Shows
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLUANG POR LIEM: The Lightness of Letting Go | Trsl: Alex Oliver Thaniyo | Dhamma Talk at DhammagiriOn the occasion of Venerable Thaniyo's (Alex Oliver) passing away yesterday afternoon Thursday 24 April 2025, we're re-publishing this episode of LP Liem's last visit at Dhammagiri, with the translation provided by Alex Oliver Ṭhāniyo. Ajahn Thaniyo was know for his outstanding translating and interpreting skills, in particular for his teacher LP Liem, who he attended on with great care & dedication for many years. May all the merits of his many years as Buddhist monk, and his translations and other service to the Sāsanā, be a support for him now, so that he will be able...2025-04-251h 04
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN GEOFF THANISSARO | The Tradition of the Noble Ones | DhammagiriTan Ajahn Geoff Ṭhānissaro gives a Dhamma-Talk about two topics Ajahn Mun frequently reflected on: To practice the Dhamma in line with the Dhamma and to follow the tradition of the noble ones.On 29 & 30 November 2024, Tan Ajahn Geoff Ṭhānissaro and Tan Ajahn Keng Khemako have kindly provided time in their very busy schedule in Australia to visit Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Queensland. This was an excellent opportunity for the supporters of Dhammagiri to meet with them and benefit from their Dhamma teachings, that they shared with us during their travels in Australia. Ajahn Geoff Ṭhānissaro is the Abbot...2025-01-1027 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN GEOFF THANISSARO | You can Feel the Breath not only at the Nose | Q&A Dhammagiri 02Tan Ajahn Geoff Thānissaro answers questions of the audience at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Australia.
At the first question about Ānāpānasati (mindfulness of the breath), he explains that we can experience the breath throughout the body, not just at the nose tip.
'Breath' doesn't mean just the air going into the nose & lungs, but the suptle energy connected with the breath, that we can feel throughout the body.
Ajahn Ṭhānissaro (Geoffrey DeGraff) is an American monk of the Thai Forest Tradition. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1971 with a degre...2024-12-161h 05
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBHANTE JINARATANA | Gratitude & Mudita | Buddhist Talk at DhammagiriDuring his visit to Dhammagiri, Bhante Jinaratana shared these reflections on gratitude and sympathetic joy (muditā).
He also reades out a passage from Ajahn Lee's biography, to show how we can combine gratitude, muditā and recollection of sangha (sanghānussati) in reference to spiritual teachers.
About the Speaker:
Bhante Jinaratana was born in Toronto, Canada. He became interested in meditation as a student at the University of Toronto, and began attending intensive retreats in 2002.
After graduating with an H.B.Sc. (neuroscience, mathematics) in 2004, he taught English for a y...2024-12-0929 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN GEOFF THANISSARO | Live Q&A at Dhammagiri | Questions & Answers #01Live Question and Answer Session with Tan Ajahn Geoff Thanissaro at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Australia.
Ajahn Ṭhānissaro (Geoffrey DeGraff) is an American monk of the Thai Forest Tradition. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1971 with a degree in European Intellectual History, he travelled to Thailand, where he studied meditation under Ajaan Fuang Jotiko, himself a student of the late Ajaan Lee. He was ordained in 1976 and lived at Wat Dhammasathit, where he remained following his teacher’s death in 1986.
In 1991 he travelled to the hills of San Diego County, USA, where he helped Ajaan...2024-12-021h 15
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBHANTE JINARATANA | Reframing Dickens: Buddhist Interpretation of 'A Christmas Coral' | DhammagiriVen Jinaratana Thera uses the very well known novella: "A Christmas Coral" from Charles Dickens to explain fundamental Buddhist principles like generosity, kamma, and finding more meaningful happiness in life. He also speaks about the importance of framing our perception according to Dhamma principles.About the Speaker: Bhante Jinaratana was born in Toronto, Canada. He became interested in meditation as a student at the University of Toronto, and began attending intensive retreats in 2002. After graduating with an H.B.Sc. (neuroscience, mathematics) in 2004, he taught English for a...2024-11-2521 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN AMARO | 4 Noble Truths | Dhamma Talk at DhammagiriOn occasion of his first visit to Australia at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Ajahn Amaro shares insights about the four noble truth, one of the most fundamental teachings of the Buddha. In particular, Ajahn provides guidance how to apply contemplation of the 4 Noble Truths in our daily life.
Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK.
Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology from the University of London. Spiritual searching led him to Thailand, where he went to Wat Pah Nanachat, a Forest Tradition...2024-09-231h 11
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN AMARO | How to Judge Progress in my Dhamma Practice | Q&A DhammagiriQuestion & Answer session with Ajahn Amaro on the occasion of his first Australia visit at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Queensland, Brisbane.
Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK.
Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology from the University of London. Spiritual searching led him to Thailand, where he went to Wat Pah Nanachat, a Forest Tradition monastery established for Western disciples of Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah, who ordained him as a bhikkhu in 1979. Soon afterwards he returned to England and joined Ajahn Sumedho...2024-08-3036 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBlessing Anumodana | Ajahn Amaro & Dhammagiri Sangha | Sharing MeritsAjahn Amaro, Ajahn Dhammasiha and Ajahn Moneyyo recite the traditional Pali verses for sharing good karma with departed relatives, expressing their anumodanā (rejoicing) for all the kind support they received during Ajahn Amaros visit, and sending blessings to all beings.
English Translation:
As all the water in the streams
is flowing to the boundless sea,
Just likewise all your offerings
are flowing to the spirit world.
And all you wish for and desire
shall soon and safely b...2024-08-2203 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsSamatha & Vipassana: Develop Both! | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriThe Buddha encouraged us to cultivate both aspects of meditation:
Samatha: Calm, tranquility, samādhi, concentration, blissful unification of the heart
Vipassana: Insight, investigation, analysing, wisdom
Ajahn Dhammasiha shares some reflections on this theme, emphasizing the importance of joy and happiness in our meditative practice.
By the way, our Spotify Playlists can be found here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcre
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https...2024-08-1621 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN ACHALO | Beach & Meditation | Good Karma Brightens the Mind | Q&A at DhammagiriQ&A with Ajahn Achalo on an occasion when he was visiting Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in his home town, Brisbane.
He shares his memories of his first experiences of inner calm on the beach while listening to the waves and answers questions about the benefit of apirations and rituals and how merit (good actions) can brighten our mind.
More teachings by Ajahn Achalo can be found on his website and YouTube channel:
www.peacebeyondsuffering.org
https://www.youtube.com/@AjahnAchalo
Ajahn Achalo was born in Brisbane Australia in 1972. He developed a keen interest in meditation...2024-08-1338 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN AMARO | Triple Refuge and Precepts Ceremony | DhammagiriDuring his visit at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in Brisbane, Australia, Ven. Ajahn Amaro is leading our community in taking the Triple Refuge (Tisaraṇa Gamana), and the 5 or 8 precepts.
Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK.
Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology from the University of London. Spiritual searching led him to Thailand, where he went to Wat Pah Nanachat, a Forest Tradition monastery established for Western disciples of Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah, who ordained him as a bh...2024-08-0907 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN AMARO | Guided Meditation | Awakened Awareness | DhammagiriA short Guided Meditation by Ajahn Amaro during his stay at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Australia.
Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK, the largest Western monastery in the lineage of Ajahn Chah.
Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology from the University of London. Spiritual searching led him to Thailand, where he went to Wat Pah Nanachat, a Forest Tradition monastery established for Western disciples of Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah, who ordained him as a bhikkhu in 1979. Soon afterwards he returned...2024-08-0112 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsInvoluntary Good Karma? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | BuddhismAjahn Dhammasiha is asked how much good karma we generate if we are doing the good action not voluntary, but we are forced to do it by external circumstance, like for instance a court order for 'community service'.
Another question is about food offered at the monastery:
Does it have any special qualities, different from food one would eat at a commercial restaurant?
How about taking the left over food back home again, can one do that, or perhaps should one even do that?
Our Spotify playlists can be found on our...2024-07-0832 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN AMARO | Seeing Impermanence (Anicca) | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma TalkDhammatalk by Ajahn Amaro about seeing impermanence and how it can help us to be liberated from self-view, on the occasion of his first Australia visit at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Queensland, Brisbane.
Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK, the largest Western monastery in the lineage of Ajahn Chah.
Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology from the University of London. Spiritual searching led him to Thailand, where he went to Wat Pah Nanachat, a Forest Tradition monastery established for Western disciples of...2024-07-041h 18
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN AMARO | Was it Difficult to Become a Buddhist Monk? | DhammagiriQ&A session with Venerable Ajahn Amaro during his visit to Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Australia.
Tan Ajahn Ajahn is asked if it was tough for him in the beginning, when he was a newly ordained monk at Ajahn Chah's monastery in Thailand in 1979.
Ajahn answers that he didn't find it difficult at all in the first year, but quite the opposite, he could hardly believe his good fortune to have found exactly the place, lifestyle and community that he would aspire to. And people would even love to offer food and support to him...2024-07-0254 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsJoyful Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma TalkWe can train ourselves to enjoy meditation, or actually any kind of activity.
Perception is not-self, it depends on conditions, and if we cultivate the right conditions, then our perception will change accordingly.
The ability to turn ones perception around has been called 'Ariya-Iddhi' (Noble Psychic Power) by the Buddha. The enlightened Arahants can see the attractive as disgusting, or the revolting as delightful, or they can percieve it as neither repulsive nor pleasant, but just observe it with equanimity.
Once we develop that skill, even only to a limited extend, our life...2024-06-2828 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsCleanliness is next to Godliness | Spiritual Practice and Purification | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha compares spiritual practice and meditation with the task of cleaning to show how they are related to each other.
Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcr
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
...2024-06-1732 minDhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsSañña - The role of Perception in the Teaching of the Buddha | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriSañña, usually translated as perception, is one of the 5 Aggregates (Khandha), one of the central teachings of the Buddha. Learn more about the meaning of the Pali word and how it relates to the origination and cessation of suffering.
Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcr
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast2024-06-0842 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN VAJIRO | Why Do Only so Few Attain Nibbana? | DhammagiriDuring his visit at Dhammagiri, Ajahn Vajiro responds to a question from the audience:
What's the reason that apparently only so few practitioners actually succeed to attain Nibbana?
Ven. Ajahn Vajiro was born in Malaysia in 1953 and has been a Buddhist monk for over 40 years.
In 1979, he met Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho when they made a visit to Hampstead Vihara in Oakenholt, England. He received higher ordination from Ajahn Chah personally in Thailand in 1980 at Wat Nong Pah Pong.
After helping with the opening of Amaravati Buddhist...2024-05-2330 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsTiratana & 12 Spoked Dhamma Wheel | Dhammagiri T-Shirts Second Batch | Ajahn DhammasihaTo commence free distribution of our Dhammagiri Tees 2nd batch, Ajahn Dhammasiha goes through the meaning of every symbol and writing on the shirt:
1. Twelve spoked Dhammacakka (Dhamma Wheel)
2. Tiratana (Three Jewels)
with Trident symbolizing Triple Gem
Vajira (Diamond/Thunder Bolt) symbolizing the power of wisdom that can cut defilements in the mind, just like a diamond that is harder than any other stone, or like a flach of lighting that can destroy the darkness of delusion
Lotus symbolizing the potential to rise above the dirt of the world to a state of total...2024-05-1328 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts5 Benefits of Taking Refuge in Triple Gem | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha explains 5 powerful benefits we can receive from the simple ceremony of Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, together with committing to the 5 precepts:
Taking Refuge reduces anxiety
Taking Refuge uplifts our heart and protects us from feeling down and depressed
Taking Refuge is an act generating heaps of good karma, if we really mean it and do it wholeheartedly. And the Buddha called good karma a synonym for happiness 😊
Taking Refuge helps us to develop wholesome self esteem. If we have nothing to look up to and revere, we actually feel miserable.That's why people always loo...2024-05-0633 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsDon't Obsess about your Meditation Object | Cittanupassana | Mindful of Mind | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriWhen cultivating bhāvanā (meditation), naturally we have to be mindful of and focussed upon our meditation object; for instance 'Buddho', or the breath, or mettā; and so on...
However, if we try to exclusively focus only on the meditation object with all we've got, the effort quickly becomes ineffective, or even couterproductive.
Instead, while meditating, we always have to check out:
How our mind relates to the meditation object
How the mind relates to the process of meditating
How the mind feels while meditating
What effect meditation has on our mind: Do unwholesome sta...2024-04-2622 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsCompassion 'Karuna': What's the Difference to Loving Kindness 'Metta'? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha responds to the question how Karuṇā (Compassion) differs from Mettā (Loving Kindness).
Compassion is the wish for all beings to be free from pain and suffering in any form.
Loving Kindness is the wish for all beings to be happy and well.
Though both belong to the 4 'Divine Abidings' (4 Brahmaviharas), and are closely related, in actual experience they feel quite distinct when developing them:
Developing compassion retains a stronger awareness of suffering. It can be easier to 'switch' from developing compassion (which is a form of samatha/calmness meditation) to deve...2024-04-2229 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts4 Elements in Nature | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | BuddhismAjahn Dhammasiha encourages us to connect with nature, and to contemplate the 4 Great Elements externally as we experience them in the natural environment.
Earth Element (Hardness, Rocks, Stones, Sand, Feeling the Ground while Walking or Sitting)
Water Element (Wet soil or grass or sand or beach; Ocean; Rain; Streams/Rivers)
Fire/Heat Element (Sunshine, warm air, warm breeze)
Wind Element/Energy Movement (Wind, Energy of Rocks and Trees, 'Chi')
It's difficult to contemplate only in the abstract, something that we don't really feel or experience.
Once we can clearly feel and perceive these elements in...2024-04-1933 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBHANTE JINARATANA | Contemplating 4 Elements in the Body | Dhamma Talk at DhammagiriVen Jinaratana Thera offers guidance how we can experience and contemplate the four elements ('Cātu-mahā-bhūtikā') in in our own bodies.
Paṭhavī-dhātu = Earth Element /Solidity
Āpo-dhātu = Water Element / Liquidity
Tejo-dhātu = Fire Element / Heat (or lack of heat, i.e. cold)
Vāyo-dhātu = Wind Element (energy movement)
Bhante Jinaratana was born in Toronto, Canada. He became interested in meditation as a student at the University of Toronto, and began attending intensive retreats in 2002. After graduating with an H.B.Sc. (neuroscience, mathematics) in 2004, he taught English for a year in Nanning, P...2024-04-1628 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBHANTE JINARATANA | Starving the Hindrances | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma Talk on Panca NivaranaVen Jinaratana Thera explains how we can starve the 5 hindrances ('anāhāra pañca-nīvaraṇa') in order to gradually weaken and overcome their obstructive influence on our mental development. Like all sankhāras, the five hindrances are conditioned, i.e. they depend on some form of nutriment for their existence.
If we reduce the nutriment that's feeding the hindrances, they will become weaker and weaker, allowing our samādhi and wisdom faculty to overcome and finally completey eradicate them.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Bhante Jinaratana was born in Toronto, Canada...2024-04-0944 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN SABBAJAYANTO | How I Became a Buddhist Monk | Dhammagiri | Ajahn TheeAjahn Thee Sabbajayanto shares his experience of arriving in Australia at age 16 for school and further studies.
He didn't know any English, and had to start learning it by 'being thrown in at the deep end'. Naturally, it wasn't easy, and although he liked Australia a lot, he had to work very hard to adjust to a language and culture very different from Thailand.
After school, he finished flight school and became a fully licensed commercial pilot, and could have applied for permanent residency in Australia. However, by that stage he decided that he really...2024-04-0458 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLoving Kindness Supported by Generosity & Virtue | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriOn occasion of Easter, Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about a subject that is common to virtually all religions: Loving Kindness.
Loving Kindness, in Pali known as 'Mettā', is the intention of unconditional good will to all beings without exeception or discrimination.
Whatever religion, or no religion at all, whatever race or nationality or sex or age or colour, whether they like us or hate us, the Buddha urges to have loving kindness to absolutely all beings, without exception, without expecting anything in return, without them having to fulfill any conditions for receiving our loving kindness.2024-04-0245 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsOverindulgence | Q&A with Students from UQ | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriFor our Full Moon Program, a student group from University of Queensland ('UQBUDS') has joined with many interesting questions.
Subjects brought up include:
Anxiety about Uncertainty
Overindulgence
'Good' attachements?
Benefits of Samatha and Vipassana
How can we always feel happy?
Helping others to improve themselves by Dhamma practice
Teaching meditation to elderly, frail patients in nursing home
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
2024-03-251h 00
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsMemories of Ven. Nyanavimala | Dhamma Reflection by Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha shares fond memories of one of his personal spiritual heros, who has strongly influenced his approach to Dhamma practice right at the start of his monastic life in Sri Lanka.
He provides some background info about Ven. Nyanavimala, one of the early Western Buddhist monks, who lived in Sri Lanka for +50 years from the mid 1950ies.
When he passed away in 2006, he was the most senior Westen monk in the world with more than 50 'vassa' (rains retreats).
Ven Ñāṇavimala was well known and highly respected for his uncompromising dedication to Dhamma practice, for his asceticism and frugality, and...2024-03-1839 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsNot Me, Not Mine: Better Let Go | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Teaching DhammagiriAfter the meditation session, Ajahn Dhammasiha offers reflections on the realationship of Samatha/Samādhi (Calmness/Concentration) & Vipassana (Insight).
After the samatha meditation has weakened the mental hindrances, and suffused our mind with joy and brightness, we can develop insight by simply obesrving phenomena as they truly are.
If we are not distorting our experience of feelings, emotions, thoughts and perceptions due to delusion, but observe them as they really are, we recognize their impermanent and therefore ultimatley unsatisfactory nature.
And why would we want to hold on and regard as me and m...2024-03-1429 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsEntertainments: To Watch or Not to Watch? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha is asked about the rules prohibiting shows, entertainments and music for monks and nuns; and how that would relate to lay life.
What to do if we come back after a hard days work, and are feeling very tired - is it fine to indulge in just watching Youtube or TV, or doing online games simply to relax?
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri...2024-03-1123 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN VAJIRO | Motivation & Discipline in Daily Dhamma Practice | DhammagiriLuang Por Vajiro is asked how one can maintain motivation in one's daily Dhamma practice, without getting distracted by the numerous duties, responsibilities and issues inherent in lay life.
Luang Por also responds to a variety of other questions.
One particular interesting reflection he offers is about our urge to make others happy. On closer reflection, wanting to make others happy may not be as selfless as it superficially appears. Sometimes the true motivation is actually discontent with the way others are. We don't really like the way they are, and our supposed intention "to...2024-03-0747 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN VAJIRO | Contemplating Pain | Buddhist Dhamma Talk at DhammagiriAjahn Vajiro is asked what to do when we experience pain in the body while meditating: Should we pay attention to the pain, or should we just change posture to be comfortable again?
From that, a lively Dhamma discussion develops about different approaches to contemplate pain to deepen our understanding of 'vedanā', so that we can overcome aversion, attachement and identification with feelings.
Ven. Ajahn Vajiro was born in Malaysia in 1953 and has been a Buddhist monk for over 40 years.
In 1979, he met Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho when t...2024-03-0415 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN VAJIRO | Magha Puja: Working together in Harmony | Dhamma Talk at DhammagiriOn the occasion of Māgha Puja 2024, Ajahn Vajiro shares from his experience living with Ajahn Chah in the early 1980ies. Luang Por Chah put strong emphasis on the Sangha doing work together, to maintain harmony in the community. Regular daily ooperation establishes the concord so essential for the long term stability of the Sangha.
Ajahn also discusses the topic of 'nutriment' (āhāra), providing insightful relflections on the four kinds of nutriment expounded by the Buddha.
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for...2024-02-2946 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN VAJIRO | Right Attitude for Dhamma Practice | DhammagiriLuang Por Vajiro talks about 'Mindfulness of Breathing' (Ānāpāṇasati), and responds to questions from the audience, during his visit to Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage.
Ven. Ajahn Vajiro was born in Malaysia in 1953 and has been a Buddhist monk for over 40 years.
In 1979, he met Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho when they made a visit to Hampstead Vihara in Oakenholt, England. He received higher ordination from Ajahn Chah personally in Thailand in 1980 at Wat Nong Pah Pong.
After helping with the opening of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in the UK, he parti...2024-02-2649 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN KEVALI | Meditation in Daily Life | Dhamma Discussion at DhammagiriAjahn Kevali has just returned to resume his abbotship of Wat Pah Nanachat after his one year sabbatical.
We're using the occasion to publish a Dhamma discussion he has had with our community at Dhammagiri some time ago, and which ended up being the most viewed video on our Youtube channel.
However, it has never been published on our podcast, and to prevent our podcast listeners to miss out on this much appreciated talk, we make it available now.
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no...2024-01-1154 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsImpermanence 'Anicca' | Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriA family came to share merits with their father/grandfather, who they lost 3 months ago.
Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about the process of rebirth.
He explains how we can contemplate the impermanence of all conditioned phenomena, and develop insight to let go of attachment.
Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https...2023-12-1232 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsCan One Purify Old, Bad Karma? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | DhammagiriIs there a way to overcome the negative consequences of bad karma we may have committed in the past, even in previous lifes?
Is karma related to causality?
Do I make much bad karma by having angry thoughts?
Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to these and related questions.
Our Podcast is also on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
...2023-12-0823 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsHow to Attain Jhana? Abandon 5 Hindrances! | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | BuddhismAjahn Dhammasiha is asked: "What's the process to develop Jhāna?"
He explains that it's not so much a particular technique or method that will lead to the attainment of jhāna (full 'absorption' samādhi/'concentration' ), but that we have to gradually weaken the 5 hindrances (5 Nīvaraṇā):
Sensual Desire
Ill Will / Aversion
Laziness / Sleepiness / 'Sloth & Torpor'
Restlessness & Remorse
Doubt
If these 5 hindrances are very strong, whatever technique or method we're using in our formal meditation, we will not be able to unify the mind in jhāna/samādhi.
We have to work cont...2023-12-0428 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLetting Go of Thoughts about the Future | Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha responds to a question of a retreatant at Dhammagiri: How can we stop worrying about the future when we try to settle our mind in meditation?
Ajahn describes several approaches and reflections we can apply to weaken the hold such thoughts have on our mind.
Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www...2023-12-0125 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsParitta Recitation | Robe Offering Ceremony | Auspicious Protective Chanting | DhammagiriAt our Robe Offering Ceremony at Dhammagiri, our Sangha of 7 Buddhist monks recites 'Paritta'. These auspicious protective verses are believed to ward off misfortune, protect from various dangers, and bestow blessings on all those listening.
Paritta verses have been recited in Pali, the language of the Buddha, for more than 2,000 years. The most important ones are still in their original form, as originally spoken by the Buddha himself some 2,500 years ago.
Ajahn Saengchai Ratananyano from Bodhisaddha Monastery, Wilton near Sydney, is leading the chanting.
Ajahn Den Atthakaro from Bodhipala monastery near Adelaide recites...2023-11-2322 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsGUIDED MEDITATION | Start Meditating by Counting Your Blessings | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri10 min short Guided Meditation. Before we focus on our main meditation object, Ajahn Dhammasiha recommends that we quickly recollect blessings and good fortune we have received.
Even if we're going through a really rough patch right now, we can always find some good things, if we look carefully.
For instance, just being born as a human being, at a time when the teaching of the Buddha is still available, is already like winning the jackpot at lottery, if we consider how rarely Buddhas arise in one world system.
We will meditate much happier...2023-11-1510 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsCount Your Blessings | Buddhism | Dhamma Talk | Dhammagiri | Ajahn DhammasihaOn Mahapavāraṇā Full Moon, which ends the annual Rains Retreat period for Buddhist monks, Ajahn Dhammasiha reflects on the many blessings we receive here at Dhammagiri.
It is rare to be born as a human being.
It is rare to be born when the teaching of the Buddha is available
It is rare to have a Forest Monastery like Dhammagiri, with such excellent conditions for meditative practice
...
Reflecting on all the good things we can be grateful for doesn't mean denying all the bad things happening in the world. However, if we're only focussed on the bad...2023-10-3033 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsOh Dear, We've been HACKED! | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | Ajahn DhammasihaWe're worried about getting hacked, or becoming victims of identity theft. Nefarious actors may scoop up all our private data after getting access to our computer or online accounts in a 'hack'.
However, compared to a hacker getting into our email our bank account, it is far worse that our mind has been 'hacked' by Mara.
Defilements, craving, ignorance and delusion have managed to gain access to our mind, and are now executing their neferious activity.
Like a firewall can help us to ward of hackers from our computers, so can sense restraint protect...2023-10-2632 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsJust Observing? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk on Buddhism | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha enquires from a newcomer to Dhammagiri if there's anything he'd like to ask or discuss. He answers: "Not really, I''m just observing!"
Ajahn really likes that answer, and points out that
'Just Observing'
is actually a very profound point of Dhamma.
If we can truly 'just observe', without distorting our experience through liking and disliking; without being influenced by aversion, greed or delusion; without identifying and making it 'me' or 'mine'; we can see things as they rally are and develop profound insight...2023-10-1312 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLoving Kindness: 3 Things to Get it Going | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri(1)
We start by developing Loving Kindness just to one being, whoever we find most easy. Even an animal like a cat or cute puppy will do. Then we have to keep on going until we actually FEEL somthing. Loving Kindness is an emotion, not just a thinking exercise.
Even if we take a long time with just one being, that's fine. Once we can really feel the emotion, a lot has been accomplished, and it's quite easy to include more beings and spread out our Mettā
(2)
We have to include ourselves. It may appear like that's not so important, a...2023-09-1630 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLetting Go Doesn't Mean Forgetting | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriA family has come to share merits with their mother/grandmother/great-grandmother, who they lost a few days ago, at the age of 96 years.
In the Dhamma discussion, Ajahn Dhammasiha explains that 'Letting Go' in the way the Buddha actually meant it differs redically from letting go out or heedlessness, negligence and 'I just can't bother'.
Often we feel like there's something wrong with letting go, because we may only be familiar with letting go based on carelessness and neglect. For example, it would be outright cruel to let go of a close loved one in the sense of...2023-09-1232 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsEmpty of Self or Belonging to Self, even Thoughts | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasīha offers a few reflections on the Buddha's teaching:
"Suññam idaṃ attena vā attanīyena vā!"
= "Empty of Self and Empty of Anything belonging to Self"
e.g. Majjhima Nikāya/Middle Length Discourses #106, 'Āneñjasappāya Sutta'/'Conducive for the Imperturbable'
Also Majjhima Nikāya/Middle Length Discourses #22, 'Alagaddūpama Sutta'/'The Simileof the Snake'
When we contemplate our body, thoughts, feelings, emotions, even our meditation object, as not Self and not belonging to any Self, suddenly everything becomes so much lighter, so much less d...2023-09-0730 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsNot-Self: Contemplating Anatta | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriThe Buddha's teaching on Anattā (Non-Self) is not meant to establish a doctrine or philosophy. It's not meant for mental gymnastics, to think about it in a purley intellectual manner, or to argue about it.
Instead, it's meant as a meditation object, a tool to be used for contemplation, in order to free our hearts from identification, attachment and suffering.
When we contemplate form, feeling, perception, intention and
consciousness as:
"This is not mine, this is not me, this is not my Self",
then we weeken identification and ultimately completely disengage from these five groups o...2023-08-3134 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAnatta: Not-Self | 2nd Teaching of the Buddha | Dhammagiri | Ajahn DhammasihaAnattā / Not-Self is one of the more difficult, even challenging aspects of the Dhamma. Even long term Buddhists often feel uncertain or even confused what exactly is meant by anattā.
If there's uncertainty on profound aspects of Dhamma, a wise approach is to go back to what exactly the Buddha has said himself about the topic. In the 'Anatta-lakkhaṇa-sutta' (Discourse on the Characteristic of Not-Self) we can find his own extensive elaboration.
Ajahn Dhammasiha guides us through essential passages of this
discourse.
He explains the diffence between 'No Self', which the Buddha actually never taught, and 'Not...2023-08-2852 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsDeveloping All 4 Divine Abodes: Metta, Karuna, Mudita, Upekkha | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha points out the benefits of developing all four
'Brahmavihāras':
1. Mettā = Loving Kindness
2. Karuṇā = Compassion
3. Muditā = Sympathetic Joy
4. Upekkhā = Equanimity
Developed togther, these four 'Appamañña-Vihāras' (=
Limitless/Boundless/Infinite Abidings) support each other and provide
many synergies.
Ajahn explains which of the 4 to use depending on either the external
situation, or depending on the internal defilements that we wish to
counter.
Listen to our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://ww...2023-08-2538 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLoving Kindness Metta | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Talk on Buddhism at DhammagiriMettā is unconditional, non-judgemental friendliness to all beings. Without distinction or discrimination, without any expectations or demands, without any preconditions:
Whether they like us or hate us
Whether they respond to our mettā or not
Whether they are cute or ugly
Whether they or of similar background as we ourselves or of a different race, colour, class, nationality, language...
We strive to make our loving kindless limitless, boundless, without any difference to absolutely everyone.
Listen to our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no...2023-08-2137 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsTo Stop Thinking, we First have to Think Wholesome Thoughts | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriMeditators often complain that they just can't stop thinking in their meditation.
However, thoughts are not really the problem. The problem is only unwholesome or sensual thoughts.
We first have to learn to think only good, beneficial, wholesome thoughts, like Loving Kindness, before we can stop thinking.
Learning to think more wholesome is the basic practice we have to start with.
Only once we're thinking mostly wholesome thoughts thoughout the whole day, can we succeed to completely calm down thinking in our formal meditation.
Our...2023-08-1727 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsIs Rebirth for Real? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | BuddhismWe all know that the Buddha teaches Karma and Rebirth. However, unless we have special psychic powers, we have to admit that we do not know for sure what happens after death. We take it on faith in the Buddha that consciousness continues after death, and attaches to a new body in a new rebirth according to our karma. But we usually do not know it from our own experince, as we usually can't remember past lives.
The Buddha actually fully acknowledges that fact. He admits that life
after death is a matter of faith for someone without any...2023-08-1440 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsDukkha Patipada: Using Challenges in Meditation for Insight | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriOften we're not experiencing rapture and bliss in our meditation, but lots of challenges, painful memories, fears, and pain. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with us.
Only a person with a mind already very pure from advanced practice in previous lives will be able to sit down and quickly attain bliss and samādhi. Due to the weakness of their defilements, these individulas (like e.g. Venerable Sāriputta) develop sukha paṭipadā (easy/happy practice).
For most of us (and actually even for the second chief disciple, Venerable Mahāmoggallāna!), practice involves quite a...2023-08-0929 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsObsering how Craving creates Suffering | Guided Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriThe Buddha's teaching on the Four Noble Truths are eminently practical. They are not just a theory or mental gymnastics, but they are directly applicable to our life with it's pains and pleasures, it's disappointments and tribulations. They can be experienced right here and now in our own conscious experience.
In this guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to observe with mindfulness and awareness how craving arises in our mind, and how it creates tension, stress, suffering for our mind. These are the first and second noble truth in action, right here and now in our awareness.2023-08-0330 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsMiddle Way is More than just Moderation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Majjhima PatipadaThe Buddha mentions the Middle Way (Majjhimā Paṭipadā) right in the beginning of his very first formal discourse, the Sutta on "Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma" (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).
If he mentions the Middle Way first, even before introducing the 4 Noble Truths, it's obviously really important.
Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to investigate any issues we encounter in life or in formal meditation in terms of the Middle Way. Can we identify the two extremes to avoid, and instead transcend the extremes and go beyond them on the Midd...2023-07-2839 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsEnhancing Our Dhamma Practice during Rains Retreat | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriThe annual three months 'Rains Retreat' period ('Vassa') abserved by the monks and nuns is also an excellent opportunity for the lay community to enhance their level of effort and commitment in their Dhamma practice.
Ajahn Dhammasiha discusses a wide range of options to increase one's 'bhāvanā' (mental cultivation), e.g.:
- Coming more regurlarly to the monastery
- Offering food, other requisites, or financial donations
- Staying as guest in the monastery on retreat
- Purifying one's observance of the 5 precepts
- Doing one day a month (usually around full moon) on 8 precepts, or
perhaps even on...2023-07-2545 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsSamadhi through Gladness, Tranquility and Bliss | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriMany times the Buddha explains how the mind can unify in Samādhi via the following steps:
Gladness (pāmojja)
Rapture (pīti)
Tranquility (passaddhi)
Bliss (sukha)
Unification of Mind (samādhi)
Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to put effort in meditation not just into sitting in a certain posture for a certain amount of time, but predominently make an effort to arouse gladness through training our perception to enjoy our meditation, to make it fun and a happy activity.
Our Podcast on our...2023-07-2132 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsHow to Deal with Those Unreceptive to Dhamma | Dhammagiri DhammatalkOur Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
Our Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724
Our email Newsletter:
https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive
Our Podcasts on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD
Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id15345398342023-07-0350 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAwareness of Emotions and how they affect our mind | Dhammatalk at DhammagiriOur Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
Our Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724
Our email Newsletter:
https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive
Our Podcasts on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD
Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dham2023-06-2719 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLearning to enjoy Meditation and making Puññā | DhammagiriOur Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
Our Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724
Our email Newsletter:
https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive
Our Podcasts on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD
Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes:
https://podcasts.apple...2023-06-2023 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsRecollection of the Sangha | Sanghanussati | Ajahn Dhammasiha at DhammagiriA Dhammatalk about recollecting the Sangha, one of the 6 recollection that the Buddha frequently encourages to develop:
https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN11_12.html
Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
Our Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724
Our email...2023-06-1240 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsUsing Travel to Contemplate Impermanence | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha shares how we can contemplate impermanence (Pali: Anicca) when we set out on a journey.
We're all exited and look forward to what we're going to experience, whowe will meet. But then, after we have returned and the travels are over, only memories remain, which are slowly fading away. What appeared so important when we set out, is now just a distant memory.
It's actually the same with a whole life.
If we contemplate like that, we can let go, or at least we're not holding on so tightly, and we're not getting too much worried, exited...2023-05-1632 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLUANG POR THONG DAENG | Refuge & Precepts Ceremony and Meditation Instructions | Dhammagiri | LP TongdaengLuang Por Tongdaeng was so kind to perform for us the traditional ceremony of taking refuge in the 'Triple Gem' (Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha), and to observe the 8 precepts. Dr Lakmini is leading our lay community in requesting the Three Refuges and the 8 precepts from Luang Por Next, Luang Por recites 'Namo tassa...' (Homage to the Buddha) three times. The lay community repeats 'Namo tassa...' three times. Luang Por recites each of the 8 precepts in Pali, followed by the lay community repeating each precepts.The Buddha recommended that laity keeps...2023-05-1116 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsSupreme Enlightenment of the Buddha | Vesak at Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Visakha PujaVesak is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar.
We remember, commemorate, celebrate and rejoice in three main events in the Buddha's life, which all occurred on the Full Moon in May ('Visākhā'):
1. Birth of the Bodhisatta in beautiful Lumbini grove
2. Supreme Awakening ('Sammāsambodhi') under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, at the banks of River Neranjana.
3. Final Nibbāna ('Mahā-Parinibbāna') between the twin Sāla trees in the park of the Mallas'.
In this ta...2023-05-0844 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsSleep, Pleasure, Indulgence and Defilements | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri | Ajahn DhammasihaResponding to questions and comments of the audience, Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about falling asleep mindfully, directing awareness to the point of rising.
He addresses questions on the hindrance of sleepiness and laziness ('Thina-middha'), and how to arouse energy to overcome excessive sleeping
Ajahn talks about the relationship of pleasant feeling, desire, indulgence and the tendency of our mind to flow our into the world (and the www!) into sensuality ('Āsavā')
Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in...2023-05-0258 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLUANG POR THONG DAENG | Uplift Your Heart and Mind | Trsl Ajahn Moshe | Dhammagiri | LP TongdaengWe've put the English translation by Ajahn Moshe first, as our podcast audience are mainly English speakers.You can listen to the complete Thai original from 38:20Luang Por Tongdaeng Varapañño is the abbot of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang near Chiang Mai. He was born in Sakon Nakhon Province in the Northeast of Thailand in August 1954. At the young age of 13 he ordained as a novice with Luang Por Wan Uttamo. Some time later, he trained in the monastery of Luang Por Waen, Wat Doi Mae Pang. After his full or...2023-04-281h 21
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLUANG POR THONG DAENG | Blessing and Sanghadana | Buddhist Pali Chanting | Dhammagiri | LP TongdaengLuang Por Thong Dang, Ajahn Dhammasiha, Ajahn Moshe, Ajahn Khantiko and Tan Niddaro receive 'Sanghadāna' (Offerings dedicated to the Sangha of the four quarters) and receite the Pali verses of blessings, anumodanā (rejoicing) and sharing of merits. 00:00 Namo tassa... (Homage to the Buddha) by Lay Community - 3 times 00:30 Offering of 'Sangha-Dāna' (dedication of offerings to Sangha of the four quarters), Pali, Lay Community led by Devaka 01:12 Offering of 'Sangha-Dāna' (dedication of offerings to Sangha of the four quarters), English, Lay Community led by Devaka 01:56 'Apalokana Sangha-Kamma' (formal decision by sangha) to share Sang...2023-04-2605 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLUANG POR THONG DAENG: Accumulating Goodness | Trsl: Ajahn Moshe | Dhammagiri | LP TongdaengLuang Por Thong Dang provides very comprehensive Dhamma Guidelines during a one day meditation retreat at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage.
Luang Por explains various skillful means to develop Dāna, Sīla and Bhāvanā (Generosity, Virtue and Meditation).
He encourages us to raise our heart to a higher cause, and to investigate the true nature of the present moment.
As our podcast is directed at an English speaking audience, we have put the English translation by Ajahn Moshe at the beginning, right after the formal invitation to teach Dhamma and Luan...2023-04-2451 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsDon't Get Caught Up in the Movie called Consciousness | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri Dhamma TalkThe Buddha used the simile of a magic show for consciousness. In his time there were no movies yet, otherwise he may well have used watching movie or TV or Youtube as a simile.
Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about how truly mindfully watching a film usually means that we can't 'enjoy' it anymore. The moment we're aware that this is not real, this is just pictures on a screen, this is artificially produced by actors and director and lighting arrangements and so on, we can't 'buy into it' any more.
...2023-04-2025 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsNot Good Luck or Bad Luck, but Karma | Dhamma Talk on Buddhism | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriWe hope for "Good Luck" and are worried that we may end up "unlucky". However, if we truly have confidence in the Buddha Dhamma, we know that there is actually no such thing as good or bad luck, there's only the results of Karma.
Nothing happens just by chance, it's always the outcome of our intentional action. Usually a combination of the Karma from actions a long time ago, even several liftimes ago, plus our very recent actions. In fact, the influence of our actions right now means that the law of Karma is not a fatalist...2023-04-1837 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsDangers of AI Artificial Intelligence | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha responds to a question about AI ('Artificial Intelligence').
He points out the most important difference between AI and a living human being, namely consciousness:
Even the most sophisticated and 'intelligent' AI is not conscious, it's not a living being.
A human being is more than the faculty of intellect. In particular, human beings can have a conscience, which AI completely lacks. Humans also have feelings, emotions. Humans can make decisions based on ethical standards, virtue and precepts they are committed to. AI doesn't have that ability. They can't...2023-04-1431 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBetter Rebirth vs No Rebirth | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk on Buddhism at Dhammagiri MonasteryThe Buddha teaches a gradual training. Most beings are not ready yet to completely let go of everything and end the circle of Saṃsāra, the endless wheel of birth and death.
First we can aim at improving our situation in Saṃsāra:
By generosity and kindness
By keeping precepts
By having conviction in the efficacy of karma and the truth of rebirth
We accumulate good karma that will lead to a fortunate rebirth as human of deva.
Once we have secured that much, our mind is already purified to some extend...2023-04-1056 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsWe Become What We Worship | Dhammagiri | Dhamma Talk | Buddhist Reflections by Ajahn DhammasihaWhen we respect and admire a person, like for example the Buddha, when we revere a certain quality, like wisdom or compassion, our mind will incline into that direction. We gradually condition ourselves to become similar to the person or quality that we respect and worship.
The choice is ours, in which direction we wish to develop:
If we respect and admire celebrities, sport, pop and music stars, we will gradually incline to the qulities they represent
If we worship the Triple Gem, our mind will incline...2023-04-0734 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLP Tongdaeng, LP Plien & the Most Powerful Mantra: "Iti pi so Bhagava..." | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha shares some info about Luang Por Tongdaeng, who will visit Dhammagiri in three weeks time 23rd to 25th April, including a one day retreat on Sun 23/04.
Luang Por is the abbot of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang near Chiang Mai. He was born in Sakon Nakhon Province in the Northeast of Thailand in August 1954. At the young age of 13 he ordained as a novice with Luang Por Wan Uttamo. Some time later, he trained in the monastery of Luang Por Waen, Wat Doi Mae Pang. After his full ordination as a bhikkhu, Luang Por Tongdaeng's most...2023-04-0442 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsMeditate More, as Puja to Teacher | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk on BuddhismThe Buddha himself explained that the highest form of puja is to practise the Dhamma in line with Dhamma. The same applies to any teacher I know of, they all appreciate most if their students take their teachings on board and actually practise them.
We can use this fact to give us motivation to be more diligent in our meditatitve development. We reflect that by putting forth effort in our own bhāvanā:
We offer a form of puja to the teacher far superior to any material offerings like flowers, incense and so on
We express ou...2023-03-3033 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsLUANG POR LIEM: Taking Goodness as Our Basis | Trsl: Alex Oliver | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri | Buddhism
English translation first.
Full Talk in Original Thai from 18 min 00 sec.
Luang Por Liem is the successor of Ajahn Chah as the abbot of Wat Nong Pah Pong, Ubon, Thailand. He is the leading senior monk of the whole international lineage of Ajahn Chah, and one of the most revered meditation masters of the Thai Forest Tradtion.
This talk was recorded at the public Dhamma sharing session with Luang Por after almsoffering and shared meal at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage.
Luang Por provides us with a comprehensive teaching including many a...2023-03-2356 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBuddhism is a Science of the Mind | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri Forest HermitageAjahn Dhammasiha points out that Dhamma is not something we simply have to belief, to take on blind faith. Instead, all the teachings of the Buddha are open to investigation, and can be verified in our own experience.
In fact, the Buddha himself encouraged thorough investigation of his teaching. He himself said that experiential, true knowledge is superior to faith, and he is leading us to gain this experiential knowledge.
The hallmark of true sience is that it can be reproduced: Once a scientist publishes the experiments and results of his research...2023-02-2732 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsMeeting Krooba Ajahns and Reconnecting with Sangha in Thailand | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha shares his joyful experience of meeting senior monks and monastic kalyāna mittas (spiritual friends) in various forest monasteries during his recent travels in Thailand and Malaysia.
He reports from Wat Pah Nanachat, the international Forest Monastery founded by Ajahn Chah in 1975
Meeting Luang Por Liem, Ajahn Chah's successor as abbot of Wat Nong Pah Pong, currently the leading senior monk of the whole lineage of Ajahn Chah
Visiting Ajahn Jundee's monastery Wat Ampawan
Staying at Wat Marp Jan with Ajahn Anan
Visiting Luang Por Tongdaeng at his monastery Wat Doi Phra J...2023-02-141h 00
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsRemorse after Bombing Campaign | Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri Forest HermitageAjahn Dhammasiha shares the fascinating story related by Ajahn Amaro of meeting an old Air Marshall who organized bombing campaigns in second world war.
Coming from a simple background, the retired Air Marshall told Ajahn Amaro that the only way to realize his dream of becoming a pilot in the 1930ies was by joining the Royal Air Force. He had no idea of actually fighting in a war, and was quite unaware of the political situation in Nazi Germany, and increasing signs of military confrontation in Europe.
When WW2 finally came, he quickly rose through...2023-02-0832 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsWatching the Mind | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Talk on Buddhism at Dhammagiri Forest HermitageAjahn encourages us to watch our mind all the time.
Even when we meditate, we're careful not to focus exclusively on the meditation object, but to simultaneously be aware of the general state of our mind, and how our mind relates to the meditation object.
When we train to do that in our formal meditation, we develop the skill to be able to also watch our mind continously while we're engaged in the activities of daily life.
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
2023-01-2427 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsHappy Dhamma Practice | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Talk at Dhammagiri Forest HermitageThere is heaps of happiness for us to enjoy in our Dhamma practice. The discourses of the Buddha are full of specific terms for different flavours of happines, some of which can be experienced already in the beginning stages of our meditative cultivation.
Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to mindfully identify the different forms of happiness as they arise in our heart, and then to deliberately cultivate them.
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
Our Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.c...2022-12-2721 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsJust Stop! Everyone Can Change Themselves - Story of Anugulimala | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriAjahn Dhammasiha shares the story of Angulimāla, the most infamous mass murderer ('terrorist') in the time of the Buddha. He had already killed 999 persons, and was wearing their thumb bones as a kind of macabre necklace, when the Buddha visited the forest that was his main haunt.
Once he had noticed the Buddha, Angulimāla rushed after him, trying to catch up. However, the Buddha used his supreme psychic powers in such a way that it appeared as if he was walking slowly and gracefully, but still moving too fast for Angulimala to reach him.
E...2022-12-0543 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsRenunciation or Non-Attachment? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri Forest HermitageAjahn Dhammasiha responds to a question:
"Is renunciation or non-attachment the better practice?"
Ajahn explains that both terms are often used largely synonymous, and that therefore it's not so much a question of 'either-or'. Both practices are concerned with 'letting go'.
But it's also possible to understand these two terms with different nuances of meaning.
On the one hand, one can 'renounce' something, even if one still has attachment to it. For example, someone may observe 8 precepts and not eat in the evening. He is 'renouncing' the evening meal for that...2022-11-2838 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsRobe Offering Ceremony, Refuge, Precepts, Blessing | Ajahn Kalyano Visits Dhammagiri in Kathina Season🔸️Intro (Ajahn Dhammasiha, MC)
🔸️Requesting Triple Refuge & 5 Precepts (Dr Mallik & Vijitha)
🔸️Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha (Conducted by Ajahn Dta Candavaṃso)
🔸️Committing to the 5 Precepts (Conducted by Ajahn Dta Candavaṃso)
🔸️Recitation of Paṃsukūla Sangha-dāna (Dr Mallik & Vijitha)
🔸️Offering of Robes & Forest Cloth to Sangha (All Sangha & Laity)
🔸️Sangha silently contemplates Paṃsukūla Robes (Sangha)
🔸️Recitation of "Kāle dadanti sappaññā..." - Offerings at Auspicious Occasion (Sangha)
🔸️Apalokana Sangha Kamma - Formal Decision of the Sangha to share Sangha Offerings for individual use (Ajahn Khantiko)...2022-11-0223 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsParitta - Auspicious Protective Chants | Buddhist Pali Chanting | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Kalyano, Ajahn Saeng, Ajahn Dhammasiha & SanghaAt our Robe Offering Ceremony at Dhammagiri, Ajahn Saeng leads our Sangha of eight monks in the recitation of Paritta.Paritta are teachings of the Buddha with particular auspicious or protective content, which are chanted by the Buddhist monks at special occasions.The 8 monks chanting are, in order of seniority:Luang Por Kalyano, abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery, Warburton near MelbourneAjahn Saeng, Bodhisaddha Monastery, Wilton near SydneyAjahn Dhammasiha, abbot of Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, BrisbaneAjahn Dta Candavaṃso, Wat Nong Pah Pong, Ubon, Thailand / Buddha Bodhivana Monastery...2022-10-2430 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsHow to Resist Desire? - Q&A at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage | Ajahn DhammasihaAjahn Dhammasiha responds to a question in the audience: "How can we resist Desire?"
Is it enough to simply mindfully watch disire arising and passing away in our mind?
And what if it does not pass away any time soon, and is in danger to overwhelm us?
There are several other interesting questions as well:
How to establish regular meditation practice when our lives are very busy?
What is the true meaning of taking refuge in Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha?
More about Dhammagiri Forest Her...2022-09-0648 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBhagava, Araham, Buddho - Recollection of the Buddha | Guided Buddhist Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Buddhanussati | VesakIn this guided meditation, during the Vesak Full Moon program at Dhammagiri, Ajahn Dhammasiha uses the Mantra:
"Bhagavā Araham Buddho - Buddho Araham Bhagavā"
as a form of 'Buddhānussati', Recollection of the Buddha.
Remembering the Buddha with the help of a Mantra is an easy and very straightforward method of establishing one's Samatha/Samādhi meditation. Many of the great Ajahns of the Forest Tradition used Buddhānussati as their foundational meditation object ('Parikamma') with good effect.
Remembering the Buddha brings up the qualities of faith, confidence, conviction and devotion in ou...2022-05-1727 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAJAHN KARUNIKO | Dhamma Discussion and Q&A at DhammagiriVenerable Ajahn Kāruṇiko has been a Bhikkhu for 37 years. He ordained at Cittaviveka Monastery as a disciple of Luang Por Sumedho in the early 80ies, and has served as abbot of Cittaviveka from 2015 to 2020. He has also spent 3 years with Luang Por Anan at Wat Marp Jan in Tailand.
Cittaviveka is the first monastery of the tradition of Ajahn Chah outside of Thailand. Ajahn Chah has personally visited the property, and provided guidance and encouragement to Ajahn Sumedho during the very difficult foundation and renovation period.
You can learn more about Chithurst Monastery here:
https://www.cittaviveka.org
We...2022-05-101h 08
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsCreating Good Karma for Happiness | Robe Offering Ceremony at Dhammagiri Forest HermitageThe traditional ceremony of offering robes after the end of the Rains Retreat is considered one of the most auspicious time in the year for generating 'puñña' (good karma).Welcome and introductory remarks by senior monkRequesting the Triple Refuge & Five PreceptsCeremony of taking refuge in Buddha, Dhamma & SanghaCeremony of formally committing to the five preceptsDedication of OfferingsPresentation of Offerings to monksMonks silently contemplate Forest ClothAnumodanā (rejoicing in good karma being made) and BlessingDhamma Reflections on boundless qualities of Mettā (loving kindness), Karuṇā (compassion), Muditā (sympathetic joy) and Upekkhā (equanimity)Invitation to recite Paritta (protective chant in Pali language)Invitation to Devas...2021-11-091h 10
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsCompassion / Karuna | Guided Buddhist Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri Forest HermitageCompassion ('Karuṇā') is the wish for all beings to be free from suffering. In this guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha recommends to use a little Mantra either in English:
"May all beings be free from Suffering!"
Or else in Pali (or both, if you prefer 😊):
"Sabbe Sattā Dukkhā Pamuñcantu"
Additionally, we can focus on wishing to all beings to be free from the causes that are ultimately generating their suffering. If they can abandon the causes, their suffering will end as well:
"May all beings be free from Greed/Hatred/Delusion"
"Sabbe Sattā Lobhā/Dosā/Moh...2021-10-2242 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsDhammagiri Beauty Parlor | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri Forest HermitageWhen we want our body to look more beautiful, we can go to the beauty parlor to look better with a new hairdo, manicure and make up. But at the same time, we all know that the mind is much more important than the body. So, where do we go to make our mind more beautiful?What makes our mind ugly is the defilements: Greed, anger, jealousy, arrogance, lazyness and so on. What makes our mind beautiful is wholesome qualities like loving kindness, compassion, generosity, calm and wisdom.Therefore, the monastery is a "beauty parlor" for the mind. When we...2021-09-0133 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts"Delivering Our Heart from Darkness" - Live Vesak Lunar Eclipse Program at DhammagiriLive recording of our program at Dhammagiri during the total lunar eclipse on Vesak Full Moon:00 to 15.19: Evening Chanting15.20: Recitation of the Buddha's First Words after Enlightenment, "Housebuilder Verse", Pali & English17.05 Welcome by Ajahn Dhammasiha and Intro into symbolic meaning of ceremony: When we take refuge in the Buddha, our mind can't be seized by the forces of darkness, but will break free and shine bright again.26.05 Guided Meditation: Buddhanussati/Recollection of the Buddha, by repitition of Mantra 'Buddho';43.43 Ajahn Dhammasiha reads English translation of 'Canda Paritta' ('Moon Protection Chant'), and explains metaphorical meaning50.14 Recitation of "There is One Person..."...2021-05-271h 12
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsGratitude: Count Your Blessings | Guided Buddhist Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Kataññu KatavediIn this guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to recollect those fundamental things we usually take for granted, but which are in reality great blessings.
Instead of having a long list of complaints, rather let us consider what we have to be grateful for:
Born as a human being in a peaceful, wealthy country like Australia
In reasonable good health with unimpaired mental faculties
At a time when the teaching of Buddha is still available
When we have 'Kalyaṇa-Mitta' (good spiritual friends)
When we have Forest Monasteries
And wh...2021-05-1329 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsBUDDHIST PALI CHANTING: Paritta Recitation Magha Full Moon/Offering of Forest Cloth at DhammagiriOn occasion of offering Forest Cloth at Magha Puja Full Moon, the Sangha at Dhammagiri recites 'Paritta'. These auspicious, protective verses of profound Dhamma-meaning are in 'Pali', the language spoken by the Buddha himself, and have been preserved and regularly recited by the Sangha for the last 2,500 years.The formal request to the Sangha to chant Paritta is recited by TumNext, Ajahn Moneyyo invites all devas (angels/spirits) to participate and listen to the Dhamma being recitedAjahn Nyanadipo, the abbot of Bodhipala monastery near Adelaide, who has specially joined us for today's ceremony, is leading the Paritta chantingAjahn Dhammasiha, Ajahn...2021-02-2818 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsRapture & Bliss Develop Samādhi | Guided Buddhist Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri Forest HermitageGladness, joy, happiness, rapture and bliss are the crucial supporting factors for our mind to be able to unify in 'SamādhI' ('concentration' / 'internal unification of mind').
In this guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha gives some pointers how to develop joy and rapture in our meditation. As long as the happiness experienced is not based on sensuality or unwholesome intentions, we should not shy away from it, but deliberately develop it, and use it to guide our mind into unification.
More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:
https://www.dhammagiri.net/news
2020-10-0732 min
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsNot Me, Not Mine, Not I, Not Self | Guided Buddhist Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | DhammagiriOn the first Full Moon Practice Day in this year's rains retreat at Dhammagiri, Ajahn Dhammasiha leads a guided meditation on the theme of 'Not-Self' ('Anattā').
In the Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta, the Buddha taught a short but pithy, meditative Pali formula to his first five disciples. Contemplating it wisely, the hearts of his disciples were released from all corruptions and attained Nibbāna.
However, even if our wisdom faculty is not yet developed enough to fully comprehend the meaning of this teaching, we can still apply it on the level of perception to at least...2020-08-0425 min