Clear Mountain Monastery Project

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!