Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Ajahn Brahm on Mindfulness – Presented at the Brahm Centre Charity Seminar in Singapore on 10 Nov 2014.

Ajahn Brahm talks about different sects of Buddhism, how it all came to be this way and what it means. Ultimately it's all the same cake, just different icing on top.

Ayye Vayama explains the origin of the term that the Buddha used to refer to himself - the Tathagatha. She then goes on to explain the significance of this term and what it means to all of us who are seeking the path to Awakening in this modern world.

Ajahn Brahm gives a talk on the Four Brahmaviharas (the Divine Abodes) of metta (loving-kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy) and upekkha (equanimity) in Toronto.

Do we have the right to believe whatever we want? Should there be limits on what people can believe? Ajahn Brahm takes on this contentious topic, pointing out that certain extreme beliefs can be dangerous to oneself and others, and we need to be careful about what we believe.

Is it really possible to find happiness in our busy modern lives? Ajahn Brahm talks about the path to happiness in the context of our modern lives.

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 Pasanno the abbott of Abhayagiri Monastery in California offers a talk on how to train our buffalo mind.

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.

Ayye Vayama explains the meaning behind some Buddhist traditions, and how reflecting upon the qualities of the Buddha can be a powerful and uplifting practice that strengthens confidence and energises the practice.

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 Brahmali talks about how our actions (karma) bring about future results (vipaka) which impacts upon our well-being. He gives a broad ranging talk on what it really means to make "good karma" or "bad karma".

Ajahn Nyanadhammo counters the notion that freedom is doing whatever we want whenever we want, but that there is an even more profound freedom - the freedom of the mind.

Ayye Vayama reflects upon how happiness is a frame of mind that can be developed through understanding the causes of happiness and actively cultivating the thoughts and habits of mind that lead to happiness. She then goes on to explain what these positive and wholesome states of mind are that lead to happiness.

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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