Best Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage Podcasts (2024)

1
Don't Obsess about your Meditation Object | Cittanupassana | Mindful of Mind | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 22:35

14h ago22:35

22:35

When cultivating bhāvanā (meditation), naturally we have to be mindful of and focussed upon our meditation object; for instance 'Buddho', or the breath, or mettā; and so on... However, if we try to exclusively focus only on the meditation object with all we've got, the effort quickly becomes ineffective, or even couterproductive. Instead, while med…

1
Compassion 'Karuna': What's the Difference to Loving Kindness 'Metta'? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 29:45

4d ago29:45

29:45

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to the question how Karuṇā (Compassion) differs from Mettā (Loving Kindness). Compassion is the wish for all beings to be free from pain and suffering in any form. Loving Kindness is the wish for all beings to be happy and well. Though both belong to the 4 'Divine Abidings' (4 Brahmaviharas), and are closely related, in ac…

1
4 Elements in Nature | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Buddhism 33:13

8d ago33:13

33:13

Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to connect with nature, and to contemplate the 4 Great Elements externally as we experience them in the natural environment. Earth Element (Hardness, Rocks, Stones, Sand, Feeling the Ground while Walking or Sitting) Water Element (Wet soil or grass or sand or beach; Ocean; Rain; Streams/Rivers) Fire/Heat Element (Suns…

1
BHANTE JINARATANA | Contemplating 4 Elements in the Body | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri 28:16

11d ago28:16

28:16

Ven Jinaratana There offers guidance how we can experience and contemplate the four elements ('Cātu-mahā-bhūtikā') in in our own bodies. Paṭhavī-dhātu = Earth Element /Solidity Āpo-dhātu = Water Element / Liquidity Tejo-dhātu = Fire Element / Heat (or lack of heat, i.e. cold) Vāyo-dhātu = Wind Element (energy movement) Bhante Jinaratana was born in…

1
3 Things Meditators Must Pay Attention To | Ajahn Dhammasiha | SUTTA EXPLORATION AN 3s #103 32:17

16d ago32:17

32:17

In this sutta, the Buddha compares the work of a goldsmith to the work of a meditator trying to purify their mind. Both have to pay attention to 3 qualities at the appropriate time, without overdoing any of them: Calming the mind with samādhi / cooling the gold in the smelter Arousing the mind with energetic effort / heating the gold Looking on wit…

1
BHANTE JINARATANA | Starving the Hindrances | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma Talk on Panca Nivarana 44:45

19d ago44:45

44:45

Bhante Jinaratana explains how we can starve the 5 hindrances ('anāhāra pañca-nīvaraṇa') in order to gradually weaken and overcome their obstructive influence on our mental development. Like all sankhāras, the five hindrances are conditioned, i.e. they depend on some form of nutriment for their existence. If we reduce the nutriment that's feeding t…

1
AJAHN SABBAJAYANTO | How I Became a Buddhist Monk | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Thee 58:52

24d ago58:52

58:52

Ajahn Thee Sabbajayanto shares his experience of arriving in Australia at age 16 for school and further studies. He didn't know any English, and had to start learning it by 'being thrown in at the deep end'. Naturally, it wasn't easy, and although he liked Australia a lot, he had to work very hard to adjust to a language and culture very different …

1
Loving Kindness Supported by Generosity & Virtue | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 45:50

26d ago45:50

45:50

On occasion of Easter, Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about a subject that is common to virtually all religions: Loving Kindness. Loving Kindness, in Pali known as 'Mettā', is the intention of unconditional good will to all beings without exeception or discrimination. Whatever religion, or no religion at all, whatever race or nationality or sex or age or c…

1
Craving for Existence & Non-Existence | Bhava Tanha Vibhava Tanha | Ajahn Dhammasiha 28:03

1M ago28:03

28:03

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question on the meaning of Bhava Taṇhā & Vibhava Taṇhā. In the four Noble Truths, the Buddha explains three forms of craving (taṇhā): Sensual Craving (Kāma Taṇhā) Carving for Existence/Being/Becoming (Bhava Taṇhā) Craving for Annihilation/Non Existence (Vibhava Taṇhā) Craving is the cause of suffering, so we have to a…

1
Overindulgence | Q&A with Students from UQ | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 1:00:22

1M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

For our Full Moon Program, a student group from University of Queensland ('UQBUDS') has joined with many interesting questions. Subjects brought up include: Anxiety about Uncertainty Overindulgence 'Good' attachements? Benefits of Samatha and Vipassana How can we always feel happy? Helping others to improve themselves by Dhamma practice Teaching me…

1
Study, Practice, Realization | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhism 26:24

1M ago26:24

26:24

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked about: Pariyatti = Study Paṭipatti = Practice Pativeda = Realization He offers reflections on this subject with an emphasis on the real meaning of 'study' as encouraged by the Buddha:Not just learning and intellectually proliferating about concepts/perceptions, but to find the meaning of the terms the Buddha is using in on…

1
Memories of Ven. Nyanavimala | Dhamma Reflection by Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 39:33

1M ago39:33

39:33

Ajahn Dhammasiha shares fond memories of one of his personal spiritual heros, who has strongly influenced his approach to Dhamma practice right at the start of his monastic life in Sri Lanka.He provides some background info about Ven. Nyanavimala, one of the early Western Buddhist monks, who lived in Sri Lanka for +50 years from the mid 1950ies.Whe…

1
Not Me, Not Mine: Better Let Go | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Teaching Dhammagiri 29:10

1M ago29:10

29:10

After the meditation session, Ajahn Dhammasiha offers reflections on the realationship of Samatha/Samādhi (Calmness/Concentration) & Vipassana (Insight). After the samatha meditation has weakened the mental hindrances, and suffused our mind with joy and brightness, we can develop insight by simply obesrving phenomena as they truly are. If we are no…

1
Entertainments: To Watch or Not to Watch? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 23:30

2M ago23:30

23:30

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked about the rules prohibiting shows, entertainments and music for monks and nuns; and how that would relate to lay life. What to do if we come back after a hard days work, and are feeling very tired - is it fine to indulge in just watching Youtube or TV, or doing online games simply to relax? Our Podcast is also available on…

1
AJAHN VAJIRO | Motivation & Discipline in Daily Dhamma Practice | Dhammagiri 47:35

2M ago47:35

47:35

Luang Por Vajiro is asked how one can maintain motivation in one's daily Dhamma practice, without getting distracted by the numerous duties, responsibilities and issues inherent in lay life. Luang Por also responds to a variety of other questions. One particular interesting reflection he offers is about our urge to make others happy. On closer refl…

1
AJAHN VAJIRO | Contemplating Pain | Buddhist Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri 15:24

2M ago15:24

15:24

Ajahn Vajiro is asked what to do when we experience pain in the body while meditating: Should we pay attention to the pain, or should we just change posture to be comfortable again? From that, a lively Dhamma discussion develops about different approaches to contemplate pain to deepen our understanding of 'vedanā', so that we can overcome aversion,…

1
AJAHN VAJIRO | Magha Puja: Working together in Harmony | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

On the occasion of Māgha Puja 2024, Ajahn Vajiro shares from his experience living with Ajahn Chah in the early 1980ies. Luang Por Chah put strong emphasis on the Sangha doing work together, to maintain harmony in the community. Regular daily ooperation establishes the concord so essential for the long term stability of the Sangha. Ajahn also discu…

1
AJAHN VAJIRO | Right Attitude for Dhamma Practice | Dhammagiri 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

Luang Por Vajiro talks about 'Mindfulness of Breathing' (Ānāpāṇasati), and responds to questions from the audience, during his visit to Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage. Ven. Ajahn Vajiro was born in Malaysia in 1953 and has been a Buddhist monk for over 40 years. In 1979, he met Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho when they made a visit to Hampstead Vihara in…

1
Supreme Confidence | SUTTA EXPLORATION | AN Fours #34 | Ajahn Dhammasiha 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Ajahn Dhammasiha presents a short teaching of the Buddha explaining that Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha are supreme, and that those with faith/conviction in what is supreme will receive supreme results. Anguttara Nikāya/Numerical Discourses, Book of Fours, 'Aggappasāda Sutta'/'Supreme Confidence Discourse' Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhamma…

1
Power of Symbols | Tiratana | Taking Refuge in Triple Gem | Ajahn Dhammasiha 34:39

2M ago34:39

34:39

One of the most eagerly anticipated fashion events of 2024 is going to take place during our Magha Puja Event at Dhammagiri 😉: We're launching our free distribution Dhammagiri T-Shirt! Ajahn Dhammasiha gives a little sneak preview of the shirt, and talks about the meaning of the Tiratana symbol that's printed on it. The top of the symbol represents…

1
Purifying Our Heart to Benefit Others | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 17:37

2M ago17:37

17:37

The best thing we can possibly do for the benefit of all other beings is to free our heart from greed, hatred and delusion, and realize Nibbāna. When we are generous, we generate good karma for ourselves, and at the same time others receive material benefits from our gifts. When we keep precepts, we protect ourselves from creating bad karma, and we…

1
Results of Karma | Causes for Long Life, Health, Beauty etc | Ajahn Dhammasiha 55:15

3M ago55:15

55:15

Celebrating Chinese/Vietnamese New Year, everyone is usually hoping for good luck, health, long life, beauty, success and happiness for the new year.However, can we really achieve these things by means of blessings, auspicious times, fortune telling, and so on?The Buddha strongly encouraged us not to depend on 'auspicious objects' / 'blessings' / '…

1
Abandon Suffering: Gradually, Step by Step | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Singapore Wat Palelai 59:13

3M ago59:13

59:13

Sunday evening Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Dhammasiha during his visit to Singapore at Wat Palelai. We can all relate to the problem of suffering, as we all know the experience of pain, frustration and hurt in our own heart. That's why the Buddha's teaching is timeless and universal. So is his analysis that the deep cause of suffering is craving (tanhā), …

1
Dependent Origination: Not Thinking, but Cessation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 42:13

3M ago42:13

42:13

The final goal of our practice, release, is not something that can be described in words, as it lies beyond the range of thoughts, perceptions and concepts. In fact, the final goal is to experience the complete cessation of thoughts and all other conditioned phenomena.Consequently, the teachings of the Buddha are are not the final goal itself. Inst…

1
Career vs Dhamma Practice | Q&A Young Adults DAYWA Singapore | Ajahn Dhammasiha 1:11:19

3M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Lively Question and Answer session with Young Working Adults (DAYWA) in Singapore, Wat Palelai. Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a range of questions: How to balance ambition and Dhamma practice? Dealing with Loneliness Is Travel good or bad for Progress in Dhamma? 3rd Precept in the context of Internet and Dating Apps Present Moment Awareness vs Plann…

1
Guided Meditation | The Breath in the Present Moment | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Anapanasati 40:27

3M ago40:27

40:27

A guided Meditation for practicing mindfulness of breathing. More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠⁠⁠ Our Youtube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724⁠⁠⁠ Our email Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive⁠⁠⁠ Our Podcasts on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0SH…

1
Guided Meditation | Compassion to All Beings and Yourself | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Karuna 27:14

3M ago27:14

27:14

A guided meditation to develop compassion (Karunā). More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: ⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠⁠ Our Youtube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724⁠⁠ Our email Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive⁠⁠ Our Podcasts on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJl…

1
Mettā - Loving Kindness - Q&A with group from Singapore | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 1:00:28

3M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠ Our Youtube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724⁠ Our email Newsletter: ⁠https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive⁠ Our Podcasts on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD⁠ Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.…

1
AJAHN KEVALI | Meditation in Daily Life | Dhamma Discussion at Dhammagiri 54:39

4M ago54:39

54:39

Ajahn Kevali has just returned to resume his abbotship of Wat Pah Nanachat after his one year sabbatical. We're using the occasion to publish a Dhamma discussion he has had with our community at Dhammagiri some time ago, and which ended up being the most viewed video on our Youtube channel. However, it has never been published on our podcast, and t…

1
Walking Meditation trains us to meditate in daily life | Samadhi | Mindfulness | Ajahn Dhammasiha 5:14

4M ago5:14

5:14

More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our Podcasts on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD⁠ Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834⁠…

1
Mind Freed from 5 Hindrances Unifies in Samadhi | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk 25:03

4M ago25:03

25:03

Ajahn Dhammasiha explains that 'attaining' samādhi is not just a questions of technique or sitting a lot. The crucial factor is the suspension of the 5 hindrances: Sensual Desire Ill Will/Aversion Laziness/Sleepiness Restlessness & Remorse Doubt We have to consistently work against these 5 hindrances, in our formal meditation as well as in daily li…

1
New Year's Eve Paritta Chanting | Wat Pah Nanachat | Ajahn Dhammasiha 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

Auspicious and protective Paritta Chanting at midnight of last year's new year's eve, at Wat Pah Nanachat, Ajahn Chah's monastery for Western monks. This paritta is recited by a very large sangha, including many Western & Thai senior monks, who were attending the Sima opening cermony. As it's sounds powerful and sonorous, we're republishing it toda…

1
Letting Go of Guilt by Resolving to Do Better in Future | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma Talk at Dhammagiri 37:47

4M ago37:47

37:47

Many struggle with feelings of guilt. Some even berate themselves, self-criticize, and continue to beat themselves down until they loose all self esteem and start hating themselves due to unskilfull, harmful actions they have done. But that serves no benefit to anyone: It doesnt help the person we may have harmed It's bad for ourselves It's of no u…

1
Evening Puja at Wat Doi Phra Jao | Luang Por Tong Daeng & Sangha | Ajahn Dhammasiha 45:49

4M ago45:49

45:49

Evening chanting on the Quarter Moon Day at Wat Phra Jao Ton Luang, Luang Por Tongdang's monastery near Chiang Mai, Thailand. Ajahn Dhammasiha is visiting, and Luang Por Tong Daeng (Tan Chao Khun Phrarajvachirakhun) has kindly granted permission for the evening chanting to be recorded and published on our podcast. After paying respects and reciting…

1
Be Like Santa Claus - Give Everything Away! | Christmas | Xmas | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha 26:22

4M ago26:22

26:22

Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to "be a good Santa". A good Santa Claus will give all the gifts to the kids. A bad Santa may cheat and keep the most expensive presents for himself. Similarly, our task as followers of the Sakyan Sage is to not hold back, but to give absolutely everything away. Not literally giving away, but letting go of absolutely …

1
Contemplating Impermanence to Realize Freedom | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 23:04

4M ago23:04

23:04

Mindfully observing impermanence ('anicca') of all conditioned phenomena, whether loved ones, material objects, or our own mindstates, thoughts and emotions, can be challenging, even frightening. Ajahn Dhammasiha points out that the aim of contemplating impermanence is not to get sad or frustated, or to resign oneself to the inevitable loss of ever…

1
Santa Meditation - Empty the Heavy Sack! | Guided Meditation | Xmas | Christmas | Ajahn Dhammasiha 30:21

5M ago30:21

30:21

In this guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha uses Santa Claus as a metaphor for the process of emptying the mind. Santa's job is to give gifts to all the kids for Christmas. He's working very hard to fulfill this task, travelling on his sleigh carrying a very big and heavy sack with all the presents. Similarly, our mind is carrying around the heavy …

1
Impermanence 'Anicca' | Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 32:37

5M ago32:37

32:37

A family came to share merits with their father/grandfather, who they lost 3 months ago. Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about the process of rebirth. He explains how we can contemplate the impermanence of all conditioned phenomena, and develop insight to let go of attachment. Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any spec…

1
Can One Purify Old, Bad Karma? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | Dhammagiri 23:34

5M ago23:34

23:34

Is there a way to overcome the negative consequences of bad karma we may have committed in the past, even in previous lifes? Is karma related to causality? Do I make much bad karma by having angry thoughts? Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to these and related questions. Our Podcast is also on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just …

1
How to Attain Jhana? Abandon 5 Hindrances! | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Buddhism 28:17

5M ago28:17

28:17

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked: "What's the process to develop Jhāna?" He explains that it's not so much a particular technique or method that will lead to the attainment of jhāna (full 'absorption' samādhi/'concentration' ), but that we have to gradually weaken the 5 hindrances (5 Nīvaraṇā): Sensual Desire Ill Will / Aversion Laziness / Sleepiness / 'S…

1
Letting Go of Thoughts about the Future | Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 25:26

5M ago25:26

25:26

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question of a retreatant at Dhammagiri: How can we stop worrying about the future when we try to settle our mind in meditation? Ajahn describes several approaches and reflections we can apply to weaken the hold such thoughts have on our mind. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just…

1
4 Things Needed for Journey to Next Rebirth | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 31:16

5M ago31:16

31:16

Ajahn Dhammasiha provides a simile for the process of rebirth: Intercontinental Air Travel. When we travel to a distant, exotic country, before we take off at the airport, we better make sure that we have all the essentials with us: Flight Ticket 🎫✈️ Visa 🛂 Credit Card💳 Knowledge 🎓 Similar, for the journey to the next life, which we all will have t…

1
Paritta Recitation | Robe Offering Ceremony | Auspicious Protective Chanting | Dhammagiri 22:59

5M ago22:59

22:59

At our Robe Offering Ceremony at Dhammagiri, our Sangha of 7 Buddhist monks recites 'Paritta'. These auspicious protective verses are believed to ward off misfortune, protect from various dangers, and bestow blessings on all those listening. Paritta verses have been recited in Pali, the language of the Buddha, for more than 2,000 years. The most im…

1
AJAHN VARADHAMMO | Rejoicing in Goodness | Robe Offering Ceremony Dhammagiri 24:18

5M ago24:18

24:18

Ajahn Varadhammo is the abbot of Bodhisaddha Monastery, Wilton near Sydney. He has kindly accepted our invitation to our robe offering ceremony in the Kathina month here at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage. Ajahn Varadhammo is a disciple of Tan Ajahn Anan of Wat Marp Jan, Thailand. He has trained with Tan Ajahn Anan for more than 10 years, until he was …

1
GUIDED MEDITATION | Start Meditating by Counting Your Blessings | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 10:02

5M ago10:02

10:02

10 min short Guided Meditation. Before we focus on our main meditation object, Ajahn Dhammasiha recommends that we quickly recollect blessings and good fortune we have received. Even if we're going through a really rough patch right now, we can always find some good things, if we look carefully. For instance, just being born as a human being, at a …

1
Buddha is Freed From 10 Things | Sutta Exploration | AN 10s #81 | Ajahn Dhammasiha 24:59

6M ago24:59

24:59

Sutta Study with Ajahn Dhammasiha, Anguttara Nikāya, Book of Tens, No 81, 'Bahuna'. Reading from the English translation by Ven Bhikkhu Bodhi: "Numerical Discourses of the Buddha", page 1440The Tathagata describes himself as freed from 10 things:1. Form (Rūpa)2. Feeling (Vedanā)3. Perception (Saññā)4. Intention/Will/Volition (Sankhārā)5. Consciousn…

1
GUIDED MEDITATION | "Like Water Rolling off a Lotus Leaf" | Buddhism | Ajahn Dhammasiha 10:00

6M ago10:00

10:00

10 min short guided Buddhist meditation. The Buddha used the Lotus in many similes. One amazing quality of the Lotus flowers and leaves is that they are totally water repellent. Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to let all the various disturbing thoughts, worries, memories, images, feelings and emotions bubbling up in our meditation simply run off of …

1
Asking for Feeback | Pavarana | Buddhism | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhamma 26:00

6M ago26:00

26:00

On the full moon in October, the monks complete their annual 3-months Rains Retreat with the 'Pavāraṇā Ceremony': They invite constructive criticism from each other regarding anything heard, seen or suspected that one may have done or said against the rules of discipline ('Vinaya') laid down by the Buddha. It is difficult to see one's own weak poin…

1
Count Your Blessings | Buddhism | Dhamma Talk | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha 33:50

6M ago33:50

33:50

On Mahapavāraṇā Full Moon, which ends the annual Rains Retreat period for Buddhist monks, Ajahn Dhammasiha reflects on the many blessings we receive here at Dhammagiri. It is rare to be born as a human being. It is rare to be born when the teaching of the Buddha is available It is rare to have a Forest Monastery like Dhammagiri, with such excellent…

1
Oh Dear, We've been HACKED! | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha 32:11

6M ago32:11

32:11

We're worried about getting hacked, or becoming victims of identity theft. Nefarious actors may scoop up all our private data after getting access to our computer or online accounts in a 'hack'. However, compared to a hacker getting into our email our bank account, it is far worse that our mind has been 'hacked' by Mara. Defilements, craving, ignor…

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