5 excerpts, 16:37 total duration
14. “This retreat has greatly reinforced my gratitude for this birth and for my ability to practice the Dhamma. Especially as I am ageing, I feel more of an urgency to awaken. Unfortunately, I live in a small town on the central coast, and there are no Buddhist centers within hundreds of miles. How can I continue to deepen my practice in the absence of a living teacher?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Gratitude] [Spiritual urgency] [Long-term practice] [Teachers] // [Dhamma online] [Abhayagiri] [Dhamma books] [Monastic routine] [Meditation groups] [Lunar observance days]
3. “Please offer ideas on ways Dhamma meditation communities can strike a balance between beginners and experienced meditators.” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Meditation groups] [Teaching Dhamma] [Lay teachers] [Long-term practice] // [Generosity] [Cleanliness]
12. “If we don’t have a saṅgha close to where we live, should we move to a different place, or are online saṅghas good enough? Can non-Buddhist people be part of your saṅgha?” Answered by Ajahn Ñāṇiko. [Community] [Meditation groups] [Online community] [Buddhist identity] [Spiritual friendship]
Quote: “You don’t convert people to Buddhism.” — The Dalai Lama. [Dalai Lama]
2. “I’m so grateful that a weekly meditation group emerged from last year’s retreat with you. This year, we were set to retreat together again, but at the last moment, my friend said they would be unable to prioritize the retreat. Next time, should I go solo to deepen my sitting practice or invite my dear friends again?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Gratitude] [Meditation groups] [Spiritual friendship] [Seclusion]
5. Story: Beginning a sitting group in Portland, Oregon. Told by Sakula. [Meditation groups] [Portland Friends of the Dhamma] // [Ajahn Amaro]
Quote: “If you take care of the Dhamma, the Dhamma will take care of you. When you need help, someone will show up.” — Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Dhamma] [Community]