Clear Mountain Monastery artwork

Clear Mountain Monastery

315 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 16 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

Dharma talks from monastics at Clear Mountain, an aspiring Buddhist Forest monastery in the greater Seattle area. The Forest Tradition represents a return to the simple way of life taught by the Buddha. Monastics aspire to live as the early disciples did: dwelling in the forest, studying the teachings, and devoting themselves to meditation. To learn more, visit https://wwww.clearmountainmonastery.org.

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Episodes

Bodhisattvas and Boundless Buddho | Ajahn Anan

March 28, 2024 21:50 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

In this session, Clear Mountain's community is joined by the renowned forest master, Ajahn Anan, a close disciple of Luang Por Chah and abbot of Wat Marp Jan monastery. For more information about Ajahn Anan and Wat Marp Jan, visit: https://watmarpjan.org/en/

The Joy of Less: 13 Dhutanga Practices | Ajahn Nisabho

March 24, 2024 13:55 - 55 minutes - 42.5 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho discusses tudong, the dhutaṅga practices, and ideas to make them (or analogues) applicable in lay life. Renunciation does not have to be a dry relinquishment of happiness, but an embrace of simplicity and surrender to goodness.

Compassion in Times of War & Dietary Ethics | Bhante Sathi

March 22, 2024 00:22 - 46 minutes - 30 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Bhante Sathi of Triple Gem of the North about growing up in Sri Lanka during civil war and his work with Dharma Voices for Animals (https://www.dharmavoicesforanimals.org/).

The Unshakeable Heart & Equanimity at the Sense Doors | Ven. Canda Bhikkhuni

March 18, 2024 12:59 - 1 hour - 40.1 MB

In this talk, Ven. Canda, an honored guest visiting from the U.K., speaks about how to develop equanimity by analyzing contact at the sense doors, and developing poise in relation to it. Understanding the conditioned nature of the experience allows us to dispel its power to push us into greed or aversion, and allows us to maintain a stance of gentle care towards the world. https://anukampaproject.org/

Buddhadhamma and Abhidhamma for Vipassana | Ajahn Panot (Prakru Medhaṅkara)

March 15, 2024 22:10 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews Ajahn Panot (Prakru Medhaṅkara), disciple of P.A. Payutto, the foremost scholar monk in Thailand. To read Buddhadhamma by P.A. Payutto, visit: https://buddhadhamma.github.io/titlepage.html

Beyond the Five Aggregates & the Vortex of Self | Ajahn Nisabho

March 12, 2024 16:23 - 47 minutes - 38.5 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the 5 Khandhas, or aggregates of clinging, described by the Buddha as the subjective constituents of our sense of self. Letting go of 1) form (rupa), 2) feelings (vedana) 3) perception/ cognition (sañña) 4) formations (sankhara) and 5) consciousness (viññana) allows one to touch a reality beyond them—"Nibbāna".

To Bow Like Ajahn Chah & Listen Like Guan Yin | Thanissara Q&A

March 09, 2024 11:08 - 47 minutes - 35.5 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview the Dharma teacher and founder of Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat Center, Thanissara. The session touches on Thanissara's experiences with Luang Por Chah, her twelve years of experience as a nun, her practice of turning towards the transcendent, and Guan Yin.

Cultivating the Unhindered Mind | Ajahn Nisabho

March 03, 2024 10:11 - 47 minutes - 37.2 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the Five Hindrances to calm ("Nīvarana"), and how to move past them to the luminous mind. The Suttas quoted describing the hindrances include SN 46.55, the Sangarava Sutta and MN 39, the Mahā Assapura Sutta.

Finding the Breath in the Body | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

March 02, 2024 00:27 - 45 minutes - 33 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss the intersection between breath meditation (ānāpānassati) and mindfulness directed toward the body (kāyagatāssati).

Lighten Up: The Playful Path to Samādhi | Ajahn Nisabho

February 25, 2024 15:23 - 49 minutes - 38.1 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how to cultivate the luminous mind through a playful approach in meditation, utilizing both a primary focused object, such as the breath, alongside a secondary object, such as metta, the nada sound, or a broad awareness of the body.

Being Psychic vs. Being Psychotic – A Father and Son Discuss the Mind | Dr. James R. Hillard

February 24, 2024 11:54 - 46 minutes - 28.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo interviews his father, psychiatrist James R. Hillard, about mental well-being and psycho-pathology – especially how these relate to Buddhist thought and meditative practice. These broader topics will be looked at through the lens of the relationship between (in words of the "Monk and Dad" cartoon series) "an atheo-psychiatrist father and his Buddho-monastic son."

A Buddhist Guide to Sanity in an Election Year | Ajahn Nisabho

February 18, 2024 18:16 - 42 minutes - 33.6 MB

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks on being a pacifist in the culture wars.

The Case for Post-Materialist Science and Evidence for Rebirth | Marjorie Woollacott Ph.D.

February 18, 2024 17:59 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Marjorie Woollacott. Marjorie Woollacott, Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor and prior chair of the Dept. of Human Physiology, and member of the Institute of Neuroscience, at the University of Oregon. She taught courses in neuroscience and rehabilitation, as well as complementary medicine and meditation. She is President of the Academy for the Advancement of Post-Materialist Sciences (AAPS) and Research Director for the International Ass...

Grieving for Loved Ones | Clear Mountain Community

February 11, 2024 13:34 - 1 hour - 37.7 MB

In this "Community Stories" session, Clear Mountain members Jessica, Sid, Mary, Axel, Jon, Sarah, Damien, Joseph, Liem, Samek, and JT speak about what the Dhamma has meant to them, and how it's helped them move through grief.

What Kind of Bhikkhuni Could Illuminate the Redwood-Tree Grove? | Ayyā Santussikā & Ayyā Cittānandā

February 08, 2024 22:55 - 57 minutes - 34.5 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview their good kalyāṇamittas Ayyā Santussikā & Ayyā Cittānandā of the Karuna Buddhist Monastery. Both Ayyās answer the question of "What kind of bhikkhuni could illuminate the redwood-tree grove?" based on a question famously asked at MN 32.

The Sacred, the Beautiful, & Other Technologies of the Heart | Ajahn Nisabho

February 04, 2024 12:31 - 57 minutes - 42.4 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the need to bring joy, beauty, and love into spiritual practice to sustain and strengthen the heart through the acts of relinquishment the path also entails.

Zen and the Art of Buddhist Chaplaincy | Zenshin Dillon Balmaceda

February 04, 2024 12:22 - 46 minutes - 32.8 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with his friend and fellow Dharma Realm Buddhist University student, Zenshin Dillon Balmaceda about his work doing Buddhist Chaplaincy including hospice work and prison ministry.

Pride, Prejudice, & Putting Down the Grapes of Wrath | Ajahn Nisabho

January 28, 2024 19:32 - 54 minutes - 40.8 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about ways to counter anger and aversion, cultivating forgiveness and an understanding of conditionality instead. The "Eight Verses of Mind Training" referenced at the end can be found here: https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/geshe-langri-thangpa/eight-verses-training-mind

Two Bhikkhus & A Rabbi Walk into a Livestream… | Rabbi Bendat-Appell Q&A

January 25, 2024 18:28 - 1 hour - 44.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo interview Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell about contemplative practices and shared resonances in the Jewish and Buddhist traditions.

Healing Kundalini Syndrome | Tara Springett Q&A

January 23, 2024 23:09 - 52 minutes - 29 MB

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Tara Springett, a meditation teacher specializing in "Kundalini Awakening", about meditation-induced spiritual crisis, side effects of expansion of consciousness, effects of drug use on the aura, and supernatural sensitivities.

Hells, Heavens, & the Realms of Māra | Ajahn Nisabho

January 21, 2024 17:45 - 57 minutes - 45.2 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the Buddhist cosmos, from the hells to the heavens, ending with advice for how we can confront the Māra, master of the sensual sphere.

Finding the Right in Writing | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

January 19, 2024 00:19 - 47 minutes - 35.1 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about the using writing as a Dhamma support.

The Headless Way: Being Space for the World | Richard Lang

January 18, 2024 02:30 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with Richard Lang, teacher of "The Headless Way." To learn more about Richard and The Headless Way, visit: https://www.headless.org/

Following the Flag of Fearlessness – The Origin of “Itipi So”| Ajahn Kovilo

January 15, 2024 01:06 - 49 minutes - 38.1 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the origin of the "Itipi So" chant as found in the Dhajagga Sutta (SN 11.3) and further speaks to the essence of the Recollection of the Buddha - "Bud-dho" knowing; the Recollection of the Dhamma - "Dham-mo" the truth that is known; and the Recollection of the Sangha - "Saṅ-gho" knowing connecting with the world.

How Different Meditative Techniques Affect Morality & Other Scientific Sojourns | Ajahn Sādaro Q&A

January 13, 2024 16:46 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sādaro - touching on such topics as not-self (anatttā) and its relation to moral responsibility, describing deep meditative states in current scientific language, and the interplay between epistemic humility and declarations of faith.

Secular Buddhism Without the Beef: A Contemporary Conversation on Awakening | Doug Smith

January 09, 2024 21:26 - 1 hour - 51.2 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho have a friendly and informative conversation with Doug Smith of the popular YouTube Channel “Doug’s Dharma”.

Four Graded Questions From the Buddha – How Do You Score? | Ajahn Kovilo

January 09, 2024 21:15 - 48 minutes - 37.3 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo – in reference to the Upakkilesa Sutta (MN 128) – frames the "Buddha's Hierarchy of Needs" as a parallel to Maslow's, and speaks about four sequential questions the Buddha would ask his students.

A Bhikkhu & a Ukrainian Catholic Monk Walk Into a Livestream… | Brother Zacharias Q&A

January 04, 2024 12:53 - 48 minutes - 34.1 MB

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Brother Zacharias, an Orthodox Christian monk at Mount Tabor Monastery (https://www.monksofmttabor.com/), about Christian monastic life. Subjects touched on include the monastic calling, schedule, nature of prayer, "Way of the Pilgrim", and more.

The 7 Habits of Highly Reflective People | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

December 31, 2023 07:34 - 47 minutes - 28.4 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho celebrate the dawning of the new year by describing the seven "Dawnings of the Dhamma" detailed by the Buddha in SN 45.49-55 (https://suttacentral.net/sn45-suriyapeyyalavagga?view=normal&lang=en) including: 1) appropriate attention (yonisomanasikāra) 2) accomplishment of virtue (sīlasampadā) 3) accomplishment of desire (chandasampadā) 4) accomplishment of self (attasampadā) 5) accomplishment of view (diṭṭhisampadā) 6) accomplishment of heedfulness ...

Solitary Refinement: How 12 Years in a Cave Can Change the World | Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Q&A

December 28, 2023 17:54 - 55 minutes - 29.1 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on the topics of Rigpa, training in seclusion and society, debate, female ordination, and much more. To support the nun's community Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo founded and guides please visit https://tenzinpalmo.com/ or Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery's website at https://dglnunnery.com/, where you may make general donations or sponsor a nun.

The Womb of the Buddha: From Yoniso-Manasikāra to Tathāgata-Garbha | Ajahn Kovilo

December 24, 2023 23:54 - 54 minutes - 34.3 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the birth of the Buddha and the place and implications of "yoniso-manasikāra" as "turning the mind to the womb".

Hercules & the Buddha: The Legend Continues? | Ajahn Sona Q&A

December 22, 2023 22:05 - 44 minutes - 31.8 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sona of Birken Forest Monastery discussing Gandhāra manuscripts, various debate traditions, scholastic agendas, and more For more information about Ajahn Sona and Birken Forest Monastery, visit: https://birken.ca/

Have a Buddhist Wish? Try These Five Practices! | Ajahn Kovilo

December 17, 2023 20:16 - 48 minutes - 35.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the Ākankheyya Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/mn6/en/bodhi?lang=en) and its suggestions for skillful Buddhist wishing.

Buddhist Insights From Ancient Gandhāra | Prof. Richard Salomon Q&A

December 14, 2023 23:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MB

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Prof. Richard G. Salomon, a former professor at University of Washington and one of the world's leading experts in the ancient Gandhari scrolls. For more information, see his most recent book, "The Buddhist Literature of Ancient Gandhara: An Introduction with Selected Translations (Classics of Indian Buddhism)" https://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Literature-Ancient-Gandhara-Introduction/dp/1614291683/

Light That Lands on Nothing: Nibbāna, the Deathless, & Awakening | Ajahn Nisabho

December 11, 2023 21:16 - 50 minutes - 37 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Buddhist concept of Enlightenment, and the intuition, practices, and steps which can draw us closer to it.

Mantra Memory Merriment – The Sati Mantra: “Citte Cittānupassī Viharati …” | Ajahn Kovilo

December 09, 2023 00:22 - 46 minutes - 34 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo teaches the third Foundation of Mindfulness as being "The Sati Mantra" and will suggest - along with instructions - that practitioners memorize the following phrase from the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta: - "Citte cittānupassī viharati ātāpī sampajāno satimā vineyya loke abhijjhādomanassaṃ." - "One remains focused on mind in & of itself—ardent, alert, & mindful—putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world.”

This Talk Will Get Under Your Skin: The Ancient Practice of Body Contemplation | Ajahn Nisabho

December 04, 2023 23:52 - 45 minutes - 37.6 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the practice of body contemplation, speaking to the practice of the 32 parts, 4 elements, and charnel ground contemplations, as contained in the Kāyagatāsatisutta (MN 119).

Earthworm Practice: “Times Are Urgent! Let Us Slow Down.” | Ayyā Santacittā

December 04, 2023 23:35 - 47 minutes - 28.2 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ayyā Santacittā of the Āloka Earth Room.

“For I am Papañca, Producer of Worlds” & Other Proliferative Profundities | Ajahn Nisabho

November 29, 2023 00:32 - 51 minutes - 39 MB

Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Buddhist term "papañca", often translated as "mental proliferation" or "objectification", as described in the Honeyball Sutta (https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN18.html) and how we can slow its ability to generate new vistas of dukkha in our lives.

Reflections on the 5th Precept Against Taking Intoxicants | Ajahn Nisabho Q&A

November 28, 2023 23:44 - 46 minutes - 33.1 MB

In this talk and Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how the Buddha recommended we hold the fifth precept against taking intoxicants, and if this allows for even moderate use.

Dealing with Difficult Emotions | Ven. Sangye Khadro

November 20, 2023 21:11 - 46 minutes - 30.6 MB

A talk and Q&A with Ven. Sangye Khadro of Sravasti Abbey (https://sravastiabbey.org/)

“Your Heart Was Made for This” | Oren Jay Sofer Q&A

November 17, 2023 00:52 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Oren Jay Sofer on the topics (among others) of: - his new book "Your Heart Was Made for This" (https://www.orenjaysofer.com/your-heart) - insights to be gained by monastics from lay Dhamma teachers - insights to be gained by lay Dhamma teachers from monastics - structural sources of dukkha - body contemplation as a lay practitioner - advice for lay practitioners on how to deepen their practice

Dependent Origination, Thusness, & the Drum of the Deathless | Ajahn Nisabho

November 12, 2023 18:12 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the twelve links of Dependent Origination, or Paṭiccasamuppāda, the Buddha's articulation of how we move from ignorance to suffering, and the sense of "Thusness" that emerges from its understanding. A description of the process, and of the "Orderliness of Dhamma" can be found in SN 12.20.

Why Buddhism Isn’t a Cult, Dhamma Parenting, & the University of Ordination | Ayyā Ahiṃsā Q&A

November 09, 2023 22:49 - 46 minutes - 29.5 MB

In this interview, Ayyā Ahiṃsā of the Canmore Theravada Buddhist Community speaks about leaving a fundamentalist religious community, falling in love with the spiritual path, Dhamma parenting, advice for women hoping to ordain, making one's entire life one's practice, rebirth, and... the nature of existence itself(?!)

Transforming Tragedy: The Power of Spiritual Friendship | Clear Mountain Community

November 06, 2023 12:58 - 47 minutes - 30.9 MB

In this "Community Stories" session, Cheryl, Aruna, Trenton, Grace, Jeremy, Kristen, Noah, Sooz, and Miles share how they came to the Dhamma and how their journeys have unfolded this past year.

A Vital Message from the Simile of the Saw | Ajahn Kovilo

November 06, 2023 08:28 - 47 minutes - 33.6 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will speak about the Simile of the Saw (Majjhima Nikāya 21) and how it can inform how we speak in challenging times.

Exploring Enlightenment: A Swami & Bhikkhu Discuss Humility, Psychic Powers, & God

November 06, 2023 08:21 - 48 minutes - 28.1 MB

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho interviews Swami Atmavidyananda Giri about Kriya Yoga, his path to ordination, stories of faith from his teachers, the Yogic idea of awakening, God, humility, and psychic powers.

Words Worth Treasuring: Monastic Insights into Right Speech | Ajahn Nisabho

November 06, 2023 08:19 - 44 minutes - 32.3 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the ways the Buddha recommended refining speech, from avoiding lying, divisive talebearing, harsh speech, and idle chatter, to ensuring what we say is truthful, timely, and beneficial. When practiced sincerely, these trainings begin to affect our minds as well as our relationships.

“Justice” Is Not a Buddhist Word | Ajahn Nisabho

October 22, 2023 15:21 - 47 minutes - 26.2 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the impulse towards vengeance which can hide in the concept of justice, noting how the Buddha taught an ethic of forgiveness rather than retribution.

Why Bow? A No-Pressure Response From Two Biased Buddhist Bhikkhus | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

October 20, 2023 00:28 - 47 minutes - 33.6 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss the deeper implications of the practice of bowing.