In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Brahm, abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery (https://bswa.org/). The discussion delves into Ajahn's path to ordination, advice for achieving deep samādhi, thoughts on Stream Entry, stories of devas, tales of Luang Por Chah, and more.
00:00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:00:27 Humor in Meditation and Teaching
00:01:50 Key Moments and Faith leading to Ordination
00:02:43 Joining the Cambridge University Buddhist Society
00:05:15 Psychic Research and Hunting Ghosts
00:07:18 The Impact of Deep Meditative Experiences
00:07:52 Instructions for Mindfulness of Breathing
00:10:29 Frequency of Deep Experiences in Students
00:11:34 Guiding Students Through the "Beautiful Breath"
00:13:35 The "Cheshire Cat" Simile for Deep Meditation
00:14:54 Addressing the Fear of Attachment to Bliss
00:15:35 Advice for Those Struggling to Reach Deep States
00:18:16 Reflections on Cultural Advice and Identity
00:19:44 Defining "Nibbidā" (Disenchantment or Disgust)
00:21:41 Teaching Mindfulness in Prisons
00:23:51 The Story of the Imprisoned Thai Monk
00:26:26 Avoiding Overwhelm in Monastic Administrative Roles
00:26:49 Lessons from a Monastery Bushfire
00:29:12 The Story of the Nine Bottles of Pepsi
00:36:41 Rational Belief in Devas and Making Determinations
00:38:21 The Story of the Winning Horse in Singapore
00:41:58 Thoughts on Bodhisattvas and Enlightened Beings
00:44:27 Comparing the Bodhisattva Ideal and the Theravada Path
00:46:47 Addressing Skepticism Toward Rebirth and Devas
00:49:00 Recalling Early Life and Past Life Memories
00:52:03 Ending Doubt and the Experience of Stream Entry
00:53:39 Reflecting on a False Experience of Enlightenment
00:59:29 Advice for a Younger Self at Key Junctures
01:02:18 Finding Hope Amidst Suffering and World Events
01:04:09 Lightning Round: Cleaning vs. Meditation
01:04:57 Lightning Round: The Biggest Test of Patience
01:05:27 Lightning Round: On Sitting Quietly Alone
01:05:49 Lightning Round: Favorite Sutta
01:06:15 Lightning Round: Most Influential Teacher After Ajahn Chah
01:09:45 Final Reflection: A Favorite Memory of Ajahn Chah
01:14:52 Closing Advice for Young Monastics
Ajahn Brahm's Biography in Brief:
Ajahn Brahm (Ajahn Brahmavamso Mahathera), born in London in 1951, is a Theravada Buddhist monk. Ajahn Brahm grew up in London and earned a degree in Theoretical Physics from Cambridge University. Disillusioned with the world of academe, he trained as a monk in the jungles of Thailand under Ajahn Chah. A monk for over thirty years, Ajahn Brahm is the abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery, in Serpentine, Western Australia—one of the largest monasteries in the southern hemisphere; and he has also been influential in establishing Dhammasara Nuns' Monastery northeast of Perth. He is the Spiritual Director of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia, and spiritual adviser for various Buddhist centers throughout Asia and Australia. His books include "Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond: A Meditator's Handbook", "Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung", "The Art of Disappearing," and "Don't Worry Be Grumpy".
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
