Clear Mountain Monastery
321 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsDharma 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
The Transformative Power of Gratitude | Ajahn Nisabho
June 22, 2023 22:11 - 43 minutes - 36 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho discusses the effect gratitude can have on a life, and how it can make the mundane sacred.
“This is peaceful, this is sublime – that is … NIbbāna” | Ajahn Kovilo
June 04, 2023 04:39 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the Canonical recollection of Nibbāna: “Etaṃ santaṃ, etaṃ paṇītaṃ - yadidaṃ sabba-saṅkhāra-samatho, sabb-ūpadhi-paṭinissaggo, taṇhā-kkhayo, virāgo, nirodho, nibbānanaṁ” - “‘This is peaceful, this is sublime - that is, the stilling of all activities, the relinquishing of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna.”
“This is peaceful, this is sublime – that is … Nibbāna” | Ajahn Kovilo
June 04, 2023 04:39 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the Canonical recollection of Nibbāna: “Etaṃ santaṃ, etaṃ paṇītaṃ - yadidaṃ sabba-saṅkhāra-samatho, sabb-ūpadhi-paṭinissaggo, taṇhā-kkhayo, virāgo, nirodho, nibbānanaṁ” - “‘This is peaceful, this is sublime - that is, the stilling of all activities, the relinquishing of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna.”
Neutral Feeling and Creativity | Ajahn Jotipālo
May 29, 2023 02:54 - 52 minutes - 35.3 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Jotipālo, a monk of over twenty years ordained at Abhayagiri Monastery, speaks about the benefits of attending to neutral feeling, which comprises so much of our experience, and of pursuing the creativity as a means to brighten the heart.
Advice for Ordination | Ajahn Nisabho
May 27, 2023 03:19 - 48 minutes - 33 MBIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about what one should consider when deciding if, when, and where to go forth as a monastic. Reflections can be applied to the lay life as well, and address the path as a whole.
Body Contemplation: A Core Teaching the West Forgot | Ajahn Nisabho
May 22, 2023 01:08 - 56 minutes - 41.9 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes body contemplation, a practice emphasized throughout the suttas but neglected in the West. By using the calm mind to investigate the body in terms of the "thirty-two parts", the four elements, and its process of decay, one can begin to release one's grip on it and undercut defilement.
Wandering Tudong in California | Tan Jāgaro
May 19, 2023 01:56 - 47 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this session, Tan Jāgaro speaks about his wandering up the California coast on monastic "tudong", depending on the kindness of strangers for food and often the side of the road for rest. His stories inspire faith in the goodness of those around us. You can learn more about his wandering at https://dayam.org/
Guided Meditation: Breath as Nourishment | Ajahn Kaccāna
May 15, 2023 05:06 - 29 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this meditation, Ajahn Kaccāna guides listeners through how to maintain awareness with breathing by finding pleasure in this simplest of activities. For more in-depth instructions, see Luang Por Sucitto's "Breathing Like a Buddha".
A Hierarchy of Blessings: The Mangala Sutta | Ajahn Kaccāna
May 15, 2023 04:58 - 49 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Kaccāna speaks about the Mangala Sutta which describes the various blessings or protections one may cultivate through skillful action.
Finding Faith in Nibbāna | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
May 12, 2023 03:49 - 47 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about finding faith in Nibbāna.
Demystifying the 10 “Bases of Merit” (Puññakitiyavatthu) | Ajahn Kovilo
May 07, 2023 16:59 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this session Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the 10 "Bases of Merit" or "Rituals of Richness" (Puññakitiyavatthu) as skillful means for a good life.
In Six Facets of Awakening | Ajahn Kovilo
May 04, 2023 16:30 - 47 minutes - 33.9 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces and reads 155 names for/facets of Nibbāna.
How to Take the Monastery Back to Your Job | Clear Mountain Community
April 30, 2023 19:15 - 19 minutes - 14.2 MBIn this Community Stories session, Mark, Mike, and Dennis speak about their path to the monastery and back to the world (for now), and what lessons they take with them. Steve reflects on the special quality of the community. Beautiful words!
Building Buddhist Community (not a 70’s Commune) | Ajahn Nisabho
April 30, 2023 19:09 - 34 minutes - 24.5 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the six principles of communal harmony laid out by the Buddha in MN 48.
5 Fantastic Theravāda Websites | Ajahn Kovilo
April 27, 2023 17:45 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this video, Ajahn Kovilo will give a guided introduction to five powerful online Sutta study resources.
The Persistence of Mindfulness – Mālas in Daily Life | Ajahn Kovilo
April 23, 2023 17:55 - 26 minutes - 19.5 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the practice of using māla-beads: how he has used them, how others use them, and how they can be a symbol for life's phases.
How to Quit Your Job & Go to a Monastery | Clear Mountain Community
April 23, 2023 17:50 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this Community Stories session, three community members, Xander, Adam, and Daniel, speak about the meaningful steps they have taken towards aligning their lives with Dhamma and possibly ordination.
Finding Joy on the Road of Tudong | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
April 20, 2023 22:12 - 47 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss finding joy on the road of tudong (walking pilgrimage on faith).
Is Buddhism True (And Which Sect)? | Ajahn Nisabho
April 16, 2023 13:23 - 48 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the Buddhist conception of truth and means for discerning the path, especially as outlined in the Kalama Sutta and Canki Sutta. The teaching encourages evidence-based faith and a humility in admitting what we can and can't know.
The Freedom of Morality: Psychological Development in Buddhism | Ajahn Sādaro & Ajahn Kovilo
April 15, 2023 02:03 - 43 minutes - 32 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with Ajahn Sādaro (https://www.bsv.net.au/ajahn-sadaro/) on the topics of sīla (morality), self, society, and salvation.
Culture War Pacifism (The Dhamma of Dolly Parton) | Ajahn Nisabho
April 09, 2023 22:46 - 42 minutes - 32 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how, like the uniquely politically-transcendent figure of Dolly Parton, we can become conscientious objectors in the culture wars. While we may engage in political research, discussion, and action when appropriate, as practitioners we're obligated to avoid falling into the tones of anger and othering that dominate the discussion. Having encountered a higher-order spiritual narrative, we must prioritize caring for our hearts and the hearts of those arou...
32 Marks of a Buddha Explained! Part 2 – The Face | Ajahn Kovilo
April 08, 2023 16:35 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo will continue speaking on the 32 "Marks of a Great Person" (specifically those from the neck up) as discussed in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (DN 30) and will suggest ways to make sense and use of it.
Stages of Awakening | Ajahn Nisabho
April 03, 2023 02:47 - 41 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho details the stages of Awakening described by the Buddha, and emphasizes the importance of practicing for Stream Entry, the first stage of Enlightenment.
Arahant or Bodhisattva Path? | Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho
April 01, 2023 04:57 - 36 minutes - 26 MBIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the figures of the Bodhisattva and Arahant as presented in different traditions, and whether or not the two ideals can harmonize.
Addiction, Motorcycle Accidents, & Teddy Bears as Dhamma Doors | Clear Mountain Community
March 27, 2023 19:15 - 50 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this session, members of Clear Mountain's community share how they came to the Dhamma, and what it's meant to them.
Finding Heart in the Intellectual | Aj Kovilo & Aj Nisabho
March 24, 2023 21:21 - 46 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss how to bring embodiment, intuition, and insight into seemingly heady Buddhist study.
The Dhamma of George Constanza | Ajahn Nisabho
March 19, 2023 17:50 - 33 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how practice involves a radical flip of our worldly perceptions, where we lean into suffering as a source of learning and difficulty as a ground for practice. Just like in the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza does the opposite of everything he thinks he'd usually do.
32 Marks of a Buddha Explained! Part 1 – The Body | Ajahn Kovilo
March 17, 2023 21:01 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the 32 "Marks of a Great Person" (specifically those from the neck down) as discussed in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (DN 30) and will suggest ways to make sense and use of it
Guided Meditation: Letting Go into Death | Ajahn Nisabho
March 13, 2023 19:02 - 38 minutes - 25.2 MBThis guided meditation, based on one by Ajahn Brahmali, helps one move towards letting go of the world into a place of stillness.
Maraṇasati: Mindfulness of Death | Ajahn Nisabho
March 13, 2023 18:40 - 32 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes maranasati, or mindfulness of death, both as a clarifying recollection in one's daily life and a meditation object.
Line-For-Line: Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha | Ajahn Kovilo
March 09, 2023 17:32 - 46 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo continues to discuss the Buddhist holiday Māgha Pūjā or "Sangha Day" (Mach 6th, 2023) - commemorating when the Buddha taught the "Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha" to 1250 fully Enlightened disciples during the full moon of the month of Māgha in the year following his own Enlightenment.
How does Kamma Work? | Ajahn Nisabho
March 05, 2023 19:13 - 45 minutes - 36.6 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how kamma works, and the Buddha's instructions on how we can cultivate that kamma which leads to the ending of all kamma.
Saṅghānussati: Recollection of Saṅgha – Meditating with “Saṅ-gho” | Ajahn Kovilo
March 04, 2023 05:02 - 47 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and Q&A focusing on the upcoming March 6th, 2023 Buddhist holiday Māgha Pūjā or "Sangha Day" - commemorating when the Buddha taught the "Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha" to 1250 fully Enlightened disciples during the full moon of the month of Māgha in the year following his own Enlightenment.
Beautiful in the Beginning | Ajahn Kovilo
February 28, 2023 00:11 - 32 minutes - 22 MBIn this talk given on New Year's Eve 2022, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about three qualities that are especially helpful for new starts: 1) Saddhā (Faith) 2) Dāna (Generosity) 3) Sīla (Virtue) And how these qualities lead from being "beautiful in the beginning", to being "beautiful in the middle", and culminate in being "beautiful in the end".
Is Rebirth Real? | Ajahn Nisabho
February 24, 2023 06:56 - 45 minutes - 32.5 MBSome resources for those who are interested in looking deeper into the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RGizqsLumo https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/truth_of_rebirth.html
Demons to Devas: A Tour of the Buddhist Cinematic Universe | Ajahn Nisabho
February 20, 2023 02:26 - 46 minutes - 31.4 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho explains the realms of rebirth described in Buddhist cosmology, elaborating on how each can be used as a metaphor for the mind and its states.
Joy as Path – Pāmojja! | Ajahn Kovilo
February 17, 2023 01:55 - 46 minutes - 32 MBOn the broad topic of the law of kamma as discussed in Chapter 5 of P.A. Payutto's Buddhadhamma, in this session, Ajahn Kovilo will speak on various "Paths to/through Pāmojja" or gladness/joy such as: 1) faith; 2) virtue; 3) generosity; 4) learning; 5) discernment.
Breathing as Brahmā: Fundamentals of Breath Meditation| Ajahn Nisabho
February 12, 2023 08:41 - 50 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the fundamentals of breath meditation as described by Luang Por Sucitto in "Breathing Like a Buddha": https://amaravati.org/dhamma-books/breathing-like-a-buddha/
Spreading the Love: An Intro to the Four “Saṅgaha-vatthu” | Ajahn Kovilo
February 09, 2023 23:03 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBOn the broad topic of the law of kamma as discussed in Chapter 5 of P.A. Payutto's Buddhadhamma, in this session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces the the four "Bases for Harmony" (saṅgaha-vatthu): 1) generosity (dāna); 2) endearing speech (peyyavajja); helpfulness (atthacāriya); and evenness (samānattatā).
Pilgrimage & the Language of Faith | Ajahn Nisabho at Wat Marp Jan
February 08, 2023 07:26 - 31 minutes - 22.2 MBA Dhamma talk by Tan Ajahn Nisabho, given on 13 Dec 2022 at Wat Marp Jan, Rayong, Thailand.
Tales from Thailand and Bodh Gaya | Clear Mountain Pilgrims
February 05, 2023 09:04 - 50 minutes - 33 MBParticipants from the recent pilgrimage reflect on their experiences, sharing what they took from the journey to Thailand and India. Detailed reflections from the pilgrimage may be found on Clear Mountain's website.
Doubt Intelligently | Ajahn Kovilo
February 03, 2023 08:25 - 24 minutes - 16.3 MBA Dhamma talk on doubting faith; faith in doubt; faith in faith; and faith in doubt by Ajahn Kovilo given on 12 Dec 2022 at Wat Marp Jan, Rayong, Thailand.
Māra | Ajahn Nisabho
January 29, 2023 08:19 - 44 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about Māra, the Buddhist embodiment of death and spiritual stagnation, and how we can confront him in our lives and practice.
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (1.25.2023)
January 27, 2023 06:07 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Loss languages, the Buddhist Uposatha, how to navigate love and attachment, and more.
27 Topics of Animal Talk | Ajahn Kovilo
January 23, 2023 03:16 - 46 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo will give a deep dive on 27 topics of conversation that the Buddha warned practitioners to be wary of. See the "Pointless Talk Sutta" (SN 56.10)
Non-dual Theravada? | Ajahn Kovilo
January 15, 2023 22:06 - 49 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the concept and practice of non-duality (advayaṃ) as it features in the Pāli Canon.
Finding the Relevant in the Far Out – Faith in Devas? | Aj. Kovilo, Aj. Nisabho, and Tan Tejadhammo
January 14, 2023 03:43 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and Tan Tejadhammo discuss how to relate to topics that come up in Buddhist circles (e.g. rebirth, psychic powers, celestial beings, etc.) that seem to stretch, if not break, faith.
Loving-kindness, Wisdom, and Liberation | Tan Tejadhammo
January 09, 2023 23:55 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBIn this talk, Tan Tejadhammo speaks about using the mind brightened through loving-kindness practice, to see into the not-self nature of the body, and move towards liberation.
Pilgrimage Roundup | Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and Fellow Pilgrims
January 08, 2023 02:19 - 47 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and fellow pilgrims discuss their December 2022 pilgrimage to Thailand and India.
Pilgrimage, Tudong, and Faith as Courage | Ajahn Ñāṇiko
December 30, 2022 23:21 - 46 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this interview, Ajahn Nyaniko, abbot of Abhayagiri, speaks about his experience developing faith as a faculty and power of the heart through pilgrimage and the practice of wandering tudong.