Buddhist Society of Western Australia

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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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...

Ayye Vayama offers advice on why and how to create a life of inner wealth.

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.

Ajahn Brahmali reflects upon both how fundamental morality is to Buddhist practice and life, and also how inspiring the practice of morality can truly be.