Ajahn Cittaviro
Death contemplation is known as an easy way to get into deep meditation, but because death is a socially avoided theme in the West, we only use a light and soft approach to this kind of special meditation.
Category: Audio Talks
A Heartfelt Frame of Reference
Ajahn Sucitto
The real business of our life is on making Dhamma qualities of kalyāṇa-mitta and the brahmavihārās manifest in the world. These abiding places, of goodwill, compassion, appreciation, and serenity are our valid and healthy ‘vihara.’
The Silent Legacy of Quiet Lives
Ajahn Amaro
Reflecting on the impact of the silent legacy of quiet lives they pass on, through the way that they speak, the way that they relate to others, their insignificant acts of kindness, and unselfishness. They bring attention to what we do, how we do it, the way we work in the world, and the way we communicate. It’s from a non-personal point of view, a Dhamma point of view. So whether things go well or things go badly, we can learn from both of those. Not being selfish, not seeing things from a self-centered perspective is one of the most important kinds of acts of generosity that we can practice. Training the mind using meditation uses the capacity to wisely reflect upon our attitudes to not see things in personal, self-centered terms.
Guided Meditation – Brahmaviharas
Ajahn Sucitto
Seeing through the Flow of the Asavas
Ajahn Ahimsako
The Objectification Conundrum
Ajahn Kaccana
Ajahn Kaccāna spells out the necessity of living in a world that consists of objects, but explains how this objectification can be held in a detached and skillful manner. He recounts an experience in his own past in which he held on tightly and suffered as a result, and relates two humorous examples in the life of Luang Por Liem, when Luang Por manifested a wise and skillful equanimity.
Internal, External, and Beyond
Ajahn Sucitto
Luang Por Sucitto elucidates on the monastic training rules, showing how they can help to cultivate both internal and external development. In a world obsessed with material trappings and personal gain, Luang Por reveals an alternate path, and declares that the sign of a samana is a true blessing.
Mindfulness of Death
Ajahn Kaccana
Ajahn Kaccana reflects on the charnel ground contemplations as a way to develop detachment from the body, and points out the value of maranasati in a culture that is uncomfortable with the examination of death.
The Builder of This House
Ajahn Cittapala
Ajahn Cittapala likens meditation to sawing a log, and explains how difficulties can arise if one’s attention is too rigid. By maintaining a wider awareness, she shows how the process of becoming is seen for what it is, and not mistaken to be a house building self.