All excerpts

65 events, 486 sessions, 3492 excerpts, 194:16:40 total duration

Most common tags:
Ajahn Chah (806)  Ajahn Pasanno (361)  Suffering (278)  Relinquishment (250)  Abhayagiri (237)  Self-identity view (223)  Monastic life (218)  Teaching Dhamma (206)  Mindfulness of breathing (204)  Discernment (199) 

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Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 29: Reflecting On Beauty And Disappointment – Feb. 14, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Reflecting on Beauty and Disappointment” a talk by Ajahn Vīradhammo at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery on November 3, 2015 (original recording). Read by Debbie Stamp.


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 30: The One Who Knows – Feb. 17, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “The One Who Knows” an unpublished talk by Ajahn Kalyāno at Bodhinyana Monastery, Melbourne Australia in October 2012 (with permission). Read by Beth Steff.


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 31 – Feb. 18, 2016

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1. “How much reading is appropriate?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Learning] // [Culture/West] [Investigation of states] [Suffering] [Unwholesome Roots]

Quote: “If you have to read anything, read your heart.” — Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Chah] [Heart/mind]


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2. Discussion about loneliness, aloneness, and solitude in the practice. [Loneliness] [Spiritual friendship] [Monastic life] [Seclusion] // [Monastic life/Motivation] [Self-reliance] [Empathetic joy] [Clinging] [Dalai Lama] [Relationships] [Pūjā]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 32: Identity – Feb. 19, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Identity” in The Sound of Silence by Ajahn Sumedho (Anthology volume 4 or commercial). Read by Ajahn Ñāṇiko. [Self-identity view]


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1. “Can I respond to my thoughts in ways that I think are useful?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Directed thought and evaluation] [Self-identity view] // [Right Effort] [Cause of Suffering] [Cessation of Suffering] [Knowing itself]

Reference: “Identity” in The Sound of Silence by Ajahn Sumedho (Anthology volume 4 or commercial).

Appreciation for Ajahn Sumedho’s image of the wheel. [Similes]

Sutta: MN 24: The purpose of Buddhist practice. [Liberation]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 33: Memory – Feb. 21, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Memory” by Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho in Uncommon Wisdom: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho by Ajahn Dick Sīlaratano, pp. 199-210. Read by Ajahn Jīvako. [Memory]


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1. Comment about the meaning of sañña as memory. [Perception] [Memory]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Pāli]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 34: Why am I Talking? – Feb. 24, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Why am I Talking?”, Beginning Our Day Vol. 2 by the Abhayagiri Saṅgha, pp. 92-94. Read by Ajahn Kassapo. [Right Speech]


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1. Recollection: Ajahn Dohn’s recollection of teaching on mindfulness to develop right speech. Recounted by Ajahn Jotipālo. [Ajahn Dohn] [Mindfulness] [Right Speech]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 35: The Wisdom of the Ego – Feb. 25, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “The Wisdom of the Ego,” Head and Heart Together by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro, pp. 44-49. Read by Ajahn Kaccāna.


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1. Comments on skillful happiness and the need for patient endurance. [Skillful qualities] [Happiness] [Patience]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Discernment] [Faith]


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2. “Regarding internal happiness, is part of our problem that we don’t have enough means to access it?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Happiness] [Gladdening the mind] // [Culture/West] [Learning] [Faith]


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3. Discussion about the importance of spiritual friendship. Led by Ajahn Pasanno. [Spiritual friendship] [Renunciation] [Happiness]

Reference: Amaravati Chanting Book, p. 46: The Highest Blessings (Maṅgala Sutta, Snp 2.4).

Ajahn Pasanno reflects on his intention in coming to America. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Culture/West] [Perception of a samaṇa] [Abhayagiri]


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4. Story: Personality of the Abhayagiri co-abbots: “Is he the one with the personality or is he the one who laughs all the time?” Told by Ajahn Jotipālo. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Ajahn Amaro] [Personality] [Humor]


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5. “Do people confuse the definitions of ego and self?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Western psychology ] [Self-identity view] // [Four Noble Truths]

Story: An applicant to Wat Pah Nanachat writes a letter avoiding all personal pronouns.


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6. Discussion about psychotherapy models, attachment, and self. Led by Ajahn Pasanno. [Western psychology] [Self-identity view] [Clinging] // [Ajahn Ṭhānissaro] [Four Noble Truths]

Story: Meditation helps a psychiatrist treat other psychiatrists. [Meditation] [Language]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 36: The Deathless Drum – Feb. 26, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “The Deathless Drum,” excerpts from Chapter 9 of Rude Awakenings by Ajahn Sucitto and Nick Scott. Read by Ajahn Pesalo.


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1. Ajahn Pasanno recollects visiting the Japanese temple in Vesali described in Chapter 9 of Rude Awakenings by Ajahn Sucitto and Nick Scott. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Visiting holy sites] // [Ajahn Jayasaro] [Nichiren Buddhism]


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2. “Contemplating the decline of Vesali, how can we distinguish saṃvega from sadness that has no purpose?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [History/Indian Buddhism] [Spiritual urgency] [Depression] // [Principles of non-decline] [Naturalness]

Reference: “The Deathless Drum,” Chapter 9 of Rude Awakenings by Ajahn Sucitto and Nick Scott.

Sutta: AN 7.21: Seven principles of non-decline.

Comments by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Pesalo about Buddhism relying upon principles rather than geographic location. [Dhamma] [Geography/India] [Visiting holy sites]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 37: Feeling – Feb. 28, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Feeling” by Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho in Uncommon Wisdom: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho by Ajahn Dick Sīlaratano, pp. 211-220. Read by Ajahn Suhajjo.


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1. Discussion regarding mindfulness, the brahmaviharas, and radical acceptance led by Ajahn Pasanno. [Mindfulness] [Divine Abidings] // [Conditionality] [Guilt/shame/inadequacy] [Pain] [Spaciousness] [Aversion] [Dependent origination]


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2. “What is the balance between sorting out feelings internally and expressing feelings externally, not repressing them?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Emotion ] [Western psychology] [Community] // [Goodwill] [Compassion] [Discernment] [Learning]


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3. Comment: Avoidance strategies can be both external and internal. [Pain] [Western psychology] [Meditation]

Responses by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Jotipālo. [Spiritual bypass] [Hindrances]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 38: Citta – Feb. 29, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Citta” by Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho in Uncommon Wisdom: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho by Ajahn Dick Sīlaratano, pp. 246-256. Read by Tan Gambhīro.


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1. “The way Ajahn Paññavaddho describes citta sounds like a soul. Can you discuss?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno, Kondannyo Bhikkhu and Ajahn Kaccāna. [Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho] [Heart/mind] [Doctrine-of-self clinging] // [Language] [Unconditioned] [Buddha] [Faith] [Direct experience] [Nibbāna] [Four Noble Truths] [Similes]

Sutta: Ud 8.3: Nibbāna Sutta (Chanting Book translation).


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2. Discussion about Thai Forest Masters describing Nibbana. Led by Ajahn Pasanno. [Thai Forest Tradition] [Nibbāna] // [Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho] [Ajahn Mahā Boowa] [Unconditioned] [Ajahn Sumedho] [Faith] [Direct experience]


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3. “If, in meditation, one sees thought at the point it arises, is it the sense consciousness that sees that or the pure citta?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Directed thought and evaluation] [Sense bases] [Consciousness] [Heart/mind] // [Knowing itself]


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4. “How was “atta” defined in the Buddha’s time?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Jotipālo. [Doctrine-of-self clinging] [Culture/India] // [Happiness] [Rebirth]

Reference: Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (Chanting Book translation).


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5. Comment by Ajahn Kaccāna: The Thai Forest Tradition is looking for something that really works. [Thai Forest Tradition] [Attachment to precepts and practices]

Quote: “If you find something you think is a diamond, smash it with a hammer and see if it’s really a diamond.” — Ajahn Lee. [Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Direct experience]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 39: The Skill Of Restraint; Two Analogies – Mar. 3, 2016

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1. Reading: “The Skill of Restraint,” Meditations Vol. 4 by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro, pp. 72-76. Read by Kondannyo Bhikkhu. [Sense restraint]


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2. Reading: “Two Analogies,” The Paradox of Becoming by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro, p. 23. Read by Kondannyo Bhikkhu. [Becoming]


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3. “Could you say something about the problem of swinging back and forth with restraint practices?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Sense restraint] [Determination] // [Practicing in accordance with Dhamma] [Learning] [Becoming] [Self-identity view] [Eightfold Path] [Discernment]

Follow-up: “I remember you saying something similar in respect to sīla.” [Virtue] [Attachment to precepts and practices]


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4. “Would you speak on skillful and unskillful ways to approach restraint?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Kondannyo Bhikkhu. [Sense restraint] [Skillful qualities] [Unskillful qualities] // [Self-identity view] [Vinaya] [Monastic life] [Culture/Natural environment] [Spiritual friendship] [Continuity of mindfulness]

Story: Ajahn Pasanno gets frustrated with meditation and starts sweeping. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Wat Pah Nanachat] [Meditation] [Generosity] [Cleanliness]

Story: Paul Breiter did not consider Abhayagiri cushy. Told by Ajahn Jotipālo. [Paul Breiter] [Abhayagiri]

Comment: When you see the danger in investing outside, you don’t need a straightjacket. [Disenchantment]


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5. “How are contact and viññāṇa nutriment?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Contact] [Consciousness] [Nutriment ] // [Feeling] [Aggregates] [Becoming]

Sutta: SN 12.63: Son’s Flesh.


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6. “Regarding the Honeyball Sutta (MN 18), is withdrawal of external contact, e.g. eye contact, enough?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno, Ajahn Kaccāna and Kondannyo Bhikkhu. [Perception] [Contact] [Proliferation] [Sense restraint] // [Translation]

Reference: Concept and Reality in Early Buddhist Thought by Bhikkhu Ñāṇananda.


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 40: Trusting In Wholesome Intentions – Mar. 4, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Trusting in Wholesome Intentions,” The Anthology Vol. 5 by Ajahn Sumedho, pp. 215-221. Read by Tan Jāgaro.


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1. “How much did you have to adapt Ajahn Chah’s training for your own practice?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Ajahn Chah] [Monastic life] // [Teaching Dhamma] [Generosity] [Mindfulness] [Discernment]

Quote: “Ajahn Chah didn’t have a template.” [Meditation/Techniques]


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2. “Did Ajahn Chah have a common statement about his own core practice?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Mindfulness of breathing] [Ajahn Chah] [Meditation/Techniques] // [Ajahn Pasanno] [Teaching Dhamma]

Sutta: MN 118: Ānāpānasati Sutta.

Story: Ajahn Piak reports that Ajahn Chah reaches jhāna quickly. [Ajahn Piak] [Psychic powers] [Jhāna]


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3. Reflections by Ajahn Kaccāna and Ajahn Pasanno about Ajahn Sumedho and Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Sumedho] [Ajahn Chah] // [Habits] [Seclusion] [Monastic life/Motivation]

Story: Ajahn Sumedho becomes so fed up living with Westerners at Tam Seang Pet that he leaves. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Wat Tam Saeng Pet] [Western Ajahn Chah lineage] [Tudong]

Description of Wat Tam Saeng Pet. [Culture/Natural environment]


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4. “Why did you leave Wat Pah Pong to practice on your own?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Wat Pah Pong] [Seclusion] // [Ajahn Chah] [Wat Keuan] [Wat Tam Saeng Pet]


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5. Story: Ajahn Chah spends Vassa at Wat Tam Saeng Pet. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Chah] [Sickness] [Wat Tam Saeng Pet] [Rains retreat] // [Health care]


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6. Story: Ajahn Pasanno goes to Wat Pah Nanachat to work on a bowl stand and gets sick. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Wat Pah Nanachat] [Monastic crafts] [Sickness] // [Rains retreat]


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7. “Did you stay at Wat Pah Nanachat from then on?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Wat Pah Nanachat] // [Wat Pah Pong] [Tudong]


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8. “Were you on tudong for a year?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Tudong] // [Seclusion] [Dtao Dum] [Ajahn Chah]

Story: Ajahn Pasanno takes a restless novice on tudong. [Novices] [Food]


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9. Story: Ajahn Pasanno founds Dtao Dum Monastery. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Dtao Dum ] // [Environment] [Ajahn Chah] [Joseph Kappel] [Rains retreat] [Wat Pah Nanachat] [Ajahn Gavesako]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 41: Realizing Cessation – Mar. 6, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Realizing Cessation,” Small Boat, Great Mountain by Ajahn Amaro, pp. 44-53. Read by Tan Suddhiko.


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1. “Did Ajahn Sumedho have a period when he was more influenced by Zen teachings?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Sumedho] [Zen] // [Dhamma books] [Master Hsu Yun]

Reference: Ch’an and Zen Teachings by Charles Luk (commercial).

Reference: Word of the Buddha by Venerable Ñāṇatiloka.

Reference: The Four Noble Truths by Ajahn Sumedho.


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2. Story: Master Hsu Yun is beaten twice by Chinese soldiers and holds on to life for their sake. Told by Ajahn Jotipālo and Ajahn Pasanno. [Master Hsu Yun] [Abuse/violence] // [Kamma] [Arahant] [Compassion]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 42: Awareness: Nameless And Stopped – Mar. 9, 2016

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[Session] Reading:Awareness: Nameless and Stopped,” a blog post by Ajahn Sucitto. Read by Debbie Stamp.


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1. “Does Abhayagiri have a Korwat Manual?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Abhayagiri] [Protocols] [Wat Pah Nanachat] // [Vinaya] [Learning]


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2. “Can you talk about the bowl washing?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Ñāṇiko. [Abhayagiri] [Almsbowl] [Cleanliness] [Protocols] // [Animal]


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3. “Ajahn Sucitto [in ‘Awareness: Nameless and Stopped’] described how dealing with the difficulties of jungle monastery life in Thailand developed the practice. How do you apply the same principles in well-supported monasteries?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Thai Forest Tradition] [Lay life] [Culture/Natural environment] [Poverty] [Gain and loss] // [Truth]


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4. Comment by Kondannyo Bhikkhu: The training is designed to attenuate the conception of name and form by radically attending to things like the body. [Volition] [Appropriate attention] [Aggregates] [Right Mindfulness] [Perception]


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5. “Does name and form cease or not arise?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Aggregates] [Cessation] // [Language] [Proliferation]

Sutta: DN 11.85.10: Kevaṭṭasutta.


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6. “Is there a precise definition of the saṅkhāra of delusion?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Volitional formations] [Delusion] // [Suffering] [Cessation of Suffering]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 43: Rebirth – Mar. 10, 2016

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1. Reading: “Rebirth” by Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho in Uncommon Wisdom: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho by Ajahn Dick Sīlaratano, pp. 163-165. Read by Beth Steff.


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2. Reading: “Death of Ajahn Paññavaḍḍho,” Uncommon Wisdom: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho by Ajahn Dick Sīlaratano, pp. 120-124. Read by Beth Steff. [Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho] [Death]


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3. “Did you go to his cremation?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Paññāvaḍḍho] [Funerals] [Ajahn Pasanno] // [Humility]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 44: Relating to Hindrances – Mar. 11, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Relating to Hindrances,” Working with the Five Hindrances by Ajahn Tiradhammo, pp. 28-32. Read by Ajahn Jotipālo.


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1. “Where does the expression ‘sad is mad’ come from?” Answered by Ajahn Jotipālo and Kondannyo Bhikkhu. [Grief] [Aversion] // [Depression]

Quote: “Depression is anger without enthusiasm.” — Anonymous. Quoted by Tan Suddhiko.


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2. “Is sleepiness not dullness? Is there a separation?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Jotipālo. [Sloth and torpor] // [Translation] [Concentration]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 45: Daughters And Sons – Mar. 13, 2016

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[Session] Reading: Daughters and Sons by Ajahn Jayasaro. Read by Ajahn Ñāṇiko. [Parents]


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1. “Is it possible for a monastic to look after their parents while still practicing the vinaya?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Jotipālo. [Monastic life] [Vinaya] [Parents] // [Ajahn Viradhammo] [Ajahn Chah] [Ajahn Liem] [Ajahn Dtun] [Ajahn Jayasaro]

Story: Two burka-clad women stare at Ajahn Jayasaro in Kuwait. [Robes] [Conventions]


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2. Discussion about how monastics and lay practitioners can navigate visiting their relatives who are not Buddhists. Led by Ajahn Pasanno. [Monastic life] [Family] [Lay life] [Parents] // [Teaching Dhamma] [Patience] [Right Speech] [Suffering] [Ajahn Pasanno] [Killing]


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3. “How can I change my motivation around trying to get my Buddhist parents to adopt the correct Right View?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Right View] [Right Intention] [Parents] // [Compassion] [Patience]

Recollection: Ajahn Chah taught in a way that made you think that you figured it out yourself. [Ajahn Chah] [Teaching Dhamma] [Self-reliance]

Ajahn Ñāṇiko quotes the Dtao Te Ching regarding leadership. [Taoism] [Leadership]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 46: The Gate Of Relativity – Mar. 14, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “The Gate of Relativity,” Kalyāṇa by Ajahn Sucitto, pp. 71-84. Read by Ajahn Jīvako.


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1. Question about neutral feeling and awareness. Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Feeling] [Neutral feeling] [Delusion] [Mindfulness] // [Unwholesome Roots]

Sutta: MN 44.22: Discussion of the three kinds of feeling.


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2. “In what ways is neutral feeling delusion?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno, Kondannyo Bhikkhu, Ajahn Jotipālo and Ajahn Kaccāna. [Neutral feeling] [Delusion] // [Proliferation] [Self-identity view]

Reference: My Stoke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor (commercial).


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3. “What does a delusion type of person look like?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno, Tan Jāgaro and Ajahn Kaccāna. [Delusion] // [Doubt] [Views]

Story: An anagārika with endless questions. Told by Ajahn Jotipālo. [Postulants] [Ajahn Amaro] [Questions]


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4. Discussion: Discussion of what Americans think when Ajahn Sucitto gives the image of skittles [Kalyāṇa by Ajahn Sucitto, p. 71]. Led by Ajahn Pasanno. [Similes] [Culture/West] // [Recreation/leisure/sport] [Food]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 47: Santutthi and the Meaning of Contentment – Mar. 17, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “Santuṭṭhi and the Meaning of Contentment,” Beginning Our Day Vol. 1 by the Abhayagiri Saṅgha, pp. 2-4. Read by Ajahn Kassapo. [Contentment]


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1. “What are your thoughts about developing wholesome qualities when there are so many things that mask them?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Skillful qualities] [Delusion] [Equanimity] [Contentment] // [Spiritual bypass] [Sloth and torpor] [Goodwill] [Conflict] [Discernment] [Suffering]

Reference: Working with the Five Hindrances by Ajahn Tiradhammo, p. 27.

Sutta: AN 4.28: Noble Lineages. [Requisites] [Judgementalism]


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2. Discussion of contentment as necessary for concentration and interest in the breath. [Concentration] [Mindfulness of breathing] [Contentment] // [Desire] [Nature of mind] [Happiness]

Quote: “The beautiful breath” — Ajahn Brahmavaṃso. [Ajahn Brahmavaṃso] [Beauty]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 48 – Mar. 18, 2016

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1. “How does your relic puja work for you?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Relics] [Pūjā] [Prayer] [Devotional practice ] // [Respect] [Chanting]

Reference: “Great Chant of Universal Blessings,” Bhikkhu Manual, p. 135.


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2. Discussion of beneficial effects of prayer even without an external entity to which it is directed. [Prayer] [Health] [God] // [Culture/Sri Lanka]

Story: A threatening storm disappears the same night Rev. Heng Sure leads chanting for the Mississippi pilgrims. Told by Ajahn Jotipālo. [Ajahn Jotipālo] [Tudong] [Rev. Heng Sure] [Mantra]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 49: The Treasure House – Mar. 19, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “The Treasure House,” excerpts from Chapter 10 in Rude Awakenings by Ajahn Sucitto and Nick Scott. Read by Ajahn Pesalo.


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1. Comment: Ajahn Sucitto is able to capture the chaos that is India. [Culture/India] [Tudong] [Impermanence]

Reference: Rude Awakenings by Ajahn Sucitto and Nick Scott Chapter 10.


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2. Story: Ajahn Pasanno describes his time in India with Ajahn Jayasaro. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Ajahn Jayasaro] [Tudong] [Visiting holy sites] // [Impermanence] [Almsround]

Story: A month to be away from Wat Pah Nanachat. [Wat Pah Nanachat] [Abbot] [Ajahn Puriso]

Story: Ajahn Pasanno stays in Bodh Gaya to do pūjās. [Pūjā] [Determination]


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3. “Did you find any particular holy sites especially affecting?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Visiting holy sites ] // [Tranquility]

Reference: SN 56.11: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Chanting Book translation)


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4. “Is it still safe to go on pilgrimage on foot in India?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Culture/India] [Tudong] [Crime] // [Lodging]


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5. “Did you get sick [during your pilgrimage in India]?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Culture/India] [Tudong] [Sickness] // [Food] [Almsround]


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6. “How did you find Ajahn Jayasaro again [in India]?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Ajahn Jayasaro] [Visiting holy sites] // [Tudong] [Lodging] [Ajahn Koon (Chiang Rai)] [Ajahn Chai] [Ajahn Chah] [Culture/India]


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7. Story: Ajahn Ñāṇiko stays in an Indian hotel. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Ñāṇiko] [Culture/India] [Lodging] // [Animal]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 50: Basic Premises – Mar. 20, 2016

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[Session] Reading:Basic Premises,” With Each and Every Breath by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro. Read by Ajahn Suhajjo.


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1. “Could you comment on the issue of feeling that there need to be certain conditions in place for me to practice?” [Meditation] [Conditionality] // [Ajahn Chah] [Mindfulness] [Discernment] [Continuity of mindfulness]

Quote: “You can go off to the forest and be happy on your own or you can stay here and I can teach you how to be happy all the time.” — Ajahn Chah to Ajahn BahnKow. [Ajahn BahnKow] [Happiness] [Seclusion] [Everyday life]


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2. Question about the differences between expansive knowing, concentration, and divided knowing or awareness; difference between viññāṇa and paññā. [Ajahn Ṭhānissaro] [Mindfulness of breathing] [Mindfulness of body] [Consciousness] [Concentration] [Spaciousness] // [Energy] [Unification] [Continuity of mindfulness]


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3. “Is divided consciousness the same as divided awareness?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Kondannyo Bhikkhu. [Consciousness] // [Pāli] [Proliferation] [Concentration] [Sense bases] [Ignorance]

Story: A man born blind gains sight. Told by Ajahn Jotipālo. [Contact]

Quote: “Viññana is to be understood and pañña is to be developed.” — MN 43.6. [Discernment] [Kamma]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 51: The First Noble Truth – Mar. 21, 2016

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[Session] Reading: “The First Noble Truth,” pp. 14-28 in The Four Noble Truths by Ajahn Sumedho. Read by Ajahn Khantiko. [Noble Truth of Suffering]


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1. “What does “sabbe saṅkhārā dukkhā“ mean in relation to the first Noble Truth?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Suffering] [Volitional formations] [Noble Truth of Suffering ] // [Self-pity]

Quote: “Sumedho loves to suffer.” — Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Chah] [Ajahn Sumedho]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Fierce/direct teaching] [Compassion]


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 52: Recollection of Hell; Pissing on Palaces – Mar. 24, 2016

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[Session] Readings by Tan Gambhīro:

Reading:Recollection of Hell,” Meditations Vol. 6 by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro.

Reading:Pissing on Palaces,” Meditations Vol. 6 by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro.

Note: The recording begins in the middle of the first reading.


Western Disciples of the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 53: Ancient Teachings on Non Abiding; Is the Sound Annoying You? – Mar. 25, 2016

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[Session] Readings by Kondannyo Bhikkhu:

Reading: “Ancient Teachings on Non Abiding,” Small Boat, Great Mountain by Ajahn Amaro, pp. 18-29.

Reading: “Is the Sound Annoying You?” Small Boat, Great Mountain by Ajahn Amaro, pp. 66-72.

Note: The recording begins in the middle of the first reading.


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1. “Could you talk about how to integrate interaction and physical seclusion to develop citta viveka - mental seclusion?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Seclusion ] [Community] // [Concentration] [Continuity of mindfulness] [Relinquishment] [Happiness] [Contact] [Proliferation]

Quote: “Cittaviveka is essentially sāmadhi.”


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2. “What is the difference between upadhi viveka and citta viveka?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Seclusion ] [Concentration] [Discernment] // [Relinquishment] [Aggregates] [Characteristics of existence]

Quote: “Upadi viveka is more transportable. You can carry it with you.”

Sutta: SN 22.22: The Burden (Chanting Book translation).


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3. “How is Dzogchen similar to the Thai Forest Tradition?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Amaro] [Vajrayāna] [Thai Forest Tradition] [Emptiness]

Ajahn Pasanno describes the context of the Small Boat, Great Mountain retreat. [Spirit Rock] [Tsoknyi Rinpoche] [Theravāda]

Reference: Small Boat, Great Mountain by Ajahn Amaro.


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4. “What is the value of assigning a monk to do chores rather than sitting practice?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Chah] [Work] [Meditation] [Sutta] // [Concentration]

Reference: Small Boat, Great Mountain by Ajahn Amaro.


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5. Discussion about keeping the continuity of practice within engagement and daily life. [Everyday life] [Continuity of mindfulness] // [Ajahn Chah] [Ajahn Sumedho] [Ajahn Kinaree]

Story: Ajahn Chah sews a robe obsessively. [Robes] [Craving]

Follow-up: “Were Ajahn Mahā Boowa’s teachings less focused on daily life?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Pesalo. [Ajahn Mun] [Cleanliness] [Ajahn Mahā Boowa] [Determination] [Ardency] [Personality]

Story: Ajahn Mun teases Ajahn Mahā Boowa for being like an old boxer.

Comment: You can read the suttas, but you don’t really get a feel for what the Buddha’s teachings are until you study and practice the Vinaya. [Sutta] [Vinaya] [Protocols] [Communal harmony] [Requisites]


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6. “What is right effort? What is the right level, kind of effort so that mindfulness comes more easily?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Right Effort ] [Continuity of mindfulness] [Ardency] [Long-term practice] // [Aids to Awakening]

Quote: “You look at the definition of Right Effort, and it’s not about what you do, but it’s about the quality of the mind.” [Skillful qualities] [Unskillful qualities]


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7. “How important is contentment and joy in the object you pick up [in meditation].” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Right Effort] [Contentment] [Happiness] // [Discernment] [Meditation/Techniques]


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8. “What factor leads into Right Effort? How does inspiration relate to Right Effort?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Kaccāna. [Right Effort] [Faith] // [Factors of Awakening] [Investigation of states] [Energy] [Hearing the true Dhamma] [Disenchantment]

Reference: MN 95.16 Caṅkī Sutta.

Comment about maintaining continuity of mindfulness of breathing. Contributed by Ajahn Kaccāna. [Continuity of mindfulness] [Mindfulness of breathing] [Tranquility]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Desire] [Contentment] [Happiness]


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