Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Ajahn Brahm gives advice on how to let go of the friends and family that we love when they die.

Buddhism has many features of a major religion, but is it really a religion? Ajahn Brahm gives an in depth answer in this talk.

Ajahn Vayama investigates what intention is at a deeper level, and how to become more aware of how intention works in the mind so that we can direct our lives in the direction we consciously want it to go.

Ajahn Brahmali discusses the causes that give rise to mindfulness and what the main purpose of mindfulness.

What do we mean by freedom? Freedom is something we all aspire towards and it would be beneficial if we know what freedom really is. In Buddhism freedom is an inner freedom from suffering. Ajahn Brahm goes on to talk about the real meaning of freedom.

In response to a question about evil in the world, Ajahn Brahm explains that from a Buddhist perspective there is no being that is intrinsically evil, there's just stupidity and ignorance that lead beings to hurt one another. We can use Right View to change the way we look at things and build a better world. This talk is about how we can change our view of things and have a deeper, better life because we no longer cling onto ideas of 'evil'.

Ayye Vayama gives the analogy of a bushfire and how even the most catastrophic bushfires start from small sparks. So even small sparks can pose great danger. Similarly, small sparks of unwholesome thoughts like anger and greed can cause great harm in our lives. Ayye Vayama talks about how to deal with these sparks to prevent a fire in our heart and mind.

What does it mean to have quality of life? And how are we to develop the causes of having a fulfilling, meaningful and contented life.

Bhante Sujato gives a detailed talk about the nature of jhana – the measureless absorption of the mind in a blissful state of samadhi; the culmination of the meditation practice.

Ajahn Brahm reflects upon the great power and deep wisdom of the life of his teacher Ajahn Chah.

What does Buddhism have to say about religious fundamentalism? What can be done about it? Ajahn Brahm explains....

Ajahn Brahmali reflects upon what a pilgrimage is and how it can be beneficial to Buddhist practice.

Ajahn Brahm talks about conflict and how to deal with it.

Using the Dhammapada as the source of inspiration, Ajahn Nissarano gives advice on how to keep our mind focused on that which is most important and essential in life, and to put less important upon that which is not essential, and thereby realise the essence of life.

Is Buddhism a religion? Or is it a way or life or a philosophy? What is it? And what are Buddhists supposed to do? Ajahn Brahm uses his characteristic humour and wisdom to answer these questions?

Ajahn Brahm explores craving. Are there different types? Are some forms of craving necessary for survival? Is all craving 'bad'? Ajahn Brahm shares the secret of finding a balance in the here and now by understanding the nature of craving and the different types of craving, and how to work giving up the types of craving most harmful to us whilst holding on (for the mean time) to those cravings which have some use to us and others.

Mindfulness isn't an end itself, but a means of uncovering the deeper truths of existence that the Buddhist teachings are encouraging us to see. Mindfulness is the first of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. Ayye Vayama reminds us how developing mindfulness is an essential quality of mind that leads to insight, knowledge and ultimately to Awakening.

Is power any good at all? What is realpower and how is it going to be of benefit to people in the world? How to people get addicted to power and become unwilling to give it up? Ajahn Brahm discusses these questions about the nature of power from a Buddhist perspective.

Ajahn Brahm opens the talk by pointing to how much popularity and traction mindfulness techniques are developing in the contemporary world. He then goes on to explain how developing mindfulness with compassion can be transformative for anyone who practices it.