Clear Mountain Monastery Project

Hello Dukkha, My Old Friend: American Suffering through the Eyes of a Tough Canadian | Ajahn Pasanno

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Luang Por Pasanno about dukkha (suffering & unsatisfactoriness), in its personal, social, physical, and psychological aspects. Bio Luang Por Pasanno is one of the most senior disciples of Luang Por Chah. He is the former abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat, and founder of Wat Poo Jom Gom, Wat Dtao Dum, and co-founder of Abhayagiri Monastery in California. https://www.abhayagiri.org/ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to Ajahn Pasanno 00:45 - What is Dukkha? (The Simile of Canadian Tires in Winter) 04:40 - The Two Kinds of Dukkha: First Arrow vs. Second Arrow 07:47 - "Hello Dukkha, My Old Friend": Developing Early Insights 09:31 - Finding Faith in the Cessation of Suffering through Luang Por Chah 10:40 - A Classic Wat Pah Nanachat Story: Sitting Through Patimokkha 20:30 - Dealing with Physical Pain & The True Meaning of Patient Endurance (Khanti) 26:18 - Facing Mental Pain & Becoming Abbott During Luang Por Chah's Illness 32:33 - Seeking Spiritual Friendship (Kalyāṇamittatā) & Support 38:12 - Luang Por Dune’s Reframing of the Four Noble Truths 40:40 - Navigating Worldly News, Politics, & Modern Anxiety 45:11 - Plant Seeds for Good: Lessons from Nature Care 47:43 - The Paradox of Living in Community 50:16 - The Heartwood of the Dhamma (Unshakable Deliverance of Mind) 53:29 - American Patterns of Dukkha & Absorption into Self 57:15 - Where to Reside When Free From Suffering: Stillness and Awareness 58:12 - Final Advice for Clear Mountain Monastery --- Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

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Lunar Spirituality: The Nocturnal Dharma of Liminal Dreaming & Dream Yoga | Andrew Holecek PART TWO

This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's interview with Andrew Holecek—scholar, practitioner, and "student of the night" (https://www.andrewholecek.com/). Watch PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/9wqSc5M1z-Q 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:31 Definition of Nocturnal Meditation 00:04:24 The Value of Waking Consciousness 00:15:58 Exploring the Liminal State 00:16:07 Historical Context of Early Wakefulness Teachings 00:29:03 The Role of Beliefs and Intentions in Sleep 00:35:21 Distinguishing Lucid Dreaming from Dream Yoga 00:43:35 Transforming Fear and Nightmares in Dreams 00:51:32 Deity Yoga and the Plasticity of Identity Andrew Holecek's Biography: Dr. Andrew Holecek is an author, concert pianist, and interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner of Vajrayāna Buddhism. A member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he holds degrees in music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery, in addition to having completed a traditional Tibetan three-year meditation retreat under the guidance of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. He serves as Resident Contemplative Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, is a research consultant for the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University, and is actively involved in scientific research on dark retreat with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Tiny Blue Dot Science Foundation. He is also the author of 10 books including: Preparing to Die; Dream Yoga; The Lucid Dreaming Workbook; and his latest book Total Eclipse of the Mind: Unleashing the Power of Darkness for Creativity, Healing, and Transformation. 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_mona... for details. Welcome!

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Zen & the Art of Poetry at the Edge: Everything is Waiting For You | David Whyte Q&A

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho engage in a conversation with poet David Whyte (https://davidwhyte.com/). 00:00:00 Introduction & Spiritual Background 00:09:48 David Recites "The Bell and the Blackbird" 00:12:35 Marshaling Art for Spiritual Growth 00:19:16 Overcoming Acedia & Finding Joy 00:24:55 David Recites Blessing for the Morning Light 00:26:24 David Recites "The Well of Grief" & Metabolizing Suffering 00:31:43 Facing the Conversation You Don't Want to Have David Whyte's biography: David Whyte grew up with a strong, imaginative influence from his Irish mother among the hills and valleys of his father’s Yorkshire. He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The author of twelve books of poetry and five books of prose, David Whyte holds a degree in Marine Zoology and has traveled extensively, including living and working as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands and leading anthropological and natural history expeditions in the Andes, Amazon and Himalaya. He brings this wealth of experience to his poetry, lectures and workshops. David’s life as a poet has created a readership and listenership in three normally mutually exclusive areas: the literate world of readings that most poets inhabit, the psychological and theological worlds of philosophical enquiry and the world of vocation, work and organizational leadership. The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

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Meditating in Total Darkness: Divine vs Diabolical Darkness | Andrew Holecek PART ONE

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Andrew Holecek—scholar, practitioner, and "student of the night" (https://www.andrewholecek.com/). Watch PART TWO here: https://youtu.be/mGqZDbIVK0c 00:00:00 - Introduction & Andrew Holecek's Background 00:01:44 - Lunar Spirituality Bio & Background 00:07:01 - Overview & Significance of Dark Retreat 00:10:34 - Physical Setup and Environments 00:12:03 - Sutra vs. Tantra Approaches 00:18:26 - Comfort, Challenge, and Danger Zones 00:24:03 - Testing Personal Limits and Session Duration 00:25:34 - Preparing for Total Darkness 00:33:17 - The Perception of Light and Openness 00:34:24 - Home Simulations vs. Retreat Centers 00:39:42 - Psychotherapy and Contemplative Practice 00:40:43 - Indications and Contraindications 00:53:34 - Signs of Dissociation and Knowing When to Stop 01:03:55 - Time Perception and Circadian Rhythms 01:07:22 - Egolocation and Boundaries of the Self Andrew Holecek's Biography: Dr. Andrew Holecek is an author, concert pianist, and interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner of Vajrayāna Buddhism. A member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he holds degrees in music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery, in addition to having completed a traditional Tibetan three-year meditation retreat under the guidance of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. He serves as Resident Contemplative Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, is a research consultant for the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University, and is actively involved in scientific research on dark retreat with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Tiny Blue Dot Science Foundation. He is also the author of 10 books including: Preparing to Die; Dream Yoga; The Lucid Dreaming Workbook; and his latest book Total Eclipse of the Mind: Unleashing the Power of Darkness for Creativity, Healing, and Transformation. 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_mona... for details. Welcome!

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From Seattle to North Bend: A Lotus With Every Step | Ayya Anandabodhi, Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

00:00 Chanting Together 00:52 Ayyā Ānandabodhi — Walking Right Here 08:04 Ajahn Kovilo — Walking With Stillness: The World Moving Through Us 16:58 Ajahn Nisabho — Path as Duty: Monastery as Container 26:59 Question: Navigating Career Transitions 31:53 Question: Managing Boredom in Relationships 37:25 Question: Balancing Duty and Presence In this session, directly preceding their three-day pilgrimage from St. Mark's Cathedral in Capitol Hill, Seattle to the new Clear Mountain property in North Bend, Ayyā Ānandabodhi and Venerable Satima join Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho in reflecting on the why and how of Buddhist pilgrimage ("tudong") and walking meditation more broadly. To learn more about Ayyā Ānandabodhi and Venerable Satima, visit www.parayanavihara.org 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!

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Returning to Nature through Wuwei: Simplifying, Sensitizing, & Surrendering | Jason Bartlett Q&A

ESSAYS Return to Simplicity Through Wuwei: https://luminousdharma.org/return-to-simplicity-through-wuwei/ Returning to Nature: https://luminousdharma.org/returning-to-nature-advanced-dharma-practice/ PAIRED VIDEO: https://youtu.be/qlU00qmHq1E DESCRIPTION Returning to Simplicity is an approach to Buddhist practice based on radical surrender. What we set down is the whole apparatus of impulse, obsession, discriminating, ruminating, and holding concepts about how the world should be. We are not setting down the arising of these things, but our investment in them. What we take up instead is feeling the world as it actually is. The Buddha encouraged exploring body, mind, and environment as "not I, not me, not mine." In this discussion we look at how that seeing may be uncovered and directly experienced, and how life can open into freedom when things are entrusted back to natural function. To learn more, visit https://luminousdharma.org/. BIO Jason Bartlett teaches a practical, cross-traditional approach to Buddha Dharma centered on "returning to nature" — a method of releasing the sense of self by entrusting whatever arises spontaneously and uncontrolled to nature itself, drawing on prajñāpāramitā, tathāgatagarbha, and early Taoist teachings. He began meditating in 1993 at age 17, and his practice expanded over the years to include Chan, Korean Seon, and Theravāda traditions, along with study of the Pāli suttas and Mahāyāna sūtras. Following his brother's death in 2019, he founded Luminous Dharma to offer teachings freely. His mentors include Venerable Sucitta Mahātherī, Santikaro Upāsaka, Leigh Brasington, and Venerable Wu Kai Shīfù. To learn more, visit https://luminousdharma.org/. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Opening & Bio Introduction 3:08 – "How would you describe returning to simplicity?" 9:34 – "How would you speak about people embodying this in daily life?" 13:33 – "Can you give listeners practical ways to embody the skill of release?" 18:05 – "How would you suggest cultivating this on the cushion?" 21:45 – "Do you want to quickly speak to the sailing analogy?" 27:20 – "How would you speak about moments where it's not easy to turn off the motor?" 32:24 – "Would you speak to big mind and small mind?" 35:20 – "What other methods do you have for people stepping into big mind?" 37:19 – "Do you have an example of returning to simplicity while doing the dishes?" 46:59 – "How do you teach this in meditation? How do you sit to develop these skills?" 51:30 – "Can you give a practical technique to sit with this — breath or mantra?" 54:54 – "What's different about returning to nature vs. returning to simplicity?" 1:01:19 – "How is returning to nature different from returning to simplicity?" (trust/wholehearted wish) 1:09:00 – "What's the practical way to sit and develop the returning to nature method?" 1:17:14 – "How do people make the leap to piti, rapture, and nourishment?" 1:21:43 – "How does one know if a breakthrough is authentic?" 1:25:08 – "How does the Awakening Alchemy method fit into this paradigm?" 1:28:42 – "Do you consider yourself Buddhist?" We are especially grateful for the work of Chetan Raj in filming and editing. Sadhu! --- 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!

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Essence, Energy, & Emptiness: Taoist Energy Alchemy for Buddhist Liberation | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho the Buddha's directions towards developing jhāna through mindfulness of breathing, as articulated in the Ānāpānassati Sutta (MN 18 - https://suttacentral.net/mn118/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false). Taoist articulations of how to refine the body's energies provide practical tools for practitioners looking to refine the mind through these stages. Specifically, Jason Bartlett's "Awakening Alchemy" methodology, described in the talk and essay below, give in-depth guidance about the approach. Video: Buddhist Lotus, Taoist Roots: An Ancient Blueprint for Modern Practice | Jason Bartlett Q&A: https://youtu.be/qlU00qmHq1E Awakening Alchemy Essay: http://Luminousdharma.org/awakening-alchemy/ ------ 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!

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Buddhist Lotus, Taoist Roots: An Ancient Blueprint for Modern Practice | Jason Bartlett Q&A

ESSAY: http://Luminousdharma.org/awakening-alchemy/ PAIRED VIDEO: https://youtu.be/_GUvwlg8bHI DESCRIPTION Awakening Alchemy is a system of body, breath, energy, and spirit practices that cultivate and transform our being on multiple levels. Its concepts and approach are rooted in principles found within East Asian medicine, Taoist cultivation, and Buddhism. In this discussion we establish the principles and working points that serve as the foundation for this style of practice. As with all techniques, these practices affect each person differently. If you experience problematic symptoms or stress while trying them, please discontinue the practice and consult a skilled practitioner of traditional East Asian medicine as needed. To learn more, visit https://luminousdharma.org/. BIO Jason Bartlett teaches a practical, cross-traditional approach to Buddha Dharma centered on "returning to nature" — a method of releasing the sense of self by entrusting whatever arises spontaneously and uncontrolled to nature itself, drawing on prajñāpāramitā, tathāgatagarbha, and early Taoist teachings. He began meditating in 1993 at age 17, and his practice expanded over the years to include Chan, Korean Seon, and Theravāda traditions, along with study of the Pāli suttas and Mahāyāna sūtras. Following his brother's death in 2019, he founded Luminous Dharma to offer teachings freely. His mentors include Venerable Sucitta Mahātherī, Santikaro Upāsaka, Leigh Brasington, and Venerable Wu Kai Shīfù. To learn more, visit https://luminousdharma.org/. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and guest biography 01:59 How did the Awakening Alchemy approach develop? 05:35 What are the Three Treasures (jing, qi, shen)? 09:29 How do the Three Treasures map onto satipatthana and the four jhanas? 11:58 How do heaven, earth, person and fire and water map onto the body? 16:26 How do we practically work with the Three Treasures? 18:44 Phase one: how do we settle into yin until yang is born? 26:06 How do you find the dantian by feel? 32:40 What is bellows breathing and how is it practiced? 35:33 Phase three: what happens when we "steam the medicine"? 41:10 What are the microcosmic orbit and the magpie bridge? 44:27 How do the three phases cycle together (the firing cycle)? 48:51 How do we use dantian awareness with difficult emotions in daily life? 51:29 What are warrior fire and scholar fire? 53:21 How do the three dantians wire together? 58:52 What is the postural shift that opens the heart center? 1:03:08 Which phase does the wiring of the dantians belong to? 1:04:34 What happens when the dantians connect into an "antenna"? 1:09:41 How would one know they've touched this antenna phase? 1:11:04 What is the "ball of medicine" that gathers with practice? 1:16:05 How should practitioners handle setbacks, timelines, and support? 1:21:00 Can you demonstrate the opening and closing practices? 1:28:19 What about standing meditation (zhan zhuang) and shaking practice? 1:32:21 Why does ethical restraint (sila) matter for this practice? 1:38:05 How does this system map onto the Anapanasati Sutta's 16 steps? 1:44:33 Where does jhana fit into this framework? 1:51:16 How do the jhana similes describe these body experiences? 1:54:03 What is the nada sound (the "sound of silence") and how do you find it? 1:56:17 How does this practice fuel metta and the Brahmaviharas? 2:00:16 How do capacity and merit affect spiritual development? We are especially grateful for the work of Chetan Raj in filming and editing, and of Alex Haynes in creating the instructive imagery. Sadhu! ---- 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!

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A How-To Guide to Space! Is There A Final Frontier? | Ajahn Kovilo

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about four doors to entering into the perception of space (ākāsa-saññā or ākāsānañcāyatana-saññā): 1) transcending form (rūpasaññānaṃ samatikkamā); 2) setting down resistance (paṭighasaññānaṃ atthaṅgamā); 3) unhooking duality (nānattasaññānaṃ amanasikārā); 4) resting in space (‘ananto ākāso’ti ākāsānañcāyatanaṃ upasampajja viharati). Bhikkhu Sujato Translation: "With the...surmounting of perceptions of form, with the disappearance of perceptions of impingement, not focusing on perceptions of diversity, aware that ‘space is infinite’, one enters and remains in the dimension of infinite space." Bhikkhu Bodhi Translation: "With the...surmounting of perceptions of form, with the disappearance of perceptions of sensory impact, with non-attention to perceptions of diversity, aware that ‘space is infinite,’ some bhikkhu enters upon and abides in the base of infinite space." 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!

We All Bow to Something: Adhiṭṭhāna, Vows, & the Architecture of Aspiration | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks the importance in practice of directing attention and intention to shape our path and experience. The word "adhiṭṭāna" ("determination" or "vow") describes such training, as does the Buddha's frequent admonishment to his discples, "Evañhi vo … sikkhitabbaṃ" ("Thus you should train yourselves..."). Some Suttas where the Buddha speaks about this setting of intention include the Mahāgosiṅga Sutta (MN 32 - https://suttacentral.net/mn32/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false), AN 2.5 (https://suttacentral.net/an2.5/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin) Ajahn Kovilo and others have compiled an anthology of the Buddha's other encouragements towards training in "Thus Should You Train Yourselves" (https://www.clearmountain.org/2024/06/11/thus-should-you-train-yourselves/) ----- 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!

How to Laugh First: Renunciate ProTips for Beautiful Breaths & Truckloads of Bliss | Ajahn Brahm Q&A

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". ------ 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!

Mahāyāna Satipaṭṭhāna: Thich Nhat Hanh’s Theravāda Bonafides | Brother Pháp Lưu Q&A

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Brother Pháp Lưu, the eldest non-Vietnamese American monk in the Plum Village tradition who is currently at Deer Park Monastery (https://deerparkmonastery.org/). Biography of Brother Pháp Lưu: Ordained as a monk since December 13, 2003, Brother Chân Pháp Lưu (Brother Stream) received Transmission of the Lamp from Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh to teach in 2011. He helped start Wake-Up, the international movement for young people, as well as the Happy Farm, Plum Village’s organic farming community, and has been working with Wake-Up Schools since its inception in 2012 to bring mindfulness to schools. He has served as a monastic editor several of Thích Nhát Hạnh’s books including Happy Teachers Change the World, Stepping Into Freedom, Cracking the Walnut, The Admonitions and Encouraging Words of Master Guishan, and How to Focus. Brother Phap Luu leads mindful backpacking retreats in nature around Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California and recently co-authored a book with Brother Phap Xa called Hiking Zen. Brother Stream has been working lately with scientists at Dartmouth College and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to develop research on the effect of Plum Village mindfulness practices on children. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Thích Nhát Hạnh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is the 201st disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and belongs to the 43rd generation of the Lâm Tế lineage and the 9th generation of the Liễu Quán school. The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 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!

From Dharma Prince To Homeless Beggar: A Tibetan Tudong In Love With The World | Mingyur Rinpoche

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho speak with Mingyur Rinpoche (https://tergar.org/) 00:00 Introduction 03:29 Monastic Background and Biography 06:22 Motivation for the Wandering Pilgrimage 10:30 Utility and Traps of the Self-Image 15:36 Near-Death Experience in Kushinagar 24:48 Dynamic Between Effort and Non-Effort 30:36 Innate Qualities of Awareness, Love, and Compassion 40:56 Pointing-Out Instructions and Lineage Transmission 46:05 Nature of Mind as Mundane vs. Transcendent 52:20 Preparing for the Process of Dying 58:03 Closing Blessing and Remarks Mingyur Rinpoche Biography: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (born 1975) is a Tibetan Nepali master of the Karma Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, a bestselling author, and the leader of the international Tergar Meditation Community. Raised by his father, the prominent Dzogchen and Mahamudra meditation master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, he began studying meditation at age nine, entered formal training at Sherab Ling Monastery in India at age eleven, was recognized by the 16th Karmapa and by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche as a tulku-incarnation of historical Adept Meditation masters at age twelve, began his first 3-year retreat at age 13, became functioning abbot of Sherab Ling at age twenty, and received full monastic ordination at age twenty-three. In addition to completing the construction of Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya and overseeing Tergar Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Rinpoche embarked on a transformative four-year wandering retreat/pilgrimage in 2011 recounted in his book _In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying. He is also well-known globally for his accessible approach to meditation, detailed in his international bestselling books The Joy of Living (2007) and Joyful Wisdom (2009), and through his stepwise online courses available through Varjrayana Online (https://vajrayana.tergar.org/) 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!

The Buddha’s Blueprint for Wellbeing: It’s Not Just For Buddhist | Ajahn Kovilo

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the Four Noble Truths and the Discourse on Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma in honor of Āsāḷha Pūjā. 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!

Q&A: Perceiving Nibbāna, Bodhisattvas vs. Arahants, & Can Laypeople Attain Jhāna? | CM Monks

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho celebrate Āsāḷha Pūjā by speaking about the Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma Sutta (SN 56.11 - Dhammacakkappavattanasutta), and its articulation of the Four Noble Truths. They they take questions dealing with topics ranging from the difference between Bodhisattvas and Arahants, to the nature of Nibbāna, to the benefits of memorization. Sadhu! An article by Ajahn Kovilo on memorizing long Dhamma may be found here: https://www.clearmountain.org/2020/08/01/article-a-fun-way-to-memorize-long-dhamma-with-a-special-focus-on-the-dhammapada/ A recording and text for chanting the Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma Sutta (SN 56.11 - Dhammacakkappavattanasutta) may be found on page 2 of the Amaravati Chanting Book: https://amaravati.org/dhamma-books/chanting-book-volume-two/ The full Sutta text may be found here: https://suttacentral.net/sn56.11/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false A recording may be found here: Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_FNHIPiTns -------- The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 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!

Have You Forgotten Your Freedom? Prison Program Leaders & a Monk on Liberation Behind Bars | GRIP

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks with Kim Grose Moore and Tommy "Shakur" Ross from the GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) Training Institute (https://grip-traininginstitute.org/) about their work in prisons teaching inmates to transform trauma and anger into meaningful internal change. The program, inspired by Dhammic principles and practices, has helped almost 2000 graduates move towards genuine freedom of heart, even while behind bars. To learn more about GRIP and support, visit https://grip-traininginstitute.org/ To sign up for their newsletter, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/pDQIgRHaHUaPNnI5Xurq-A2 Biography of Kim: Kim Grose Moore is the Executive Director of the GRIP Training Institute, where she leads transformative restorative justice programs across California. By guiding incarcerated individuals through a deep process of trauma healing, and learning mindfulness and emotional intelligence, Kim works to break cycles of violence and develop Peacemakers in the most unlikely of places: prison. Her leadership is informed by 15 years of faith-based community organizing in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on housing, immigration, and criminal justice reform. A Buddhist chaplain in the Theravada tradition and a former Rhodes Scholar, Kim anchors her activism in the principle that "the first revolution is internal." She views the Dharma and mindfulness as the essential foundations for both personal transformation and the broader pursuit of a more just and equitable society. Biography of Tommy: Tommy “Shakur” Ross was paroled in 2022 after serving 37 years of incarceration. During that time, he committed himself to personal transformation and achieved extensive growth through education, training, and service. His experience includes work as a peer health educator, circle keeper, group facilitator, podcaster, mentor, event planner and organizer, and restorative justice practitioner. In 2013, Shakur officially participated in the GRIP Program at San Quentin. He graduated from GRIP and signed the Peacemaker Pledge. Shakur went on to become GRIP facilitator, facilitating Tribes at San Quentin as both an inside and outside facilitator, and at Soledad as an outside facilitator. Many people ask Shakur, why does he go back inside prison after serving so much time there? His reply is, " because I know the way out, and the way out is sitting in the fire, burning clean, leaving nothing but ashes!" He remains deeply committed to accountability and restoration, dedicating his life to honoring those he has harmed by giving back to the community and being of service to others. ----- The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

”There Won’t Be a Second”: A Devotional to Luang Por Sumedho, the Most Ordinary Human | Ajahn Vinita

In this session, Ajahn Vinita, longtime attendant and student of Luang Por Sumedho, speaks with deep devotional warmth and sweetness about his affection and love for his teacher, the "simplest, most ordinary human" he's ever met. The talk, given on the Saturday preceding Luang Por Sumedho's 93rd birthday, is made especially poignant in that it was given at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral where Luang Por served as alter boy while growing up in Seattle. Ajahn Vinita Biography: Born in Sri Lanka, Ajahn Vinitha ordained as a novice at age 17 in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw. After ten years training in Sri Lanka, he had the opportunity to attend to (upaṭṭhāk) Luang Por Sumedho on one of Luang Por's visits to the island. Before returning to England, Luang Por invited Ajahn Vinita to come to England to ordain under him at Amaravati Monastery. Since that time, Ajahn Vinita has diligently lived and trained with Luang Por Sumedho and served the Western Sangha for over 20 years. Ajahn Vinita is currently staying at the Alberta Insight Meditation Centre in Canada. 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!

The Miraculous Nature of the Ordinary: A Daylong Retreat on Gratitude | Bhante Rahula

Gratitude Retreat Part 1: https://youtu.be/Bs-ymolbjqs In this second portion of the daylong gratitude retreat given in June of 2026, Bhante Rahula speaks about the essential practice of cultivating gratitude for the blessings in our life, and the blessings we give to others. Such recollections represent a great support in practice, and our lives, and can be cultivated through practical means. Bring a pen and paper! Special thanks to Luis Navarro (Memo) for inserting the wonderful visuals. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com. Bio Bhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. He underwent monastic Vinaya training for 2 years in Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary in Malaysia under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika, where he also led retreats and Dhamma activities for the local community. Currently, Bhante is constructing the Mexican Buddhist Center (Paññābhūmi) to introduce and propagate the Buddha’s teaching in South America. He is also actively involved in diverse programs to aid parts of the society in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational campaigns for children and teens to prevent such problem in this region. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com. 00:00 – Introduction: Working with the Mind After a Meal 00:26 – The Three Inner Enemies: Desire, Aversion, and Not Knowing 06:29 – Desire vs. Attachment: The Hummus Story 10:12 – Aversion, Pessimism, and Fear Is a Liar 15:03 – Introducing Gratitude as the Antidote 16:41 – Gratitude List Exercise Begins 20:00 – Group Sharing: What Gratitude Uncovers 42:15 – Warrior Breathing and Body Awareness 48:32 – Silanusati: Recognizing Our Own Goodness 1:03:05 – Worthy and Capable: Overcoming Self-Doubt 1:13:47 – How to Use This Practice Against the Inner Bully 1:17:16 – The Plane Story: Gratitude in the Face of Death 1:30:05 – Group Reflections: Bringing This Practice Home 2:04:52 – Words of Appreciation for Bante Rahula 2:17:16 – Closing Blessing and Dedication ----- 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!

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What Do You Want to Do with the Time You Have Left? The Radical Courage of Practice | Bhante Rahula

Gratitude Retreat Part 2: https://youtu.be/RJ1mAYVhJ-Y In this first talk of the daylong gratitude retreat given in June of 2026, Bhante Rahula speaks about how to use practice to take stock of our moment in life, and use it skillfully to cleanse the mind and heart. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com. Bio Bhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. He underwent monastic Vinaya training for 2 years in Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary in Malaysia under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika, where he also led retreats and Dhamma activities for the local community. Currently, Bhante is constructing the Mexican Buddhist Center (Paññābhūmi) to introduce and propagate the Buddha’s teaching in South America. He is also actively involved in diverse programs to aid parts of the society in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational campaigns for children and teens to prevent such problem in this region. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com. ----- 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!

Billionaires Crying All Night, Because They Don’t Understand Dukkha | Luang Por Damrong Siribaddho

00:00 Intro & THAI Part-1: On Merit, Meditation, Impermanence, and Karma 15:10 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-1 24:25 Question: Expressing Gratitude and Asking About Sitting Together 25:24 Ayya Anandabodhi Gratitude and Luang Por Damrong Sucitto Response 29:43 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-2 32:38 Question: Requesting a Monastic Blessing In this talk, Luang Por Damrong Siribadaddho, one of the most senior disciples of Ajahn Chah, teaches that material wealth and physical health are impermanent, urging the community to find true happiness by cultivating inner peace through generosity, morality, and meditation. Biography: Luang Por Damrong SIribaddho, or Phra Khru Bhaddadhammasiri, is a direct disciple of Luang Por Chah who has been in robes for 57 years. He is the is abbot of Wat Pah Nam Khamgeung (วัดป่าน้ำคำเกิ่ง) in Ubon, Thailand. 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!

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