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News and updates to students and Dhamma practitioners

The Bliss of Emptiness – Understanding the Goal

9/6/2019

 
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Greetings fellow practitioners,

In this talk that was given on the last day of an intensive meditation retreat I address the subject of 'voidness' or 'emptiness.' The supremely radiant and exceptionally peaceful experience of mind while glimpsing or realising the deeper nature of life, experience and conditions. It is important to understand the actual goal of practice ultimately, in order to have confidence in it and to give rise to the energy needed to practice towards it. In a world so bound up with concepts of self and other, past and future, it can be difficult to even imagine a truly boundless, spacious mental experience not tied down by deluded and constricting ways of grasping. And yet this is the result of sincere and concerted practice. Unbridled and unshakeable Peace.

I spend a few minutes comparing Venerable Sariputtas description of his meditation abiding in voidness - 'sunnyata vihara' and compare this with Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattvas description of the perfection of wisdom in the famous 'Heart Sutra' a Mahayana Sutta. It should not surprise us that the Arahant foremost in wisdom describing his experience of voidness has remarkeable similiarity to an advanced Bodhisattvas description of the perfection of wisdom. Whether one believes in Mahayana suttas or not – this is Interesting!

​The talk starts with these profound considerations and moves into the area of practical suggestions for taking steady steps towards realising the goal.

I sincerely hope that something in this talk is helpful or encouraging to you wherever you find yourself now.

With Loving-Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Talk - Emptiness, Voidness, Not-Self, Peace

Practice Makes Perfect

18/5/2019

 

(Fire Sermon with Introduction and Commentary)

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Greetings Fellow Practitioners,

Please excuse my recent absence. I've been quite busy here at Anandagiri with our Chedi Project which is now reaching a critical point approaching the final stages where care and attention are greatly needed. This included a recent trip to the Kathmandu valley to study similar structures in the historical town of Bhaktapur… figuring out exactly how to taper of Chedi spire elegantly. (I've not done this before this lifetime.) Even so, I do have a good number of things in the pipeline that I am looking forward to sharing with you all in the coming months. Follow up Compassion meditations as well as some more Journal Writing form a recent pilgrimage to the Buddhist Holy Sites in India and related slideshow. But on this occasion I decided to share a classic formal teaching instead that was given in Malaysia last year. (There are five ore talks and two meditations from the retreat in Malaysia which I plan to share throughout the year)

Although The Fire Sermon, the 3rd of the 'Three Cardinal Suttas' and commentary can already be found on my website in at least two other places, I have decided to share yet another version, why? Basically every time that I give a commentary upon this central teaching I will give a different introduction and commentary, and so revisits can be very helpful. I hope that I am getting better at presenting these things over the years as well. In any case, the central and basic Teachings are always relevant, especially this sutta which aided in liberating 1000 fire worshipping ascetics all in one go back in ancient India! I have added an entertaining preface as a way to make the teaching more relatable to us doubting and scattered modern folks. I gave these teachings in a retreat which I taught in the Cameron Highlands back in December last year. 

The true goal of Buddhist practice and the actual process of mental purification is often misunderstood even by Buddhists. These are subtle matters. This central Teaching of the Buddha helps in orienting us correctly. I have endeavoured to present it as clearly and simply as possible.
​
I hope that some of the content is helpful to you and your practice.

With metta and every good wish

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the talk - Practice makes perfect

Cultivating Genuine Deep and Vast Compassion: Part Two

12/2/2019

 
Greetings fellow practitioners,

This is part two of our thorough exploration of the subject of Cultivating Compassion. Challenging
our limitations and encouraging practitioners to increase our abilities, seeing the tremendous 
value and benefit that can be derived from it's cultivation and practice.

I had very much hoped to be able to send along the intermediate meditation practice as well at this
time. But editing the meditations is a delicate task that I prefer to take great care with. Chedi 
ceremonies, building projects, and a recuperating yet 'out of action' second monk requiring a lot of 
care, as well as preparations for a 3 week Pilgrimage leading 40 people in India have kept me from 
this task. I am sure you will understand.

I will be in India when you receive this subscriber update. Your good wishes for the safety of myself
and the other pilgrims as well as the success of the Pilgrimage would be appreciated.

Hoping the content of the talk is helpful to you - and with every good wish!

With metta
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the talk - Cultivating Compassion, part 2

Practice Develops Qualities – a Refuge in the Heart

3/2/2019

 
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Greetings Fellow Practitioners,

This update brings both some sad and some happy news… 
​

Ajahn Pavaro is a Canadian born Bhikkhu who has lived with me for around 6 years as my 2nd monk here at Anandagiri. We've shared a noble friendship and also had some great adventures while on Pilgrimages over the years. Last year he felt that it would be good to check in with folks back in Canada and so spent the rainy season retreat away. We had planned to meet up again and co-lead a retreat in Malaysia as we have done several times before. Ajahn was very tired and a little forgetful when I met him in Kuala Lumpur, but we both thought this was just jetlag. As the retreat progressed Ajahn seemed to become more tired and forgetful, but neither of us knew for sure what was wrong. A head scan shortly after the retreat revealed that there was blood caught between his skull and brain, probably the result of a knock on the head many months earlier. As the blood was hardening it was pressing against the brain and this was what was causing the forgetfulness. A surgical procedure was needed, holes then had to be literally drilled into his skull in order to release the build up of pressure.

This talk is a personal sharing about impermanence and uncertainty, ageing and sickness, but also about the qualities of Ajahn Pavaro, his habits of mind, and how they were clearly a support to him during this difficult time. Ajahn's qualities also made him an easy monk to take care of, which made an already difficult situation much more easy to bare. Although given to a group of junior monks at Wat Pah Nanachat, (The International Forest Monastery) many of the subjects touched upon are relevant to all practitioners still 'practicing with' the human situation and predicament.

The good news is that although subsequent procedures were required, Ajahn is now in good health and good spirits and recovering well.

Hope something in this talk is useful to you wherever you find yourself just now.

With Loving Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to this talk - Practice Develops Qualities

The Greatest Heroes That Ever Lived

6/1/2019

 
Greetings fellow practitioners,
Recently I was invited to give a Dhamma Talk under the Sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya during the 14th annual Tipitaka recitation ceremonies. As I have had many great opportunities to cultivate my own personal practice there, it seemed appropriate to try and rise to the occasion and share some Dhamma refelction with fellow cultivators in this most inspiring and auspicious place. The talk was also translated into Hindi, which was a lovely offering to make to the locals.

The sutta that the gathering was reciting this year was the Buddhavamsa from the Kudakka Nikaya. This is a truly awe inspiring and fascinating text that I was very happy to become acquainted with. It relates in the Buddha's own words the occasion where he received, as a great yogi named Sumedha, the prediction of his future Buddhahood, by the Great Buddha Dipankara. This was 'Four incalculable periods plus 100,000 aeons ago'! The talk covers some truly mind blowing subjects, which is appropriate for such an Enlightening place. To be able to talk of these occurrences in the very place where Gautama Buddha finally fulfilled his incredible destiny was both very humbling and moving for me. I've also tried to share some practical advice as to how we can distil the basics of the core practices and apply them in our lives.

Here you have an opportunity to listen to some of the 'special' ambient background noises that are always present in Bodhgaya. From chanting, talking, dogs barking, buses honking as well as the moslem call to prayer. The talk is clearly audible however. Listening back I found that it was a more pleasant experience listening from speakers, rather than with earphones.

​I hope that something contained in the talks will be both instructive and inspiring.


With every good wish,
 Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the talk at the Bodhi Tree

Three Suttas and a Mantra

4/1/2019

 
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Greetings Fellow Practitioners,

​'Happy New Year'!


On this occasion I am happy to share with you all - Four More Chants! The Three first Teaching sermons of the Buddha, sometimes referred to as The Cardinal Suttas.     
(The Dhammacakkapavattana, Anattalakhana and Adittapariyaya Suttas)
These chants were recorded recently while leading a retreat in Malaysia, so they have a lovely sense of community, faith and devotion as well as profound Liberating Wisdom. They are shared here without any musical soundscape backdrop as an addition to our 'Formal Pali Chanting' Collection. But the Malaysian Chorus does give them a certain liveliness.

I am also sharing here one more Mantra chant rendition. The Medicine Buddha Mantra from the Tibetan Tradition. When a young Californian man who I have known since he was born came to visit Anandagiri recently, I discovered that he had attended a 'Choir School' and as such had trained his voice for several hours every day for more than a decade! This seemed like both a good opportunity and great choice for a chanting collaboration. So we had a late night chanting session in my monk's kuti (hut/cabin) and sent the recording file through cyberspace to the UK, where once again Christopher Conway deftly added his musical accompaniment in delicate layers. The wonders of modern digital music production!

There will be a PDF chanting book embedded on the page where the Three Cardinal Suttas are.

I hope that these Chants prove to be a nourishing support for your chanting, contemplating and meditating practices.

With Loving-Kindness
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Cardinal Suttas in Collection #4
Listen to the Medicine Buddha Mantra in Collection #3

Mindfulness Based Delusion Reduction

5/12/2018

 
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Greetings fellow practitioners,

Recently we had our Kathina offering celebrations at Anandagiri, it was an inspiring and joyful occasion attended by many. Once again a group of faithful Malaysians made a special effort to attend, staying nearby for several days. Giving a formal talk in the English language is actually quite a rare occurrance here, situated as we are in rural Thailand, but I felt it was appropriate to offer some encouragement to our special guests and this talk is the result. 


I am glad that I gave this particular talk and am happy to share it more broadly as it addresses some important subjects – namely, balancing spiritual practices and qualities in a manner which will actually lead to an increase in both peace and wisdom. Even experienced practitioners can go wrong at times, placing too much emphasis upon 'trying to be mindful in all postures' without doing enough formal practice, or alternately, doing a lot of formal practice and attaching to peaceful states, then resenting the impingement of normal life. Balancing mindfulness with collectedness, then keeping a quality of 'presence of mind' throughout the day, while reflecting wisely is the key.' A diligent, balanced and holistic approach is what is needed. No one says this is easy! But the resultant peace and wisdom make the efforts worthwhile.


I hope that something in this talk is useful to you,


​With metta

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Talk
Watch the Slideshow

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Ajahn Achalo Bhikku YouTube Channel

There is now also an official ‘Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu’ YouTube channel should anyone wish to share links with Dhamma friends.

Cultivating Genuine, Deep and Vast Compassion

2/11/2018

 
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Dear fellow practitioners, greetings!

I am happy to share with you on this occasion both a New Talk and a New Meditation upon the theme of Cultivating Compassion. Actually I am feeling especially pleased on this occasion because this talk and meditation constitute the first instalment of a brand new section at the Peace Beyond Suffering website. An important element that I have been hoping to add for quite some time.

Both the theme and quality of Compassion are so rich and powerful that it seems appropriate to reserve an entire section for this subject, for Compassion can be many things. A quality… an emotion… an attitude… a pure form of 'collectedness' or concentration… as well as an indomitable force of Transformation.

This Talk is the first of two-parts, and the guided meditation is the first of three. For as well as this initial basic practice, we will soon be adding both an intermediate and advanced Compassion Guided Meditation.

I actually composed this talk and then recorded it in my kuti, rather than 'winging it' during a retreat or while on pilgrimage, as there were many things to cover and I wanted to be sure to include as much as I could. The talk touches on many things, from the cosmological and esoteric, the path and process of purification of mind, as well as the nitty gritty of integrating Compassion into our daily lives. The content is so rich engaging and interesting in fact, that it may be worth listening to a few times.

So I sincerely hope that this talk and meditation will be of benefit to you wherever you are now.

With Loving-Compassion

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Talk Meditation on Compassion

Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta

22/10/2018

 

'The Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma'

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Formal Chanting,

Dear fellow practitioners,

today I am sharing with you one more item for our recently added 'Formal Chanting without Music' section.


The Dhammacakkapavattana sutta was the first formal Teaching taught by Lord Buddha.  It was taught in the Deer Park at Isipattana a few miles outside of the ancient city of Varanasi to a group of five ascetics.  These ascetics had practiced with the Bodhisatta previously while he was practicing extreme austerities before he discovered The Middle Way.  The sutta covers the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, and by the time Lord Buddha had given the discourse one of these ascetics had an unshakeable penetrative insight… and attained the first level of Liberation.  This occasion was when the Dhamma became first manifest in the world and the Sangha was also born.  Due to all of this, it is a much loved and revered sutta. 

It can be wonderful to chant these verses in Pali. I certainly enjoy it.

I also hope that it may be interesting and nourishing to you.

​With every best wish.

Ajahn Achalo

Listen to Dhammacakka sutta solo

The Birth and growth of a Sacred Chedi (cetiya)

1/10/2018

 

A Visual Journey

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Dear Fellow practitioners,

On this occasion I am sharing with you the second slideshow illustrating the growth and development of the Sacred Chedi which we are building here at Anandagiri. The construction of this Holy Monument has been the catalyst for visits from several wonderful senior monks. Tahn Ajahn Pasanno, Tahn Ajahn Piak, and Tahn Ajahn Anan just in this past year alone. It has also been a project that has brought many people together repeatedly, to celebrate our Faith and join in creating something beautiful in honour of our love for Lord Buddha and his Liberating Teachings. It may sound presumptuous my saying this? But I'll say it anyway! This slideshow is no ordinary slideshow! Sifting through the thousands of pictures that many people shared with me, I have been able to select The 300 Images, (which take 20 minutes to scroll through at four seconds each) that capture many remarkable things. With many people taking pictures from many angles - on many occasions, I had A LOT of material to sift through and choose from. The Slideshow gives thorough glimpses into the following…

- The very process of building such a monument. 

- All of the people involved - monks, laypeople, sculptors, labourers, villagers etc.


​- Then the witnessing of solid lumps of stone becoming beautiful pieces of Buddhist art under the guiding eye of myself and our chief artists, as well as the experienced hands of many sculptors. Then seeing plain bricks neatly laid becoming an inspiring sacred object.

The places of devotion that I've been to, along with other monks and students which inspired much of this project's design are another important component not so easily seen. A lot of factors go into building such a monument! (There have been many visits to museums in many countries as well)

The Chedi was inspired initially by the desire to help 'brighten up and clean up' the 'psychic atmosphere' around the vicinity of the monastery, for just 40 years ago it was a war zone, where communist guerrilla forces fought the army of the Thai government. This project has already taken a lot of time, faith, love, energy and devotion. And to be honest I would never have given myself to such a taxing task were it not for the sense that it was definitely needed. So the tiring and taxing side is the negative, although such endeavours bear great fruit in future we are told. The positive has been the extraordinary support we have received from so many people to bring it into being. It is quickly becoming more beautiful than I ever dared imagine. Other good news is that according to some of my gifted Teachers, many 'wandering souls' have, through the power of the merits produced and dedications made, been able to move onto happier situations. Saaaaadhuuuu !!!

There is much to be seen in the making of this Chedi. And perhaps even more going on in realms that we cannot yet perceive? In any event, the slideshow gives a very good look at many of the most significant events of the past year here at Anandagiri. The community, the Chedi and the trees are all growing. And of course in the future we hope that the Chedi will be a site that inspires much inner reflection, quiet meditation, and perhaps even liberating insight, when people recollect and then practice in accordance with the Buddha's Teachings. May it be so!

We rejoice in the offerings of the many big and small donors who have helped to make this project go forward. At the current pace the entire project should be finished by the end of next year. I hope that this visual journey will prove to be interesting and uplifting for you as well - wherever you are.

With Loving-Kindness    

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

(If anyone would like to make a contribution to the Chedi construction there is an opportunity. Feel free to contact one of the monastery stewards and request details. Approximately 85% of the estimated costs for the complete project have been either donated or pledged thus far)

What the Slideshow of Phase Two of our Chedi Project

Chanting - Devotional and Formal

10/9/2018

 
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Greetings Fellow practitioners,

I am happy to share with you on this occasion another upgrade and expansion of our Chanting Section – Introducing - 'Three jewels and A Lotus #3'! Once again Christopher Conway has added some lovely, enigmatic soundscapes to some of my chants recorded in 'secret late night pujas' here at Anandagiri. We do have daily formal Pali chanting here at the monstery, but I also occasionally do some more devotional styles of chanting by myself – usually late at night. ☺ 

As well as the new Chants with soundcapes I am also introducing a new 'Formal Chanting' section as a support to people's chanting practice. Chants Without Music.


Chanting is an important practice in most Buddhist Traditions, as it is a wonderful way to both recollect teachings and/or events from the Buddha's life, as well as gladden and energise the mind and begin to collect it before sitting meditation. A formal practice in and of itself which also primes the mind for sitting quietly. 


The main reason that I have produced and shared recordings of chanting with a musical backdrop is that I recognise that it can be difficult to feel in the right kind of mood to meditate after a long day at work, or after a stressful occasion, and so finding relaxing ways to gently incline the mind towards formal practice can be very valid and useful.


Some people sometimes ask me why I have recorded some Tibetan chants and mantras as well as the traditional Pali? Basically it is because the chants and mantras in the Mahayana traditions are often chanted to a pleasant sounding melody which lends itself easily to a musical accompaniment, more so than with the more rhythmic Pali verses. They also tend to be Devotional in mood, which can be a lovely way to recollect and 'lift up' our faith. I believe that many modern people need to cultivate the Faith Faculty further, as it gives rise to important Energy that can be applied to other areas of practice.


Recognising the value of traditional Pali chanting as a formal practice however, indeed a practice that I myself and all of the other monks and nuns at Anandagiri do on a daily basis.  And recognising also that not everyone has joined in doing such chanting before. On this occasion we are introducing a section of traditional Pali chants along with a PDF print out as a resource for those who wish to add a chanting session to their daily practice. With no musical accompaniment. Here you will have to be equanimous with what our voices sound like without any modern digital voice production assistance! 


I hope that these new chants may act as a support to you and your practice.


With Loving Kindness

Ajahn Achalo

Listen to Devotional and Formal Chanting

Reflections

3/9/2018

 

Increasing commitment - with love and patience for growing pains

Greetings fellow practitioners,
Hoping this arrives in your inbox finding you well! In recent months I took the opportunity to visit my Dear Old Mum in Australia (now 79 years old) as well as some teachers and friends in the USA.  Aside from this, several visits from senior monks to Anandagiri, in order to Bless our Chedi 'under construction.' As well as my having been personally supervising the finishing of various stone sculptures enshrined therein have kept me rather busy. Like I encourage everyone else, I have kept up my daily meditation disciplines, but in some periods there is not much time for the offering of formal teachings in English. I suppose I have been missing in action!
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On this occasion however I am able to share with you a long meandering and multi-faceted reflection which I gave to the community at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in California in the first week of July. The community at Abhayagiri were having two momentous occasions occurring simultaneously, which is why many monks and nuns made the special journey to attend. First was the official inauguration of the extremely well built Dhamma Hall, which has been many years in the making. The second was the official handing over of the abbotship from the resident senior teacher, Luang Por Pasanno, to two of his senior students, Ajahn Karunadhammo and Ajahn Nyaniko, who are both good friends of mine.
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Although this reflection was offered specifically to that community, there are some pertinent stories included and the talk does cover themes which are relevant to all sincere spiritual practitioners. Particularly the themes of deepening commitment and determination, developing healthy love and appreciation, as well as being patient and understanding with each other and with change.  Listening back to the talk once again I recognise that this may be a different glimpse into 'Ajahn Achalo's' life for many listeners, where I am talking among my seniors, contemporaries and peers in quite a warm and collegial tone, rather than to a group of students.  As usual I am not stingy with strength of feeling - so be prepared to laugh and maybe bring a tissue as well!

I hope that something in the talk is useful to you.

Things to Come!

In the coming weeks there will be a significant upgrade to our chanting section, adding four more Chants with Soundscape, as well as traditional chanting without music accompanied by a chanting book in PDF format for interested people to print out and follow along! There will also be a new slideshow of the Chedi building project as a way of sharing this very interesting and auspicious project with you all. It is now approximately 65% completed
With loving kindness
Ajahn Achalo

Listen to the talk

3000 Hours Sitting at the Seat of Enlightenment

28/5/2018

 

Bodhgaya Intensive Meditation Retreat Journals #4

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Greetings fellow practitioners,

I am happy to share with you on this occasion the final of my Bodhgaya Intensive Meditation Retreat Journals.

Here we explore some very interesting themes such as… 

- Finding or generating good energy when there simply doesn't seem to be any available.

- Acknowledging fault and asking forgiveness as a way to train ourselves and also lessen negative kamma and obstructions.
- Setting clear goals for future practice.
- Ending important occasions graciously and beautifully.
- Including others in your own achievements as a source of heart opening joy
- Practicing with the pain of saying goodbye to that which is loved.

​I hope that some of the content of these journal entries and Dhamma reflections has been interesting and useful to you wherever you are now.

With kind regards

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Read and download the fifth instalment >>

3000 Hours Sitting at the Seat of Enlightenment

14/5/2018

 

Bodhgaya Intensive Meditation retreat Journals

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Greeting fellow practitioners,

I hope that you are well and that you have been enjoying reading the 'Bodhgaya Intensive Meditation Retreat Journals' thus far. I am happy to share with you the third of four Instalments on this occasion. (I had originally thought there would be 5 but 4 seems to work better)

Here we dive even more deeply into the process and experience. What is it that one actually has to meditate with and upon while sitting for hundreds of hours under the ancient Bodhi Tree at the Maha Bodhi Temple? We also explore some of the other phenomena that have occurred around the retreats – namely the theme of Praise and Blame, what did people say about my practicing in this way over the past years? Many people said nice things and a few people were suspicious and critical, yes, even nice and sincere monks are subject to these things!

May something that I have shared here prove to be an encouragement to you along the Way towards Liberation.

With Loving Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Read and download the third instalment >>

3000 hours – Sitting at the Seat of Enlightenment

8/5/2018

 

Intensive Bodhgaya meditation retreat journals and commentary

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Greetings fellow practitioners,

So here is the second instalment of my recent journals and commentary. Covering Chapters 6-13. Here we pick up at precisely the half way point of the 400 hours in 45 days Intensive Bodhgaya Meditation Retreat.  Once again you have an opportunity to share in the experience of myself and the other monks and Mae Chee Aimy as well as our lay-supporters and students, as we deepen into the experience of retreat. And also to meet some of the colourful characters who live in Bodhgaya, to hear some interesting stories, and consider some of my hopefully wise and occasionally witty musings.
Hoping that some of the words contained within these pages may prove to be educational, inspiring, encouraging and also pleasantly engaging.

​
With Loving-Kindness    ​
 Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Read and download the second instalment >>

3000 Hours – Sitting at the Seat of Enlightenment

1/5/2018

 
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Dear fellow practitioners, greetings.

As promised a fortnight ago, here is a link to the first instalment of my…

'Bodhgaya Intensive Meditation Retreat Journals'

I have shared a lot of audio files on the Peace Beyond Suffering website, and lots of lovely pictures. But as yet have not shared very much writing. I originally shared these journal entries with a small group of students and friends on an email list. The response was largely appreciative, which encouraged me to share the writing more broadly.

While these journals, which I wrote mostly during my most recent and final Intensive Meditation Retreat in Bodhgaya are semi-autobiographical. They also contain a lot of wisdom reflections, and are written in a very interesting context. Bodhgaya is an intense and fascinating place of immense spiritual importance.

This instalment has a Foreword and contains the first four of twenty chapters.

There will be four more instalments over the coming weeks.

As usual, I hope that something contained within the writing may prove to be useful and encouraging to you, wherever you find yourself now.

With Loving-Kindness
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Read and download the first instalment >>

3000 HOURS - SITTING AT THE SEAT OF ENLIGHTENMENT

15/4/2018

 

Nourishing Heroic Effort with Love

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Dear fellow practitioners,

Hi! – It's been some time since I've sent a message to you via your inboxes. The main reason for this is because in having done two 45 day intensive meditation retreats in Bodhgaya in the last 6 months, with the preparation and then recovery from such occasions, there has not really been the time or energy for settling into an audio editing routine. The good news is that along with a good monk friend, Ajahn Nyaniko, I was able to do 400 hours of formal meditation on both of these last two occasions… and this brought me to the completion of my '3000 hours' meditation vow.

Many years ago I made a vow to sit 1000 hours at Bodhgaya, as an offering of faith and gratitude to Lord Buddha. Once I had done so, in a very inspired moment I made a subsequent vow to do a further 2000 hours in that very sacred place. This was as much a way to deepen my own practice and commitment as it was an offering to the Three Jewels. So I've been slogging away at 'ticking this off' my bucket list, and have now finally done it!

Around ten days ago I was visiting the International Forest Monastery in Ubon, Northeast Thailand. I had just returned from Bodhgaya four days previous to this, so when Ajahn Kevali, the abbot asked me to give some reflections to the community, the recent practice in Bodhgaya was fresh in my mind. Although the talk that I am sharing with you on this occasion was addressed predominantly to junior monks, as it covers some important themes central to all serious and sincere practitioners, I felt that it was worth sharing with a larger audience.
​

I hope that something in the talk is helpful to you.

'COMING SOON'

On this most recent intensive retreat in Bodhgaya, although I had not ever clearly intended to do so, on Day 11 of 45 days, I suddenly felt very inspired to start writing. Perhaps because it was the final in a series of retreats that spanned over a ten year period, there was a natural sense of reviewing occurring in the mind. I was considering deeply… What have I been doing here?... What's it all really about?... What have I gained and learned?... and what still needs to be learned? Perhaps there was also the awareness that something which has been very important in my monk's life was coming to an end, and I might appreciate a way to recollect it in the future.

In any event, write I did! So that by the end of the retreat my Journal entries filled 75 full pages! I originally shared them as 19 separate parts on an email list with a group of close friends and students, as a way of letting our friends now how we were all doing over there. A good number of these people then prompted me to consider sharing the journals with more people as a Dhamma book. Re-reading them recently I can see that much of what I wrote is in fact quite interesting and also relevant to anyone who is engaging the spiritual path sincerely. Bodhgaya is also a fascinating place, as were many of the people who I shared life with during these periods. 
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So I have decided to share the Journals in five 20 or so page instalments. One per week as of the 1st of May. They will be in a PDF format and will be located in the READING section of the Peace Beyond Suffering website. As subscribers you will receive and update with a direct link whenever a new instalment has been added. I hope that something in these may prove to be spiritually nourishing to you wherever you are.

May you be Well and Happy
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Talk

The Mahaparinibbana

3/1/2018

 

Final Liberation - 'Without remainder of past clinging'

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Greetings fellow practitioners,

I am happy to share with you on this occasion the final two talks from my 'The Buddha's Life' series that were given on pilgrimage in India. It is in fact one long reading and talk that has now been split into two more easily taken in sized talks. The events leading up to the momentous occasion of the Mahaparinibbana, the actual occasion and the things that happened afterwards are all very interesting indeed. Historically, culturally and most important – spiritually.

The body which Lord Buddha had in his last life is understood to be the result of past clinging (specifically his utterly wholesome attachment to the well-being of others.) Once the Buddha had realised Nibbana however, a state that he often described as the 'Deathless' state, there was no more clinging to, or personal identification with anything at all. Yet the Buddha's mind abided in a state of realisation that was unshakeably peaceful. The unconditioned… the undying… the nibbana dhatu… the purified mind which was not a soul or a self. 

Lord Buddha explained that his teachings were neither eternalistic or nihilisistic. Because once the mind is liberated – there is 'no-self' that experiences unending peace… and yet something remains. The purified mind is not a cessation of all experience. Greed, Hatred and Delusion are extinguished – but the purified and liberated mind then experiences great peace. Being a subtle yet 'beyond concepts' state, Lord Buddha would not answer whether nibbana existed in or outside of the world, and yet it certainly exists.

I believe that these subtle contemplations are truly valuable in helping us to understand our goal and what the final result will be.

After an impeccable final life which brought great benefit to millions, and which continues to bring benefits to hundreds of millions, Lord Buddha was able to put down what remained of conditions, and then abide completely in the unconditioned and liberated state. Those with loving attachment cried!... while those who had uprooted attachment understood… "All that is of the nature to arise… is of the nature to cease." Apparently all of the devas with right view from 10 world systems filled all of the sky for 12 leagues to witness the occasion too! Those with attachment cried! Yet the truly wise ones looked on with respect and perfect equipoise.
​
I hope that something in these talks may prove to be interesting and useful to you.

With Loving-Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the two Talks

Belief in Rebirth is Skilful and Motivating

18/12/2017

 
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Greetings fellow practitioners,

In this talk that was given on retreat to long-term practicing Buddhists, I am relaying some
stories from biographies of great meditation masters that seem to illustrate the seeming
'matter of fact-ness' of the existence of past lives. I also explain why and how I feel that 'taking on' this aspect of the Buddhist World View can be nourishing to our spiritual practice and aspirations. 

The second half of the talk is more practical, encouraging and helpful advice pertaining
to 'getting some space' from, and learning how to 'Let Go' and overcome common phenomena that can obstruct peace in the mind. The Five Hindrances are hindrances if they are not recognised with mindfulness and clear comprehension. Once they are recognised for what they are, with consistency and persistence the mind can find a place of clarity in which to rest.

I hope that something I have shared here may be useful to you.

With Loving-Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the talk

Discovering and Practicing the Middle Way to Enlightenment

3/12/2017

 
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Greetings fellow practitioners,

On the last 9 day retreat that I led, rather than simply give a reading and commentary on the First Sermon (Dhammacakkapavattana sutta – Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma) as I usually do, I decided to try and give a more thorough talk with both a broader and also more relevant context. And so, this is a rather thorough and educative talk. I am pleased that I managed to squeeze it all into just 45 minutes though!

We start with the Bodhisattvas practice before he discovered the Middle Way, as this helps us to see what an incredible discovery that it was. And also leads to the arising of the useful and wholesome emotions of gratitude and respect. The 'Middle Way' is also an important principle that we need to learn to apply in many areas of our life.

After considering the discovery of the Middle Way, there is a reading and commentary on the First Sutta, which describes the profound insights into the Four Noble Truths and subsequent Liberation and Enlightenment that diligently practicing the Middle Way, now spelled out more clearly as The Eightfold Path, led to / leads to.

Lastly, I have also tried to describe how we practice mindfulness and meditation in accordance with the Middle Way, trying to develop both mindfulness and samadhi (concentration) according to our own level of ability in this current age.

I trust that something in this talk might may be useful to you.

With Loving – Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen To the Talk

Practicing with a Broken-Heart

18/11/2017

 
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Greetings fellow sensitive humans,

Now this is an interesting Dhamma offering!

When taking a longer period of time for inner reflection and increased meditation as I recently have, I sometimes have an inspired creative idea with regards Dhamma material that I might like to share. This new talk is the result of one of those inspirations!

I think that if we are honest we will admit that we have all had something of a broken heart at some point in our lives. In fact, most people have had several. We get separated from our loved ones and loved things… plans don't go as we hope… conflicts occur… people change… we drift apart. There are any number of reasons and ways in which our hopes get dashed or those around us can disappoint. Sometimes we ourselves keep letting ourselves down and can literally break our own hearts, when our bad habits keep getting the better of us.

We would all like to have developed tremendous Insight and great Mindfulness so that we could see all phenomena as 'not-self'. But what do you do if something has tripped you up and your practice has fallen away?... Or the 'not-self' teachings and concepts seem abstract and cold? What can we do when the heart feels bruised or torn or is experiencing tremendous disappointment or grief?

This talk explores attitudes and practices that have helped me through difficult situations and times. (Yes even monks have broken hearts at times! – not usually for romantic reasons, but people are people and people let each other down, and things can change in ways that one does not like.) Re-establishing well-being is important for continuing in the process of developing wisdom and insight.

This talk is one that will either seem relevant or not… if not… then never mind… but you may be able to recommend it to a friend.

I hope that something here is useful,

With Loving-Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the talk

Interesting and Uplifting True Stories of a Buddhist monk

3/11/2017

 
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Greetings fellow practitioners,

While teaching intensive meditation retreats I will usually go through several of the most central suttas covering subjects such as the contemplation of Not-Self. I will often read from the experience of contemporary masters who had great insights while contemplating/meditating along these themes. I may lead guided meditations where we look at the body as made up of parts, and meditate upon these parts as being composed of the four elements. There will also be fairly consistent encouragement to 'drop the story'… and just see a thought as a thought… the past as already gone… the future as not certain – etc.

For people often coming from busy city lives, these retreats can be quite hard core and hard work! So if the yogis have been practicing very hard, and I have a sense that they may need a little wholesome distraction or light entertainment, I may tell a few 'interesting' personal stories. It can be a nice way of communicating the fact that the Ajahn is still developing along this 'way' engaging these practices as a 'conventional being' on the way to realising 'not-self.' Just like my students.

So these stories were offered later in a retreat taught near Melbourne, after people had practiced hard and well. They start as mildly interesting… but soon become 'quite interesting!' I like to tell stories that allude to what I consider to be a fact… that benevolent beings in parallel realms like to encourage people who are growing in virtue and wisdom. And that these practices that we are all doing - lead to having quite remarkable abilities eventually, as illustrated by stories about my teachers.

I chose the picture above, of Ajahn Achalo on top of the Maha Bodhi Temple with his prayer beads draped over the gold plated spire (absorbing blessings!) Because I am sharing a stash of special little jewels with you all here. I hope that they contain some special Blessings too!

May these stories inspire interest and energy in your mind for further cultivation. 

If not – then never mind.

In Kindness

Ajahn Achalo

Listen to the talk

Stages of Enligtenment and Final Nibbana – from India Pilgrimage

18/10/2017

 
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Greetings fellow practitioners,

I actually really enjoyed editing and revisiting this talk. Given around half way through a three week Pilgrimage to the Buddhist Holy Sites of India, this talk is a very 'rich' one, covering many interesting subjects and concepts. I think a combination of the power of the Holy Sites, my own love and appreciation of Lord Buddha and ever-deepening appreciation of his life and teachings, as well as the sincere faith, interest and commitment of the pilgrims, inspired a very interesting and compelling reflection. Being in the places where many teachings were given and doing many of the practices he had taught is no doubt a great way to bring it all to life!

The talk, interspersed with readings, touches on themes such as The Life of the Buddha… His central Teachings… The manner of practicing those teachings… The results of Practicing the teachings… What Enlightenment actually is… What is uprooted from a mind in the process of Enlightenment… and what might remain after Enlightenment. 

All rather interesting material for aspirants both finding and cultivating the 'Way.'

I hope that this talk may prove to be educational, interesting and useful.

With Loving-Kindness

Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Talk

'Long Mantra of Avalokiteshvara # 2'

2/10/2017

 
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Dear meditating friends,

The final chant with soundscape is now uploaded, apologies for any confusion.

'Long Mantra of Avalokiteshvara # 2'

Enjoy.

With metta

Listen to the Chant
Download the Chant

Three Jewels –

28/9/2017

 

A Talk… A Meditation… and a Chant!

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Dear fellow practitioners, greetings
​
I was absent from your inboxes some months earlier this year, due to projects in the monastery as well as the Pilgrimage practices elsewhere. The Peace Beyond Suffering website was a little neglected too. It seems I am making up for lost time now though. I am currently on intensive solo meditation retreat actually… doing 8 sessions of meditation per day… and enjoying it tremendously. Yet it is precisely because I have a break from my usual duties as abbot, (/ Building project manager!) and much more time to meditate, that I also have some time and energy to give to something else which I love. That is to say, sharing the gift of Dhamma that has been so generously shared with me.

Neil the webmaster and I have been updating and re-organising a little… and on this occasion I am sharing three new items with you! Largely because the themes contained herein have quite a lot of overlap. Last months' update was I would say 'very Theravadan' in its content, being a commentary upon two suttas on the theme of contemplating Not Self. Those listening to the teachings in those suttas all became Arahants by the end of the teaching!

On this occasion there is both a Theravadan and Mahayana theme. Because you see I now have many students from many different countries, coming to my teachings with equally different backgrounds. It seems that it is part of my kamma to try and help different types of Buddhists, to understand their aspiration and Buddhist practice more clearly, and to commit to it deeply with confidence and understanding. It is an honour and I am trying my best.

I have curious kamma it seems… for although I have a large Caucasian body and was born in Australia, I've now spent most of my adult life living in Thailand. I eat much more Asian food than western food and speak Thai at least as much as I do English on any normal day. On top of this, whenever I find myself traveling specifically to teach in English, when I look at the faces of the sincere people gathered before me, there are usually around 90% Asians attending! To make matters even more interesting… there is always a combination of Theravada / Mahayana practitioners in any group that I teach or go on pilgrimage with. I have come to understand that I have rather deep kamma with Buddhism and with Asia, and that I have lived and practiced in both Theravada and Mahayana countries. (Gifted masters have also told me as much) So the current melting pot of mixed kammas is not so surprising I guess.

I love being a Theravadan Bhikkhu. The emphasis upon the Four Noble Truths, cultivation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, and the 'squeaky clean' immaculate adherence to the Buddha's Monastic Code are cornerstones that I am honoured to live in reference and deference to. At the same time I cannot deny that I love the Bodhisattvas, and the practice of Devanussati, which is so uplifting and brightening for the mind in these somewhat depressing times. You know something else that is interesting is that whenever I attend the Dalai Lama's teachings, he always greets me by saying "My old friend… my long-time friend."!  If that is true I wish I had more to show for it! But in any case…

So here we have a Talk - that is aimed at helping people understand the difference between the Arahants and a Buddha, something that seems to be terribly misunderstood in the Mahayana, unfortunately. And to help people to get clearer about their particular aspiration if they can, and then practice accordingly with great sincerity.

There is also a Guided Meditation – Perhaps for those with more of a Bodhisatta inclination, which I led for a group of Chinese Malaysian students when we were on Pilgrimage in China. A practice of 'Devanussati' – recollecting celestial beings as a samatha (calming) practice that brightens the mind and helps it to resonate with divine qualities such as Loving-Kindness and Compassion.

And then we have the last of my Chants with Soundscape, a remix that has a curious fusion of Western elements such as piano, accompanying a traditional Tibetan chant. This is actually one of my all-time favourite chants, which is why I have liaised with Chris Conway to co-produce several versions.  The meaning of the first few lines are something like…

"Homage to the Three Jewels… Homage to Noble Wisdom… Homage to Vairochana… Homage to the Tathagathas… the Arahants and the Samma-Sambuddhas! Then Homage to Avalokiteshvara with Truly Vast Compassion"

It covers everything Noble really! And this version is East meets West and Past meets Now. Just like this western monk teaching Asians and Westerners via the internet!

May we all make the most of our current opportunities and Grow in Dhamma!

As always - I sincerely hope that something I have shared here is useful to you.

With Loving-Kindness
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

Listen to the Dhamma Talk
Listen to the Guided Meditation
Listen to the Chants with Soundscape

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