Clear Mountain Monastery Project
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100 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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What’s to Give Light Must Endure Burning…& Mayo? A Mai-Nai/Uncertain Sandwich | CMM & Ven. Paññāsiri
7 juni 2026 · 52 min
In this three-way talk, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and Maechee Paññasiri speak about the Three Characteristics/Perceptions (tilakkhaṇa), or perceptions: Lees meer
00:00:00 Introduction & Ajahn Kovilo on Dukkhatā - Pain/Suffering/Unsatisfactoriness
00:11:58 Maechee Paññāsiri on Anattatā - Not-Self
00:27:51 Ajahn Nisabho on Aniccatā - Impermanence
00:43:14 Questions and Answers
By contemplating these skillfully, one can bring the heart to full liberation. The talk also features a surprising number of references to mayonnaise.
Maechee Paññāsirī's Biography:
Sister Maechee Panyasiri is a Chinese-born, Thai forest nun in the tradition of Ven. Ajahn Chah.
Born in 1967 and grew up in Shanghai, China, Sister has worked many years as a writer/creative director, a teacher of yoga, pranayama and meditation, as well as travelling the world, with a deep spiritual pursuit which she was born with. Finally this lifelong inner quest tuned her into the path of Dhamma. In 2018 She became a student of Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro and started the training in various forest monasteries in Thailand as a eight precept Upāsikā.
In 2020 she became a Maechee with Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro as her preceptor and was instructed to go on almsround and not to receive or use money. Sister Maechee Paññāsirī currently remains in a nuns’ hermitage near the Khao Yai mountain in Thailand.
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Stanford Scholar on the Conceits & Blind Spots of Every Form of Buddhism | Prof. Paul Harrison Q&A
4 juni 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Paul Harrison, professor of religious studies at Stanford University (https://religiousstudies.stanford.edu/people/paul-harrison). Lees meer
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:23 Balancing academic scholarship and personal spiritual practice
00:04:09 Exploring the spiritual dimension of studying Buddhist texts
00:05:55 How early Mahayana Buddhism emerged
00:08:56 The timeline and setting where Mahayana began to diverge
00:12:54 Explanation of the Lokaksema Corpus and early ascetic Mahayana traditions
00:15:21 The cultural motivations and societal forces that drove the Mahayana movement
00:18:11 Why early texts lack questions about attaining full Buddhahood
00:21:29 The tension between historical scholarly development and traditional faith views
00:25:11 Blind spots in the Theravada and linguistic distances from Pali
00:30:59 The validity of an early Buddhist text conceit vs radical doctrinal differences with Mahayana texts
00:34:48 The implications of written transmission versus oral recitation, and what the Gandhari scrolls reveal about it
00:38:00 Do modern scholars actively practice text memorization?
00:45:59 The historical evidence for ancient Greek and Persian cross-cultural influences on early Buddhism
00:49:57 The polemical framing of Sariputta and the sectarian put-downs of the Shravakas in texts like the Vimalakirti Sutra
00:54:06 The most fascinating current realms of research in Buddhist academia
00:56:13 The key historical and doctrinal insights gained from the Gandhari scrolls
00:57:28 The utility and drawbacks of using AI for translating sacred Buddhist texts
Biography of Paul Harrison:
Paul Harrison is the George Edwin Burnell Professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University. Educated in his native New Zealand and in Australia, he specializes in Buddhist literature and history, especially that of the Mahāyāna, and in the study of Buddhist manuscripts in Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan. …
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Awakening is Devastating: Death, Dhamma, & Diamond-Cut Wisdom from White Robes | Maechee Paññāsirī
31 mei 2026 · 48 min
In this talk, Maechee Paññasiri, visiting from Thailand, speaks about the urgency and profundity of the path of practice, and how the mundane moments of life, such as washing a robe, can catalyze the deepest insights. By purifying our sila (virtue) and relying on spiritual friends, we can see what stains remain in the heart and devote ourselves to their purification. When we understand the truth of mortality, only one task remains: that of Awakening. Lees meer
Maechee Paññāsirī's Biography:
Sister Maechee Panyasiri is a Chinese-born, Thai forest nun in the tradition of Ven. Ajahn Chah.
Born in 1967 and grew up in Shanghai, China, Sister has worked many years as a writer/creative director, a teacher of yoga, pranayama and meditation, as well as travelling the world, with a deep spiritual pursuit which she was born with. Finally this lifelong inner quest tuned her into the path of Dhamma. In 2018 She became a student of Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro and started the training in various forest monasteries in Thailand as a eight precept Upāsikā.
In 2020 she became a Maechee with Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro as her preceptor and was instructed to go on almsround and not to receive or use money. Sister Maechee Paññāsirī currently remains in a nuns’ hermitage near the Khao Yai mountain in Thailand.
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Making Mountains of Merit Amidst Mounting Madness: Shedding Light on Group Karma | Ajahn Achalo Q&A
28 mei 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Ajahn Achalo, abbot and founder of Ānandagiri Monastery in Pechabun, Thailand (https://www.peacebeyondsuffering.org/) Lees meer
00:00:00 Welcome and introduction of Ajahn Achalo
00:01:27 Connection with the local village and global uncertainty
00:07:53 Advice for navigating dark or distressing times
00:08:36 Internal practices for holding the heart in a good space
00:13:06 Correlation between renunciation and letting go of hindrances
00:16:43 Contemplating the law of karma during difficult periods
00:19:38 Skillful means for brightening an anxious or upset mind
00:23:52 Concept and relationship to shared group karma
00:28:43 Dealing with the general trajectory of a degenerating world
00:35:45 Daily devotional acts and determinations
00:40:40 Invocations of deities and devas in practice
00:48:55 Planning for rebirth and suitable environments
01:01:00 Personal experiences and the reality of subtle realms
Ajahn Achalo's Biography:
Ajahn Achalo was born in Brisbane Australia in 1972. He developed a keen interest in meditation at the age of twenty and a year later left for Thailand to study Buddhism more intently. After a two year period practising in various centres and monasteries, in 1996 Ajahn Achalo ordained as a Theravada Bhikkhu under Ajahn Liem at Wat Nong Pah Pong, the monastery founded by venerable Ajahn Chah. Although most of his training has taken place in Thailand, Ajahn Achalo has also lived in several international Forest Monasteries in the Ajahn Chah lineage. During his years of training, he has received personal guidance from many remarkable teachers, among them, Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Pasanno, Ajahn Jayasaro and Ajahn Kalyano. For most of his Bhikkhu life, he has considered Tan Ajahn Anan, abbot of Wat Marp Jan, to be his principal mentor. In addition, he has found the Dalai Lama's instructions and example to be of tremendous value. Ajahn Achalo is the founder and abbot of Anandagiri Forest …
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True Safety in the Bravest of Spaces | Ayya Niyyānika
23 mei 2026 · 35 min
In this session, Ayya Niyyānika explores how we can discover true inner security and cultivate a 'smiling heart' of endless kindness, even when navigating an overwhelming and messy world. Grounding in the Maṅgala Sutta, they challenge us to move beyond the illusion of perfectly guaranteed external 'safe spaces' and instead build brave communities where we can hold our vulnerabilities, challenges, and identities with wisdom and curiosity. Lees meer
Ayya Niyyanika's Biography:
Ayya Niyyānika grew up on Whidbey Island, Washington, and worked as an ontology consultant in Minnesota before entering monastic life. They began their formal training in 2014 at Dhammadharini Monastery in California, where they received full bhikkhunī higher ordination on December 3, 2017. After subsequent training at Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery and a period of independent travel through Asia and the West, they co-founded Passaddhi Vihara (www.passaddhivihara.org) in Olympia, Washington, in May 2024 alongside Ayyā Suvijjānā. Ayya Niyyānika focuses their practice on embodiment and open kindness, integrating early Buddhist teachings and monastic discipline into modern, lived experience.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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New & Ancient Rules of Relationship: Advice from a Therapist & Two Celibate Monks | Terry Real Q&A
14 mei 2026 · 58 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Terry Real, therapist, author, and creator of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) (https://terryreal.com/). Lees meer
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:49 Coming out of the closet as a long-term meditator
00:04:46 Three parts of the brain and the psyche in RLT
00:05:42 Explaining the survival instincts of fight, flight, and fawn
00:06:22 Defining the "wounded child" and the nature of trauma
00:07:18 The role and function of the "adaptive child"
00:08:40 How trauma triggers reactivity in current relationships
00:11:41 The neurobiology of getting flooded and going offline
00:12:48 Introducing the concept of "relational mindfulness"
00:14:15 Moving from the reactive mind to the responsive mind
00:16:43 The importance of performing trauma work with partners
00:19:02 How the Buddhist Eightfold Path relates to reactivity
00:19:26 Integrating spiritual friendship with the need for seclusion
00:19:40 The framework and the "Ten Commandments of Timeouts"
00:20:25 Skillful distance and the dance of intimacy
00:21:20 Establishing healthy self-esteem and God-given worth
00:22:50 Balancing abandonment wounds versus intrusion wounds
00:25:31 Correcting the epistemological mistake of individualism
00:26:49 Waking up to ecological wisdom and relationality
00:30:01 A Zen story about treating others while "saving the world"
00:32:02 Releasing conceit and the movement from me to we
00:34:28 Common pairings of wounded and adaptive children
00:35:13 The five losing strategies of the adaptive child
00:36:59 Examples of how adaptive strategies reinforce each other
00:38:04 A story of recovery and relational heroism regarding lying
00:41:36 Understanding accountability and the "second consciousness"
00:43:53 Distinguishing between blame, victimhood, and responsibility
00:45:46 The risks of "parental determinism" and cutting off parents
00:46:50 Carl Jung and the necessity of a religious outlook
00:47:54 Spirituality as a cu…
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Weathered Maturity: A Jagged, Holistic Life At the Center of the Edge of the World | Ajahn Sukhito
14 mei 2026 · 1 uur 15 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sukhito, Israeli-born abbot of Poo Jom Gom Forest Monastery in Ubon, Thailand and (https://ketkamala.org/). Lees meer
00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction of Tan Ajahn Sukito
00:00:26 Biography: Early Life and Journey to Buddhism
00:01:04 Service at Wat Phu Chong Gom and the Gamala Foundation
00:01:38 Personal Connection and Reflections on Practice
00:02:27 Ajahn Sukito’s Experience in Northern India
00:04:21 Favorite Suttas and Precious Teachings
00:07:07 The Five Faculties as a Framework for Life
00:09:32 A Holistic Approach to the Dhamma
00:11:46 The Five Dimensions: Relationship, Action, and Supervision
00:16:37 The Five Dimensions: Inner Life and Continuous Learning
00:18:59 Tracing the Development of Faith (Saddha)
00:21:53 Meeting the Dhamma: A Powerful Shift in Perspective
00:27:56 The Faculty of Energy (Viriya) and the Path to Thailand
00:32:51 Discovering the Thai Forest Tradition and Its Teachers
00:35:51 Stepping into the Role of Abbot at Wat Phu Chong Gom
00:40:46 Managing a Forest Monastery for Holistic Practice
00:44:40 The Importance of Community in the Ajahn Chah Lineage
00:47:07 Balancing Aesthetic Seriousness with Lightness
00:48:49 Physical Work and Simplicity as Spiritual Practice
00:52:49 Cultivating Noble Friendship on the Path
00:55:19 The Faculty of Wisdom (Panna) and Education
00:59:48 The Vision of the Kate Gamala Foundation
01:03:40 Applying Dhamma to Global Challenges and Education
01:06:48 Guiding Hearts Through World Upheaval and Conflict
01:13:47 Closing Words and Gratitude
Ajahn Sukhito's Biography:
Ajahn Sukhito - born in Israel in 1970 - is a Theravāda Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. In his early twenties, he traveled to the East, where he first encountered Buddhism in Northern India - an experience that profoundly shaped his life. He went on to study and practice within several Buddhist traditions before ordaining as a monk in …
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(Almost) Effortless Mindfulness for Effortful Skeptics: A Savory Same-Taste Sandwich | Loch Kelly
13 mei 2026 · 1 uur 40 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Loch Kelly - meditation teacher, author, and founder of the Effortless Mindfulness Institute (https://lochkelly.org/). Lees meer
00:00:00 Introduction to Loch Kelly
00:02:14 Introduction to Effortless Mindfulness for Theravāda Listeners
00:12:14 Mapping Effortless Mindfulness to Samādhi and the Unborn
00:14:12 Resonance of Loch's Teachings with the Theravāda Tradition
00:19:40 Defining "Glimpses" and "Local Awareness"
00:27:35 Experiencing a Glimpse: What is the Nature of this Awareness?
00:29:03 Understanding the Capabilities of Local Awareness
00:30:08 Loch’s Personal Experience and the "Clear Light" of Rigpa
00:32:00 Determining the Relationship Between Awareness and the Deathless
00:39:06 Navigating the Conflict Between Dualistic and Non-Dualistic Teachings
00:45:52 Demonstrating a Second Skillful Glimpse
00:50:08 Distinguishing Types of Awareness: Attention vs. Mindful Awareness
00:53:11 Shifting the Location of Identity and the Mindful Witness
00:56:58 Identifying the Detours: Spiritual Bypassing, Psychological Overpassing, Cognitive Underpassing
01:02:40 Guiding the Seven Steps: Unhook, Drop, Open, See, Include, Know and Let Be
01:04:41 Implementing Effortless Mindfulness for Different Personalities
01:11:53 Paradoxes in Buddhism: Mundane vs. Super-Mundane Right View
01:15:12 Applying Mindfulness Tools to Deep Suffering and Trauma
01:25:19 Helping Students "Unstuck" from the Mindful Witness Position
01:28:30 Integrating Flow Consciousness into Everyday Life
01:32:11 Risks and Ethics of Sharing Direct Pointing Instructions
Loch Kelly's Biography:
Loch Kelly is a meditation teacher, psychotherapist, and is the founder of the non-profit Effortless Mindfulness Institute. A graduate of Columbia University and Union Theological, he has, since the late 1970s, studied in multiple lineages of Buddhism: with such Theravāda elders as Professor Lily de Silva and Godwin Samararatne; with the Tibetan m…
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A Heart-shaking Life of Extraordinary Genius: The Historical & Human Buddha | Ajahn Nisabho
10 mei 2026 · 50 min
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho recounts the Buddha's life and Enlightenment, emphasing both his relatability as a historical figure who lived 2500 years ago, and the transcendent aspect which we can contact today. By more deeply understanding his humanity, we understand that we too have the potential to Awaken as he did. Lees meer
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Hey Ego! The Trees Don’t Care: Heartwood Forest Dhamma | A. Anandabodhi, A. Niyyanika, Tan Tejassi
3 mei 2026 · 45 min
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! Lees meer
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Clash of the Titans of Translation: The Buddha Across Language, Tradition, Time, AI | Ajahn Brahmali
30 april 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Brahmali, elder monk at Bodhinyana Monastery, advisor to the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (https://bswa.org/), and frequent contributor to and translator at SuttaCentral.net. Lees meer
Biography of Ajahn Brahmali:
Ajahn Brahmali was born in Norway in 1964. He first became interested in Buddhism and meditation in his early 20s after a visit to Japan. Having completed degrees in engineering and finance, he began his monastic training in England at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries. After hearing teachings from Ajahn Brahm, he decided to travel to Australia to train at Bodhinyana Monastery. Ajahn Brahmali has lived at Bodhinyana Monastery since 1994, and was ordained as a Bhikkhu, with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor, in 1996. Ajahn Brahmali’s knowledge of the Pali language and of the Suttas is excellent. A regular contributor to discourse.suttacentral, he has also published two essays on Dependent Origination, a book called “The Authenticity of the Early Buddhist Texts” with Bhante Sujato, and has translated the entire Buddhist Monastic Code.
Ajahn Brahmali Previous CMM Interview on Early Buddhist Texts: https://youtu.be/FznHXTboSJs?si=44Mc8X9sSSZGRysh
Nine Principles of Translation
from: https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/principles-of-translation/19485
1. Translating (nearly) everything
2. Translating transparently and meaningfully
3. Principle of the least meaning
4. (Partially) transforming the oral nature of the text into literary form
5. Using simple language and vocabulary
6. Avoiding Buddhist hybrid English
7. Using American spelling and vocabulary
8. Sometimes using multiple renderings for each Pali term or expression
9. Principle of [[lectio difficilior potior
The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountai…
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A Buddhist Response to Artificial Intelligence: A Nuanced Perspective | Randima Fernando Q&A
30 april 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
In this session, Randima Fernando, co-founder of Center for Humane Technology (https://www.humanetech.com/) joins Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho for a conversation. Lees meer
Randima's Biography:
Randima has presented on the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and social impact to the world’s leading technology companies, NGOs, and government agencies. He is a Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Center for Humane Technology, which has helped over 100 million people globally understand the harms of extractive technology through the documentary film The Social Dilemma, the podcast Your Undivided Attention, and many other initiatives. Randima started his career at NVIDIA, where he led many award-winning projects and authored three #1-ranked books on 3D graphics over seven years. Additionally, he was a founding Board Member of the NVIDIA Foundation. Randima then served for seven years as founding Executive Director at Mindful Schools, a nonprofit that has taught mindfulness to millions of kids and over 70,000 educators worldwide. He is also a former board member of Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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FAQ/Q&A: How Clear? Which Mountain? Monastery What? | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
27 april 2026 · 30 min
https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery Lees meer
https://youtu.be/ElxEuHRiolI
https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/
In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about the long-term vision for Clear Mountain, as well as the timeline and immediate steps towards its realization. Addressing frequently asked questions and comments from the audience, the session describes the process for creating a refuge of Dhamma in the Northwest on the newly acquired land.
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Sacred Boredom: Unhooking, Enoughness, and The Path of Getting Better at Happiness | Ajahn Kovilo
26 april 2026 · 15 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about Nibbidā - disenchantment, disillusionment, and enoughness as one practices the path at getting better at pleasure, happiness, and peace. Lees meer
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Theatre~Forest~Prison: Wisdom from Aj. Chah’s Most Senior European Disciple | Luang Por Khemadhammo
23 april 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this interview, we speak with Luang Por Khemadhammo OBE (https://foresthermitage.org.uk/), abbot of The Forest Hermitage & founder of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program. Lees meer
00:00:00 — Introduction
00:01:45 — Key moments of faith leading to monasticism
00:06:45 — Transferable skills between acting and meditation
00:11:18 — Personal perspectives on the "Dharma of Shakespeare"
00:11:44 — Specific gems of wisdom found in Shakespeare's works
00:12:16 — Experiencing the qualities of genius and love in Ajahn Chah
00:17:48 — Specific anecdotes or stories from time with Ajahn Chah
00:23:44 — The genesis and nature of the Angulimala prison project
00:30:57 — Inspiration for dedicating decades to prison work
00:35:00 — Transmuting rage and anger in incarcerated individuals
00:37:31 — Most relevant Buddhist teachings for inmates
00:38:50 — Practical means and methods of the prison program
00:42:04 — Relating to and appreciating diverse Buddhist schools
00:49:33 — Stories of personal transformation among inmates
00:52:17 — Handling worldly accolades and honors as a monk
00:55:06 — The quintessential ingredient for staying in robes
00:58:29 — Evolving perspectives on monks using modern media
01:01:15 — Advice for interacting with those "down and out" or unseen
As you can see, the conversation was wide-ranging touching on many fascinating aspects of Luang Por Khemadhammo's unique life as a Shakespearean actor turned Buddhist monk. Such topics include meditation lessons from the theatre, the initial meeting and life with Luang Por Chah, the beginnings of the Western Sangha in England, the birth of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program, insights from teaching prisoners, and perspectives gained from 55 years in robes. For more information about Luang Por, visit: https://foresthermitage.org.uk/
Luang Por Khemadhammo's Bio:
Luang Por Khemadhammo (Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht) OBE was born in England in 1944. After training and practising as a…
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Mental HealthMaxxing! The Tools of Retreat Meet Full-Spectrum Humanity | CMM Ajahns
19 april 2026 · 49 min
In this dual talk describing their recent three-month Winter Retreat, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about key tools, take-aways, and the particular dukkha and sukha, of sitting in quiet for 90 days… with 9 hours a day of sitting meditation on Zoom. Lees meer
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Tantra! Vajra! Guru! Aaaa! An Indo-Tibetan Primer - Every Syllable About Ethics | Jay Garfield Q&A
16 april 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar Dr. Jay Garfield (https://jaygarfield.org/). Lees meer
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:25 – Biography of Professor Jay Garfield
00:01:48 – Prof. Garfield's Start Studying Buddhist Philosophy
00:06:14 – The Origin of the "Third World Expectation" Requirement
00:08:34 – Why Study at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies?
00:09:15 – Shared Experiences at Hampshire College
00:10:18 – Defining Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
00:12:13 – Comparing Theravada and Indo-Tibetan Traditions
00:17:17 – Explaining the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma
00:26:24 – Authenticity and the Definition of "Word of the Buddha" (Buddhavacana)
00:33:44 – The Story of the Academic Exchange Program
00:36:48 – Distinguishing the Three Vehicles (Yānas)
00:39:50 – Common Misunderstandings of Tantra
00:40:38 – Overview of the Four Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
00:45:35 – The Role of Ethics (Sīla) in Buddhist Study
00:50:06 – The Guru: Fourth Jewel of Tibetan Buddhism
00:51:17 – Exploring Dzogchen and "Pointing Out" Instructions
00:59:18 – Which Languages Would You Prioritize Learning?
01:00:06 – Top Book Recommendations for Beginners
01:00:31 – Which Western Philosopher Should a Buddhist Read?
01:00:47 – Whose Mind Would You Like to Experience?
01:01:13 – Which Realm of Being Would You Inhabit?
01:01:45 – Have You Ever Considered Ordination?
Dr. Garfield's Biography:
Jay L. Garfield is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Smith College, visiting professor of Buddhist philosophy at Harvard Divinity School, Professor of Philosophy at Melbourne University, and adjunct professor of philosophy at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. His work has focused on Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, ethics, and cross-cultural work, addressing topics in cognitive science, modern Indian philosophy, epistemology, and Indo-Tibetan Madhyamaka and Yogācāra Buddhism in particular. …
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No Best Friends: Sympathetic Resonance & the Architecture of Spiritual Community | Ajahn Nisabho
12 april 2026 · 48 min
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how we can create true spiritual community, referencing the the six principles of harmony taught by the Buddha in the Kosambiya Sutta (MN 48 - https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN48.html). Understanding kalyāṇa-mittatā, or spiritual friendship, as relationship predicated on mutual support of shared spiritual values rather than resonance of personality, we can cultivate a truly inclusive and safe refuge for all. Lees meer
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Sacrifice & Grace: Leg Lost & Pain Meditation Tested on a Cold Foreign Highway | Ajahn Mahā Dam
9 april 2026 · 1 uur
In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Ajahn Mahā Dam (https://www.facebook.com/buddhakhanti/), who was handicapped during the Walk For Peace. Lees meer
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:27 – Early Faith and Becoming a Novice
00:03:24 – Moving to Thailand at Age 14
00:04:03 – Ajahn's "Second Birth" as a Buddhist
00:05:41 – Challenges of Language and Adaptation
00:07:07 – Sustaining Monastic Life as a Youth
00:09:34 – Transitioning to Pāli Studies in Bangkok
00:11:38 – The Technique of Pain Meditation
00:14:03 – Recollections of the Accident
00:17:00 – Duration of the Peace Walk
00:21:27 – Breath Meditation vs. Mantras
00:22:25 – The Importance of Mindfulness at Death
00:25:11 – Advice on Loss and Mindfulness Without the Breath
00:26:38 – Sensations Immediately After Impact
00:30:17 – Processing the News of Amputation
00:33:08 – Offering the Leg as Buddha Pūja
00:37:31 – Hopes for Future Service to the Dhamma
00:39:36 – Experiences with Racism and Being a Stranger
00:41:10 – Favorite Teachers of the Thai Forest Tradition
00:42:38 – Listening to Ajahn Chah in Isaan/Lao Language
00:44:01 – Hopes for Pilgrimage in India and Nepal
00:44:36 – The Core Purpose of the Walk for Peace
00:48:07 – Practicing with Loss and Avoiding Resentment
00:50:55 – Forgiveness and the "Second Arrow" of Anger
00:54:13 – Reflections on the Community’s Support
00:56:37 – Current Recovery and Future Hopes
00:58:54 – A New Companion: The Peace Dog
Ajahn Mahā Dam's Biography:
Ajahn Mahā Dam Prommasan (พระอาจารย์มหาดำ พรหมสาร) was born in Savannakhet, Laos and ordained as a novice monk at age nine. At age fourteen, he traveled to Ubon, Thailand to further his studies at Wat Phitsopārām (วัดพิชโสภาราม), later continuing his studies in Bangkok where he would complete the eighth of nine levels of Pāli Proficiency. In 2016, he moved to Wat Lao Buddha Khanti in Snellville, Georgia, where he now serves as head monk. At the end of last year, Ajahn Maha Dam joined Bha…
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All About Suffering – The First (and Hardest) Truth AKA Anicca’s Ugly Cousin | Ajahn Kovilo
5 april 2026 · 44 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo takes a cue from the Christian Calendar, speaking to the symbolism of Holy/Glorious/Low Saturday–the day after Christ's Crucifixion and before his Resurrection–as a metaphor for being with and understanding dukkha, suffering. Lees meer
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Through Heaven, Hell, & Hecklers: Walking for Peace Through America in Crisis | Bhante Paññākāra Q&A
2 april 2026 · 53 min
This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's two-part interview with Bhante Paññākāra. You may find PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/vgo0mhBAotM Lees meer
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:51 - Encounters with Suffering on the Road
00:09:14 - Walking Meditation and Mindfulness of Breath at the Edge
00:18:55 - Ajahn Mahā Dham's Accident and Amputation
00:24:32 - "Protest" and Police Encounters
00:38:40 - Personal Relationship to the Triple Gem: Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha
00:41:48 - Engaging with Christian Protesters - "No Religion"
00:50:30 - A Message for the World
In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Bhante Pannyakara (https://dhammacetiya.com/), the Vietnamese-born Theravāda monk who led the recent "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington DC and who founded the Dhammacetiya Project in Fort Worth, Texas. This second part of the interview details the miraculous rescue of the 'ambassador dog' Āloka from India, the transformative impact of the 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' on those contemplating suicide or facing deep grief, the tragic yet transcendent accident of Ajahn MahāDham, the unique integration of law enforcement and protesters into a singular field of mindfulness, and how the internal discipline of watchin the breath can allow a practitioner to maintain a 'peaceful day' amidst the noise of the world.
To learn more, visit https://dhammacetiya.com/ or https://www.youtube.com/@walkforpeaceusa
Bhante's Biography:
Bhante Paññākāra is a Theravāda Buddhist monk and former IT engineer who transitioned from a corporate career to a life of mindfulness and service. Born in Vietnam and educated at the University of Texas at Arlington, Bhante Paññākāra immigrated to the U.S. in 1997 and took full ordination in 2010 in the lineage of the Most Venerable Ratanaguna, the last direct disciple of His Holiness the Venerable Vamsarakhita, founder and first Sangharaja of the Vietnamese Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. In 2020, he launched the Dhammacetiya Project to preserv…
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The Wingspan of Humility: Buddhist Teachings on Removing the Dart of Pride | Ajahn Nisabho
29 maart 2026 · 56 min
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the quality humility in Buddhism, and how to let go of pride and conceit. Though anattā, or "not-self", can seem like an abstract concept at first, Buddhist practice teaches us over time the embodied sense of what means to let go of a sense of self and ensuing suffering. In humility we find true majesty of spirit. Lees meer
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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A Monk, His Dog, & All the World: 2,300 Miles, 108 Days, 1 Great Vow | Bhante Paññākāra Q&A
26 maart 2026 · 59 min
This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's two-part interview with Bhante Paññākāra. PART TWO is scheduled to air April 1st here: https://youtu.be/r_AhRfLJJNw Lees meer
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:23 - How is Āloka?
00:04:00 - Key Moments of Faith and Ordination
00:14:51 - Choosing Theravāda
00:23:12 - Making Vows
00:30:52 - Āloka Sighting
00:31:55 - Daily Vows and the Practice of Tudong Pilgrimage and Wearing Rag-robes
00:39:54 - How Bhante Met Āloka
00:47:26 - Social Justice Peace Walks vs. Renunciate Peace Walks
In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Bhante Pannakara (https://dhammacetiya.com/), the Vietnamese-born Theravāda monk who led the recent "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington DC and who founded the Dhammacetiya Project in Fort Worth, Texas. This first part of the interview explores Bhante Paññākāra’s transition from a disillusioning IT career to the monastic life, the profound 'system-reboot' sparked by the simple sight of a falling leaf, the persistence required to secure his parents' and teacher's permission to ordain, the seven-year silent incubation of his vow to build the marble Dhammacetiya Project, and the physical rigors of a 2,100-mile ascetic pilgrimage through India and Nepal in hand-stitched rag robes.
Bhante's Biography:
Bhante Panyakara is a Theravāda Buddhist monk and former IT engineer who transitioned from a corporate career to a life of mindfulness and service. Born in Vietnam and educated at the University of Texas at Arlington, Bhante Paññākāra immigrated to the U.S. in 1997 and took full ordination in 2010 in the lineage of the Most Venerable Ratanaguna, the last direct disciple of His Holiness the Venerable Vamsarakhita, founder and first Sangharaja of the Vietnamese Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. In 2020, he launched the Dhammacetiya Project to preserve the Tipiṭaka in a monumental marble stupa complex, a vision furthered by his 112-day, 2,100-mile ascetic Dhutanga pilgrimage across India and Nepal. That journ…
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Clear Mountain .... MONASTERY! A Dream Landed & Our Hopes for the Future | CM Monastics & Community
22 maart 2026 · 56 min
https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/ Lees meer
00:00 Introduction
02:13 Monastics speak
15:45 Board & Land Development Team speak
44:18 Audience sharing with Q&A
On Sat. March 21, 2026, Clear Mountain's monastics, Board, and Land Development team announced to the community that the Friends of Clear Mountain Board had taken a final vote to approve acquisition of the 90-acre North Bend land for Clear Mountain Monastery. By doing so they met the March 22 deadline for the due diligence process. Community support for the land acquisition reflects the incredible generosity of the Clear Mountain community around the world, and the final donations for the purchase came through to Friends of Clear Mountain for the full $4.93 million purchase of the two North Bend parcels, the future home of Clear Mountain Monastery!
We rejoice in all those who contributed to this beautiful aspiration being realized! Sadhu!
To learn more, visit https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Metta Without Makeup: Robes Since 11 & Love in Bare Feet | Bhante Sumitta Q&A
19 maart 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Bhante Sumitta, founder of “Dhamma USA” (https://www.dhammausa.org/). Topics discussed include Bhante Smnitta's going-forth at eleven, the benefits of loving-kindness, cultivation of metta, teaching Dhamma to children, the emerging bhikkhuni order in Sri Lanka and the US. Lees meer
Bhante Sumitta's Biography:
Bhante Sumitta is the founder of “Dhamma USA”, a community-based charity organization to launch his community care and spiritual care activities. Bhante is actively engaged in social welfare and spiritual care activities in California and other states by conducting Dhamma Talks, Sutta Discussions, Meditations and Pali Language Classes apart from helping many under privileged families and children in Sri Lanka. Dhamma USA is also helping children education projects in India. Bhante Sumitta is currently a PhD Research scholar at the University of the West and is pursuing his research thesis on “Philosophy of Arahanta Ideal as Depicted in Mahaniddesa”. At his school, University of the West, Bhante Sumitta started “UWest Pali Society” to promote Pali studies and Buddhist Art & Culture. A weeklong Budart Exhibition was co-organized by Bhante Sumitta along with Budart. He works as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of the West in several Departments teaching Ethics in Buddhist Ministry; Fundamentals of Buddhism; Introduction to Buddhist Psychology and more. He works as a prison care volunteer for Engaged Buddhist Alliance in Southern California apart from teaching at Home Boys Industries in Los Angeles from time to time. Prior to arriving at United States, venerable has been working at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka as a Senior Lecturer in English. He has completed 2 Bachelor Degrees and 3 Master Degrees prior to pursuing his doctoral Degree at the University of the West.
To learn more, visit https://www.dhammausa.org/
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The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on …
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’Dedicating Goodness’ for Beginners: Intercontinental Metta & Prayer for Skeptics! | Ajahn Kovilo
14 maart 2026 · 52 min
The 4-Part guided meditation on "sharing merit" that preceded this talk can be found here: https://youtu.be/cK__2ma48vs Lees meer
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks to the practice of "sharing merit" (pattidāna-mayā puññā) based on the "Verses of Sharing & Aspiration" chant on page 33 of the Chanting book (https://cdn.amaravati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/30/Chanting-Book-Vol-1-Web.pdf):
"Through the goodness that arises from my practice,
May my spiritual teachers & guides of great virtue,
My mother, my father, & my relatives,
The Sun & the Moon, & all virtuous leaders of the world,
May the highest gods & evil forces,
Celestial beings, guardian spirits of the Earth, & the Lord of Death,
May those who are friendly, indifferent, or hostile,
May all beings receive the blessings of my life.
May they soon attain the threefold bliss & realize the Deathless.
Through the goodness that arises from my practice, & through this act of sharing,
May all desires & attachments quickly cease & all harmful states of mind.
Until I realize Nibānna,
In every kind of birth, may I have an upright mind,
With mindfulness & wisdom, austerity & vigor.
May the forces of delusion not take hold nor weaken my resolve.
The Buddha is my excellent refuge,
Unsurpassed is the protection of the Dhamma,
The Solitary Buddha is my noble guide,
The Sangha is my supreme support.
Through the supreme power of all these,
May darkness & delusion be dispelled."
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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MN 82: Ratthapala Sutta - Foremost in Ordaining on Pure Conviction | 10-Minute Majjhima
12 maart 2026 · 12 min
Ratthapala was a wealthy young man who heard the Buddha teach and immediately wanted to ordain. His parents refused - he was their only son, raised in privilege. So he lay on the floor and declared he would die there if not permitted. After seven days of fasting, they relented. He quickly attained arahantship and later returned home. His father tried to lure him back with piles of gold and his former wives, but Ratthapala was unmoved. When King Koravya asked why someone with youth, health, and wealth would renounce the world, Ratthapala taught the famous "Four Dhamma Summaries". The Buddha declared Ratthapala foremost among disciples who ordained on "pure conviction" - not from misfortune, but from profound insight into the nature of existence. Lees meer
To learn more or join via Zoom for the Sunday "Mission Majjhima!" discussion group from 5:10 - 6 pm PT following the video premier, visit Clear Mountain Monastery's website and click on the link for the "Mission Majjhima! – Sunday Evening Sutta Teaching & Discussion" (https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/sunday-sutta-study/).
THIS SUTTA:
The Ratthapala Sutta (About Ratthapala) - https://suttacentral.net/mn82/en/sujato
THE FULL MISSION MAJJHIMA PLAYLIST & SERIES:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLomY-Sp4p5YsIVG0DmvJhUcR6YaXR_3wf
- https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/sunday-sutta-study/
SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES:
- Reference Notes - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GbSQaD5VJr3oVkoOXQZOP23NeysBTsY9u5h4O8wub_E/edit
- SuttaCentral Translations and Parallels - https://suttacentral.net/mn82
- Bhikkhu Bodhi Translation - https://suttacentral.net/mn82/en/bodhi
- Thanissaro Bhikkhu Translation - https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN82.html
- Bhikkhu Bodhi Lecture - Syllabus for a Systematic Study of the Majjhima Nikāya:
-- https://bodhimonastery.org/a-systematic-study-of-the-majjhima-nikaya.html#:~:text=MN%2082%2E%20Ra%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADhap%C4%81la%20Sutta,-V
-- (audio) https://scdd.sfo2.cdn…
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Saṃsāra’s Like This: Upheaval in Mexico, Mischievous Blessings, & Garlands of Skulls | Bhante Rāhula
9 maart 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho converse with Bhante Rahula, founder of Paññabhumi Monastery in Guadalajara, Mexico (https://dhamma-pb.org/ and https://www.bhanterahula.com/). They talk about how the monastery served as a refuge during recent political upheaval, the role of monastics in times of tumult, favorite hidden gems in the Suttas, reasons for ordination, and more! Lees meer
Bhante Rāhula Bio
Bhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. After living for several years at Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) in Malaysia, he returned to Mexico to found Paññabhumi Monastery in Guadalajara.
To find out more about Bhante Rāhula or Paññabhumi, visit https://www.bhanterahula.com/ or https://dhamma-pb.org/
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The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Dark Matter, Bright Gods: Buddhist Cosmology as Contemplative Psychology | Ajahn Nisabho
8 maart 2026 · 42 min
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how we can use Buddhist cosmology to understand the mind and its refinement. Where the standard lists of mental factors and contemplations taught by the Buddha often provide the necessary language for practice, the variegated world of Buddhist cosmology contains great wisdom as well. Lees meer
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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The Birth of Western Dharma: A Holy & Harried History of Ajahns, Sayadaws, & Roshis | Jack Kornfield
5 maart 2026 · 55 min
This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's interview with Jack Kornfield. Watch PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/selbulve5z0 Lees meer
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:35 - Early Years: From Dartmouth to Haight-Ashbury to Peace Corps to the Thai Forests
00:05:28 - Meeting Ajahn Sumedho
00:07:26 - Meeting Ajahn Chah and Being the Second Western Monk at Wat Nong Pah Pong
00:10:00 - Life in Caves (Wat Tam Saeng Pet), Walking alms barefoot
00:12:25 - Visiting Ajahn Chah with Ram Dass and Joseph Goldstein
00:13:04 - Returning to the West and the poignant decision to disrobe
00:16:28 - The Birth of IMS: Lay Practice and Unexpected Karma
00:17:39 - Founding Spirit Rock: Sacred Land and Generous Benefactors
00:20:45 - Asian Origins of Western Teachings
00:22:15 - Modernizing the Dharma: Lay Teachers and Team Teaching
00:26:21 - Integrating the Feminine
00:27:35 - Right Effort for Westerners Moving Beyond "Cowboy Style"
00:31:20 - Inviting Asian Teachers to America: Ajahn Chah, Mahāsi Saydaw, the Dalai Lama,
00:33:50 - Teacher Conversations for Mutual Growth and Respect
00:39:40 - Ethics and Sexual Misconduct: Precepts for Teachers
00:42:11 - Psychology and the Path
00:44:15 - The "Insight Tradition" and Teacher Training and Curricula
00:49:35 - Addressing Trauma and Seeing Suffering
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Jack Kornfield, a pioneering bridge between Theravāda Buddhism and Western psychology, and a key architect of the mindfulness movement currently flourishing in the United States. Jack brilliantly summarizes a life devoted to bringing the Dharma West, touching on such topics as Kornfield’s early encounters with Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho in the Thai forests, the serendipitous karmic origins of major American centers like IMS and Spirit Rock, and the deliberate evolution of Western Dharma through team teaching, female leadership, and secular teacher training. Kornfield highlights the vital "middle path" of adapting ancient monastic medi…
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Buddhist Emotional Intelligence: Thirty-Six Moods to Choose From! | Ajahn Kovilo
1 maart 2026 · 55 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks to the Buddha's teaching of 36 kinds of feelings (vedanā) as alluded to in "The Many Kinds of Feelings Sutta" (MN 59 - https://suttacentral.net/mn59/en/sujato?lang=en) and elaborated upon in "The Analysis of the Six-Sense Fields" (MN 137 - https://suttacentral.net/mn137/en/sujato?lang=en). Ajahn Kovilo summarizes these feelings down to three pairs ... with illustrations: Lees meer
1. Householder/Carceral Joy (Gehasita Somanassa) & Renunciate/Liberative Joy (Nekkhammasita Somanassa);
2. Householder/Carceral Grief (Gehasita Domanassa) & Renunciate/Liberative Grief (Nekkhammasita Domanassa);
3. Householder/Carceral Equanimity (Gehasita Upekkhā) & Renunciate/Liberative Equanimity (Nekkhammasita Upekkhā).
The essence of Renunciate Grief is the wish: "Oh, when will I enter and remain in the same sphere/expanse/dimension that the noble ones now enter and remain in today?"
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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After the Laundry the Ecstasy: Ajahn Chah, Enlightenment, & a Dhammic Life’s Legacy | Jack Kornfield
26 februari 2026 · 57 min
This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Jack Kornfield. PART TWO is scheduled to air March 4th: https://youtu.be/Bi7XYeCVOrY Lees meer
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:29 - How many times did you ordain, and what were those circumstances?
00:05:39 - Jack asks the Ajahns about Clear Mountain
00:08:05 - What's the purpose of this podcast?
00:09:84 - Is Enlightenment a permanent end to greed, anger, and delusion, or is it temporary?
00:23:38 - Is Enlightenment unshakable?
00:25:34 - What changes have been made in bringing the Dharma West?
00:26:41 - Shared practice? Democritization? Feminization? Integration?
00:26:51 - Your life is your practice.
00:27:49 - Bodhisattva Vows and Engaged Buddhism?
00:28:14 - Democritization
00:31:06 - How has your personal relationship with the Buddha changed over the years?
00:36:50 - What is your one message for listeners dealing with political fear and global anxiety?
00:43:34 - What is the one thing you miss most about monastic life?
00:44:22 - What is the one thing you miss least about monastic life?
00:45:13 - Would you re-ordain for one week if Dan Harris and Sam Harris did it with you?
00:45:59 - If you rewrote your book today, who would you name as the "Modern Buddhist Masters"?
00:48:15 - Which specific teaching of the Buddha has resonated with you the most?
00:49:29 - What type "spiritual bypassing" should American Buddhists watch out for?
In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Jack Kornfield, a pioneering bridge between Theravāda Buddhism and Western psychology, and a key architect of the mindfulness movement currently flourishing in the United States. The interview touches on such topics as Kornfield’s varied ordinations in Asia, the integration of psychology into modern Buddhist practice, perspectives on enlightenment, "democratization" of the Dharma, the necessity of compassion in a suffering world, and how the essence of non-clinging transcends traditional lineage boundaries.
Ja…
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Stop Generating: Samādhi as Reinforcement Learning & an Open-Weights Model of Joy | Ajahn Nisabho
22 februari 2026 · 51 min
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes how the Buddha's Discourse on Mindfulness of Breathing (MN 118 - Ānāpānassatisutta - https://suttacentral.net/mn118/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false) can help provide us wiht a roadmap for how the mind can sublimate into increasingly refined states of samādhi, or meditative calm. Just as machine learning uses self-play to attain mastery over domains, our approach to meditation can be one of playfulness as we pit the Enlightenment Factors agains the 5 Hindrances. Lees meer
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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From Esquire CEO to Dancing With Life: From Long Poor Saṃsāra to Luang Por Sumedho | Phillip Moffitt
19 februari 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Phillip Moffitt, founder of Dharma Wisdom (https://dharmawisdom.org/), Life Balance Institute (https://dharmawisdom.org/signup-for-weekly-teachings/. Lees meer
Biography of Phillip Moffitt:
Phillip Moffitt is a longtime Buddhist meditation teacher and writer whose work is rooted in the Theravada tradition. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has spent more than 25 years offering teachings and guidance to students and served as co-guiding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center from 2010 to 2018. His own path has been shaped by his primary teachers—the Venerable Luang Por Sumedho, the Venerable Bhikkhu Anālayo, Joseph Goldstein, and Sharon Salzberg. Out of decades of practice and study, he developed the Naturally Arising practice method and helped establish the online retreat center Dharma Ground. In addition to his dharma teaching, Phillip is the founder of Life Balance Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people cultivate the inner skills needed to meet life’s transitions with clarity and intention. Phillip is the author of three books: Dancing with Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering; Emotional Chaos to Clarity; and Awakening through the Nine Bodies.
The Nine Bodies:
(A) Manifest Bodies (Sthūla)
1. Physical Body: Sthūla Śarīra (स्थूल शरीर) / Pāli: Thūla Sarīra
2. Vital Body: Prāṇamaya Śarīra (प्राणमय शरीर) / Pāli: Pāṇamaya Sarīra
3. Emotional Body: Bhāvanātmaka Śarīra (भावनात्मक शरीर) / Pāli: Bhāvanāttaka Sarīra
(B) Subtle Bodies (Sūkṣma)
4. Etheric Body: Ākāśamaya Śarīra (आकाशमय शरीर) / Pāli: Ākāsamaya Sarīra
5. Astral Body: Antarātmā Śarīra (अन्तरात्मा शरीर) / Pāli: Antarātta Sarīra
6. Intuitional Body: Vijñānamaya Śarīra (विज्ञानमय शरीर) / Pāli: Viññāṇamaya Sarīra
(C) Causal Bodies (Kāraṇa)
7. Spiritual Body: Ātmika Śarīra (आत्मिक शरीर) / Pāli: Attika Sarīra
8. Divine Body: Divya Śarīra (दिव्य शरीर) / Pāli: Dibba Sarīra
9. Cosmic Body: Kāraṇ…
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Happy All-entine’s Day! The Who-, What- & Where-Methods of Loving-Kindness Meditation | Ajahn Kovilo
15 februari 2026 · 51 min
In this Valentine's Day session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the Metta Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/kp9/en/amaravati?lang=en), detailing three methods for practice: Lees meer
1) the Who-Method - focusing on who on spreads metta to,
2) the What-Method - attending to what phrase or words one uses to practice metta, &
3) the Where-Method - noticing from where and to where one radiates of feels metta.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Dhamma Political Strategy: Preceptocracy, Authenticity, & a Pony of Love for Everyone | Ayya Sobhanā
12 februari 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ayya Sobhanā, former vice-abbot of Dhammadharini Monastery and current abbot of Empty Cloud Monastery. Lees meer
Biography of Ayya Sobhana:
Ayya Sobhana is a Harvard graduate and trained with master Dhamma and meditation teacher Venerable Dr. Henepola Gunaratana Nāyaka Mahāthero (known as "Bhante G") since 1989. She “went forth” into monastic life as a Sāmanerī in 2003 at the Bhavana Society of West Virginia with Bhante Gunaratana as her teacher, and obtained full Bhikkhuni ordination at Dambulla, Sri Lanka in 2006, with the Most Venerables Padukke Sumithra Mahātherī and Sīri Sumangala Mahāthero as her bhikkhunī and bhikkhu preceptors. Her primary practice is the Eightfold Noble Path, that is, integration of meditation with ethical living and compassionate relationships for the sake of liberation.
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The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm PT Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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The Choice Architecture of Refuge: From Sitting to Reading to Feeling to Faith | Ajahn Kovilo
9 februari 2026 · 30 min
In this talk given on New Year's Eve 2025, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about finding a healthy and mature relationship to taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha; further discussing the Eight Streams of Merit discussed in Anguttara Nikāya 8.39 (https://suttacentral.net/an8.39/en/sujato?lang=en) that are "overflowing merit, overflowing goodness, [that] nurture happiness and are conducive to heaven, ripening in happiness and leading to heaven, [that] lead to what is likable, desirable, agreeable, to welfare and happiness" namely: Lees meer
1) taking refuge in the Buddha
2) taking refuge in the Dhamma
3) taking refuge in the Saṅgha
4) refraining from killing
5) refraining from stealing
6) refraining from sexual misconduct
7) refraining from lying
8) refraining from intoxicants.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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6,000 Meals – Just One Bowl: Full-Contact Lessons From Monastic Eating (4 Nutriments) | Ajahn Kovilo
8 februari 2026 · 43 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks a bit about the Buddhist monastic alms bowl and the four times of nutriment/food (āhārā) spoken of by the Buddha: Lees meer
1) physical food
2) contact
3) intention
4) consciousness
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Decoding the Matrix Through Dependent Origination: Life Lessons from Bhante G | Bhante Jayasāra Q&A
5 februari 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Bhante Jayasāra on the subjects of convert Buddhism, rebirth, the "Burden", Maggasekha Discord server, Dhammapalooza, the connection between metta and anicca, and life with Bhante G at Bhavana Society. Lees meer
For more information on Bhante J visit: https://maggasekha.org/
or https://www.youtube.com/@Maggasekha
Biography of Bhante Jayasāra:
Bhikkhu Jayasara, or "Bhante J" for short, was ordained in 2016 at the age of 38 by Bhante Gunaratana of Bhavana Society. Bhante shares the Dhamma and leads retreats online and in person across the country. He specializes in showing how the ancient teachings of the Buddha are practical, pragmatic, and able to be put into practice by modern people in the modern world, just as he did as a professional person in the world before becoming a monastic to more deeply pursue the path. He is the founder of the Maggasekha Discord Community and YouTube Channel and, after several years as a "nomad monk" is now in the process of nurturing in-person community in Colorado.
The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Q&A: Final Death Moment & Rebirth, the Nature of Citta, &... Cats vs. Dogs? | Ajahn Nisabho
1 februari 2026 · 28 min
You can find the guided death meditation referenced in the Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tTAidK4aK9U?si=kwEvgYTE8u1Ct0KV&t=1310 Lees meer
In this Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho answers question regarding the effect of the final moment before death on rebirth, Buddhist last sacraments, the nature of the citta, the relationship of metta and emptiness, and more!
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Ask a Monastic! Is Grief Buddhist, Facing Boredom, & Escaping Desert Islands? | CMM & Bhante Rāhula
1 februari 2026 · 57 min
In this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Bhante Rahula, joining from Paññābhūmi Monastery in Guadalajara, Mexico (https://www.bhanterahula.com/), answer a wealth of questions, including if grief is a Buddhist emotion, how to use self-acceptance to counteract aversion, and how to deal with boredom. Lees meer
Bhante Rāhula Bio
Bhante Rāhula was born in Mexico. Originally a musician and composer by profession, he lived the last 20 years in Asia where he immersed himself in the study and practice of the Dhamma. He was ordained in Myanmar with the Most Venerable Sayadaw Dr. U Nandamālābhivaṃsa as his preceptor. to learn more, visit https://www.bhanterahula.com/
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The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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A Paradise Built in Hell: Upekkhā & the Buddhist Response to Political Panic | Ajahn Nisabho
24 januari 2026 · 54 min
In this talk, Ajahh Nisabho speaks to how we can approach the political upheavals of the modern world with loving-kindness. Lees meer
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Brokenhearted Awe: G.R.A.C.E Blown Wide Open & Empathy at the Edge | Roshi Joan Halifax
22 januari 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview renowned Buddhist teacher Roshi Joan Halifax about her path to Buddhism, finding "compassion in the charnel ground" of the world, balancing compassion towards oneself and towards others, the difference between healthy and unhealthy empathy, and many other subjects. It was a joy! To learn more, visit https://www.joanhalifax.org/ and https://www.upaya.org/ Lees meer
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - What moments of faith led you to Buddhism?
12:35 - Tell us about finding compassion in a charnel ground on Mount Kailash
24:40 - How do you balance compassion for yourself with compassion for others?
31:50 - Tell us about how your experience caring for a burnt girl at the Nomad clinic taught you about the difference between emotionally-regulated empathy with unhealthy empathy.
45:20 - Tell us about the "edge states" of altruism, empathy, integrity, respect, and engagement, and what can they tell us about internal and external work.
57:03 - How can we be good friends to women in the Dhamma world, and what is your relationship with the Buddha like now?
1:03:00 - Farewell and blessings!
Bio
Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D., is a Buddhist teacher, Founder of Upaya Zen Center, social activist, and author. A pioneer in end-of-life care, she has lectured globally and received honors like the Pioneer Medal for Health Care Leadership. She worked with dying cancer patients (1972-75) and continues teaching caregivers about end-of-life care. She directs the Project on Being with Dying, founded the Upaya Prison Project and Nomads Clinic in Nepal. Her books include _The Human Encounter with Death_ and _Being with Dying_, and *Standing at the Edge*. She has been involved with the Mind and Life Institute since its inception and is founder of the Varela International Symposium. To learn more, visit https://www.joanhalifax.org/ and https://www.upaya.org/
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In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Roshi Joan H…
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1 Month Gone, 2 Left! Elk Trails, a Flood of Generosity, & What the Heck is Due Diligence?
19 januari 2026 · 18 min
https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/ Lees meer
We found land! These video updates serve to keep Clear Mountain's wider community informed about the ongoing process of Due Diligence—a 3 month period, ending March 22, 2026, where where we assess if the land is suitable for a monastery and the community gathers in support. Please feel free to dedicate the goodness of your practice towards the realization of this dream; a refuge for all sentient beings! You may add to our "Recitations of Refuge" page at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/recitations-of-refuge/ and learn more about the land at https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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”Why We’re Not a Cult” Or ”Going Forth” From Consumerism, Egoism, and Other Bad -Isms | Ajahn Kovilo
18 januari 2026 · 53 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the "Ten Subjects For Frequent Recollection" (AN 10.48 - Amaravati Chanting book page 57 - https://suttacentral.net/an10.48/en/sujato?lang=en AND https://cdn.amaravati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/30/Chanting-Book-Vol-1-Web.pdf): Lees meer
1) ‘I am no longer living according to worldly aims and values.’
2) ‘My very life is sustained through the gifts of others.’
3) ‘I should strive to abandon my former habits.’
4) ‘Does regret over my conduct arise in my mind?’
5) ‘Could my spiritual companions find fault with my conduct?’
6) ‘All that is mine, beloved and pleasing, will become otherwise, will become separated from me.’
7) ‘I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma, related to my kamma, abide supported by my kamma; whatever kamma I shall do, for good or for ill, of that I will be the heir.’
8) ‘The days and nights are relentlessly passing; how well am I spending my time?’
9) ‘Do I delight in solitude or not?’
10) ‘Has my practice borne fruit with freedom or insight so that at the end of my life I need not feel ashamed when questioned by my spiritual companions?’
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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10,000 Joys & 10,000 Sorrows: DEAD Serious Practice to Abundant Enoughness | James Baraz Q&A
15 januari 2026 · 59 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview James Baraz about his extensive meditation experience, his passion for climate and engagement, and his teachings on awakening joy in the face of difficulty. To learn more about James' work, and upcoming "Awakening Joy" course, visit https://www.awakeningjoy.info/. Lees meer
Biography of James Baraz:
James Baraz has been a meditation teacher since 1978 and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. James started the Community Dharma Leader program, the Kalyana Mitta Network, the Spirit Rock Family Program and helped create the Heavenly Messengers Training Program. James has been leading the online course "Awakening Joy" since 2003. He serves as a guiding teacher to One Earth Sangha, a Virtual EcoDharma Center devoted to Buddhist responses to Climate Change. He co-authored Awakening Joy and Awakening Joy for Kids.
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The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm PT Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/.
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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The Rebel of Suan Mokkh: Rebirth, Cancer, & the Four Truths of Dhammic Socialism | Santikaro Q&A
9 januari 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Santikaro Upāsaka, student and translator of Ajahn Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu and international Dhamma teacher for over 35 years. In this conversation, Santikaro discusses his time living with and translating for Ajahn Buddhadāsa, the scope of saṃsāra, the reality or rebirth, Santikaro's experiences with cancer (twice!), the importance of people of integrity (sappurisa), approaches to mindfulness of breathing, socially engaged Buddhism, "The Four Noble Truths of Dhammic Socialism", and more! Lees meer
For more information about Santikaro, visit: https://www.kevalaretreat.org/.
Santikaro Biography:
Santikaro Upāsaka studied with Ajahn Buddhadasa during the last nine years of his life, became his primary translator, and continues to share his “naturalist” approach to Buddha-Dhamma. Ordained as a Theravada Bhikkhu in 1985, Santikaro spent most of his monastic life at Suan Mokkh (สวนโมกข์). During this time he also led Dawn Kiam (ดอนเคี่ยม), a small monastic community for foreigners and was active among socially engaged Buddhists in Asia. He returned to the USA in 2000 and left monastic life in 2004 to found Kevala Retreat (then Liberation Park). He continues to teach nationally and internationally, and to translate the work of his teacher. He has led meditation retreats for more than thirty-five years, with a special fondness for mindfulness with breathing. Books edited, contributed to, and translated by Santikaro include: "Seeing With the Eye of Dhamma: The Comprehensive Teaching of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu", "Under the Bodhi Tree: Buddha's Original Vision of Dependent Co-arising", and "Mindfulness with Breathing: A Manual for Serious Beginners."
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Miss…
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A Nightmare, A Butterfly, & the Disbanding That Reveals Nibbāna | Willa Thāniya & Eliza Day
8 januari 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Willa Thaniya and Eliza Day about their key moments of faith which guided them to the path, using Dhamma to deal with heartbreak and loss, stories of devas and the supernatural, the Dhamma of Gestalt therapy, and more. To learn more, visit https://kihikihi-meditation-yoga.org/ . Lees meer
Bio
Both Willa Thāniyā Reid and Elizabeth Day were trained in the monastic lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition, in which teachers offer Dhamma reflections in response to the present moment (_the ‘here and now’ Dhamma_). They speak informed by the graduated teachings of the Buddha, drawing on primary texts relevant to the unfolding inquiry of Dhamma.
They live in Kihikihi where they have established a practice community. They teach locally in Aotearoa NZ and internationally, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.
Elizabeth works as a professor of psychotherapy, and also offers individual therapy and Dhamma guidance. Willa is currently in the process of retiring, allowing her to further orientate to providing Dhamma guidance. They are intending to spend next year offline, in meditation retreat. Appreciating that time is short, they will be cultivating what is most precious.
To lean more, visit https://kihikihi-meditation-yoga.org/
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Smaller Vehicle? We have TEN Perfections! The New Year in Ten Pāramis | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
4 januari 2026 · 55 min
In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho describe the 10 pāramis, or spiritual perfections, as priorities for the New Year. In these qualities, we find a rich language to describe the growth of heart daily practice brings.. Lees meer
The Pāramī include:
1) Generosity — Dāna;
2) Morality — Sīla;
3) Renunciation — Nekkhamma;
4) Discernment or Wisdom – Paññā
5) Energy —Viriya;
6) Patience — Khanti;
7) Truthfulness — Sacca;
8) Resolve — Adhiṭṭhāna;
9) Kindness — Mettā;
10) Equanimity — Upekkhā
You may read more about the pāramī here: https://ajahnsucitto.org/articles/parami-1-crossing-the-floods/
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Luminous Lowliness: Eight Tibetan Mind Trainings to Short-Circuit the Self | Ajahn Nisabho
2 januari 2026 · 20 min
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about using the traditional eight Tibetan Mind Training verses (https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/geshe-langri-thangpa/eight-verses-training-mind) to relinquish the self and find the deeper peace of humility. Lees meer
Eight Verses of Training the Mind
by Geshe Langri Thangpa
1. By thinking of all sentient beings
As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel
For accomplishing the highest aim,
I will always hold them dear.
2. Whenever I’m in the company of others,
I will regard myself as the lowest among all,
And from the depths of my heart
Cherish others as supreme.
3. In my every action, I will watch my mind,
And the moment destructive emotions arise,
I will confront them strongly and avert them,
Since they will hurt both me and others.
4. Whenever I see ill-natured beings,
Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,
I will cherish them as something rare,
As though I’d found a priceless treasure.
5. Whenever someone out of envy
Does me wrong by attacking or belittling me,
I will take defeat upon myself,
And give the victory to others.
6. Even when someone I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes
Mistreats me very unjustly,
I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher.
7. In brief, directly or indirectly,
I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers,
And secretly take upon myself
All their hurt and suffering.
8. I will learn to keep all these practices
Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.
May I recognize all things as like illusions,
And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.
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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See http…