Best Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage Podcasts (2024)

1
Guided Meditation | Breath without I-Making & Mine-Making | Ajahn Dhammasiha 15:00

2h ago15:00

15:00

In this short guided meditation, Ajahn Dhammasiha encourages us to be aware of the breath, but also to be aware of not turning our meditation into an excercise of I-Making and Mine-Making ('Ahaṃ-Kāra' & 'Mamaṃ-Kāra'). By the way, our Spotify Playlists can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcre⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Podcast is…

1
Blessing Anumodana | Ajahn Amaro & Dhammagiri Sangha | Sharing Merits 3:00

1d ago3:00

3:00

Ajahn Amaro, Ajahn Dhammasiha and Ajahn Moneyyo recite the traditional Pali verses for sharing good karma with departed relatives, expressing their anumodanā (rejoicing) for all the kind support they received during Ajahn Amaros visit, and sending blessings to all beings. English Translation: As all the water in the streams is flowing to the boundl…

1
Not Mine, Not Me, Not Self | Anatta | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 37:42

4d ago37:42

37:42

Ajahn Dhammasiha quotes from the 2nd formal discourse of the Buddha, the Anattalakkana Sutta (Discourse on the Not-Self Characteristic): "N'etaṃ mama, N'eso'ham'asmi, Na me so atta'ti" This is not mine, this is not me, this is not my self." Ajahn offers reflections and similes how we can contemplate these instructions of the Buddha to reduce and ul…

1
Samatha & Vipassana: Develop Both! | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 21:37

8d ago21:37

21:37

The Buddha encouraged us to cultivate both aspects of meditation: Samatha: Calm, tranquility, samādhi, concentration, blissful unification of the heart Vipassana: Insight, investigation, analysing, wisdom Ajahn Dhammasiha shares some reflections on this theme, emphasizing the importance of joy and happiness in our meditative practice. By the way, o…

1
AJAHN ACHALO | Beach & Meditation | Good Karma Brightens the Mind | Q&A at Dhammagiri 38:49

11d ago38:49

38:49

Q&A with Ajahn Achalo on an occasion when he was visiting Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in his home town, Brisbane. He shares his memories of his first experiences of inner calm on the beach while listening to the waves and answers questions about the benefit of apirations and rituals and how merit (good actions) can brighten our mind.More teachings …

1
AJAHN AMARO | Triple Refuge and Precepts Ceremony | Dhammagiri 7:17

15d ago7:17

7:17

During his visit at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in Brisbane, Australia, Ven. Ajahn Amaro is leading our community in taking the Triple Refuge (Tisaraṇa Gamana), and the 5 or 8 precepts. Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK. Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology fro…

1
Two Kinds of People... | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha 6:32

10d ago6:32

6:32

There are two kind of people: Some that visit a Buddhist monastery, and some that don't. Among those that visit a Buddhist Monastery, there are to kinds of people... ⁠⁠⁠Dhammagiri Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Spotify Playlists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dhammagiri Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠ .

1
AJAHN AMARO | Guided Meditation | Awakened Awareness | Dhammagiri 12:39

13d ago12:39

12:39

A short Guided Meditation by Ajahn Amaro during his stay at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Australia. Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK, the largest Western monastery in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. Born in England in 1956, Ven. Ajahn Amaro received a BSc. in Psychology and Physiology from the University…

1
Better than the Olympics | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha 35:18

15d ago35:18

35:18

Ajahn Dhammasiha compares the benefits of watching or even participating in the 2024 Olympics in Paris with the benefits of Dhamma practice. He also urges us to use the effort athletes are applying to make it to the Olympics as an encouragement for us to apply similarly singleminded effort in our bhāvanā (meditation), in particular as the benefits …

1
4 Noble Truths & Bravery | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhism 31:00

20d ago31:00

31:00

In his Dhamma talk, Ajahn Dhammasiha emphasizes that the Buddha's teachings are applicable, practical, pragmatic (opanāyika). In particular, he reminds us of the duty the Buddha has pointed out for each of the 4 Noble Truths, what we actually have to do with them. Ajahn also responds to a question about bravery in our Dhamma practice, and how coura…

1
First Teaching of the Buddha | Asalha Full Moon | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta 38:39

22d ago38:39

38:39

On Āsāḷhā Full Moon, Ajahn Dhammasiha discusses the the first discourse of the Buddha, the sutta on 'Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma' (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta). In particular, he describes how the Buddha's teaching on the 4 Noble Truth is similar to the approach of a good doctor: A good doctor first has to assess the patients true conditi…

1
How to Let Go of Attachments? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | SHORT Dhamma Talk 4:41

29d ago4:41

4:41

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked how we can let go of attachments. He explains that letting go can not be done by an act of willpower. We need wisdom, insight, in order to let go. If we can see that anything that we are attached to will NOT give us lasting happiness, but ultimatley causes us disappointment and suffering, then the heart will let go automat…

1
3 Events in the Buddha's Life on Asalha Fullmoon | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 34:38

1M ago34:38

34:38

Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about three main events in the Buddha's life that we commemorate on Āsāḷhā Full Moon Day: Teaching of the first formal discourse, the 'Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta' Conception of the Bodhisatta / Dream of Queen Mahāmāyā with the Bodhisatta approaching her in the form of a white elephant with 7 tusks and entering her body via h…

1
Sankharas are like Sand Washed away by the Waves | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 44:51

1M ago44:51

44:51

When we stand barefoot with our feet in the water at the beach, we can notice how the waves are washing away the sand from under our feet. We don't stand on firm ground, the sand we stand on is constantly eroding, making our posture unstable, unreliable and impermanet. Ajahn Dhammasiha uses this experience as a simile for sankhārā ('conditioned phe…

1
Involuntary Good Karma? | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Buddhism 32:38

2M ago32:38

32:38

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked how much good karma we generate if we are doing the good action not voluntary, but we are forced to do it by external circumstance, like for instance a court order for 'community service'. Another question is about food offered at the monastery: Does it have any special qualities, different from food one would eat at a com…

1
AJAHN AMARO | Seeing Impermanence (Anicca) | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 1:18:26

2M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Dhammatalk by Ajahn Amaro about seeing impermanence and how it can help us to be liberated from self-view, on the occasion of his first Australia visit at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Queensland, Brisbane. Ajahn Amaro is the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, UK, the largest Western monastery in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. Born in En…

1
AJAHN AMARO | Was it Difficult to Become a Buddhist Monk? | Dhammagiri 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

Q&A session with Venerable Ajahn Amaro during his visit to Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, Brisbane, Australia. Tan Ajahn Ajahn is asked if it was tough for him in the beginning, when he was a newly ordained monk at Ajahn Chah's monastery in Thailand in 1979. Ajahn answers that he didn't find it difficult at all in the first year, but quite the opposi…

1
Joyful Meditation | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 28:58

2M ago28:58

28:58

We can train ourselves to enjoy meditation, or actually any kind of activity. Perception is not-self, it depends on conditions, and if we cultivate the right conditions, then our perception will change accordingly. The ability to turn ones perception around has been called 'Ariya-Iddhi' (Noble Psychic Power) by the Buddha. The enlightened Arahants …

1
Visits to Amaravati, Muttodaya & Cittaviveka | LPS90 Event | Ajahn Dhammasiha 41:03

2M ago41:03

41:03

After his return to Dhammagiri, Ajahn Dhammasiha shares some experiences from his travels. Some photos can be seen here: https://travel-pics-ajahn-2.dhammagiri.net He first attended the huge event for Luang Por Sumedho's 90th birthday at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London. LP Sumedho is the most senior Western disciple of Ajahn Chah, and the …

1
What Possessions are Buddhist Monks Allowed to Own? | Ajahn Dhammasiha 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

The term ‘bhikkhu’ is defined as ‘almsman’, or ‘mendicant’. One who depends on the generosity of others for his material needs. What kinds of requisits are buddhist monks allowed to have and how should they relate to them? Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcr Our P…

1
Cleanliness is next to Godliness | Spiritual Practice and Purification | Dhammagiri 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Ajahn Dhammasiha compares spiritual practice and meditation with the task of cleaning to show how they are related to each other. Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcr Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just lis…

1
Benefits of Loving Kindness (Mettā) | Self Motivation | Ajahn Dhammasiha 40:52

2M ago40:52

40:52

Ajahn Dhammasiha explains about the various benefits of developing Metta (loving-kindness), especially to motivate ourselves. Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcr Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen …

1
Sañña - The role of Perception in the Teaching of the Buddha | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

Sañña, usually translated as perception, is one of the 5 Aggregates (Khandha), one of the central teachings of the Buddha. Learn more about the meaning of the Pali word and how it relates to the origination and cessation of suffering. Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0…

1
True Meaning of Taking Refuge in the Sangha | Ajahn Dhammasiha 32:18

3M ago32:18

32:18

What does it really mean "to take refuge in Sangha"?What if a very senior monk disrobes, how can we protect our mind from losing faith in such situations?Ajahn Dhammasiha points out that our refuge in terms of Sangha is:"...Yadidaṃ cattāri purisayugani, aṭṭha purisapuggala - Esa Bhagavato Sāvakasangho..."...Namely the four pairs of persons, the eig…

1
Association with Awakened People - Sappurisa-Samseva | Ajahn Dhammasiha 26:14

3M ago26:14

26:14

A Dhammatalk by Ajahn Dhammasiha about the numerous benefits of associating with people who have noble qualities and realized awakening. Our Spotify playlists can be found on our Spotify Profile here: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/8z4dmrysnbbnjtz9f0wzjgcr Our Podcast is also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, j…

1
AJAHN VAJIRO | Silence & Space, Clinging to Views and Opinions, Ovāda Pātimokkha & Mangala Sutta 22:14

3M ago22:14

22:14

Guided Meditation and Question & Answer session at Dhammagiri with Ajahn Vajiro, currently abbot of Sumedharama monastery in Portugal on Sunday, 25th February. Ajahn Vajiro first gives a short guided meditation. In the session afterwards he is answering questions on the topics of the meaning of the Ovāda Pātimokkha & Mangala Sutta, about Silence & …

1
Supreme Enlightenment of the Buddha | Vesak Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha 48:09

3M ago48:09

48:09

On occasion of Visākhā Pūjā, Ajahn Dhammasiha relates the events leading up to the Buddha's Supreme Awakening under the Bodhi Tree. Initially, the Bodhisatta practised extreme austerities in the believe that only through pain one can eradicate desire and attain perfect release. He fasted and tortured his own body until he almost died. When he colla…

1
AJAHN VAJIRO | Why Do Only so Few Attain Nibbana? | Dhammagiri 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

During his visit at Dhammagiri, Ajahn Vajiro responds to a question from the audience: What's the reason that apparently only so few practitioners actually succeed to attain Nibbana? 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 H…

1
Sangha Gains Strength from Gathering in Harmony | LP Sumedho 90th Birthday | Ajahn Dhammasiha 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

Before departure to the large gathering of Sangha at Amaravati Ajahn Dhammasiha shares reflections on the importance of Sangha meeting in harmony for the longevity of the Sasana. More than 140 monks are expected to gather on occasion of the Acariya Puja for Luang Por Sumedho's 90th birthday. Meeting frequently in harmony, conducting business in har…

1
Tiratana & 12 Spoked Dhamma Wheel | Dhammagiri T-Shirts Second Batch | Ajahn Dhammasiha 28:10

3M ago28:10

28:10

To commence free distribution of our Dhammagiri Tees 2nd batch, Ajahn Dhammasiha goes through the meaning of every symbol and writing on the shirt: 1. Twelve spoked Dhammacakka (Dhamma Wheel) 2. Tiratana (Three Jewels) with Trident symbolizing Triple Gem Vajira (Diamond/Thunder Bolt) symbolizing the power of wisdom that can cut defilements in the m…

1
Timeless | Akaliko | Buddhist Dhamma Talk | Ajahn Dhammasiha 24:16

4M ago24:16

24:16

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question about the meaning of 'akāliko' (timeless). Timelessness is one of the qualities of the Dhamma, as described by the Buddha in the well known formula: "Svākkhāto Bhagavatā Dhammo, sandiṭṭhiko, akāliko, ehipassiko, opanayiko, paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhī'ti" "The Dhamma is well expounded by the exhaulted one, vis…

1
5 Benefits of Taking Refuge in Triple Gem | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammagiri 33:40

4M ago33:40

33:40

Ajahn Dhammasiha explains 5 powerful benefits we can receive from the simple ceremony of Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, together with committing to the 5 precepts: Taking Refuge reduces anxiety Taking Refuge uplifts our heart and protects us from feeling down and depressed Taking Refuge is an act generating heaps of good karma, if we rea…

1
How to Develop Gratitude | Kataññu Katavedi | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk 26:08

4M ago26:08

26:08

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question how we can develop gratitude methodically. Being grateful (Kataññū Katavedī) has been praised by the Buddha as belonging entirely to the sphere of a truly good person. However, he also pointed out that it is a rather rare character trait. Gratitude may not always come naturally, so we have to make a deliberat…

1
Buddhist Triple Refuge & 5 Precepts Ceremony | Tisarana | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha 5:11

4M ago5:11

5:11

This is the ceremony of taking refuge in the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, followed by taking of the FIVE precepts. We do this ceremony at Dhammagiri: Every Saturday morning 07.30 am On the Sundays closest to the full moon at 09.00 am Requesting Triple Refuge & FIVE Precepts Mayaṃ Bhante, tisaraṇena saha pañca-sīlāni yācāma. Dutiyampi, m…

1
Buddhist Triple Refuge & 8 Precepts Ceremony | Tisarana | Dhammagiri | Ajahn Dhammasiha 6:47

4M ago6:47

6:47

This is the ceremony of taking refuge in the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, followed by taking of the EIGHT precepts. We do this ceremony at Dhammagiri: Every Saturday morning 07.30 am On the Sundays closest to the full moon at 09.00 am Requesting Triple Refuge & 8 Precepts Mayaṃ Bhante, tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha-sīlāni yācāma. Dutiyampi, may…

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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…

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