Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Kevin focuses on teaching meditation and mindfulness as simple, practical skills. He teaches us how and why meditation works, draws on the most up-to-date scientific research, and introduces us to techniques that we can use on the go - whenever and wherever we are. He is also keen to help us find innovative ways to adapt meditation to our own needs. His teaching methods reflect his life experiences as a high-level communicator and participant-observer in the media, politics and corporate life. He has a particular interest in the science of meditation, as well as in the cultures and traditions from which such techniques are drawn. Kevin was introduced to meditation in 1992 by renowned meditation teacher Eric Harrison of the Perth Meditation Centre.

Kevin lead the group in meditation by first asking us to relax and listen to sounds around us. By doing this we shift from thinking to observing. The meditation is a full detailed body scan encouraging us to simply observe, not think nor engage with random thoughts. The meditation is well suited to all levels of meditators.

After meditation Kevin opened to questions.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Bhante Aranavihara encouraged us to ask ourselves why we meditate? Bhante then gave a brief talk on some of the reasons we meditate and how best to deal with them once meditation commences. Bhante asked us to remind ourselves every five minutes or so to come back to our meditation object, not forcefully, but gently.

Bhante begins the meditation by using a body scan and asking us to let our bodies settle down. After the body scan Bhante suggests we shift our attention to either the breath or our metta object.

After the meditation Bhante opened to Q&A. 

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

The last week of Rains has arrived. The monks will be with us again next week but we have one more guest speaker before then - Barry Gaskin. Barry has been an attendee at the Armadale group for almost 20 years. He has traveled much of South East Asia in his working career - Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Barry gave a background to his strange introduction to Meditation and Buddhism. He explained his observations as a Westerner living in Buddhist countries, his beliefs of Pre-Birth through to Post Death, how lucky we are and also how meditation can impact on happiness. Meditation is always taught "how to do" but he wants to explain "when to do" as a way of life, with difference and ease.

Barry then lead the group in a 30 minute meditation easily enjoyed by experienced and beginners alike. Barry began with a relaxing body scan, asking us to open our hearts to self-compassion and finishing with a difference.

After meditation Barry continued his talk on Buddhism in both the West and the East.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.  Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

We are delighted to have guest speaker Kathryn Choules during our 2019 Rains Retreat. Kathryn Choules is the founder of Mind and Movement. Her love of mindfulness, meditation and compassion comes from experiencing the benefits first-hand. She uses mindfulness and compassion training to work with people as they respond to the inevitable stresses of the life, so they live more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Kathryn is a certified instructor of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction through the University of Massachusetts and recognised as a Senior Teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has done training with Jon Kabat-Zinn directly.

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.

We are delighted to have guest speaker Len Warren during our 2019 Rains Retreat. Len is from the Hayagriva Buddhist Centre and his talk is in response to the new voluntary euthanasia laws being passed in WA.

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.

It’s week 12 of our Rains Schedule already and this week, we have Richard Thomas. Richard came to meditation in the early '80s and discovered BSWA in 1992. He has completed several 3 month Rains retreats, has stayed at Bodhinyana and has also attended retreats at Kyaswa monastery in Myanmar. He was the editor of the book "Emptiness and Stillness" which marked Ajahn Brahm's 60th birthday. He was also a key co-ordinator of the 2015 Global Conference on Buddhism in Perth and a Member of the BSWA Committee and occasional teacher of the Introduction to Meditation course at Dhammaloka. So Richard brings both his experience and expertise to this weeks session.

Richard commenced the session by asking us to reflect on Metta, compassion in general and why we meditate. Richard used his own extensive experience and known facts about Metta meditation to instruct us before commencing the meditation. Richard then guided us in a 30 minute meditation well suited to beginners and experienced meditators alike.

After meditation Richard opened to Q&A before continuing his talk on Metta and compassion.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Bhikkhu Bodhi's message to Opening of the 9^th Global Conference of Buddhism held in Perth, WA; 8^th and 9^th of August 2015. This video was recorded in the United States.

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

We are delighted to have guest speaker Vicki Freeman during the rains retreat for 2019. Vicki Freeman is a lay meditation teacher that helped establish the Liberation Prison Project in Australia.

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.

Week 10 of Rains and this week we have U Zor Hane. Zor is originally from Burma, but has been in Australia for over 40 years. He is the Spiritual Advisor of the Buddhist Meditation Society in Joondalup. He has given talks at universities, schools, business organisations and at the Perth Detention Centre. He worked with drug addicted young people at the Palmerston Farm drug rehabilitation centre for 4 years, showing them the life skills that can be achieved through meditation and the Buddhist way of living with wisdom, awareness and harmlessness (to oneself and to others).

Zor lead the group in a 30 minute meditation session beginning with a body sweep then shifting to breath. This meditation is well suited to beginners and experienced meditators alike.

After meditation Zor spoke to us on Karma and before closing the night, opened to questions.

For further talks and meditation session from U Zor Hane please visit the Buddhist Meditation Society.

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: , choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Week nine of the Rains season and this week we had Ananda Thilakasiri. Ananda was born in Sri Lanka into a Buddhist family & frequented the village temple with his Grandfather from a very young age yet, came to practise meditation only after meeting the then Ajahn Jagaro & Ajahn Brahm, around 1987. He and his family started visiting Bodhinyana and Dhammaloka regularly from 1991. They have been members of BSWA since that time. He has been serving the Buddhist community in WA, also in other countries in various ways but, mainly as the Treasurer of BSWA. Even though he has been meditating for approximately 25 years, his progress has been rather slow. About 9 or so years ago, he started to attend meditation retreats at Jhana Grove, mostly of those taught by Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Brahmali, Bhante Sujato, on a regular basis. Also, retreats by a couple of visiting Sri Lankan monks. Around the same time, urged by Bhante Sujato, he also started to read the Suttas. The early Buddhist texts from the Tripitaka with the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness, insight, wisdom and meditation. Attending retreats & reading Suttas have helped his meditation practice, immensely! For anyone who has not attended a meditation retreat, yet, he recommends starting with a weekend retreat and then go on to do 9 Day retreats. You will start noticing the difference! Continuity is the key!

Ananda lead the group in a thirty minute meditation focusing on the breath though starting with a body sweep. This meditation is best suited to experienced meditators.

After meditation Ananda opened to questions before continuing to talk on a variety of subjects relative to both Buddhism and Meditation.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

We are delighted to have guest speaker Kelsang Ani from Kadampa Meditation Centre in Fremantle visit Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre during the 2019 Rains Retreat. Kelsang Ani offers a 30 minute breath and mantra meditation, then gives a Dhamma talk on the path to Enlightenment.
While our Sangha (monks and nuns) are on rains retreat, we have guest speakers coming in for the Friday night talks at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre.

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.

We are delighted to have guest speaker Behram Ghista during the rains retreat for 2019. Behram is is an international meditation teacher from India. He is fondly called "Master B" by his students because of his mastery in imparting the Buddhist teachings in a light and playful manner. Behram Ghista talks about the four errors we must avoid in order to train our mind to live in harmony with life. To find out more about Behram Ghista visit: http://www.innermasterynow.net/
We apologise for the sound quality, please wear headphones if necessary.

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.

Week eight of the Rains season and this week we had Mark Simpson. Mark is a yoga teacher, writer, holistic health coach and facilitator. His work integrates postures, breathing practices, meditation and philosophy. He is interested in mindfulness and meditation practices and draws on them both in his own personal life and to help others observe and care for their bodies and minds. He has also attended retreats at Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village including a retreat focused on Compassionate Leadership.

Mark then lead the group in a thirty minute meditation focusing on the breath and being kind to our bodies. This meditation is well suited to both beginners and experienced alike.

After meditation Mark continues his talk on the common areas with Buddhism and Yoga. Towards the end of the evening Mark opened to questions.

For further information on Mark, Yoga and Buddhism, please visit his website.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Guest speaker Richard Yin gives a talk at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre, during the 2019 Rains Retreat.

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.

Guest speakers Kenzie Dann, Tamkin Essa and Zal Kanga-Parabia offer a talk at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre, during the 2019 Rains Retreat. Three young guest speakers, pursuing three different vocations, but all having a powerful positive impact in our society.Kenzie Dann is a Nyul Nyul/ Banjima man from Broome. He has many years of lived experience working with youth. His current focus and passion is within the corrective services area where he has been delivering mentoring programs for 4 years, combing culture and therapeutic approaches.

Tamkin Essa is an aspiring young journalist born in Afghanistan and raised in Perth. She is on the Youth Affairs Council of WA where she advocates for young multicultural people through planning state youth summits, helping to nurture future young leaders.

Zal Kanga-Parabia is a multi-disciplinary artist from Perth. He was the West Australian of the year 2018 finalist in the youth category, creative co-ordinator at Propel Youth Arts WA, and currently involved in many community projects including Moonboorli (Beyond) for National Science Week.

Recorded at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre, during the 2019 Rains Retreat.  

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.

Week six of the Rains season and this week we had Rob Hendry. Rob is a recent convert to meditation and an Armadale Meditation Group (AMG) regular. Rob grew up entrenched within Christianity and has a Bachelors’ Degree in Theology. He has preached regularly in Christian churches, and turned to meditation during last year’s AMG Rains schedule as a way to deal with both stress, pain and illness. He was quickly converted to the trans-formative power of meditation and is eager to share its benefits with others. Rob’s talk this evening focused on his interest in the areas of commonality between Buddhism and Christianity.

Rob then lead the group in a thirty minute meditation focusing on the breath and simplicity. This meditation is well suited to both beginners and experienced alike.

After meditation Rob continued his talk on the common areas with Buddhism and Christianity. Towards the end of the evening Rob opened to questions.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Have you heard about the time when an Archbishop walked into a Buddhist Centre? Find out what happens. Archbishop Kay is the first female Archbishop in the world, Order of Australia recipient 2017 and a marriage celebrant.

Recorded at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre, during the 2019 Rains Retreat.  

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.

Kathryn’s fourth and final session for the rains period of 2019, her chosen subject, Equanimity or Upekkhà. Kathryn started the session by giving us a formal definition of equanimity and then providing real world examples.

Upekkhà is the Buddhist concept of equanimity. As one of the Brahma Vihara (meditative states), it is a pure mental state cultivated on the Buddhist path to nirvāna.

Equanimity is a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind. The virtue and value of equanimity is extolled and advocated by a number of major religions and ancient philosophies.

Equanimity is something many of us tend to not recognise and to have difficulty in achieving. This occurs often for those of us dealing with suffering of family, friends or even peoples of the world. We become trapped within our emotions.

Kathryn then lead the group in meditation with equanimity as the focus. The meditation and subject is perhaps best suited to intermediate and advanced meditators.

After meditation Kathryn continued her talk on equanimity and opened to questions. Kathryn also answered questions she had not had time to answer in previous weeks. One of the last questions asked of Kathryn was “how long should we meditate for”. Kathryn’s answer was “do what-ever you’ll do”. So we should be happy with any length of meditation that we can achieve at that time.

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

This is Kathryn’s third of four sessions at AMG during the 2019 Rains Retreat period. Tonight's subject is compassion, specifically in 3 forms. Kathryn describes how we may feel compassion for someone that is suffering. How we may receive compassion because we are suffering. Finally, we may feel compassion toward ourselves. Kathryn continued by giving examples of the each form of compassion. Before meditation and to conclude her talk, Kathryn asked the audience to form a circle of sorts around the room. She then asked us all a series of questions and to raise our hands if we felt the answer applied to us as an individual. It was not surprising to find that nearly all present answered in the affirmative to the questions. We all need to practice both sending compassion and receiving compassion in our lives to help us deal with the stuff of life.

Kathryn then lead the group in meditation with compassion as our focus. The meditation is perhaps best suited to intermediate and advanced meditators.

After meditation Kathryn continued her talk on compassion and opened to question. At the close Kathryn suggested the following titles for those of us interested in furthering their study of compassion.

Mindful Compassion by Paul Gilbert
Compassion: Concepts, Research and Application edited by Paul Gilbert

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

This is Kathryn’s second of four sessions at AMG. The subject, or rather object of meditation is our habit of judging others, situations and circumstances. We often get it wrong and this moves us more toward reaction instead of a softer response. Reaction and often over reaction, releases chemicals into our systems that are not needed in most situations and not beneficial to our current situation. To avoid this we need to step back mentally and be mindful instead.

Kathryn then lead the group in meditation asking us to notice everything. The trucks on the highway and all other small sounds. Then to look at our thoughts, are they a suitable response, or an over-reaction? Gradually we learn to simply be mindful that those sounds are there and let them go along with the negative thoughts.

After meditation Kathryn continued her talk on “Working With a Judgemental Mind”. Kathryn also takes questions. In closing the night Kathryn mentions a number of books that she recommends for those who may further wish to explore the deeper functions within our minds.

The first title is - Being Wrong by Kathryn Schulz
The second title is - The Invisible Gorilla co-authored by
Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons
The third title is - Mistakes Were Made But Not by Me
co-authored by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson

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, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.