Clear Mountain Monastery artwork

Clear Mountain Monastery

321 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days 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

Ajahn Punnadhammo Q&A – Dragons, Fairies, and Bear Awareness

April 18, 2022 21:09 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Punnadhammo continues answering questions on Buddhist Cosmology, Abhidhamma, the "Commentaries", studying Pali, writing Buddhist fiction, consilience between Buddhist, European, and other cosmologies, stream entry, the bardo, and the practice of "recollection of the devā."

Less Cowbell! Cultivating Mindfulness, Peace, and Balance on the Path | Tan Nisabho

April 11, 2022 18:08 - 52 minutes - 37.6 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use mindfulness to balance the active in our meditation with the passive, and why Will Farrell should put down the cowbell.

Less Cowbell! Cultivating Mindfulness, Peace, and Balance on the Path | Tan Nisabho

April 11, 2022 18:08 - 52 minutes - 37.6 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use mindfulness to balance the active in our meditation with the passive, and why Will Farrell should put down the cowbell.

Finding Joy in Austerity | Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho

April 04, 2022 18:01 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho discuss how the practice of austerity (intentionally simplifying one's life and facing discomfort strategically) can paradoxically nurture joy. See for example: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an10/an10.094.than.html

Enlightened Beings … They Exist! An Overlooked Aspect of Right View – Ajahn Kovilo

March 28, 2022 14:16 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo discusses the often unexplored aspect of Mundane Right View: "There are contemplatives & brahmans who, faring rightly & practicing rightly, proclaim this world & the next after having directly known & realized it for themselves." See: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.117.than.html

Heartfulness: A Homage to Thich Nhat Hanh | Tan Nisabho & Beth Coyote

March 21, 2022 17:01 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

A talk on imbuing the practice of mindfulness with the quality of love, a teaching embodied by the late teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.

Ajahn Suchart Q&A – Knowing Element & Deathless Element: The Path and Its End

March 15, 2022 00:57 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Suchart answers questions on a wealth of topics, including the nature of 4th jhana, the basics of mindfulness practice, and the relationship between the knowing element of the mind and the deathless element of Nibbāna.

Buddhist Self-Confidence? : A Conversation with Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho

March 07, 2022 17:49 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven Nisabho will discuss the concept of "self-confidence" in light of the Buddha's teachings on not-self.

Concentration, Love, & Returning to the Rose Apple Tree | Ven. Nisabho Q&A

March 01, 2022 11:06 - 52 minutes - 37.6 MB

In this Q&A session, Tan Nisabho speaks about levels of concentration and returning to the heart and the simplicity of our practice.

“The Conscious Perspective” Interview: Q&A with Ajahn Kovilo, Ven. Nisabho, & Gary Haskins

February 21, 2022 14:50 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

An interview on the nature of practice and consciousness with Gary Lee Haskins of "The Conscious Perspective" - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWcpCeDl-IxhecfLvkpw1A

Thubten Chodron Q&A – 100,000 Bows Toward Full Awakening: Practicing with Compassion and Wisdom

February 14, 2022 18:06 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ven. Thubten Chodron speaks on a variety of subjects, including the different modes of practice outlined in the Tibetan teachings, analytical meditation, debate, maintaining the monastic aspiration, and working with aversion towards external conditions.

5 Aggregates IV: Consciousness & the Magician | Ven. Nisabho

February 07, 2022 17:53 - 52 minutes - 37.6 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart.

“Social Intelligence” – Awareness & Facility in Buddhism (“Parisaññū” AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo

January 31, 2022 09:59 - 45 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on “social intelligence” (parisaññū) as discussed in the Dhammaññu Sutta (AN 7.64). https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.064.than.html

Bhante Gunaratana Q&A – Liberation in This Very Life

January 24, 2022 09:30 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this interview, Ven Bhante Gunaratana, fondly known as "Bhante G", speaks about the different paths of practice one can pursue in life.

Still Water & Calming the Hindrances: A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

January 17, 2022 15:48 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho explains the five hindrances to calm described by the Buddha as well as their antidotes.

“Quantitative Intelligence” – The KAKe Test (“Mattaññū” AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo

January 04, 2022 01:38 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on "quantitative intelligence" (mattaññū) as discussed in the Dhammaññu Sutta (AN 7.64). https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.064.than.html

Five Khandhas, Five Routes to Liberation (Part 3): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

December 24, 2021 23:36 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart.

Five Khandhas, Five Routes to Liberation (Part 2): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

December 20, 2021 09:41 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart.

Five Khandhas, Five Paths to Liberation (Part 1): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

December 13, 2021 10:40 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about how we can use the khandhas, or loci of identity, described by the Buddha as means towards liberation of the heart.

Rev. Heng Sure Q&A: 800 Miles of Bowing, 6 Years of Silence: Devotion and Renunciation on the Path – A Conversation with Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho

December 06, 2021 23:14 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this interview Rev. Heng Sure speaks about his the various "Dhamma Doors" that led him more deeply into the practice, from meeting his teacher, Master Hua, to taking an 800-mile pilgrimage doing full-length prostrations every three steps. His reflections on what sustains a life of practice represent a precious gift.

“Temporal Intelligence” – Buddhist Time Management (Kālaññū AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo

November 29, 2021 10:56 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on "temporal intelligence" (kālaññū) as discussed in the Dhammaññu Sutta (AN 7.64). https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.064.than.html

The Dhammic Art of Not Arguing with Your Relatives: A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

November 24, 2021 18:46 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho describes the six approaches towards achieving "a state without conflict" outlined by the Buddha in MN 139. Ranging from the profound to the practical, the talk reveals how we can interact with ourselves and others in a way conducive to harmony.

Being Generous with Your Time: A Conversation with Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho

November 21, 2021 15:50 - 44 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven Nisabho discuss the meaning of the popular idea of "being generous with your time," and will explore possible tensions with the concept of "not associating with fools."

Ajahn Sona Q&A – Did Socrates Have Jhāna?: Dhammic Influence & Resonance Through History

November 12, 2021 14:31 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Sona speaks about the threads of the Buddha’s teaching one finds throughout history and into the modern era, and the meaning of such revelations for those of us practicing now.

Illuminating the Subconscious and Jedi Order Dynamics: Q&A with Nisabho Bhikkhu

November 05, 2021 07:40 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this session Tan Nisabho answers questions regarding altering subconscious patterns to more far-reaching topics.

“Intrapersonal Intelligence” – Knowing Thyself in Buddhism (“Attaññū” AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo

October 27, 2021 10:26 - 45 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on “quantitative intelligence” (mattaññū) as discussed in the Dhammaññu Sutta (AN 7.64). https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.064.than.html

“Eight Thoughts of a Great Being” (Part 2): A Dhamma Talk with Ven. Nisabho

October 24, 2021 10:44 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho speaks about the second four of the eight thoughts of a great being described by the Buddha in AN 8:30. From developing mindfulness to delighting in non-proliferation, specific practices can help us shape ourselves into better vessels of meaning, purpose, and compassion.

“Eight Thoughts of a Great Being” (Part 1): A Dhamma Talk with Ven. Nisabho

October 18, 2021 10:18 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho speaks about the first four of the eight thoughts of a great being described by the Buddha in AN 8:30. From developing humility to fostering energy, specific practices can help us shape ourselves into better vessels of meaning, purpose, and compassion. https://suttacentral.net/an8.30/en/sujatohttps://suttacentral.net/an7.67/en/sujato

The Four Love Languages of Buddhism: A Conversation with Ajahn Kovilo & Ven. Nisabho

October 15, 2021 08:53 - 45 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven Nisabho will discuss the four “bonds of fellowship” (sangahavatthu), namely: 1) generosity, 2) kind words, 3) beneficial help, and 4) consistency. See: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.032.than.html

Ayya Santussikā Q&A – Building Faith Brick-by-Brick: How We Grow on the Path

October 11, 2021 08:07 - 2 days - 14.7 MB

In this interview, Ayya Santussika speaks about her path to robes, and how we can build faith little-by-little in our lives.

“The Citadel of Dhamma” (AN 6.67): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

October 04, 2021 10:32 - 35 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho investigates an analogy the Buddha gives comparing the practice to a citadel, or fortress. How can we best fortify ourselves against the forces of the world? https://suttacentral.net/an7.67/en/sujato

“Five Means of Dispelling Distracting Thoughts” (MN 20): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

September 28, 2021 23:11 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the Buddha's instructions on ways one can transcend problematic thinking and how they can be applied to our daily habits as well.

Fire vs. Light, Dedicating Merit, & More: A Q&A with Nisabho Bhikkhu

September 27, 2021 20:47 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this Q&A session, Tan Nisabho speaks about Buddhism as a system replacing the energy of fire with that of light, the ethic of dedicating merit to the dead, and more.

Dhammic Intelligence: 6 Meanings of “Dhamma” (“Dhammaññū” AN 7.64) with Ajahn Kovilo

September 23, 2021 04:10 - 45 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on having “Dhammic Intelligence” in as discussed in the Dhammaññu Sutta (AN 7.64). https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipit… To explore “Dhammic Intelligence,” Ajahn Kovilo highlights 6 distinct meanings of “Dhamma/dhamma” they occur in the Pali Canon.

So the True Teaching Might Last a Long Time: a Conversation with Ajahn Jayasaro

September 18, 2021 10:59 - 1 hour - 14.7 MB

In this interview, Ajahn Jayasaro answers questions about how to steward the monastic order and one’s own practice in an era of change. Touching on issues related to respect, technology, and even Jane Austen, the conversation addresses many challenges modern practitioners find themselves facing.

Choosing a Teacher & the Patron Saints of Buddhism: Q&A with Nisabho Bhikkhu

September 13, 2021 08:32 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this Q&A session, Ven. Nisabho speaks about how one can choose a teacher on the path and the distinctive qualities of the Buddha's great disciples.

Genius Givers and Super Friends: A Dhamma Talk with Ajahn Kovilo

September 10, 2021 02:25 - 45 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the importance of kalyanamitta, spiritual friendship, and how we can look to the community surrounding us for people embodying spiritual powers.

The Domain of Meditation, Doubt, Death, & Ritual: Q&A with Ven. Nisabho

August 30, 2021 10:41 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this Q&A session, Ven. Nisabho speaks about a variety of subjects, from the constraints of a meditative approach to the use of ritual in overcoming skeptical doubt.

The World is Falling Apart in Its Eagerness to Reveal What Lies Underneath: A Dhamma Talk with Tan Nisabho

August 26, 2021 09:15 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho speaks about how the characteristic of impermanence can be seen as a guide on our path towards awakening.

Cleaning the Mind’s Movie Theater: Q&A with Tan Nisabho

August 23, 2021 12:19 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this Q&A session, Ven. Nisabho speaks about the importance of purifying mind states as opposed to simply addressing passing thoughts.

Monastics in American Buddhism: An Interview with Bhikkhu Bodhi

August 17, 2021 10:24 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

We have yet to see how the traditional monastic Sangha will fit into and influence Buddhism in the US. In this interview, Bhikkhu Bodhi shares his thoughts on the role of monastics in America and how they, and lay practitioners, can skillfully navigate this new territory.

Why Monks Don’t Vote: A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

August 12, 2021 00:13 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho explains why the monastic Sangha remains outside of the political realm, and how to protect the recollection of the transcendent in our daily lives.

How We Use What We Use – Rejoicing in Less (MN 2): A Dhamma Talk with Ajahn Kovilo

August 04, 2021 12:11 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives talk and brief Q&A focusing on "abandoning by using" as discussed in the Sabbāsava Sutta (MN 2). https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.002.than.html

Our Waking Breath (Part 3): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

July 27, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

A detailed overview of breath meditation as described in the Ānāpānasati, or "Mindfulness of Breathing" sutta. New scholarship by Bhante Analayo and others points to an interpretation of the teaching as an invitation to explore the subtle energies of the body in an engaging manner that works with, rather than against, the thinking mind.

Our Waking Breath (Part 2): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

July 23, 2021 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

A detailed overview of breath meditation as described in the Ānāpānasati, or "Mindfulness of Breathing" sutta. New scholarship by Bhante Analayo and others points to an interpretation of the teaching as an invitation to explore the subtle energies of the body in an engaging manner that works with, rather than against, the thinking mind.

Our Waking Breath (Part 1): A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

July 17, 2021 22:39 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

A detailed overview of breath meditation as described in the Ānāpānasati, or "Mindfulness of Breathing" sutta. New scholarship by Bhante Analayo and others points to an interpretation of the teaching as an invitation to explore the subtle energies of the body in an engaging manner that works with, rather than against, the thinking mind.

The Dhamma as Song: A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

July 08, 2021 02:09 - 20 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this talk, Ven. Nisabho speaks to parallels between the Dhamma and music.

Destroy! (MN 2): A Dhamma Talk with Ajahn Kovilo

July 05, 2021 16:49 - 41 minutes - 32 MB

Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on "abandoning by destroying" as discussed in the Sabbāsava Sutta: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.002.than.html

It is Possible! (AN 2.19): A Dhamma Talk with Ajahn Kovilo

June 27, 2021 13:16 - 41 minutes - 32 MB

Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and brief Q&A focusing on the essence of faith in Buddhism as addressed in the "Wholesome Sutta". What is it that the Buddha said was possible in Dhamma practice? https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an02/an02.019.than.html

The Principles of Harmony (MN 48):A Dhamma Talk with Nisabho Bhikkhu

June 23, 2021 15:05 - 46 minutes - 33.7 MB

The Buddha gave clear instructions for how to live harmoniously in community. These six principles help guide practitioners in their personal and communal lives.