Recordings of the Buddhist Society of Victoria retreat

Three video recording during a nine day retreat led by Ajahn Achalo with the Buddhist Society of Victoria, Australia held in April and May 2016.

Going for Refuge and taking precepts with deeper understanding
On this occasion I have taken the opportunity to explain the Refuges and the Precepts in an in-depth manner, as both a ritual and an active contemplation. I encourage listeners to open their hearts with awe and gratitude towards the revolutionary Enlightenment and liberation of the Buddha, then to recognise this as being one's own ultimate potential. I then also encourage listeners to feel joy and deep appreciation in having met this precious liberating Path and training. Sometimes we have to consider what the path and practice of Dhamma really is in order to truly recognise the value of it. Recognising that millions of others have walked this Way before us and that many are still walking the Noble Path today is another encouraging contemplation.

​Why Me?... Why Not Me?
​In modern life, with it's complexities and challenges, along with it's luxuries and conveniences, it can become easy to move from stressful situations and then to fall by habit into familiar sensuality, laziness and distraction as a way to get away from the stress. As the years go by though, many people begin to realise that this running from one type of impingement to another doesn't actually seem to be going anywhere. We then develop a deeper interest in something more dependable… or something that might truly be 'leading onwards.' Our mindfulness and meditation practices, when we undertake them consistently and sincerely really do offer a skilful way to take some space from stress… and lay the foundation to go beyond all Dukkha in the future as well. In this talk that I gave recently in Melbourne, we explore ways to refresh a sense of focus and commitment in the modern Urban context.

Belief In Rebirth Is Skillful and Motivating
​In this talk I share my own conviction regarding the belief that rebirth and kamma are simple facts pertaining to the way life works. I share several stories of the teachers and masters who I respect most deeply which clearly support these beliefs. We also explore the ways that taking on this more vast and spacious view of life can be useful with regards to gaining confidence in the value of practicing sincerely today, understanding that the benefits in the future will be enormous.  Belief in rebirth can also be helpful in generating the necessary energy, resolve and determination that is required for liberating one's mind from the realm of birth and death. Later in the talk we explore the ways the Five Hindrances to peacefulness can bind us to the painful samsaric cycle, and consider ways to go beyond them by "letting them go."