What we consider a 'bad' meditation session, e.g. the mind can't settle down and is struggling with strong emotions like anger, lust and anxiety, can be very useful to gain insight into our own character. Rather than being upset with ourselves thinking 'I can't really meditate'; or becoming frustrated and demotivated; we investigate the obstructions to gain insight and understanding into our own character and the working of our mind. Once we've identified them, we can apply wisdom and skilful means to overcome them, contemplating them to let go of them. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFO: Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhism #dhamma #meditation #dhammatalk #insight #vipassana #buddhistmeditation

Circumambulation of the Bodhi Tree ('ficus religiosa') on top of Dhammagiri Hill. This Bodhi Tree is special, as the seeds came from the large Sri Mahā Bodhi Tree currently growing at Vajirāsanā, Bodh Gaya, India, the place of the Buddha's supreme enlightenment (sammā-sambodhi). Every year during the driest period here in Brisbane, around September, our Bodhi Tree sheds it's leaves to save water (same as they do in India in the hot season). Then in late spring, around October or November (depends on when the rains come), it's sprouting new shoots in this amazing bright copper-colour. Pali chanting in background is 'Mahā-kāruṇiko Nātho' verses, as chanted at Luang Por Tong Daeng's monastery new year's eve at midnight (you can actually hear some fire crackers and the big bell in the background): "Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho Hitāya sabba-pāṇinaṃ, Pūretvā pāramī sabbā Patto sambodhim-uttamaṃ. Etena sacca-vajjena Hotu te jaya-maṅgalaṃ. Jayanto bodhiyā mūle Sakyānaṃ nandi-vaḍḍhano, Evaṃ tuvaṃ vijayo hohi, Jayassu jaya-maṅgale. Aparājita-pallaṅke Sīse paṭhavi-pokkhare, Abhiseke sabba-buddhānaṃ Aggappatto pamodati." "The Savior of great compassion, for the benefit of all beings, having completed all spiritual perfections, Attained supreme awakening. By the power of this truth My you enjoy victorious blessings. As the Buddha achieved victory at the foot of the Bodhi Tree, to the delight of all his followers: May you also gain supreme victory, May you receive victorious blessings. Sitting undefeated in the lotus posture on the earth's supreme blossom, the seat of elightenment, consecrated by all Buddhas, He rejoices in the highest attainment." AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFO: Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhistmonastery #bodhipuja #pooja #buddhistchanting

Ajahn Dhammasiha provides advice to a newcomer to meditation. Although it was his first time visiting Dhammagiri, and only the second attempt in his life to practice formal meditation, he had sat through a full our of guided meditation forehand, and had also joined the almsfood offering earlier in the day. Ajahn Dhammasiha gives a road outline of the development of the two main aspects of Buddhist meditation, samatha/samādhi/'concentration' and vipassana/wisdom/insight. He also gives some general encouragement helpful to establish a regular meditation practice. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #meditation #mindfulness #insight #samadhi #calm #tranquility #vipassana

Ajahn Dhammasiha explains that there is indeed a general development of the 8 factors of the Noble Eightfold Path ('anupubba-sikkha' = 'gradual training'). In particular, 'Right View' (Sammādiṭṭhi), the first of the 8 path factors, goes ahead. If we didn't have some understanding of the 8 path factors, we couldn't practise them. Therefore, we need at least some fundamental Right Understanding (Sammādiṭṭhi) in order to get started on the other factors. However, this gradual development doesn't mean that we practise first Right View for one year, then right intention for another year, then right communication for the third year, and so on... It's not that linear. In reality, the 8 path factors are all connected, and we must develop all of them in mutual support to make good progress. Ajahn then gives several examples how right view, right mindfulness and right effort are all required to cultivate right communication and right action... AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net New Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast (or search for Dhammagiri on any podcasting app) #buddhism #dhammatalk #buddhistwisdom #buddhistteachings #buddhistmonastery #insight

Our regular Saturday morning session at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage, starting 07.30 am Queensland time. This morning it will be led by Tan Saṃvaro, a monk of 7 vassa seniority, ordained at Amaravati, who is visiting us for one month, before returning to Vimutti Monastery, Auckland. MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net New Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast (or 'Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts' on any good podcast app) #buddhistchanting #precepts #virtue #buddha #dhamma #sangha #buddhistceremony

In this Buddhist Dhamma Talk, Ajahn Nandiyo first shares some of his personal experiences at Bodhinyanarama Monastery, NZ, and in Thailand & Australia. Then he responds to a question about internal peace, and how disenchantment (nibbidā) through contemplating our experiences both high and low can lead to that peace. Ajahn Nandiyo is the abbot of Bodhinyanarama Monastery, Wellington, New Zealand: https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/ He accepted our invitation to attend our robe offering ceremony, and kindly agreed to conduct teachings for our One Day Retreat program on Sunday 16 November. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://www.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhism #mindfulness #insight #vipassana #wisdom #buddhistwisdom #peace #dhammatalk

After the Saturday morning Refuge and Precepts Ceremony, Ajahn Nandiyo guided a short meditation session. He encourages us to be in the witness position, to know and observe conditions, rather than trying to own and control them. Whether extenally, like the severe thunderstorm with many fallen trees we've just experienced at the monastery; or internally, when various emotions arise in the mind and threaten to 'blow us over': We're just the witness, knowing and observing it all, without identifying or owning any of it. Ajahn Nandiyo is the abbot of Bodhinyanarama Monastery, Wellington, New Zealand: https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/ He accepted our invitation to attend our robe offering ceremony, and kindly agreed to conduct teachings for our One Day Retreat program on Sunday 16 November. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhism #meditation #mindfulness #mindfulnessmeditation #insight #awareness

The Kaṭhina season is traditionally the time when both lay community and monastic sangha cooperate in a grand ceremony meant to mark the end of the yearly retreat period. It is long considered as one of the most auspicious times in the year to make merit ('puñña' = good karma), when the laity present robes and other requisites to the Sangha in a joyful spirit, full of appreciation for the monks resolute striving in their meditation during the rains retreat. For this years Robe Offering Ceremony we have invited senior monks from Buddha Bodhivana monastery, Bodhisaddha monastery, Bodhipala monastery and Bodhinyanarama monastery. Chapters: 0:00 Introducing the visiting monks at the ceremony 4:43 An event dedicated to harmony, generosity and making good kamma 6:08 Triple Refuge & 5 Precepts 11:54 The Benefits of Sangha Dana 15:35 Robe Offering Ceremony 33:31 The importance of sympathetic joy (Mudita) 36:38 Anumodanā & Blessing 43:44 Dhammatalk: How harmony and puññā (good kamma) work together 1:06:58 Paritta Chanting by the Sangha 1:33:15 Expressing gratitude & giving gifts to the participants MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #kathina #chanting #buddhistchanting #buddhism

See more pics of Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at Bodhivana Monastery, Warburton, here: https://travel-pics-ajahn-2.dhammagiri.net/ Luang Por Opart strongly encouraged this naga staircase to be built. Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about it's symbolic meaning in the clip. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFO: Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhistculture #buddhistmonk #monastery

Ajahn Dhammasiha provides a quick look at the walking meditation path ('cankama') with beautiful Buddha statue in walking posture at Bodhisaddha Buddhist Monastery, Wilton near Sydney, Australia. Walking meditation is perhaps the most Buddhist form of meditation. We can find meditation in full lotus or half lotus posture in other spiritual traditions. However, I'm not aware of any other religion where formal walking meditation has been taught and encouraged as much as it has been by the Buddha. Hopefully, this Buddha statue and path arranged with little flanking elephant statuettes will inspire many devotees to practise walking meditation ('cankama bhāvanā') diligently! Audio taken from a recording of the Paritta Chanting at the Kathina event at Bodhisaddha Monastery: "Sakkatvā Buddharatanam..." AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFO: Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhism #buddhistmeditation #buddhistmonastery #meditation #chanting #buddha

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked whether eating meat is causing bad karma. Ajahn explains that INTENTIONAL KILLING of other beings is bad karma. The crucial factor for bad karma is intention. Therefore, even if one's actions have a causal relationship with the death of other beings, but completely without intention, it's not breaking the first precept or causing bad karma. For example, in Queensland in summer it's virtually impossible to drive a car for an hour without causing the death of insects smashing against the windscreen. However, that's normally not the intention when driving the car, the intention is simply to get to one's destination. It would be totally impossible to live as a human, without ever being causally involved in the death of other beings. Even as a total vegan, and refraining from using leather or silk, even then the production of cotton for clothing, or the cultivation of vegan food, could still not be done without some beings dying. Therefore, intention is really the crucial factor to focus on. Usually, if someone buys meat of fish in a supermarket, there is no intention of killing. Consequently, buying and eating meat is not breaking the first precept. On the other hand, if someone deliberately becomes vegetarian or vegan, or simply reduces meat/fish consumption, with the intention that less beings will be slaughtered, this is good karma, because there's intention to reduce killing and suffering. If more humans were aware how much pain and torture and suffering animals have to endure, not only in the slaughterhouse, but actually for their whole life in unimaginably cruel factory farming, I believe many more would go vegetarian ,or at least reduce their meat & fish consumption. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFORMATION Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #vegetarian #vegan #veganism #vegetarianism #meateating #animalprotection #buddhism #dhamma #dhammatalk

Short look around the beautiful Mucalinda Lake at Bodhisaddha Monastery, Wilton near Sydney. 'Mucalinda' is the Nāga (Serpant Spirit) who protected the Buddha during meditation by holding his hood above the Buddha's head. They have build a platform into the lake that houses a Buddharūpa commemorating this occasion. You can see the huge nāga with seven heads rearing up behind the gilded Buddha statue. At the Robe Offering Ceremony, we had a long alsmround (piṇḍapāta) with devotees offering rice into the monks' bolws all around this lake. Audio playing in background is the 'Mahākāruṇiko Nātho' chant, recorded at Paritta chanting on the evening before the Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony. AUDIO PODCASTS In addition to these videos, we also publish about two new Dhamma talks and guided meditations every week as audio podcasts. The latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Or you can simply listen with with your browser directly from the Dhammagiri podcasts page: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast MORE INFO: Dhammagiri Website: https://www.dhammagiri.net Photos: https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net Dhammagiri Newsletter: https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter Dhammagiri Podcasts: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast #buddhistchanting #buddhistchant