Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Many people complain about how Christmas has become so materialistic, but as Ajahn Brahm points out that there are numerous benefits to the Christmas (or Buddhamas if you’re a Buddhist) period, including the time off in which we can relax and find some peace.

Ajahn Brahm gives a Buddhist perspective on how to run a business and operate in the business world.

Can a Buddhist serve in a military and know that it's part of Right Livelihood? Ajahn Brahm investigates this question and others related to the ethics of killing.

Ajahn Brahm discusses a Buddhist perspective and response on the serious issues that face the world today like climate change and terrorism. Ajahn Brahm starts by pointing out that there is no single, unified Buddhist position on all these issues because there is no central person in charge to declare a uniform position, but rather, Buddhism is a practice that helps us to understand the world and respond to its challenges.

Part of the trick of knowing how to be happy is to not force it upon ourselves as an obligation. Or as Ajahn Brahm says, "Don't worry, be grumpy!"

Ajahn Brahm gives a talk on meditation and how it works. One of the central principles and practices of Buddhism has been meditation. Those who know anything about the history of Buddhism know that it started with one person meditating under a tree. If there's any holy book in Buddhism it is the holy book of meditation in which you can read in your own heart, in the stillness of your mind rather than any scripture.

Ajahn Brahm offers advice (based on personal experience) on how to find in our tumultuous, busy lives.

Ajahn Brahm teaches us to not expect joy from life, but rather to make joy in life regardless of our present circumstances. Ajahn discusses the meaning of self esteem and happiness.

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How do we deal with criticism in a wise and skillful way? Ajahn Brahm offers advice on how to understand criticism and use it for our own benefit and that of others.

Most modern people who choose a spiritual path want guaranteed results, just like they were buying an expensive item from the department store - we want guarantees or a working product or our money back. But embedded in this attitude is the idea that we acquire things - when the Buddhist path is not about getting stuff, but about letting go. But when we do learn to let go, then we are on the path to Nibbana...

As Ajahn Brahm addresses the question of how to reconcile religion and science by "bending the faith to fit the facts" and not the other way around - and in the process talks about how to zero in on the experience of enlightenment.

This talk revolves around the second and third factors of the Noble Eightfold Path, namely the Intentions of Renunciation, Goodwill and Harmlessness - as well as the practising of Right Speech. Always pragmatic and practical, the Dhamma taught by the Buddha 2500 years ago, correlates perfectly with contemporary concepts of psychology: deluded and and ego-intoxicated, humans project their own fears and weaknesses onto others, rather than face these within themselves. This creates endless conflict and suffering. Loving kindness, gentleness, humility and frugality are the Buddha's antidote...

Ajahn Brahm discusses both the perceived dangers and pleasures of sensuality, and a Buddhist approach to understanding the sensuality of the world.

Even in this modern scientific era many people are still very superstitious. And superstition induces fear. But original Buddhism questions everything and doesn't require blind faith in things that cannot be directly experienced. As Ajahn Brahm says, "We need to bend the faith to fit the facts, not bend the facts to fit the faith." Superstition is only an obstacle to spiritual development.

These days we're always trying to control so much of our lives - our environment, our food, our jobs, our families. But control is the opposite of freedom. And in the West we worship freedom. This creates a tension within our lives in the modern world. Ajahn Brahm offers a Buddhist perspective on the battle between control and freedom.

Ajahn Brahm offers advice on which authorities we should be obedient to and why.

In the wake of recent terror attacks in Paris and Beirut, Ajahn Brahm offers a Buddhist response to terror in the modern world, and how we can find peace when there is the threat of violence and chaos in the world.

Is religion just for wowsers who are putting off their happiness until the next life? Is there room for laughter in religion? What is happiness anyway? Ajahn Brahm offers a fresh perspective on the role of happiness in the religious life, and the choice between different types of happiness that we make - and having a good time along the way.

Much of energy in people's lives is directed towards the worldly challenges of getting stronger, getting more money and status. But are these really worthy challenges that lead us to happiness? Or shall we seek out difficult situations in life to grow from those challenges? Ajahn Brahm casts a fresh light upon facing life's challenges.