak about how they came to the path and the value of spiritual friendship. Play...
Paths of Kamma (MN 9, I) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the first iteration of Right View described by Ven. Sariputta in the Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta (MN 9) – https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN9.html Play & Download iTunes Google Play...
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (9.28.2022) In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the pride, Dependent Origination, & the concept of “thusness”. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
What We Feed the Mind (MN 9, II) | Ven. Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho describes the second iteration of Right View, the Nutriments, described by Ven. Sariputta in the Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta (MN 9) – https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN9.html Play &...
Arahantship (MN 39) | Ajahn Kovilo In this fourteenth and final session of the Gradual Training series, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the third of the “three knowledges” featured in The Greater Discourse at Assapura, that is, knowledge of the destruction of...
Ordaining as a Westerner in Chinese Chan | Dharma Master Jin Rou Shi In this session, Dharma Master Jin Rou Shi, a disciple of Master Hua, speaks about her experience finding an authentic path as a Westerner within the Chinese Chan tradition. Play & Download...
Why We Talk? Why We Listen? (AN 3.67) | Ajahn Kovilo In this Dhamma Talk, Ajahn Kovilo discusses “Topics for Discussion” as found in Anguttara Nikaya 3.67. Special Focus is given to the overarching principle: “It’s why we talk. And why we draw...
Finding Chan in Theravada? | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this session, Tan Nisabho explores with Ajahn Kovilo his experience with Chan (Zen) meditation and how this practice has been informed by and transforms his perspective on the Early Buddhist Text and life...
Finding Humility in Praise and Blame | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho speak on trying to find humility in the midst of both praise and blame. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
The Bird of the Breath | Ven. Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho describes the practical steps of breath meditation outlined in the Anapanasati Sutta, or Discourse on Mindfulness of Breathing. The steps provide practical guidance in how to bring the mind to calm and a...
Right Speech 101: Not Lying (MN 41) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo begins a series on Right Speech with the topic of lying as discussed in the Sāleyyaka (MN 41) and elsewhere. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Dhamma & the Multiverse of Madness (MN 9, III) | Ven. Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho describes the third iteration of Right View, the application of the Four Noble Truths’ framework to Dependent Origination, as described by Ven. Sariputta in the...
An End to Uncertainty | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho explains how we can use death contemplation, determination, meditation, and other tools to move past doubt and uncertainty. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Dhamma, Shrooms, and the Path Forward (Community Stories III) | Miles, Daniel, & Sofia In this “Community Stories” session, various members of the Clear Mountain community speak about how they came to the path. Play & Download iTunes Google Play...
Stress at Work & Moments of Grace | Ven Nisabho Q&A In this Q&A session, Tan Nisabho speaks about the different applications of mindfulness, mindfulness of mind, stress at work, and moments of grace. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Ajahn Sona – Dante, Existentialism, and the Buddhist Path of Transcendence This is the full, 64 minutes video interview of Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho’s conversation/interview with Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery. Visit Birken’s website here:...
Four Sources of Power in Mindfulness | Ven. Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the four sources of power of bare attention outlined by Nyanaponika Thera: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/powermindfulness.pdf Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Breathing, Music, & the Final Tetrads | Tan Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the the practice of ānāpānasati, or mindfulness of breathing, as outlined in the Buddha’s original teaching, using the analogy of music to deepen understanding. Play...
Aggregates 5 and 1: Consciousness Knowing Body (5 Aggregates, I) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and Q&A focusing on the fifth aggregate (viññāṇa-khandha) knowing the first aggregate (rūpa-khandha). Play & Download iTunes Google Play...
Nine Conceits (Giving up “I am …”) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on nine types of conceit (māna) – all of which the Buddha said were to be abandoned. As discussed in Chapter 3 of P.A. Payutto’s...
Asubha: Contemplation of the Unattractive Nature of the Body | Ven Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the practice of asubha, or contemplation of the unattractive nature of the body. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Ajahn Jotipalo – The Heart’s Image & Insights from Icon Painting In this interview, Ajahn Jotipalo, senior Abhayagiri-ordained monk, speaks with Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho about insights gained from icon painting. Play & Download iTunes Google...
Sangha Q&A Under Trees | Ajahn Kovilo, Bhante Suddhāso, Tan Nisabho, and Ayya Soma In this Q&A session, held July of 2022 in Volunteer Park, Ajahn Kovilo, Bhante Suddhāso, Tan Nisabho, and Ayya Soma answer questions from those gathered. Play & Download...
Pain is Inevitable; Suffering is Optional (5 Aggregates, II) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and Q&A focusing on the second aggregate – feelings (vedanā-khandha) in their aspects of being pleasant (sukha), unpleasant (dukkha), and...
Finding Sukha in Dukkha and Stability in Anicca | Ajahn Kovilo & Tan Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho discuss testing the three characteristics: Finding happiness amidst unsatisfactoriness, stability amidst impermanence, and stable...
Finding the Dhamma in Poetry | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho discuss poetry in a Dhammic context: the Buddha’s use of poetry, Dhamma-inspired poetry, and secular poetry that is Dhammic. Play & Download...
Finding Consciousness in Daily Life | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho discuss how to see and work with consciousness (viññāṇa) in daily life. This is part of our on going June discussion of the first chapter of...
Seeing Through the Body: 32 Parts, Charnel Ground, 4 Elements | Tan Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how to engage in the key Buddhist practice of body contemplation. Though infrequently taught in the West, seeing the not-self nature of the body is an...
The Joy of Missing Out: A Monastic Daylong Retreat on Letting Go The Joy of Missing Out: A Monastic Daylong Retreat on Letting Go Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
An Immense World – Arahant Perception | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo touches briefly on the wide world of animal perception (informed by the book “An Immense World” by Ed Yong) before asking the question: How much wider must be the...
Six Questions to Feel into Anattā (Not-Self) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a guided meditation/investigation into 6 scriptural aspects of anattā (not-self) mentioned in the “Scriptural Explanation” of the Anattā section of Chapter 3 of...
Nineteen Beautiful Shades of Mind | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives the month’s final talk and Q&A on the five aggregates (khandhā) with special focus on the 19 “universal beautiful mental factors” (sobhaṇasādhāraṇa-cetasikā)...
How to Like Your Family | Tan Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho uses the teachings in the Akuppa Sutta, Discourse on the Unshakeable, to speak about how we can learn to love our family despite differences....
Polarized Politics & the Danger of Views | Tan Nisabho Q&A In this session, Tan Nisabho speaks about the the factors conducive to wisdom outlined in P.A. Payutto’s “Buddhadhamma” and how not working with them can lead to conflict and...
The Four Loss Languages | Tan Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the different ways each of us experiences loss, and how we can “lean into” our loss language to cultivate inner wellbeing. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Taming the Crocodile | Aj. Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo discusses sense restraint in the context of the Simile of the Six Animals (SN 35.247 – https://www.digitalpalireader.online/_dprhtml/index.html?loc=s.3.0.0.0.18.9.m). Framing the discussion as...
The Language of Light – A Conversation with Ajahn Jotipalo | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho interview Ajahn Jotipālo on the topic of iconography, “sauntering, ” and Buddhist Holidays – with...
When You Feel You Can’t Meditate Anymore | Ven. Nisabho Q&A In this talk, Tan Nisabho answers questions that address issues from the use of ritual to what to do when samadhi becomes stale. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Feeling 3 Types of Dukkha | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a guided exploration of 3 types of dukkha:1) dukkha-ariyasacca – the optional, clingy dukkha of the Four Noble Truths2) dukkha-vedanā – unpleasant physical dukkha 3)...
Contentment is Inner Cheesecake | Ajahn Kovilo In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about practicing to become disenchanted with sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch so as to know higher-quality contentment, happiness, and even pleasure within. Play & Download...
A Guided Tour of the Six Senses | Ajahn Kovilo In this talk and Q&A, Ajahn Kovilo gives a meditative tour of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind and discuses how they don’t have to be problematic. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Ayya Santussikā – Five Fears & Four Powers: Finding Safety in the Midst of Loss Ayya Santussikā, visiting Clear Mountain with Ayya Cittānandā, speaks about Sutta study, founding Karuna Buddhist Vihara, and the Buddha’s path to refuge. Play &...
Buddhism, Banksy, & the 4 Bases of Clinging | Tan Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the 4 Bases of Clinging, or Upādāna, and how to use them on the Path. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
10 Methods for Observing Impermanence – Anicca | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives 10 methods for observing the truth of impermanence (arnica) right now. This is the first of three examinations of the three characteristics as discussed in Chapter...
Sister Mon – The Only Revolution: Protest, Practice, and Prayer In this interview, Sister Mon, a lifetime practitioner and nun who helped found several Dhamma communities, including Birken monastery, speaks about how she’s tried to embodied the Dhamma in...
Bhante Sanathavihari – Right Effort Bhante Sanathavihari, visiting from California, speaks about Right Effort. To find more of his teachings, visit https://www.youtube.com/c/SanathavihariLosAngeles Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Every Moment is a Choice | Nisabho Bhikkhu In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about every moment as a choice between Dhamma or its opposite. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Luang Por Pasanno – Full Interview | On Newsfeeds, Kindness, and the Bodhisattva This is the full interview of Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho’s conversation/interview with Luang Por Pasanno on topics including newsfeeds, kindness, and the bodhisattva. Play...
Ajahn Kusalo Q&A – Towards Transcendence: Anger & Kindness; News & Tudong; Alcoholism & Awareness In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho interview Ajahn Kusalo, abbot of Bodhinyanarama Buddhist Monastery (https://www.bodhinyanarama.net.nz)...
Magic Mountain Interview | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho in Conversation with Sol Hanna This is the recording of Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho being interviewed by Sol Hanna of the Magic Mountain Podcast. For the original recording, visit:...
A Meditative Tour of the Five Aggregates | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo leads a meditative, experiential tour of the five aggregates (khandhas) followed by a Q&A. This talk will be the first in a series delving into Chapter One of the book...
Dear friends, Clear Mountain is expanding its online offerings and also initiating some exciting organizational changes. Below, you’ll find details. We’re happy see such a wonderful community growing! 5 am Every Day: New Daily Morning Group Meditation...
On Fasting | Ajahn Cunda, Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Cunda, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho will discuss how the practice of fasting – whether not eating after noon (the sixth precept); only eating one meal a day (a forest monk...
Purity of Heart & the Four Noble Truths as a Spiral Staircase | Ven. Nisabho Q&A In this Q&A, Tan Nisabho speaks about developing compassion for ourselves, the Four Noble Truths as a spiral staircase, and the cultivation of right-brain thinking. Play &...
Ajahn Sona Q&A II – Psychedelics, Sleep, God, Enlightened Brain Chemistry, and “Smiling Jhāna into Being” In this interview, Ajahn Sona answers questions on “having one foot in the monastery & one foot on a banana peel,” on the...
Throughout this winter and monastic retreat, Clear Mountain’s community continued to grow and the bonds of those involved deepen. The seasons have been blessed so far, and there is more to come; summer has arrived, and we have a great lineup of guest teachers, events,...
“Practice” and “practice”? – Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho Q&A In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho discuss the relationship between Capital-P “Practice” (formal sitting and walking meditation) and...
Equipoise at All Times | Tan Nisabho Part 6 of the Saturday January 8, 2022 Clear Mountain Monastery “Karuna-Virus Daylong Retreat: A Cure for Feeling Socially-Distanced.” In this session, Venerable Nisabho shares reflections on the fourth Divine Abiding,...
Finding Seclusion in Sangha | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho Q&A In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho discuss how Sangha (community) can paradoxically nurture the essential mind of “seclusion” (viveka) praised by the Buddha. See for...
Ajahn Brahmali Q&A | Insights from Early Buddhist Texts … Held with Mettā In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho speak with Ajahn Brahmali on the topic of “Early Buddhist Texts” – how to appreciate the insights to be found in...
Wise Attention III: Finding Our Polaris | Nisabho Bhikkhu In this series of talks, Tan Nisabho speaks on the various uses of Yoniso-manasikāra, or appropriate attention, found in the suttas and gathered in P.A. Payutto’s book, Buddhadhamma. Play & Download...
Wise Attention II: Forgetting the Garden for the Serpent | Nisabho Bhikkhu In this series of talks, Tan Nisabho speaks on the various uses of Yoniso-manasikāra, or appropriate attention, found in the suttas and gathered in P.A. Payutto’s book, Buddhadhamma. Play...
Wise Attention I: Evil Lies in the Gaze that Sees Evil All Around | Nisabho Bhikkhu In this series of talks, Tan Nisabho speaks on the various uses of Yoniso-manasikāra, or appropriate attention, found in the suttas and gathered in P.A. Payutto’s book,...
Ajahn Punnadhammo Q&A – Dragons, Fairies, and Bear Awareness In this interview, Ajahn Punnadhammo answers questions on Buddhist Cosmology, Abhidhamma, the “Commentaries”, studying Pali, writing Buddhist fiction, consilience between Buddhist,...
Less Cowbell! Cultivating Mindfulness, Peace, and Balance on the Path | Tan Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use mindfulness to balance the active in our meditation with the passive, and why Will Farrell should put down the cowbell. Play &...
Finding Joy in Austerity | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho discuss how the practice of austerity (intentionally simplifying one’s life and facing discomfort strategically) can paradoxically nurture joy. See for...
Enlightened Beings … They Exist! An Overlooked Aspect of Right View – Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo discusses the often unexplored aspect of Mundane Right View: “There are contemplatives & brahmans who, faring rightly &...
Heartfulness: A Homage to Thich Nhat Hanh | Tan Nisabho & Beth Coyote A talk on imbuing the practice of mindfulness with the quality of love, a teaching embodied by the late teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Ajahn Suchart Q&A – Knowing Element & Deathless Element: The Path and Its End In this interview, Ajahn Suchart answers questions on a wealth of topics, including the nature of 4th jhana, the basics of mindfulness practice, and the relationship between...
Buddhist Self-Confidence? : A Conversation with Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven Nisabho will discuss the concept of “self-confidence” in light of the Buddha’s teachings on not-self. Play & Download iTunes...
Concentration, Love, & Returning to the Rose Apple Tree | Ven. Nisabho Q&A In this Q&A session, Tan Nisabho speaks about levels of concentration and returning to the heart and the simplicity of our practice. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
“The Conscious Perspective” Interview: Q&A with Ajahn Kovilo, Ven. Nisabho, & Gary Haskins An interview on the nature of practice and consciousness with Gary Lee Haskins of “The Conscious Perspective” –...
Thubten Chodron Q&A – 100,000 Bows Toward Full Awakening: Practicing with Compassion and Wisdom In this session, Ven. Thubten Chodron speaks on a variety of subjects, including the different modes of practice outlined in the Tibetan teachings, analytical...
5 Aggregates IV: Consciousness & the Magician | Ven. Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Social Intelligence – Awareness & Facility (“Parisaññū” AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on having “Social Intelligence” as discussed in the Dhammaññu Sutta (AN 7.64)....
Bhante Gunaratana Q&A – Liberation in This Very Life In this interview, Ven Bhante Gunaratana, fondly known as “Bhante G”, speaks about the different paths of practice one can pursue in life. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
The Buddha required his monastics to, for three months of every year, stay in one location and put aside traveling for a time. Though traditionally the Rains Retreat, or vassa, takes place during India’s monsoon season, in the US and Europe it is generally observed...
Still Water & Calming the Hindrances: A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu In this talk, Tan Nisabho explains the five hindrances to calm described by the Buddha as well as their antidotes. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
In Pali, there is a specific word for the feeling you get when you see a YouTube video of a five-year old giving his new toy fire engine to a homeless child on the street. It’s the same emotion you get when you’re meditating with your non-Buddhist sibling...
Buddhist Self-Confidence? : A Conversation with Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven Nisabho will discuss the concept of “self-confidence” in light of the Buddha’s teachings on not-self. Play & Download iTunes...
“Quantitative Intelligence” – The KAKe Test (“Mattaññū” AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on “quantitative intelligence” (mattaññū) as discussed in the Dhammaññu...
Five Khandhas, Five Paths to Liberation (Part 3): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart. Play & Download iTunes...
Five Khandhas, Five Paths to Liberation (Part 2): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart. Play & Download iTunes...
Five Khandhas, Five Paths to Liberation (Part 1): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart. Play & Download iTunes...
Members of the community come to meet Tan Nisabho during his daily alms round at Pike Place Market in late November. Autumn came with a middle-aged woman who sat down with us one Saturday morning at a cafe and began to speak about her daughter’s death. The mornings...
