Ajahn Brahmali guides a meditation. Along the way Ajahn reminds us to give ourselves enough time to relax and to ease into the present moment.
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Using the recent events in Burma regarding the plight of the Rohingya people, Ajahn Brahmali, talked about how to apply spiritual values when we are facing difficult situations.
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Ajahn Brahmali talks about spiritual friendship, known in Pali as Kalyanamitta. Ajahn talks about how Kalyanamitta means something much more profound than a good friend, it is someone who supports you in your spiritual life in all sorts of ways. Ajahn explains how when you are surrounded by spiritual friends, such as being involved in a Buddhist Temple, you get caught in the tail wind and pulled along in the same direction, which is one of the reasons why monastic life is so powerful.
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Ajahn Brahmali talks about filial piety, one's duties to one's parents.
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What is freedom really? Ajahn Brahmali contrasts modern societal notions of freedom with a Buddhist conception of freedom.
Ajahn Brahmali talks about how the study of the Buddhist suttas allow us to connect with the teachings of the historical Buddha himself. Ajahn Brahmali discusses why the suttas are important, their place in Buddhist practise and the benefits of studying them. Ajahn looks at why it is many people listen to particular Buddhist teachers but it’s not common for people to just follow the suttas. Ajahn hopes this talk will encourage us to read the suttas and become inspired from the word of the Buddha himself.
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The Middle Way is the term the Buddha used to refer to the Noble Eightfold Path – a practice avoiding extremes of austerities and sensual indulgence.
Ajahn Brahmali discusses The Middle Way in regards to the Buddha’s own practice and also our own meditation practice.
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Ajahn Brahmali encourages us to look at what the Buddha actually taught by reading the suttas; the word of the Buddha. Ajahn recommends we begin by reading what is inspiring, enjoyable and really captures our attention such as the similes. To inspire us to go and read the suttas Ajahn reads to us some of the similes of the Buddha from the Buddhist discourses.
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Ajahn Brahmali discusses the difference between common sensual pleasure and spiritual pleasure. Ajahn explains how sensual pleasure is fleeting and susceptible to many external conditions out of our control, while spiritual pleasure is longer lasting and is something we can directly affect.
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Ajahn explains the importance of being relaxed, patient and enjoying yourself in meditation. Ajahn points out that being relaxed and patient is the opposite of the will of the mind, the doing activity of the mind and it is an aspect of letting go.
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Ajahn Brahmali offers a practical approach to understanding the Buddha's teaching of non-self, and explains how to use this understanding in our Buddhist practice.
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Is devotion an important part of the path?
Ajahn Brahmali looks at different religions perspectives on the role of devotion and discusses the role and uses of devotion in Buddhist practice.
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Ajahn Brahmali talked to us about happiness and comfort before and during our meditation. Meditation should not be a task, a duty, something we have to do. We need to be patient with ourselves and allow ourselves to become peaceful, comfortable and happy to be in that moment. A positive attitude [not forced], comfortable position and being happy will make for a good meditation.
After our guided beginners meditation Ajahn used his wit, humor and experience to answer our questions. In answering our questions, Ajahn had us all on the edge of our seats for the rest of the evening.
All to soon it was time to go.
Ajahn Brahmali reflects on the idea of Right View (Samma-ditthi); the first factor of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Ajahn looks at how Right View is a very powerful foundation and drive for our whole Buddhist practise. Ajahn talks about how to develop Right View and also enhance our confidence in the Buddha and our teachers.
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The Buddha talks about the whole spiritual path as an act of purification. Ajahn Brahmali offers an inspiring talk on purifying our mind of defilements, such as anger and ill-will because he says ‘one of the main problems on the spiritual path is the problem of anger.’
Ajahn offers ways to overcome anger so we can unblock the natural beauty of our mind. And he helps us to understand what purification actually means by sharing with us Buddhist similes and examples of people who have purified the mind.
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Ajahn Brahmali discusses the importance placed on generosity by the Buddha, how we can develop generosity and how this quality of mind supports our meditation practice.
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Ajahn Brahmali teaches that when you keep the 5 or 8 precepts, you are following in the footsteps of the Buddha and his great disciples. Ajahn instructs us to give ourselves a sense of uplift by reminding ourselves we are doing something very good with our life. Doing this gives rise to joy in your meditation.
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Ajahn Brahmali explores the Buddhist idea of freedom of choice and will. Ajahn looks closely at the connection between the Buddhist idea of freedom that is freedom from suffering or problems in life, compared to freedom of choice or will. Ajahn also looks at how our choices and intentions affect us.
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Ajahn Brahmali reflects on the meaning of Secular Buddhism, the need for it and whether Buddhism’s really a religion in the first place. Ajahn takes a look at how Buddhism has changed and adapted in western culture and the risks of Buddhism changing too much.
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What if this is your last meditation? Ajahn Brahmali begins by giving a short Dhamma talk on the skilful ways of establishing yourself in the present moment. Ajahn teaches us that by contemplating death, thoughts about past and future fade away. Ajahn suggests to contemplate death at the beginning of the meditation to remind us that the past and future are irrelevant and help remove restlessness and tiredness.
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