Shows
Wisdom of the MastersMind as Open Sky ~ Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation on learning to relax in meditation, recognising the silence and stillness, and turning towards the open sky like nature of the mind.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or we have a WISE account with the above email address.
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.
2024-07-2422 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Stillpoint ~ A Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation spoken extemporaneously by Samaneri Jayasra on learning to recognise, abide in, and rest as, the stillpoint of intrinsic Awareness.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.2024-05-0227 min
Wisdom of the MastersEvelyn Underhill ~ The MysticEvelyn Underhill (6 December 1875 – 15 June 1941) was an English Anglo-Catholic poet and novelist as well as a pacifist and mystic. An only child, she described her early mystical insights as "abrupt experiences of the peaceful, undifferentiated plane of reality—like the 'still desert' of the mystic—in which there was no multiplicity nor need of explanation". The meaning of these experiences became a lifelong quest for understanding and integration and inspired in her much writing and contemplation.
This reading is a short selection of pointings taken from the text, 'Mysticism'.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these pod...2024-04-1314 min
Wisdom of the MastersTurning the Light Around ~ The Secret of the Golden Flower ~ Inner AlchemyThis reading is from chapter 3 and 4 of the teachings found in the text, The Secret of the Golden Flower, and explains in detail the method of 'turning the light around'. Translated by Thomas Clearly. According to Cleary, this text is is a lay manual of Buddhist and Taoist methods for clarifying the mind. A distillation of the inner psychoactive elements in ancient spiritual classics, it describes a natural way to mental freedom practiced in China for many centuries. The golden flower symbolizes the quintessence of the paths of Buddhism and Taoism. Gold stands for light, the light of the...2024-03-2938 min
Wisdom of the MastersYoga Nidra with Gentle Rain ~ Relaxation and HealingThis is a guided Yoga Nidra meditation to induce deep relaxation and rejuvenation and to assist with deepening conscious Awareness in the pre-sleep and deep sleep states, with gentle rain sounds to help you relax and let go.
Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the "going-to-sleep" stage, typically induced by a guided meditation. Yoga Nidra is a powerful meditation technique, and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain. While the practitioner rests comfortably in savasana (corpse pose) this systematic meditation takes you deep into body/mind relaxation...2024-03-2631 min
Wisdom of the MastersAtmananda Krishna Memon ~ Mind as No Mind ~ AdvaitaSelected excerpts from the text "Notes on Spiritual Discources" - taken by Nitya Tripta. For PDF and hard copy versions of the 3 Volume teaching see this website of Greg Goodes: https://greg-goode.com/article/notes-on-spiritual-discourses-of-shri-atmananda/
Śrĩ Atmananda (8 December 1883 – 14 May 1959), also referred as Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, was an Indian sage, guru, and philosopher. He has been described by scholars as a "neo-Hindu". His teachings have become a foundation for a spiritual method called the Direct Path.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two opt...2024-03-1914 min
Wisdom of the MastersAjahn Lee ~ The Art of Letting Go ~ Theravadin Buddhist Forest TraditionThis is a reading of a chapter on 'The Art of Letting Go' taken from the text: "Keeping the Breath in Mind by Ajahn Lee. Translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacarya (1907–1961), commonly known as Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo, was a meditation teacher in the Thai Forest Tradition of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya order of Theravada Buddhism. He was born in the Ubon Ratchathani Province of Isan and was a student of Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta.
Ajahn Lee is regarded as one of the greatest teachers and meditation masters of the Thai Forest Tradition of the 20th century. Among the forest monks, he...2024-03-1231 min
Wisdom of the MastersKrishnamurti ~ The Quiet Mind
These extracts from Krishnamurti's talks on meditation have been taken from various sources and are intended for contemplation.
Jiddu Krishnamurti (12 May 1895 – 17 February 1986) was an Indian philosopher, speaker and writer. In his early life he was groomed to be the new World Teacher but later rejected this mantle and withdrew from the Theosophy organization behind it. He stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and emphasised that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these...2024-03-0620 min
Wisdom of the MastersRamakant Maharaj ~ The Inner Master ~ AdvaitaA selection of pointers read from the text, 'Selfless Self: Talks with Shri Ramakant Maharaj'.Ramakant Maharaj was a direct disciple of the late Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and spent 19 years with him. From 1962, he visited Nisargadatta Maharaj and listened to his lectures regularly, until his master's Mahasamadhi in 1981. During the last decade or so at his ashram in Nashik, Ramakant Maharaj introduced devotees from around the world to the ultimate Truth. Shri Ramakant Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi 31 August 2018.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are...2024-02-2815 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Secret of the Golden Flower ~ A Synthesis ~ Inner AlchemyThis reading is a synthesis of the teachings found in the text, The Secret of the Golden Flower, translated by Thomas Clearly. According to Cleary, this text is is a lay manual of Buddhist and Taoist methods for clarifying the mind. A distillation of the inner psycho
active elements in ancient spiritual classics, it describes a natural way to mental freedom practiced in China for many centuries. The golden flower symbolizes the quintessence of the paths of Buddhism and Taoism. Gold stands for light, the light of the mind itself; the flower represents the blossoming, or opening up, of...2024-02-2245 min
Wisdom of the MastersVivekachudamani ~ The Supreme ~ Advaita-VedantaA selction of verses taken from Vivekchudamani on the Supreme Self.
The Vivekachudamani (lit. 'Crest-jewel of discernment') is a philosophical treatise within the Advaita Vedanta tradition of Hinduism, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankara of the eighth century. These verses were translated into Tamil prose by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi while he was still living in Virupaksha Cave. It is a very free translation, even the order of the paragraphs being changed to some extent.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to do...2024-02-1526 min
Wisdom of the MastersLongchenpa ~ Now That I Come to DieSelection of verses from Longchenpa's heartfelt parting advice to his students, exhorting them to vigorously engage the path to liberation while they are still able. It is said these are Longchenpa's final words prior to his death. Translated by Herbert V. Guenther.
Longchenpa (1308-1364) stands at the center of the Nyingma tradition. Acknowledged by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism as one of Tibet's greatest masters, he wrote works that cover every aspect of the Buddhist path. His writings, in clear and luminous language, have the power to awaken our innermost knowing and inspire us to act on the knowledge...2024-02-1146 min
Wisdom of the MastersAtmananda Krishna Menon ~ Deep Sleep Peace ~ AdvaitaSelected excerpts from the text "Notes on Spiritual Discources" - taken by Nitya Tripta.
Śrĩ Atmananda (8 December 1883 – 14 May 1959), also referred as Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, was an Indian sage, guru, and philosopher. He has been described by scholars as a "neo-Hindu". His teachings have become a foundation for a spiritual method called the Direct Path.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage...2024-02-0607 min
Wisdom of the MastersJetsunma Tenzin Palmo ~ The Essence of the the PracticeJetsunma Tenzin Palmo (born 1943) is a bhikṣuṇī in the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. She is an author, teacher and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India. She is best known for having spent twelve years living in a remote cave in the Himalayas, three of those years in strict meditation retreat.
On 16 February 2008, Tenzin Palmo received the title of Jetsunma (reverend lady) in recognition of her spiritual achievements as a nun and her efforts in promoting the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism by the head of the Drukp...2024-02-0218 min
Wisdom of the Masters5 Themes for Awakening ~ Teaching of the Buddha ~ Pali BuddhismA reading for meditation of the Upajjhaṭṭhana Sutta (AN 5:57) ~ Subjects for Contemplation - Translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi.
The Upajjhatthana Sutta ("Subjects for Contemplation") focuses on the five remembrances, or five facts, regarding life's fragility and our true inheritance. The discourse advises that these facts are to be reflected upon often by all.
Contemplation of these facts leads to the abandonment of destructive attachments and actions and to the cultivation of factors necessary for Awakening. The first three remembrances are the very insights that led Gautama Buddha to renounce his royal household status and become an ascetic after experiencing strong...2024-01-2715 min
Wisdom of the MastersAti Yoga (Dzogchen) ~ Part 3 - Natural Awareness ~ Dr Nida Chenagtsang (Weapon of Light)This is a guided meditation taken from Dr Nida Chenagtsang’s 'Weapon of Light' series - a pithy synthesis of Ati Yoga (Dzogchen) instructions. The teachings focus on how to naturally and easefully access the natural state of mind in both the meditative state and daily life and to liberate the afflictive emotions.
For more about Dr Nida and his work and teachings see here:
https://www.drnida.com/
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this em...2024-01-2317 min
Wisdom of the MastersAti Yoga (Dzogchen) ~ Part 2 - The Mind in Motion ~ Dr Nida Chenagtsang (Weapon of Light)This is a guided meditation taken from Dr Nida Chenagtsang’s 'Weapon of Light' series - a pithy synthesis of Ati Yoga (Dzogchen) instructions. The teachings focus on how to naturally and easefully access the natural state of mind in both the meditative state and daily life and to liberate the afflictive emotions.
For more about Dr Nida and his work and teachings see here:
https://www.drnida.com/
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using thi...2024-01-2028 min
Wisdom of the MastersAti Yoga (Dzogchen) ~ Part 1 - Resting the Mind ~ Dr Nida Chenagtsang (Weapon of Light)This is a guided meditation taken from Dr Nida Chenagtsang’s 'Weapon of Light' series - a pithy synthesis of Ati Yoga (Dzogchen) instructions. The teachings focus on how to naturally and easefully access the natural state of mind in both the meditative state and daily life and to liberate the afflictive emotions.
For more about Dr Nida and his work and teachings see here:
https://www.drnida.com/
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using...2024-01-1620 min
Wisdom of the MastersPapaji ~ The Emptiness of Awareness ~ AdvaitaThis is a reading of selected pointers for meditation taken from the book "This" by Papaji. Formatted as a guided meditation.
Sri H. W. L. Poonja (1910 -1997) was born in Lucknow, India, known as "Poonjaji" or "Papaji", was an Indian sage who taught Self-enquiry as advocated by Ramana Maharshi.
Music: David Parsons - "Inward Journey"
https://www.discogs.com/artist/308912-David-Parsons
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with Pay...2024-01-1117 min
Wisdom of the MastersLama Zopa Rinpoche ~ Impermanence and Emptiness ~ Mahayana BuddhismThis is a reading of excerpts from the text, 'Virtue and Reality' by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche (3 December 1946 – 13 April 2023) was a Tibetan Buddhist lama in the Gelug school. He was one of the most internationally renowned masters of Tibetan Buddhism, working and teaching ceaselessly on almost every continent. He was the spiritual director and cofounder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international network of Buddhist projects, including monasteries in six countries and meditation centers in over thirty; health and nutrition clinics, and clinics specializing in the treatment of leprosy and polio; as...2024-01-0622 min
Wisdom of the MastersAnandamayi Ma ~ The Divine InstrumentAnandamayi Ma ( 30 April 1896 – 27 August 1982) was a Bengali Saint, described by Sivananda Saraswati (of the Divine Life Society) as "the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced." Precognition, faith healing and miracles were attributed to her by her followers. Paramahansa Yogananda translates the Sanskrit epithet Anandamayi - as "Joy-permeated" in English. This name was given to her by her devotees in the 1920s to describe her perpetual state of divine joy.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via P...2024-01-0112 min
Wisdom of the MastersMeister Eckhart ~ The Eternal Birth ~ Christmas SermonThis is a reading for meditation of "Sermon 2" (a Christmas Sermon) from 'The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart.' Translated by Maurice Walshe
Johannes Eckhart was one of the greatest of Christian mystics. He was born at Hochheim in Thüringen, Germany, in 1260 and died c.1327. He entered the Dominican order when he was 15. Later he became a distinguished professor and taught at different universities. His direct and accessible teachings of a person's closeness to God inspired many people and he became well known throughout Europe. He was later summoned to an inquisition for heretical teachings, at which h...2023-12-2633 min
Wisdom of the MastersYunus Emre ~ The Land of Love ~ Sufi MysticsYunus Emre (Turkish pronunciation also known as Derviş Yunus (Yunus the Dervish) (c. 1238–1320) was a Turkish folk poet and Sufi mystic who greatly influenced Turkish culture. Emre has been a leading light for humanity for centuries with his suggestions to adopt the values of patience, satisfaction, tolerance, generosity, goodness and virtue in line with the teachings of Islam. The great Sufi thinker and folk poet is considered one of the spiritual architects of Anatolia.
Music: "Kolaymi" and "Magic of the Evening"- Omar Faruk Tekbilek
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would...2023-12-2516 min
Wisdom of the MastersNisargadatta ~ The Common Matrix ~ AdvaitaThis is a selection of key pointers from Nisargadatta formatted for guided meditation, taken from the texts, 'Seeds of Consciousness' and 'Nothing is Everything'.
Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitag...2023-12-2219 min
Wisdom of the MastersThich Nhat Hanh ~ Sun of Awareness ~ Zen BuddhismThese excerpts for meditation have been taken from the text "The Sun My Heart" by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926 - 2022) was a Vietnamese Thiền/Chan Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet and teacher, who founded the Plum Village Tradition, historically recognized as the main inspiration for engaged Buddhism. Known as the "father of mindfulness", Nhất Hạnh was a major influence on Western practices of Buddhism.
Music - "Flying" from the album "Flying", composed by Peder B. Helland.
Stream/download: https://pederbhelland.lnk.to/flyingYA
With thanks to Peder for the kin...2023-12-1714 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Truth is the Truth is the Truth ~ William SamuelWilliam Samuel (1924-1996) was born in Alabama to a Jewish father and Christian mother. Samuel taught and wrote from his home at Mountain Brook, Alabama, for over 40 years. He was a spiritual teacher who taught and lectured on the subject of metaphysics based upon the Absolute, or as referred to today, non-duality.
Samuel never sought to be well known or venerated himself, and did not embrace the idea of being called a "teacher". However, he has been widely recognized by many as a genuine true Master. Samuel also preferred not to be labeled, categorized or assigned to any religion...2023-12-1111 min
Wisdom of the MastersWei Wu Wei ~ Total Presence ~ Non-Dualism, Taoism, ZenA reading for meditation of excerpts taken from the text "All Else is Bondage".
Terence James Stannus Gray (14 September 1895 – 5 January 1986), better known by the pen name Wei Wu Wei, was a 20th-century Taoist philosopher, writer, Egyptologist and theatre producer.
Gray was born in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England on 14 September 1895, into a well-established Anglo-Irish family. He was educated at numerous prestigious institutions including Eton and Oxford University.
After he left his theatrical career, his thoughts turned towards philosophy and metaphysics. This led to a period of travel throughout Asia, including time spent at Ramana Maharshi's ashram in Tiruvannamalai, India. Between the ye...2023-12-0921 min
Wisdom of the MastersSiddharameshwar Maharaj ~ The Pride of Liberation ~ Nisargadatta's Guru - AdvaitaThis is a selection of key pointers from Siddharameshwar taken from the website Inner Quest. You can find more of his teachings here:
https://www.inner-quest.org/Siddharam...
Siddharameshwar Maharaj is one of the greatest unknown saints of the age who attained the highest abode of Eternal peace. He was born in August 1888 in the small village of Pathri, in the district Sholapur of India. From 1925 until 1936, he taught many disciples and helped dozens attain Self-realisation. His teachings were further spread around the globe by his most revered disciples, such as Nisargadatta Maharaj, and others.
🔆 These podcasts are...2023-12-0413 min
Wisdom of the MastersZen Master Hongzhi ~ The Field of Boundless Emptiness ~ Zen (Chan) BuddhismA selection of profound, direct pointers for meditation by Master Hongzhi Zhengjue. Excerpts taken from the text: "Cultivating the Empty Field
The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi" - translated by Taigen Dan Leighton.
Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091–1157) was one of the most accomplished Chan masters of the Song dynasty who authored or compiled several influential texts. Hongzhi's conception of silent illumination is of particular importance to the Chinese Caodong Chan and Japanese Sōtō Zen schools. Hongzhi's distinctive teachings are well illustrated in the poetic practice instructions he left behind and are beautiful lyrical celebrations of our Buddha Nature and of a...2023-12-0117 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Nectar of Silence ~ Vimala ThakarVimala Thakar (1921- 2009) was born in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. She was a great spiritually enlightened revolutionary and activist; mystic, and a notable Indian figure of the 20th Century who boldly forged a radically independent approach to spirituality and the search for truth.
In 1958, Thakar attended talks given by, and met with, the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. This meeting was to change her life. Freed from all religious tradition, she brought the timeless wisdom of the East to the modern egalitarian West without the baggage of religious terminology, endeavoring to awaken people through deep inquiry. Fiercely...2023-11-2623 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Heart Sutra ~ Prajñāpāramitā ~ The Perfection of WisdomThe Heart Sūtra is a key sutra in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Its Sanskrit title, Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya, can be translated as "The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom".
The sutra famously states, "Form is empty" (śūnyatā). It is a condensed exposé on the Buddhist Mahayana teaching of the Two Truths doctrine, which says that ultimately all phenomena are sunyata, empty of an unchanging essence. This emptiness is a 'characteristic' of all phenomena, and not a transcendent reality, but also "empty" of an essence of its own. Specifically, it is a response to Sarvastivada teachings that "phenomena" or...2023-11-2215 min
Wisdom of the MastersAjahn Dune Atulo ~ The Method for Developing Bhavana (Mental Development) - Thai Forest Tradition
This chapter on "The Method of Developing Bhavana" was taken from the text "Atulo" from the notes and memory of Phra Choa Khun Bodhinandamuni (Somsak Pajhdito), Wat Burapharam, Surin. Translated from the original Thai book "Atulo" by Bhikkhu Khemasanto (Douglas Johnson).
** A note on the word 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚
The word "Heart" is not a totally satisfactory rendering of the Pali word "Citta" but it does accord with much of the same meanings and senses as used in English. For those who prefer, the word "Mind" may also be used as a translation for the word "Citta".
** A note on the word 𝐁𝐡ā𝐯𝐚𝐧ā
The Pali dictionary suggests tha...2023-11-1644 min
Wisdom of the MastersRamana Maharshi ~ Self-Abiding Meditation ~ AdvaitaThese profound practice teachings on meditation and realising the Self, as taught by Sri Ramana, were taken from various sources/texts.
Ramana Maharshi ( 1879 -1950) was an Indian sage and jivanmukta (liberated being). He was born Venkataraman Iyer, but is mostly known by the name Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. He was born in Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, India. In 1895, an attraction to the sacred hill Arunachala and the 63 Nayanmars was aroused in him and in 1896, at the age of 16, he had a "death-experience" where he became aware of a "current" or "force" which he recognized as his true "I" or "Self".
2023-11-1220 min
Wisdom of the MastersThich Nhat Hanh ~ Find Your Inner PeaceThese excerpts for meditation have been taken from the text "The Sun My Heart" by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926 - 2022) was a Vietnamese Thiền/Chan Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet and teacher, who founded the Plum Village Tradition, historically recognized as the main inspiration for engaged Buddhism. Known as the "father of mindfulness", Nhất Hạnh was a major influence on Western practices of Buddhism
Music: The Great Bell Chant - Thich Nhat Hanh & Thay Phap Niem
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like...2023-11-0712 min
Wisdom of the MastersLahiri Mahasaya ~ Clear Your Mind ~ Kriya YogaShyama Charan Lahiri (30 September 1828 – 26 September 1895), best known as Lahiri Mahasaya, was an Indian yogi and guru who founded the Kriya Yoga school. He was a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji. According to the book America's Alternative Religions by Timothy Miller, Lahiri Mahasaya's life was described in Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi as a demonstration of the spiritual attainment that could be achieved by a householder "living fully in the world."
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypa...2023-11-0410 min
Wisdom of the MastersSuchness ~ Mazu Daoyi ~ Zen Buddhism (Chan)Mazu Daoyi (709–88) is one of the most eminent of the ancient Chinese Zen masters. Two of the traditionally acknowledged major schools of Zen trace their lineage through this renowned Zen ancient. He was an influential abbot of Chan Buddhism during the Tang dynasty. The earliest recorded use of the term "Chan school" is from his Extensive Records. Master Ma's teaching style of "strange words and extraordinary actions" became paradigmatic Zen lore.
In the Transmission of the Lamp, compiled in 1004, Mazu is described as follows:
"His appearance was remarkable. He strode along like a bull and glared about him like a...2023-10-3014 min
Wisdom of the MastersSt Teresa of Avila ~ The Prayer of Quiet ~ Christian MysticsA selection of key points for prayer and meditation from St Teresa of Avila's teachings. Excerpts taken from numerous sources, including: "The Way of Perfection", "Collected Works" and "Interior Castle."
St Teresa of Ávila (March 28, 1515 – October 4, 1582) was a prominent Carmelite nun and Spanish mystic. St Teresa had many mystical experiences she tried to reflect in poems. She took an active role in the Carmelite order and was later canonised a saint by the Roman Catholic church.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two op...2023-10-2614 min
Wisdom of the MastersAnnamalai Swami ~ The Thoughtfree State ~ AdvaitaA reading for meditation on some key pointers of the Thoughtfree State by Annamalai Swami's ~taken from various texts.
Annamalai Swami (1906–1995) was a direct disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi who realized the Self after practicing Self-enquiry for decades. This experience gave him first-hand knowledge of how to perform Self-enquiry successfully, making his advice especially valuable to seekers. His teachings are delivered in plain, direct language.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email...2023-10-2126 min
Wisdom of the MastersPadmasambhava ~ Self-Liberation Through Seeing with Naked Awareness~ DzogchenThese excerpts for meditation have been taken from the text, "Self-Liberation through seeing with Naked Awareness" by Padmasambhava. Translated by John Reynolds. A text belonging to the same cycle as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, this instruction on the method of self-liberation presents the essence of Dzogchen, The Great Perfection, regarded in Tibet as the highest and most esoteric teaching of the Buddha. Teaching the attainment of Buddhahood in a single lifetime, this text was written and concealed by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century and rediscovered six centuries later by Karma Lingpa.
🔆 These podcasts are not...2023-10-1535 min
Wisdom of the MastersAware Right at Awareness ~ Upasika Kee Nanayon ~ Thai Forest BuddhismA clear and powerful teaching given by Upasika Kee Nanayon - taken from the book "An Unentangled Knowing" - translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Upasika Kee Nanayon or Kor Khao-suan-luang was a realized female practitioner from Thailand. She was mostly self-taught, reading the Pali canon and other Buddhist literature. She considered the Buddha's Dhamma as her primary teacher. Her dhamma talks and poetry were widely circulated. As word of her spread, she became one of the most popular meditation teachers in Thailand. This, and many of her talks, have been translated into English by Thanissaro Bhikkhu who sees...2023-10-1152 min
Wisdom of the MastersZen Master Ryōkan ~ A Cool Breeze ~ Zen BuddhismRyōkan Taigu 良寛大愚 (1758–1831) was a quiet and unconventional Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived much of his life as a hermit. Ryōkan is remembered for his poetry and calligraphy, which present the essence of Zen life. He renounced the world at an early age to train at nearby Sōtō Zen temple Kōshō-ji, refusing to meet with or accept charity from his family.
These selected excerpts and poems by Ryokan have been taken from the text "Great Fool" translated by Ryuichi Abé & Peter Haskel.
Music track: "Voices of the Land" by Swami Madhuram Puri
🔆 These podcasts...2023-10-0812 min
Wisdom of the MastersBede Griffiths ~ The Unfathomable MysteryBede Griffiths (17 December 1906 – 13 May 1993), born Alan Richard Griffiths and also known by the end of his life as Swami Dayananda ("bliss of compassion"), was a British-born Catholic priest and Benedictine monk who lived in ashrams in South India and became a noted yogi. Griffiths was a part of the Christian Ashram Movement.
In 1968, Fr. Bede Griffiths immersed himself in the study of Indian thought, attempting to relate it to Christian theology. He went on pilgrimage and studied Hinduism. Under Fr. Bede’s guidance Shantivanam Ashram in South India became a center of contemplative life, of inculturation, and of inter reli...2023-10-0512 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Buddha's Teaching on Not Self ~ Anattalakkhana Sutta - Pali Buddhism
The Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (Pali) or Anātmalakṣaṇa Sūtra (Sanskrit), is traditionally recorded as the second discourse delivered by Gautama Buddha. The title translates to the "Not-Self Characteristic Discourse", but is also known as the Pañcavaggiya Sutta (Pali) or Pañcavargīya Sūtra (Skt.), meaning the "Group of Five" Discourse. In this discourse, the Buddha analyzes the constituents of a person's body and mind (khandha) and demonstrates that they are each impermanent (anicca), subject to suffering (dukkha) and thus unfit for identification with a "self" (attan).
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
🔆 These po...2023-09-3010 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Record of Linji ~ Linji Yixuan ~ Zen Buddhism (Chan)A reading of selected excerpts from the Record of Linji. The Linji lu (Record of Linji) has been an essential text of Chinese and Japanese Zen Buddhism for nearly a thousand years. A compilation of sermons, statements, and acts attributed to the great Chinese Zen master Linji Yixuan (d. 866), it serves as both an authoritative statement of Zen’s basic standpoint and a central source of material for Zen koan practice. Zen practitioners cherish it for its unusual simplicity, directness, and ability to inspire.
Linji Yixuan ( died 866 CE) was the founder of the Linji school of Chán Buddhism dur...2023-09-2524 min
Wisdom of the MastersListening to the Silence (Guided Meditation) ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation on the power of listening as an effective means of entering into a meditative state. It encourages a gentle letting go of our reactivity to the sense world, and to the thoughts, concepts and the labels we attach to conditioned phenomena; and to finally recognise and rest into the continuity of Awareness as the background silence. It was spoken spontaneously by Jayasara.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this ema...2023-09-2036 min
Wisdom of the MastersHazrat Inayat Khan ~ The Mysticism of Sound ~ Sufism
Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882 –1927) was an Indian professor of musicology, singer, exponent of the saraswati vina, poet, philosopher, and pioneer of the transmission of Sufism to the West. He initially came to the West as a representative of several traditions of classical Indian music, and established an order of Sufism (the Sufi Order) in London in 1914. By the time of his death in 1927, centers had been established throughout Europe and North America, and multiple volumes of his teachings had been published.
Inayat Khan's teaching emphasized the oneness of God (tawhid) and the underlying harmony of the revelations communicated by the pr...2023-09-1722 min
Wisdom of the MastersAbhinavagupta ~ Living Liberation (Jivanmukti) ~ Kashmir Shaivism
This is a selection of some key teachings of Abhinavagupta extracted from various sources and texts. Abhinavagupta (c. 950 – 1016 CE ) was a philosopher, mystic and aesthetician from Kashmir. He was also considered an influential musician, poet, dramatist, exegete, theologian, and logician – a polymathic personality who exercised strong influences on Indian culture.
Abhinavagupta was born in a Brahmin family of scholars and mystics and studied all the schools of philosophy and art of his time under the guidance of as many as fifteen (or more) teachers and gurus. In his long life he completed over 35 works, the largest and most famous of which...2023-09-1125 min
Wisdom of the MastersSri Sarada Devi ~ Surrender Yourself ~ BhaktiSri Sarada Devi (22 December 1853 – 21 July 1920), was a nineteenth-century Hindu mystic and saint. She was the wife and spiritual consort of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Sarada Devi is also reverentially addressed as the Holy Mother (Sri Sri Maa) by the followers of the Sri Ramakrishna monastic order. The Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission situated at Dakshineshwar is based on the ideals and life of Sarada Devi. She played an important and central role in the growth of the Ramakrishna Movement.
Sri Ramakrishna looked upon Sarada Devi as a special manifestation of Divine Mother of the universe and their marital relationship wa...2023-09-0716 min
Wisdom of the MastersYoga Sutras of Patanjali ~ Chapter One - Samadhi Pada
This is a reading of Chapter 1 of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras - Samadhi - translated by Alistair Shearer.
The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali is a collection of Sanskrit sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga. The Yoga Sutras was compiled in the early centuries CE, by the sage Patanjali in India who synthesized and organized knowledge about yoga from much older traditions. The Yoga Sutras is best known for its reference to ashtanga, eight elements of practice culminating in samadhi, and also incorporate action yoga (Kriya yoga).
The Yoga Sutras are a composite of various traditions. T...2023-09-0317 min
Wisdom of the MastersNaked Consciousness ~ Longchenpa - DzogchenThese profound teachings from Longchenpa have been formatted for guided meditation purposes. Excerpts taken from the text "A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission."
Translated by Richard Barron.
Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363), is a great luminary of Tibetan Buddhism. He was highly skilled in all aspects of scholarship from an early age and excelled throughout his life in the practice and accomplishment of the Dharma. Regarded as a great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava and is recognised as an emanation of Vimalamitra. Longchenpa's prolific writings have made him one of...2023-08-3048 min
Wisdom of the MastersAjahn Chah ~ Sustain the Knowing ~ Theravadin Forest TraditionA selection of teachings by Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist monk and meditation Master. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was reputed to be an Arahant.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron at: https://www...2023-08-2627 min
Wisdom of the MastersKōbun Otogawa ~ Facing Buddha ~ Zen Buddhism
Kōbun Otogawa (乙川 弘文, Otogawa Kōbun) (February 1, 1938 – July 26, 2002) was an American Sōtō Zen priest. Otogawa, who preferred to be called by his first name, rather than by either of the Japanese Zen honorifics: sensei (teacher) or roshi (master), came to San Francisco, California, United States, from Japan in 1967 in response to an invitation from Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, serving as his assistant at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center until 1970.
Otogawa was the son of a Sōtō Zen priest and was ordained a priest himself at the age of 12. He did undergraduate studies at Komazawa University and received a master's degree in Mahayana Budd...2023-08-1922 min
Wisdom of the MastersMadame Guyon ~ An Immense Freedom ~ Christian MysticsJeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon (Commonly known as Madame Guyon - 13 April 1648 – 9 June 1717) is Christianity’s best-known and most influential woman in church history. She was a celebrated French Mystic, and one of the greatest Christian leaders of all time.
She was accused of advocating Quietism, which was considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church. Madame Guyon was imprisoned from 1695 to 1703 after publishing the book A Short and Very Easy Method of Prayer. The foundation of her Quietism was laid in her study of St. Francis de Sales, Madame de Chantal, and Thomas a Kempis. At age 16, she married Jacq...2023-08-1628 min
Wisdom of the MastersPratyabijñāhṛdayam ~Realisation of our True Heart - Kashmir ShaivismThe Pratyabijñāhṛdayam of Rājānaka Kṣemarāja is an 11th century foundational text of Nondual Kashmir Shaivism. This ancient and profound 20-verse text reveals the direct non-path path to liberation. It explores how to achieve freedom from all limitations and unfolds the recognition that all things—you, me, and everything sentient and non-sentient are one, not separate.
The Pratyabijñāhṛdayam is an essential text that holds immense significance when studying the teachings of Sāṁkhya-Patañjali Yoga, Advaita Vedanta, and the unqualified nondual teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. This profound scripture, written by the sage Kṣemarāja, serves a...2023-08-0921 min
Wisdom of the MastersJigme Lingpa ~ The Lion's Roar ~ Dzogchen
A reading of the "The Lion's Roar" taken from the text, The Fearless Lion's Roar: Profound Instructions on Dzogchen, the Great Perfection Kindle Edition by Jamyang Dorjé Nyoshul Khenpo. This Dzogchen text by Jigme Lingpa is intended to strengthen one’s meditation practice by clearly pointing out the places where we can go astray. In the Mahayana, the bodhisattva path of wisdom and compassion, the Lion's Roar is the Buddha's proclamation of emptiness, the principle that all experience is by nature empty of concepts and of any fixed thing.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from t...2023-08-0554 min
Wisdom of the MastersNisargadatta ~ The Universe Within ~ Advaita (Non-Duality)This is a selection of key pointers from Nisargadatta formatted for guided meditation, taken from various texts.
Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron...2023-07-3123 min
Wisdom of the MastersIlie Cioara ~ The Psychological ZeroExcerpts taken from the book by Cioara, "The Supreme Reality" - translated by Petrica Verdes.
Ilie Cioara (1916 - 2004) was an enlightened mystic who did not belong to any lineage. He is unique in a way, in the sense that he lived in almost complete isolation, in Romania, Eastern Europe in a communist country, completely oblivious of nonduality, Zen, etc. Originally a Christian mystic, he practised a mantra for over 20 years. One day, he felt an intuitive impulse to drop the mantra, and just practice the silence of the mind, by listening to the noises on the street...2023-07-2723 min
Wisdom of the MastersLillian DeWaters ~ All is Spirit ~ Christian MysticsThis is a selection of pointings from the text "The Voice of Revelation" by Lillian De Waters.
Lillian DeWaters was born in 1883 and lived in Stamford, Connecticut. She grew up with a Christian Science background and in her early teens began to study metaphysics and during that same period to seriously study the Bible. She published a few books while actively within the Christian Science organization, and then in 1924 she had an awakening experience when it was as though a veil was parted and Truth was revealed to her. From that point she began to receive numerous unfoldments which...2023-07-2518 min
Wisdom of the MastersGarab Dorje ~𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 ~ Dzogchen (Ati Yoga)A reading for meditation of sections of Garab Dorje's teaching, "The Clear Meaning Tantra" - translated by Yeshe Donden (Roger Calverley).
Originally written down in Sanskrit by Garab Dorje, this work was transmitted to Manjushrimitra, from whom it passed to Sri Simha, who in turn transmitted it to Padmasambhava. He brought the tantra to Tibet and hid it at some point in the mid to late 700’s AD. Centuries later, Guru Chowang (1212 – 1270) found the book and published it, which made possible its preservation in the collection known as the Hundred Thousand Tantras of the Ancients (Nyingma Gyubum).
🔆 These p...2023-07-2042 min
Wisdom of the MastersAjahn Chah ~ Right Samadhi and Wrong Samadhi ~ Theravadin Buddhism Forest TraditionA reading for meditation of Ajahn Chah's teaching on 'Right Samadhi' - taken from the text "A Taste of Freedom."
Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist monk and meditation Master. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was reputed to be an Arahant.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or usi...2023-07-1814 min
Wisdom of the MastersJainism ~ The Changeless beneath the Changes - ChitrabhanuThis is a selection of some excerpts from Shree Chitrabhanu's teaching "Twelves Facets of Reality - The Jain Path to Freedom."
Chitrabhanu (July 26, 1922 – April 19, 2019) was a prominent figure in American Jainism. He was one of the co-founders of JAINA. After spending some time in Africa and Europe, he came to the USA in 1971 at the invitation of Harvard Divinity School. In 1973, he founded the Jain Meditation International Center in Manhattan, New York City. He was among the early promoters of Yoga in USA.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to su...2023-07-1221 min
Wisdom of the MastersResting as Presence Meditation ~ The Three Statements of Garab Dorje ~ JayasaraThis is a guided meditation based on the practice principles of Garab Dorje's famous three statements:
1. Recognise your own Awareness
2. Choose the State of Presence
3. Continue with Confidence in Liberation
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/jayasara
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offering...2023-07-0643 min
Wisdom of the MastersRamana Maharshi ~ The Waves of the Self ~ Advaita-VedantaThese profound practice teachings on realising the Self, as taught by Sri Ramana, were taken from various sources/texts.
Ramana Maharshi ( 1879 -1950) was an Indian sage and jivanmukta (liberated being). He was born Venkataraman Iyer, but is mostly known by the name Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. He was born in Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, India. In 1895, an attraction to the sacred hill Arunachala and the 63 Nayanmars was aroused in him and in 1896, at the age of 16, he had a "death-experience" where he became aware of a "current" or "force" which he recognized as his true "I" or "Self".
🔆 The...2023-06-3024 min
Wisdom of the MastersMeister Eckhart - Transformed Knowledge - Christian MysticsJohannes Eckhart was one of the greatest of Christian mystics. He was born at Hochheim in Thüringen, Germany, in 1260 and died c.1327. He entered the Dominican order when he was 15. Later he became a distinguished professor and taught at different universities.
His direct and accessible teachings of a person's closeness to God inspired many people and he became well known throughout Europe. He was later summoned to an inquisition for heretical teachings, at which he vigorously defended himself.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's herm...2023-06-2815 min
Wisdom of the MastersBankei Yōtaku ~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 ~ Zen BuddhismBankei Yōtaku 盤珪永琢, 1622-1693) was a Japanese Rinzai Zen master, and the abbot of the Ryōmon-ji and Nyohō-ji. He is best known for his talks on the Unborn as he called it.
Bankei was an immensely popular and influential teacher who spoke directly. avoiding sutras and ceremony. He adhered to no particular school and his teaching was remarkably individual and raw, of the essence of Zen. His concern was with the truth as an immediate experience, not with a systematic approach to a distant goal. He preached what he had discovered in his own experience—"the unborn" or "the birth...2023-06-2325 min
Wisdom of the MastersLongchenpa ~ Gone to Suchness ~ Dzogchen
These profound teachings from Longchenpa have been formatted for guided meditation purposes. Excerpts taken from the text "A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission." Translated by Richard Barron.
Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363), is a great luminary of Tibetan Buddhism. He was highly skilled in all aspects of scholarship from an early age and excelled throughout his life in the practice and accomplishment of the Dharma. Regarded as a great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava and is recognised as an emanation of Vimalamitra. Longchenpa's prolific writings have made him one of...2023-06-1559 min
Wisdom of the MastersWu Hsin ~ Freedom from Desires - Non-DualityWu Hsin" (meaning No Mind) was a fictitious character created by Roy Melvyn to create and structure a series of pith teachings and pointers to the Absolute, based on key non-duality teachings. Roy Melvyn (1947- 2017 ) was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Eastern European immigrant parents. It wasn't until the 1980s that his interest in spirituality and religion began to blossom and his investigations into the Western religions began. By the late 90s, he was writing about the more mystical aspects of Eastern meditative pursuits, exploring the writings of Dogen, Jiddu Krishnamurti, both Shunryu and D. T. Suzuki and...2023-06-1025 min
Wisdom of the MastersA Sufi Began to Weep ~ Farid al-Din Attar ~ Sufi MysticsA selection of profound spiritual and mystical Sufi poems by Farid al-Din Attar. Farid al-Din 'Attar was born at Nishapur in northern Persia on November 12, 1119, but sources on his date of death vary from 1193 to 1234. He is one of the most ancient poets of Persia. He has provided the inspiration for Rumi and many other poets. Attar was said to have met Rumi at the end of his life when Rumi was only a boy and gave his book Asrarnameh (The Book of secrets) as a present to him.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit fro...2023-06-0709 min
Wisdom of the MastersThe Cloud of Unknowing ~ Christian MysticismSelected excerpts from the text, "The Cloud of Unknowing" - formatted for meditation/contemplation. A number of translations have been used but most were taken from Carmen Acevedo Butcher's translation.
The Cloud of Unknowing is an anonymous work of Christian mysticism, most likely a Carthusian monk, written in Middle English in the latter half of the 14th century. The text is a spiritual guide on contemplative prayer in the Late Middle Ages. The underlying message of this work suggests that the way to know God is to abandon consideration of God's particular activities and attributes, and be courageous enough...2023-06-021h 05
Wisdom of the MastersWei Wu Wei ~ Only an Object can be Bound ~ Non-Duality, Taoism, ZenA reading for meditation of excerpts taken from the text "All Else is Bondage". Terence James Stannus Gray (14 September 1895 – 5 January 1986), better known by the pen name Wei Wu Wei, was a 20th-century Taoist philosopher, writer, Egyptologist and theatre producer. Gray was born in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England on 14 September 1895, into a well-established Anglo-Irish family. He was educated at numerous prestigious institutions including Eton and Oxford University. After he left his theatrical career, his thoughts turned towards philosophy and metaphysics. This led to a period of travel throughout Asia, including time spent at Ramana Maharshi's ashram in Tiruvannamalai, India. Between the years...2023-05-2930 min
Wisdom of the MastersNisargadatta ~ Simply Being (Meditation) ~ Advaita
This is a selection of key pointers from Nisargadatta formatted for guided meditation, taken from the texts "I am That" and "Seeds of Consciousness" - Edited by Jean Dunn.
Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using...2023-05-2440 min
Wisdom of the MastersMeister Eckhart ~ Existence is God ~ Christian MysticsSelected verses and teachings taken from The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart - translated by Maurice Walshe
Johannes Eckhart was one of the greatest of Christian mystics. He was born at Hochheim in Thüringen, Germany, in 1260 and died c.1327. He entered the Dominican order when he was 15. Later he became a distinguished professor and taught at different universities. His direct and accessible teachings of a person's closeness to God inspired many people and he became well known throughout Europe. He was later summoned to an inquisition for heretical teachings, at which he vigorously defended himself.
🔆 Thes...2023-05-1913 min
Wisdom of the MastersA Thicket of Views ~ Aggivacchagotta Sutta: To Vacchagotta on Fire -MN 72 ~ Theravadin Pali BuddhismA reading of the Aggivacchagotta Sutta from The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya - MN 72 - Translated by Bhikkhu Nanamoli.
In this discourse the wanderer Vacchagotta asks the Buddha if he holds the view of the ten speculative questions related to eternalism, nihilism, soul, body, etc. The Buddha declares that he does not hold to these speculative views which do not allow one to reach the attainment of the ending of pain/suffering. After an interactive question and answer section, Vacchagotta finally understood that it is through the non clinging and non at...2023-05-1618 min
Wisdom of the MastersZen Master Dogen 道元 ~ No Traces ~ Zen BuddhismA selection of poems written by Dogen taken from various texts:
** The Zen Poetry of Dogen: Verses from the Mountain of Eternal Peace - translated by Steven Heine
** The Enlightened Heart, An Anthology of Sacred Poetry - translated by Stephen Mitchell
Dōgen Zenji (1200 - 1253) was a Japanese Buddhist priest, writer, poet, philosopher, and founder of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan. Originally ordained as a monk in the Tendai School in Kyoto, Dogen was ultimately dissatisfied with its teaching and traveled to China to seek out what he believed to be a more authentic Buddhism. Upon his...2023-05-1313 min
Wisdom of the MastersWilliam Samuel ~ The Simplicity of Reality ~ Non-DualityA reading of selected excerpts from texts and talks given by William Samuel. William Samuel (1924-1996) was born in Alabama to a Jewish father and Christian mother. Samuel taught and wrote from his home at Mountain Brook, Alabama, for over 40 years. He was a spiritual teacher who taught and lectured on the subject of metaphysics based upon the Absolute, or as referred to today, non-duality.
Samuel never sought to be well known or venerated himself, and did not embrace the idea of being called a "teacher". However, he has been widely recognized by many as a genuine true Master...2023-05-1016 min
Wisdom of the MastersRumi ~ Gone to the Unseen ~ Sufi MysticsA reading of Rumi's beautiful poem on passing to the unseen. Translated by Coleman Barks
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (30 September 1207 – 17 December 1273), was a 13th-century Persian poet, faqih, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Greater Iran. Rumi's influence transcends national borders and ethnic divisions.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or becom...2023-05-0606 min
Wisdom of the MastersNisargadatta ~ The Threshold of Liberation ~ AdvaitaThese selections of quotes/teachings from Nisargadatta have been formatted for Guided Meditation purposes and were extracted from the text, 'I am That'.
Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/Viv...2023-05-0314 min
Wisdom of the MastersLongchenpa ~ Infinite Evenness ~ DzogchenThese profound "pointers" from Longchenpa have been formatted for guided meditation purposes. Excerpts taken from the Chapter "The Decisive Experience" from the text "A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission."
Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363), is a great luminary of Tibetan Buddhism. He was highly skilled in all aspects of scholarship from an early age and excelled throughout his life in the practice and accomplishment of the Dharma. Regarded as a great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava and is recognised as an emanation of Vimalamitra. Longchenpa's prolific writings have...2023-04-2940 min
Wisdom of the MastersAyya Khema ~ Go Home! ~ Theravadin BuddhismAyya Khema (born Ilse Kussel - 1923-1997) was the first Western woman to become a Theravadin Buddhist nun. She has served as a model and inspiration for women from all the Buddhist traditions who have sought to revive the practice of women's monasticism in modern times as well as founding women's Buddhist organisations. Her renown as a teacher is widespread.
Born in Berlin of Jewish parents, Ayya Khema escaped Nazi Germany in 1938 with a transport of 200 children to Glasgow. She joined her parents two years later in Shanghai, where, with the outbreak of war, the family was put into...2023-04-2414 min
Wisdom of the MastersDhammacakkappavattana Sutta: Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma ~ The Buddha's First SermonThe Dhammacakkappavattana-sutta - SN 56.11 - is the Pāli version of what according to tradition was the first discourse spoken by the Buddha, whose delivery of this discourse led to the attainment of stream-entry by one of his first disciples. With this successful outcome, the Buddha had set in motion the “wheel of Dharma.” This is the most famous sutta in the Pali literature where The Buddha expounds the Four Noble Truths for the first time.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two opti...2023-04-1816 min
Wisdom of the MastersGarab Dorje ~ The Truth of your Being ~ Dzogchen (Ati Yoga)A reading for meditation of Garab Dorje's primary teaching, "The Spaciousness of Vajrasattva" (Dorje Sempa Namkha Che) - translated by Yeshe Donden (Roger Calverley). With thanks to Roger for permission to read from this newly published work: "The Gospel of Garab Dorje."
Garab Dorje (c. 665) was the first human to receive the complete direct transmission teachings of Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen from Vajrasattva. Garab Dorje then became the teacher of Dzogchen ("Great Perfection", also called Ati Yoga) teachings according to Tibetan Buddhist and Nyingma school traditions.
According to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, Garab Dorje transmitted...2023-04-1345 min
Wisdom of the MastersMaster Hongzhi Zhengjue 宏智正覺 ~ Serenity is the Final Word ~ Zen (Chan) BuddhismA selection of profound, direct pointers for meditation by Master Hongzhi on the nature of the mind taken from various texts. Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091–1157) was one of the most accomplished Chan masters of the Song dynasty who authored or compiled several influential texts. Hongzhi's conception of silent illumination is of particular importance to the Chinese Caodong Chan and Japanese Sōtō Zen schools. Hongzhi's distinctive teachings are well illustrated in the poetic practice instructions he left behind and are beautiful lyrical celebrations of our Buddha Nature and of all existence. However, they are not merely celebrations, but practice instructions and desc...2023-04-0831 min
Wisdom of the Masters"Wu Hsin" (Part 2) a.k.a. Roy Melvyn - Powerful Pointers to the Truth - Non-Duality"Wu Hsin" (meaning No Mind) was a fictitious character created by Roy Melvyn to create and structure a series of pith teachings and pointers to the Absolute, based on key non-duality teachings. Roy Melvyn (1947- 2017 ) was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Eastern European immigrant parents. It wasn't until the 1980s that his interest in spirituality and religion began to blossom and his investigations into the Western religions began. By the late 90s, he was writing about the more mystical aspects of Eastern meditative pursuits, exploring the writings of Dogen, Jiddu Krishnamurti, both Shunryu and D. T. Suzuki and...2023-04-0543 min
Wisdom of the MastersDzogchen Meditation (Guided) ~ Patrul Rinpoche
These clear and direct pointers by Patrul Rinpoche have been condensed and formatted for the purposes of a Guided Meditation. They are extracted from the full teaching, "Self Liberating -Meditation." Dza Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887) — an enlightened master, who, though he lived the life of a vagabond, was one of the most illustrious spiritual teachers of the nineteenth century. Hailing from the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, his principal teacher was Jikmé Gyalwé Nyugu, a great master who was one of the foremost students of Jikmé Lingpa.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and woul...2023-03-3035 min
Wisdom of the MastersHelen Keller ~ The Light in my DarknessThis is a reading for contemplation taken from various texts written by Helen Keller on her mystical and spiritual insights.
Although Helen's story is widely known, it is usually told with little reference to the deep spirituality that illumined her dark and silent world. She had profound spiritual and mystical insights and openly shared with others her joy for the spiritual reality of life. In Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda describes Helen as one of those “rare beings on this earth” who by “sheer intuitional feeling…see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.”
Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, disa...2023-03-2516 min
Wisdom of the MastersFather Thomas Keating ~ Centering Prayer ~ Christian MysticsThis is a reading of a selection of pointers and teachings by Father Keating on the healing and transformative power of centering prayer. They are taken from numerous texts written by him.
Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O. (March 7, 1923 – October 25, 2018) was an American Catholic monk and priest of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (also known as Trappists). Keating was known as one of the principal developers of Centering Prayer, a contemporary method of contemplative prayer that emerged from St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, Massachusetts. Fr. Keating was an internationally renowned theologian and an accomplished author. He traveled th...2023-03-2125 min
Wisdom of the MastersAtmananda Krishna Menon ~ A Meditation and Teaching on Suffering ~ AdvaitaSelected excerpts from the text "Atmananda Tattwa Samhita: The Direct Approach To Truth As Expounded By Sri Atmananda" on the nature and experience of suffering. Śrĩ Atmananda (8 December 1883 – 14 May 1959), also referred as Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, was an Indian sage, guru, and philosopher. He has been described by scholars as a "neo-Hindu". His teachings have become a foundation for a spiritual method called the Direct Path.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address...2023-03-1818 min
Wisdom of the MastersWei Wu Wei ~ Non-Volitional Living ~ Non-Dualism, Taoism, Zen, DzogchenA reading for meditation of excerpts taken from the text "All Else is Bondage". Terence James Stannus Gray (14 September 1895 – 5 January 1986), better known by the pen name Wei Wu Wei, was a 20th-century Taoist philosopher, writer, Egyptologist and theatre producer. Gray was born in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England on 14 September 1895, into a well-established Anglo-Irish family. He was educated at numerous prestigious institutions including Eton and Oxford University. After he left his theatrical career, his thoughts turned towards philosophy and metaphysics. This led to a period of travel throughout Asia, including time spent at Ramana Maharshi's ashram in Tiruvannamalai, India. Between the years...2023-03-1536 min
Wisdom of the MastersKodo Sawaki 沢木 興道 ~ Nothing to Gain ~ Zen BuddhismA reading for meditation of excerpts from the text "To You: Zen Sayings of Kodo Sawaki". Kodo Sawaki 沢木 興道 (1880 - 1965) was born in Ise, Japan and was a prominent Japanese Sōtō Zen teacher of the 20th century. He is considered to be one of the most significant Zen priests of his time for bringing Zen practice into the lives of laypeople. He has been stated as being "one of the most striking Zen masters of recent times." He was called "Kodo without a home" because he refused to remain in a temple and always travelled alone. He brought with him, a breath...2023-03-1118 min
Wisdom of the Masters"The Nature of Mind" - H.H. the 16th Karmapa - Rangjung Rigpe Dorje - KagyuHis Holiness, the sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (August 14, 1924 – November 5, 1981) was the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and part of the oldest line of reincarnate lamas in Vajrayana Buddhism known as the Karmapas whose coming was predicted by the Buddha in the Samadhiraja Sutra. The 16th Karmapa was considered to be a "living Buddha" and was deeply involved in the transmission of the Vajrayana Buddhism to Europe and North America following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. He had many monikers, including “King of the Yogis”.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefi...2023-03-0710 min
Wisdom of the MastersTilopa's Six Words of Advice ~ A Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation based on the famous teaching of Tilopa - the 6 words of Advice. Tilopa is one of the most authoritative and renowned Indian mahasiddhas and masters of mahamudra and tantra. He received various tantric teachings, unified them, and transmitted them to his disciple, Naropa. Tilopa (988–1069) was born in Bengal in India. He was a tantric practitioner and mahasiddha. He practised Anuttarayoga Tantra, a set of spiritual practices intended to accelerate the process of attaining Buddhahood.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermit...2023-03-0250 min
Wisdom of the MastersPseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite ~ Perfect Silence and UnknowingA selection of verses taken from various texts from the works of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, (flourished c. 500), probably a Syrian monk who, known only by his pseudonym, wrote a series of Greek treatises and letters for the purpose of uniting Neoplatonic philosophy with Christian theology and mystical experience. In the early sixth century, a series of writings of a mystical nature, known as the Corpus Areopagiticum or Corpus Dionysiacum was ascribed to the Areopagite. They have long been recognized as pseudepigrapha, and their author is now called "Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite". The author pseudepigraphically identifies himself in th...2023-02-2711 min
Wisdom of the MastersRecognising Awareness - A Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation to help you recognize your own inherent Awareness and learn how to abide by that. Pure Awareness is our true nature. Only by intuitively realizing and understanding the depth and profundity of this impersonal Reality, and resting in it, can we begin the journey to transcend suffering and samsara.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://payp...2022-12-2835 min
Wisdom of the MastersA Guided Meditation on the 5 Elements ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is guided meditation on the five (5) elements of the body that can help us understand with insight the true, impersonal nature of this elemental phenomena. It can also assist in loosening our attachments and identifications to this material form as 'me', 'mine, and 'myself'.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron at: h...2022-09-1937 min
Wisdom of the MastersSilence & Stillness: A Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation to help you access the inherent silence and stillness within and to learn how to abide in this Natural State. From this place of peace and stillness, we can allow the natural wisdom and insight to emerge.
🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron at: https://www.pat...2022-08-0330 min
Wisdom of the MastersGuided YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION for Relaxation, Healing and Sleep - Samaneri JayasaraHere is a guided Yoga Nidra meditation for relaxation, healing, and to help you sleep. Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the "going-to-sleep" stage, typically induced by a guided meditation. Yoga nidra is a powerful meditation technique, and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain. While the practitioner rests comfortably in savasana (corpse pose) this systematic meditation takes you deep into body/mind relaxation, leaving you with a sense of wholeness, relaxation, clarity and wellness. Yoga nidra results in conscious awareness of the deep sleep state. It is...2022-04-1238 min
Wisdom of the MastersA Guided Meditation on The Four (4) Noble Truths - Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation on applying the paradigm of the Four Noble Truths as taught by the Buddha. For more information on this topic, I recommend this priceless booklet by Luang Por (Ajahn) Sumedho which you can download for free here: https://amaravati.org/book-authors/ajahn-sumedho/?fpmtp_languages=english
🔆 If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage
or become at...2021-11-1654 min
Wisdom of the MastersA Guided Meditation on Freedom from Thoughts - Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation to help us work skillfully with thoughts, to understand their essence, and to be liberated from excessive, neurotic, and obsessive thinking.
🔆 If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/jayasara
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentie...2021-08-171h 10
Wisdom of the MastersGuided Meditation - Resting in Natural Awareness - Samaneri JayasaraThis is a guided meditation on resting and trusting in Awareness - emerging from my retreat. It includes a reading of Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche's famous prayer - Rest in Natural Great Peace.
🔆 If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage
or become at Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/jayasara
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for...2021-07-0149 min
Wisdom of the MastersSelf-Enquiry - A Guided Meditation - "Who am I?" - Samaneri JayasaraFollowing numerous requests, here is a Guided Meditation on Self-Enquiry - spoken spontaneously by Samaneri Jayasara, ending with an {optional} poem for meditation written by Ayya Jitindriya.
Image: La Scapigliata, 2021, Found Stones, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Original by Leonardo De Vinci). Justin Bateman - Pebble Art https://landminds.weebly.com/
Music: Chinese Twilight by Klaus Schønning
Poem: "The Mountain Hermitage of Mu" by Ayya Jitindriya
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these...2021-03-201h 05