Clear Mountain Monastery Project

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. -- 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. --- 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!

Ajahn Kovilo unveils the intriguing concept of "vihāra-dhamma" as a compass for the heart, prompting listeners to consider their own inner home. He discusses the Maṅgala Sutta, presenting it as a powerful checklist to assess accomplishments and guidance for the new year. The talk contrasts family-centered values with the ideals of monasticism, exploring themes of belonging and nonattachment. Practical examples include breathfulness and friendliness, highlighting how these practices can foster personal growth and connection.

Join Kim Tull-Esterbrook, Steve Wilhelm, Alison Thomas, and Nicole Jarosinski as they embark on an inspiring journey to establish Clear Mountain Monastery. They discuss their recent milestone of securing a potential 90-acre site near North Bend, highlighting the monastery's goals and phased development plan. The guests share insights on community involvement and fundraising efforts, revealing how listeners can contribute and support this meaningful project. Uncover the fascinating connections to the Thai Forest Tradition and the vision for a tranquil refuge accessible to the Seattle community.

Ajahn Nisabho, a senior monastic teacher in the Forest Tradition of Buddhism, delves into the transformative power of the Brahmavihārās—loving-kindness, compassion, rejoicing, and equanimity. He shares practical metta practices, including simple phrases to engage loving-kindness daily. Stories illustrate how compassion can reach even the hardest hearts, while upholding equanimity can help navigate difficult relationships. By engaging with these practices, Nisabho suggests we can cultivate deep emotional richness and clarity, ultimately leading to liberation.

In this engaging discussion, Joseph Goldstein, a veteran meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, shares his insights on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. He explores the concept of 'plop mind' and the importance of clear comprehension in daily life. Goldstein discusses the balance between using single techniques and multiple tools in practice, along with the transformative power of rapture in meditation. He also sheds light on non-clinging awareness, drawing intriguing comparisons between mindfulness and Dzogchen.

Ayya Suvijjānā and Ayya Niyyānika, both fully ordained Theravāda Buddhist monastics, dive into the four aspects of mindfulness and clear comprehension. They discuss how to apply purpose, suitability, domain, and non-delusion to enhance awareness in daily life. Personal anecdotes illuminate the practical use of recollection to combat common hindrances like sloth. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of community support and formal practices, along with tips on using mantras to sustain mindfulness beyond meditation.

Venerable Chandaratana Panyadure, a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk and deputy abbot, shares profound insights into meditation and mindfulness. He discusses the impact of Ven. Matara Ñāṇārāma on Sri Lanka’s forest tradition and how forest monasteries foster spiritual growth. Chandaratana emphasizes the importance of Satipaṭṭhāna, practical methods like mindful walking, and the joy found in Dhamma practice. He also reflects on the role of Pāḷi in teachings and the balance of lay engagement in politics, offering a holistic view of modern Buddhist practice.

Ajahn Kovilo, a monastic teacher in the Thai Forest tradition, dives into fascinating Buddhist concepts. He explores the balance of radical introversion and extroversion, emphasizing the Middle Way. Ajahn introduces the idea of interoception, helping practitioners connect with their inner bodies, and discusses the concept of not-self through sensory awareness. He presents the Nine Breath Challenge, guiding listeners in finding peace through recitation. This session is a rich blend of theory and practice for those seeking deeper meditation insights.