Ajahn Sona

Talk 7 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.

Talk 6 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.

Talk 5 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.

A guided 'extreme makeover' of the inner life framed as building a mansion of light. Practical contrasts between healthy contentment and lazy resignation. Warnings about wasting energy on fame, wealth, and busywork. Simple monastic needs are presented as a path to ease fear and open the heart. Loving kindness is portrayed as a peaceful, transformative practice.

Gentleness and right speech are compared, with guidance on when directness is appropriate. Practical rules for correcting others kindly and choosing the right timing are explored. Openness to correction and self-review before speaking are emphasized. Loving kindness is presented as a practical social skill, including ways to transform anger into sympathy and respond calmly to unfair criticism.

A methodical guide to cultivating loving-kindness through virtues like humility, contentment and gentle speech. Listens on why the metta sutta matters and how the Buddha taught with practical skill. Talks about overcoming unskillful states, reducing harassment, and using steady practice to spark brief moments of real metta that transform conduct and mind.

A guided opening into loving-kindness practice and why it matters universally. Contrasts inner contemplative skill with external achievements. Uses vivid metaphors like mansions and canoes to show how metta can move and be sustained. Covers practical methods, commitment to retreat, and how warmth and serenity can reshape daily life and even outlast a lifetime.

Ajahn Sona concludes his spiritual autobiography, recounting the establishment and development of "Birken III", (known as 'Sitavana' - Pali for "cool forest") outside of Kamloops, British Columbia. Part 3 of 3.

Ajahn Sona continues his spiritual autobiography, detailing the search and establishment of the intermediate monastery after the shack - "Birken II" - in Princeton, British Columbia. Part 2 of 3.

Ajahn Sona continues where he left off in the talk "20 Years a Monk", recounting experiences as a young monk in Thailand, through the establishment of the original Birken Monastery. Part 1 of 3.