Each year we are blessed with a visit and teaching by Ajahn Nissarano. This year we have been fortunate enough to have him visit twice. Ajahn is based in Sri Lanka, visiting his home city of Perth once or twice every year or so. On such visits Ajahn is usually in high demand so we at AMG are very grateful of his time. On this occasion Ajahn began the night with an explanation of meditation and programing our minds before we start our meditation. Being aware of negative states of mind prior to our meditation will help immensely. The two most important states of mind being motivation and intention. Ajahn talked to us about these states of mind and how they affect our meditation as well as our daily lives.
Ajahn then guided the group through a 30 minute scanning [body sweep] meditation suited to all, beginners to experienced alike.
After the meditation Ajahn opened the floor to "comments, questions or complaints". Ajahn then continued his talk on programming our own minds and the external influences we are subjected to in modern life.
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Ajahn Nissarano talks about how to clear some of the emotional rubbish that has built up in our minds using tools like forgiveness and letting go.
Recorded by the Buddhist Society of Victoria in Melbourne.
Ajahn Nissarano talks about gratitude not just as a pleasant social grace, but as a key Buddhist practice that can be truly uplifting.
Recorded by the Buddhist Society of Victoria in Melbourne.
Rains has ended for 2018 and Ajahn graced us with his presence. The evening started with laughter and much fussing about with a new microphone. Ajahn, in his singular style, was able to find humour and fun even in this. Needless to say this set the tone for rest of evening. Prior to the Metta-Sutta Ajahn again set the mood by telling a joke. Ajahn rationalised this by telling us that there is enough misery in our lives today without adding more. By using humour we add energy to our lives.
Ajahn expanded on this by telling us to give 100% to everything we do. It doesn't matter how you meditate, as long as you give it 100%. This is not to say we should concentrate so much that we strain something. 100% in meditation is quite the opposite of what we normally would think or feel. 100% in meditation is being here in the present moment, not reliving the past or worrying about the future, just “relax to the max”, here and now in the present moment.
Having made us all laugh and relax, Ajahn then led us in a 30 minute guided meditation commencing with a body sweep. The meditation is well suited to beginners and experienced alike.
After meditation, Ajahn continued to instruct us using humour, jokes, funny stories and common sense.
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In the era of greater awareness of issues pertaining to sexual assault, Ajahn Nissarano discusses the Buddha's teachings on what is sexual misconduct, it's harm, and how to prevent such harm in the world.
Recorded by the Buddhist Society of Victoria in Melbourne.
Ajahn Nissarano gives a talk about initiating and maintaining good relationships.
Recorded by the Buddhist Society of Victoria in Melbourne.
Bhante began the evening by taking the first three steps from Ajahn Brahm’s book, “Meditation for Beginners”. Bhante then lightly detailed each of the three steps with a brief and easy to follow instruction.
Present moment awareness is the first step. Leaving the past where it belongs, in the past, not thinking of the future because it will probably not happen anyway and so just being in this moment, here and now. Bhante then went on to give examples of the next two steps that we will take as we progress in our practice.
Bhante then led us in 3 ten minute meditations. The first one being present moment awareness, no thoughts of the past or the future. The second one being no thought (if we are able). This means that when thoughts arise, we try not to engage with them. Just let them come and let them go, trying to focus on the blank area between thoughts. The third is our traditional meditation where we focus, as best we can, on our breath. We do this by many different methods, some will focus on the sensation caused by the air moving into the nose. Some will focus on the air as it fills their lungs. Don't be afraid to try different methods, find one that best suits you.
After the meditation, Bhante opened to Q&A and used a simile for our Do-er and Know-er.
Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.
Ajahn Nissarano talks about the factor of the Noble Eightfold Path known as right livelihood, which pertains to a good way for people to live our lives, especially about our work lives.
Recorded by the Buddhist Society of Victoria in Melbourne.
Ajahn Nissarano gives a talk about the impermanent, transitory and uncertain nature of existence, and how we can relate to this.
Recorded by the Buddhist Society of Victoria in Melbourne.
