Clear Mountain Monastery Project

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/).

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 the Ajahn Chah lineage. For over 30 years, Ajahn Sukhito has lived and practiced as a monk primarily in Thailand. For approximately 14 years, he has served as abbot of Poo Jom Gom (วัดป่าภูจ้อมก้อม) Forest Monastery in Northeast Thailand. In recent years, he has also spent extended periods in Israel at the invitation of his students, supporting the development of the local community of practitioners in the Ajahn Chah tradition. Also in recent years, Ajahn Sukhito has taken on the role (along with Ajahn Jayasaro and Ajahn Dton) of "Spiritual Advisor" to the Ket Kamalā Foundation มูลนิธิเกตุกมลา (https://ketkamala.org/), which provides Holistic Buddhist Education in the form of weekend camps at various monasteries and with a vision is to establish a Holistic Buddhist Bilingual School in Ubon Province.

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!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Loch Kelly - meditation teacher, author, and founder of the Effortless Mindfulness Institute (https://lochkelly.org/).

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 masters Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, and Anam Thubten among other greats; and with modern teachers such as Adyashanti, Tara Brach, and Shinzen Young. Loch synthesizes ancient nondual wisdom, neuroscience, and contemporary psychology–especially Internal Family Systems–into a unique experiential teaching style focused on "small glimpses" many times. Loch is recognized for his collaborative research with neuroscientists at Yale and NYU, and is the author of "Shift Into Freedom: The Science and Practice of Open-Hearted Awareness" and "The Way of Effortless Mindfulness."

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!

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.

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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!

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!

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.

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 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!

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.

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!

https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 professional actor and working at the Royal National Theatre with Laurence Olivier, in 1971 he travelled to Thailand via the Buddhist holy places in India. In December 1971 in Bangkok he became a novice and about a month later moved to Ubon to stay at Wat Nong Pah Pong with Ajahn Chah with whom he received bhikkhu ordination. In 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to prisoners and for his creation of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy (https://angulimala.org.uk/) program. The following year at His Majesty the King of Thailand’s birthday in December he was made a Chao Khun with the title, Phra Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht. He is the founder and abbot of The Forest Hermitage and one of the most senior Western Disciples of Luang Por Chah.

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!

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.

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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!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar Dr. Jay Garfield (https://jaygarfield.org/).

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. He is the author or editor of over 30 books including "Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live without a Self," "Buddhist Ethics: A Philosophical Exploration," "Engaging Buddhism: Why Does Buddhism Matter to Philosophy?," and "How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go" in addition to nearly 200 articles, chapters, and reviews. He is also the Professor of the Great Courses Series on "The Meaning of Life."

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!

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.

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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!

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.

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 Bhante Paññākāra's Walk for Peace tudong. While on this walking pilgrimage near Houston, Texas, he was struck by a vehicle, resulting in injuries so severe that his leg had to be amputated. Despite the profound physical trauma and the loss of his limb, he continues his life as a monk with a heart free of grievance, embodying the very peace he set out to share with the world.

To learn more about Ajahn Mahā Dam, visit: https://www.watlaobuddhakhanti.org/ OR https://www.facebook.com/buddhakhanti/

- Interview with the Walk for Peace leader, Bhante Paññākāra here: https://youtu.be/vgo0mhBAotM

- And Part Two of that interview here: https://youtu.be/r_AhRfLJJNw

#walkforpeace #alokathepeacedog #buddhistmonks

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

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.

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!

This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's two-part interview with Bhante Paññākāra. You may find PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/vgo0mhBAotM

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 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 journey, chronicled in his memoir, The Footsteps of a Buddhist Monk, laid the foundation for his most recent undertaking: leading the only-very-recently-completed 2,300-mile, 108-day 'Walk for Peace' from Texas to Washington, D.C. He currently serves at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhāvana Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

To learn more about Bhante Paññākāra, visit: https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa/ or https://dhammacetiya.com/

#walkforpeace #alokathepeacedog #buddhistmonks

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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

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.

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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!

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

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 journey, chronicled in his memoir, The Footsteps of a Buddhist Monk, laid the foundation for his most recent undertaking: leading the only-very-recently-completed 2,300-mile, 108-day 'Walk for Peace' from Texas to Washington, D.C. He currently serves at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhāvana Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

To learn more about Bhante Paññākāra, visit: https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa/ or https://dhammacetiya.com/

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 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/

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!

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.

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 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!

The 4-Part guided meditation on "sharing merit" that preceded this talk can be found here: https://youtu.be/cK__2ma48vs

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!

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.

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.digitaloceanspaces.com/uploads/original/3X/d/3/d3c0aa5d75be1472abc9000e329bc671942d09a5.mp3

- Bhikkhu Analayo - A Comparative Study of the Majjhima-nikaya - MN 81 - Page 477 - https://www.buddhismuskunde.uni-hamburg.de/pdf/5-personen/analayo/compstudyvol1.pdf#page=477

- Venerable Ekaggata - MN 82 - https://bswa.org/teaching/mn82-ratthapala-sutta-12-december-2012/

- Dharmata - Ratthapala Sutta Analysis - https://palisuttas.com/2015/12/06/ratthapala-sutta-mn-82-r/

- The Four Dhamma Summaries (Chanting Guide) - https://www.dhammatalks.org/books/ChantingGuide/Section0013.html

- "The World Is Swept Away" (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) - https://www.dhammatalks.org/books/Meditations2/Section0039.html

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!

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!

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!

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.

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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!

This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's interview with Jack Kornfield. Watch PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/selbulve5z0

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 medicines—such as mindfulness and Metta—to address modern issues like trauma and psychological striving, while preserving the core essence of the Four Noble Truths.

Jack's Biography:

Jack Kornfield has been a pioneering force in bringing Theravāda Buddhism – and mindfulness more broadly – to the West. After serving in the Peace Corps in the late 1960s, Jack trained as a monk under our teachers' teacher Ajahn Chah, and - for varying lengths of time – also met and trained with such other monastic luminaries as: Mahasi Sayadaw, Ajahn Jumnien, Taungpulu Sayādaw, Ajahn Buddhadāsa, and Ajahn Maha Boowa. As a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in 1975 and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 1987, Jack has spent decades bridging Eastern tradition with his background in clinical psychology. He is the author of several modern Spiritual classics, including: "Living Dharma" (formerly "Living Buddhist Masters", "A Path with Heart", "After the Ecstasy the Laundry", and "The Wise Heart". His most recent book is a collection of stories: "All in This Together". To learn more about Jack, visit: https://jackkornfield.com/

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!

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:

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!

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Jack Kornfield. PART TWO is scheduled to air March 4th: https://youtu.be/Bi7XYeCVOrY

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.

Jack's Biography:

Jack Kornfield has been a pioneering force in bringing Theravāda Buddhism – and mindfulness more broadly – to the West. After serving in the Peace Corps in the late 1960s, Jack trained as a monk under our teachers' teacher Ajahn Chah, and - for varying lengths of time – also met and trained with such other monastic luminaries as: Mahasi Sayadaw, Ajahn Jumnien, Taungpulu Sayādaw, Ajahn Buddhadāsa, and Ajahn Maha Boowa. As a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in 1975 and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 1987, Jack has spent decades bridging Eastern tradition with his background in clinical psychology. He is the author of several modern Spiritual classics, including: "Living Dharma" (formerly "Living Buddhist Masters", "A Path with Heart", "After the Ecstasy the Laundry", and "The Wise Heart". His most recent book is a collection of stories: "All in This Together". To learn more about Jack, visit: https://jackkornfield.com/

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!

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.

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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!

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/.

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: Kāraṇa Śarīra (कारण शरीर) / Pāli: Kāraṇa Sarīra

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!

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:

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!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ayya Sobhanā, former vice-abbot of Dhammadharini Monastery and current abbot of Empty Cloud Monastery.

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!

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:

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!

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:

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!

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.

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!

You can find the guided death meditation referenced in the Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tTAidK4aK9U?si=kwEvgYTE8u1Ct0KV&t=1310

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!

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.

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!

In this talk, Ajahh Nisabho speaks to how we can approach the political upheavals of the modern world with loving-kindness.

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!

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/

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 Halifax of Upaya Zen Center.

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!

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/

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!

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):

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!

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/.

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!

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!

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 “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!

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/ .

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!

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..

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!

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.

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 https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this roundtable discussion, Ajahn Kovilo and Nisabho speak with Doug Smith (of Doug's Dharma YouTube channel) and Jon Aaron - the cohosts of Diggin' the Dharma. The conversation touched on themes Secular Buddhism vs Traditional Buddhism, the sacred, belief in rebirth, saddhā (faith), Mundane Right View vs Transcendent Right View, attachment to views, and much more! To learn more about Diggin' the Dharma visit:

- www.digginthedharma.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DougsDharma

- https://www.jonaaron.net/

- https://www.youtube.com/@DiggintheDharma-qd7jz

Join Clear Mountain Live:

- 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!

Land Page: https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/

Full Land Reveal Video: https://youtu.be/8z4kwFzSyzU

In this presentation, Kim Tull-Esterbrook, President of Friends of Clear Mountain, and Steve Wilhelm, Vice-President, speak about what a forest monastery could mean for the Pacific Northwest, and how those who are inspired can help this happen.

00:00 - Steve Wilhelm, Vice President, on the relevance of Clear Mountain

3:58 - Kim, President, on how people can contribute

7:44 - Ajahn Nisabho speaks about Clear Mountain's messaging around it's aspiration.

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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!

In this short session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces the concept of a "vihāra-dhamma," a tool for sustaining the heart, asking: What is your "Vihāra Dhamma"? Your way to home? Your abiding principle?

Also highlighted is the Sutta on the Highest Blessings (https://www.abhayagiri.org/reflections/131-mangala-sutta) as a wise checklist for evaluating one's 2025 and for planning into one's 2026.

The Maṅgala Sutta's 38 "Highest Blessings":

(1) Avoiding those of foolish ways

(2) Associating with the wise

(3) Honoring those worthy of honor

(4) Living in places of suitable kinds

(5) With the fruits of past good deeds

(6) Guided by the rightful way

(7) Accomplished in learning

(8) Accomplished in craftsman’s skills

(9) With discipline, highly trained

(10) Speech that is true and pleasant to hear

(11) Providing for mother’s support

(12) Providing for father’s support

(13) Cherishing family

(14) Ways of work that harm no being

(15) Generosity

(16) A righteous life

(17) Offering help to relatives and kin

(18) Acting in ways that leave no blame

(19) Steadfast in restraint

(20) Shunning evil ways

(21) Avoiding intoxicants that dull the mind

(22) Heedfulness in all things that arise

(23) Respectfulness

(24) Being of humble ways

(25) Contentment

(26) Gratitude

(27) Hearing the Dhamma frequently taught

(28) Patience

(29) Willingness to accept one’s faults

(30) Seeing venerated seekers of the truth

(31) Sharing often the words of Dhamma

(32) Ardency

(33) Commitment to the Holy Life

(34) Seeing for oneself the Noble Truths

(35) The realization of Nibbana

(36) A mind that remains unshaken when involved in worldly tasks

(37) Beyond all sorrow (Sorrowlessness)

(38) Spotless and secure (Stainlessness)

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!

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/

00:00 - Beginning

2:00 - Thai Forest Tradition (Roots)

4:46 - Clear Mountain's goals

7:10 - Clear Mountain's phased plan

13:31 - Introducing Friends of Clear Mountain Board

18:35 - The story of Clear Mountain

29:00 - Searching for land

33:25 - Potential land in North Bend!

38:05 - Team, Due Diligence process, and steps going forward

45:25 - How you can help

48:10 - Fundraising goals and how to contribute

In this exciting video, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and the Friends of Clear Mountain Board (Kim Tull-Esterbrook (Jotikārā), Steve Wilhelm, Alison Thomas, and Nicole Jarosinski) reveal a momentous milestone in the creation of Clear Mountain Monastery: following a multi-year search, the project has signed a preliminary purachase-of-sale agreement on approximately 90 acres of land near North Bend, Washington! The next three months of due diligence testing and community support will determine if the land can indeed become a home for Clear Mountain Monastery.

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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!

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the power of developing the four brahmavihārā (divine abodes), of mettā (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (rejoicing), and upekkhā (equipoise). By constantly invoking these skillful emotions, we create a breadth of heart which can hold all beings and lead to liberation.

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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!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Joseph Goldstein about his perspectives on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/mn10/en/sujato?lang=en&) and elaborated upon in his book "Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening."

The conversation touches on Joseph's personal relationships with his teachers and peers Anagarika Munindra and Bhante Analayo, the meaning of "ardency" (ātāpi); the daily life practice of clear comprehension; the experience of "not clinging to anything in the world"; how to relate to "digging for the water" of practice; breathing mindfulness; walking meditation; intuitive practice with the elements; the similarities and differences between knowing mind as mind and Dzogchen; whether Nibbāna is a state of awareness; how to relate to such inquiries; and much more!

Joseph's Biography:

Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and lovingkindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and the Forest Refuge, a center for long-term meditation practice. He is the author of:

- Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening;

- One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism;

- The Experience of Insight, among other books.

To learn more about Joseph, visit: https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/

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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