Buddhist Society of Western Australia

How can people have so many different beliefs? How can people believe in things that are contrary to plain evidence? How can people, even in the same family, have arguments over these beliefs? Ajahn Brahm talks about the "distortions of the cognitive process" (vipallasa) and how this causes so much confusion in the world, and offers some practical strategies to make sure we aren't the ones with distorted views - and therefore more happy and free in life.

Ajahn Brahm brings the concept of Enlightenment down to Earth through offering the simile of the mist, and how sometimes we lose our direction even though we think we're on the right track. Ajahn Brahm clears the mist of unknowing so that we have a clearer sense of the path to Enlightenment, and complete freedom.

Ajahn Brahmali discusses the ultimate question: What is the meaning of life?

Ajahn Brahmali gives a talk to provide insight into the profound topic of dependent origination, and how this applies to the spiritual practice.

Ajahn Brahmali explains how the central mental development teachings of samatha (calm) and vipassana (insight) as well as how these qualities are closely related to each and how they work together to enhance the spiritual practice.

Ayye Vayama talks on how the practice of Buddhism can help us to deal with differences with others in terms of attitudes, lifestyle, opinions, etceteras, without making adverse judgments against others.

We spend half our lives complaining. But does anyone really listen? Does it really help the situation? So why do we complain so much? Ajahn Brahm offers a different perspective on complaining, pointing us towards changing our attitude rather than changing everything around us, and finding greater peace and contentment in the process.

What is the purpose of our life? If we don't what the purpose of our lives are we end up have a meaningless existence and getting depressed. Ajahn Brahm explains what the spiritual meaning of life is, and how to live with purpose.

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.