Clear Mountain Monastery Project

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! -------- 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/ ------- 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!

Seminary Junha, a recently ordained Buddhist nun from the Clear Mountain monastic community, is introduced and shares how to connect with the sangha. The talk explores political fear, the lineage’s resilience, skillful attention, acting from love not anger, and equanimity as wisdom. Practical tips include protecting inner resources and daily mindful practice to sustain compassionate engagement.

In this engaging conversation, Roshi Joan Halifax, a pioneer in end-of-life care and founder of Upaya Zen Center, shares her transformative journey into Buddhism, shaped by childhood challenges and profound experiences. She delves into the importance of balancing self-compassion and empathy for others, illustrating her insights with a powerful story from her work at the Nomad Clinic. Roshi Joan introduces her GRACE method for compassionate responses and explores the nuances of healthy versus unhealthy altruism, advocating for integrity and respect in practice.

Joining the conversation are Nicole Joransinski, a community support coordinator, Susan Tillich, an architect and land development member, and Alex Haynes, the lead on land development. They discuss the exciting potential of a 90-acre site for a new monastery and its unique combination of seclusion and accessibility. Listen in as they unveil findings from environmental assessments, share community support progress, and explore future plans for trails and gardens, all while dreaming of a refuge for all sentient beings.

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!

James Baraz, a meditation teacher and co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, shares his journey of rediscovering joy in meditation. He discusses how early strict teachings led to a joyless practice until a meeting with Papaji transformed his perspective. James emphasizes the importance of savoring life's small moments and placing well-being at the center of our intentions. He also addresses finding joy during challenging times, including climate despair, and highlights how gratitude can amplify happiness and fuel activism.

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!

Willa Thāniyā Reid, a senior teacher in the Thai Forest Tradition, and Eliza Day, a psychotherapist and Dharma teacher, share their transformative journeys toward contemplative life. They discuss dealing with heartbreak using devotional practices and the importance of keeping the heart open through metta. Their insights into the Sangha as an embodiment of awakening and the integration of Gestalt therapy with Buddhist practice provide practical guidance for navigating loss. Listen to their enchanting recollections of deva encounters and the teachings of the Mulaka Sutta that illuminate liberation.

Explore the ten pāramis, or spiritual perfections, that can transform your New Year! Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho delve into concepts like generosity and morality, emphasizing their roles in personal growth. Discover how patience can lead to peaceful coexistence and how truthfulness enhances self-reflection. The discussion also touches on the importance of loving-kindness and equanimity in daily practice, along with practical plans for a new community project. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, inspiration, and community vision!