February 28, 2019
We humans seem to have an issue with doing nothing! Ajahn describes doing nothing as an art form. When we start to meditate our mind will try all manner of tricks to keep us from a still, quiet session. It will monkey about and thoughts will come to mind of the past, of the future and even of the present which is all intended to keep our attention away from our goal of a quiet mind. Ajahn Brahm uses humour and common sense to make us laugh and relax. This is a good step on the path to meditation. Having a happy, relaxed mind prior to meditation is so much better than having a mind stuck in the past or desperately trying to predict the future.
So in the inimitable style of Ajahn Brahm, we heard jokes and funny stories and had a good laugh prior to commencing our meditation. Ajahn led the group through a body sweep prior to focusing on the present moment.
This meditation is well suited to beginners and experienced meditators alike.
After meditation Ajahn opened to questions and was asked to further explain the "doer and the thinker". Ajahn used his life experience and funny stories to illustrate the answer.
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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.
February 26, 2019
All the things we have learnt and all the ideas we think we’ve understood sometimes block us from seeing the deeper truth. Ajahn Brahm advises, "Never allow your learning to stand in the way of the truth" and feel your way through your meditation.
To find and download more Guided Meditations on Podcast, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the meditation you want and then type the date into the Podcast search box e.g. 01-09-2018 or try 1 September 2018.
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February 25, 2019
Many people believe that happiness is having the freedom to get whatever you want. However Ajahn Brahm opposes this belief by explaining that profound happiness actually comes when you’re free from wanting. Ajahn states, "When you want something more, you are not free, you cannot enjoy what you already have."
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To find and download more Dhamma Talks on Podcast, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the talk you want and then type the title into the Podcast search box.
February 24, 2019
Ajahn Brahm discusses the cultivation and importance of wise friends on the path, the essential role the Bhikkhuni Sangha plays in increasing the longevity of the Buddha’s teachings, and how the four-fold community of Dhamma practitioners can support each other on our journey towards awakening. Recorded at the Thames Buddhist Vihara on the 27th July 2016.
This event was part of Ajahn Brahm's UK tour 2016 - "Buddhism in the 21st Century" in support of Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project, of which Ajahn is Spiritual Adviser. Donations towards Anukampa's aim to develop a nuns' monastery in England are extremely welcome. Please visit https://anukampaproject.org/donate/
Teaching retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROIlbFmhEAY&list=PLPxfnU-O-ZyeLHWATLqHA2_g13_MLhGPa&index=3 (YouTube Channel: Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project)
Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.
To find and download more Dhamma Talks on Podcast, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the talk you want and then type the title into the Podcast search box.
February 21, 2019
Bhante started the night by asking the group if there was a particular subject or topic that he might use to base the evening’s meditation and talk on. One member asked for a meditation with Metta whilst another suggested a meditation dealing with physical pain. Bhante, after careful and clever consideration, was able to deliver a talk which combined both subjects. Gratitude, as described by Bhante, is the airbag we need when things aren't going well, or to our liking, in our lives. Bhante described the two darts of suffering as one being a physical pain, for which we might seek relief with medication, and the other as a mental pain. Many of us sadly use our mental suffering to make our physical pain so much worse than it need be. A good meditation can most certainly help. We humans often don't separate the two which leads us to make our physical pain so much worse with an increasingly negative mind set.
Bhante then led the group in a guided meditation on gratitude that went a little longer than usual. By focusing on gratitude for everything from the simplest smiles of family or friends to the big events in our lives, we build an airbag to cushion us against adversity and pain.
After the meditation Bhante continued his discourse on gratitude. He pointed out to us the many ways we can build up our resistance to both bad situations and physical pain, by remembering those times and things that we are grateful for.
Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.
To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.
February 19, 2019
Ajahn Brahm briefly explains how to meditate: first we need to relax our body, so that we can sit comfortably and then we need to relax our mind, because when our mind becomes more relaxed and peaceful, our mindfulness and energy increases.
To find and download more Guided Meditations on Podcast, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the meditation you want and then type the date into the Podcast search box e.g. 01-09-2018 or try 1 September 2018.
Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.