Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Ajahn Santutthi | Escape The World | Armadale Meditation Group

Ajahn Santutthi began the evening by asking us to use our free time during the day to meditate. Rather than social media or other activities. Ajahn suggests that rather than using our free time to do social media, we meditate and focus inward. If we focus our energy inward rather than outward we soon learn to cultivate the peace and quiet that is there for all of us. Leaving the world behind and turning inward, even for a short time, will allow us to become outwardly peaceful and quiet.

Ajahn then guided us in meditation asking us to get away from life by turning inward and watching our inner world rather than focusing on external things. When thoughts arise that seem to want to distract us from peace and stillness, just let them go. Watch them rather than engaging with them. Ajahn also asks us to look for the reward in our practice, the peace, the stillness. Over time this will increase. So rather than spending money to escape the world, we can turn inwards to find peace and stillness.

After meditation Ajahn touches briefly on the hindrances that plague most of us when we first begin to meditate. Ajahn then opened to questions before continuing to talk on meditation in general.

 

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Ajahn Cittapalo | Inner Happiness | Armadale Meditation Group

Ajahn Cittapalo speaks to us tonight of finding inner happiness. Not so much the happiness we would normally think of such as laughter or pleasure at getting a new lounge. The inner happiness that can be enjoyed by our mind being at peace. Not searching nor assessing the past. Not planing nor analysing the future, just happy to be in the present moment. Achieving this inner happiness for most of us seems impossible, but it can be achieved with practise, patience, persistence and Buddhist Meditation. Ajahn used the life experience of his grand father's life after the second world war to demonstrate that such peace of mind, inner happiness can be achieved by anyone under the most arduous of circumstances.

Ajahn then lead the group in a thirty minute meditation well suited to beginners and experienced alike. Ajahn starts by encouraging us to focus on our physical comfort first then just allow our mind to rest. When thoughts arise, step aside and let them go.

After the meditation Ajahn reminds us to not make our meditation another burden or task. We have enough on our plates already.

 

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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching
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Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Bhante Bodhidhaja | Meditation, a Different Perspective | The Armadale Meditation Group

Bhante Bodhidhaja surprised us tonight by bringing a laptop computer, a projector, speakers and a well made presentation on meditation. Before becoming a Buddhist Monk, Bhante was a school teacher and continues to teach, but not ABC nor 123. Instead he employees his skills and training to teach Buddhist Meditation.

Bhante began his presentation by explaining that though the monks when teaching may seem to repeat previous instructions, if we look a little closer we find subtle variations. This is done because what suits one, may not suit another. With this firmly in-mind, Bhante began his presentation and it came as no surprise to all that no-one had previously been taught meditation this way. Bhante through his presentation explained what happens within our mind when we are triggered into a fight or flight mode. Bhante used humour often to make the point.

Bhante then guided the group in a thirty minute meditation first focusing on completely relaxing the body, then the mind. This meditation is well suited to beginners and experienced alike.

After meditation Bhante continued his presentation with a slight shift in topic to Metta. A subject appropriate given in the western world, Valentines day was so recent. Bhante also referenced and recommended we listen to a podcast on ABC Radio National that is right on topic called “All In The Mind”.  In addition Bhante recommends we view and read the following.  The first one is to a poem written by Bhante some years ago tittled "Love Means Letting Go".  The second are quotes from Ayya Khema on the topic of love.  Bhante then opened to Q&A.

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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Jhanarato | Metta Practice | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

February 2020

Ajahn Jhanarato commenced the evening by reciting one of the Buddha's early sutta regarding Metta “Suttacentral”. Ajahn did this to encourage us to commence our meditation from the present moment and with Metta in-mind. By doing this we leave the past where it belongs, in the past and the future does take our attention away from the present moment.

Ajahn doesn't use mantras in his meditation, but rather just focuses on present moment awareness. Though he does acknowledge that for many of us, the use of a mantra is helpful. Ajahn then lead the group in a thirty minute meditation well suited to beginners and experienced a like.

After meditation Ajahn opened to Q&A before reciting another of Buddha's early sutta's “Suttacentral” in response to a question.

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Venerable Cunda | Meditation, Calm Thoughts | The Armadale Meditation Group

This is Venerable Cunda's second visit this year to the Armadale Meditation Group. Venerable spoke tonight of our modern world, our busy lives and our constant contact with technology. The result of such activity is a monkey mind. We need to relax more, meditation is a very good way to do just that and let our busy lives go, if only for a brief period.

Venerable lead the group in a 30 minute meditation. Venerable likes to commence his meditation with a body sweep commencing with the face and working to the feet. Venerable reminds us to use our bodies as an anchor for our focus. This meditation is well suited to both experienced and new meditators alike.

After meditation, Venerable encouraged us to sit quietly for a few moments and carry the relaxed mind and boby as long as we could. Venerable then opened briefly to questions.

 

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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Cittapalo | Our Inner Monologue | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

February 2020

Ajahn Cittapalo reminds us that meditation is not about stopping the mind nor fixating on a single thing. Rather we should be kindly aware of what is happening with our mind. Practice just watching what is happening. Don't try to change it, simply acknowledge it and let it go. As we practice this more often, the inner monologue occurs less. Allowing us to enjoy a peaceful relaxing meditation.

The group, having all meditated previously, meditated for thirty minutes in silence.

After meditation Ajahn drew our attention to how happy we feel after meditation and how good the general feeling.

 

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Ajahn Jhanarato | Metta, Loving Kindness | The Armadale Meditation Group

Ajahn Jhanarato based tonight's meditation on Metta and Loving Kindness. In his opening talk Ajahn also asks us to remember to be kind and loving to ourselves, give ourselves Metta. It is often difficult to be kind and loving to ourselves. Especially in western societies. Whilst we find it easy to think well of others, we all to often are less than kind to ourselves. We hold onto the past and we worry about the future. This is not being very kind nor loving to ourselves. We need to let it go.

Ajahn then lead the group in a thirty minute meditation focused on Metta.

After meditation Ajahn opened to Q&A.  In answering a question he has been recently asked, “what is the most valuable lesson he has learned since becoming a monk”. Ajahn's answer was contentment.

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching
you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Santutthi | The Practise Of Meditation | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

February 2020

Ajahn Santutthi talked to us about being a Buddhist monk in the modern world and how it helps to cope with the stresses that come with our modern world. Meditation, over time, allows our monks and us, to leave these stresses behind. If only for a short time, just to allow our minds to relax and quieten.

Ajahn then guided us in a thirty minute meditation well suited to all by encouraging us to simply relax. Make ourselves comfortable and detach from our hectic lives.

After meditation Ajahn opened to questions and further encouraged us to be kind to our minds. Don't make meditation a job, chore or task. Just allow your mind to be your mind and relax.

 

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Ajahn Brahmavamso | Nature Therapy | The Armadale Meditation Group

Ajahn Brahm arrived at Club Med early to the surprise and delight of us all.

Ajahn then explained to us that using nature, specifically a place of peace and beauty, helps us to shift our focus, relax both body and mind. The problems we face day to day don't seem quite as extreme when we face them relaxed.

Ajahn then related his recollection of the fires that destroyed Bodhinyana Monastery in the 1990's. Being Buddhist as he is, Ajahn realises that nothing is really permanent. So being upset and distraught about the monastery being destroyed would only affect him in a personal way. It wouldn't bring the monastery back nor rebuild it. Ajahn asks us to consider and realise that meditation can help us be content and easily satisfied.

Ajahn then guided the group through a body scan, within our own minds silently asking each area of our body, how it feels. When our bodies are “relaxed to the max”, it is much easier to relax the mind. Ajahn then moved us toward noticing our breathing, not controlling, just noticing. This meditation is well suited to beginners and experienced meditators alike.

After the guided meditation, Ajahn as always, uses his life experience and humour interspersed with jokes to convey his message.

 

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page , choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Venerable Sampasadana | Meditation Is Like Gardening | The Armadale Meditation Group

Venerable Sampa first visited the Armadale Meditation Group a year or so ago. On that occasion he used the analogy of meditation and cooking. This time he asks us to use a visual approach and a garden. Our troubles are like weeds and good feelings and thoughts, like flowers. Venerable encouraged us to use our imaginations and make the garden a beautiful place, a comfortable place, a quiet and relaxing place.

Venerable then lead the group in a slightly longer than thirty minute meditation. Venerable begins by spending ten minutes getting comfortable in body and mind. This meditation is well suited to both experienced and new meditators alike.

After meditation Venerable opened to questions before continuing his talk.

 

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Cittapalo | Making The Effort | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

January 2020

Ajahn Cittapalo asked us to be grateful to ourselves for making the effort to be there on a Monday night and meditating. As we struggle with meditation, we often forget to be grateful to ourselves for at least making the effort.

Ajahn then guided us in a thirty minute meditation well suited to all. Ajahn then spoke to us on right thought and his two favourite verses from the suttas.

Vist Sutta Central to view and read - Two Kinds of Thought.

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Venerable Pannavuddho | Working To Be A Better Person | The Armadale Meditation Group

Venerable Pannavuddho's first visit to the Armadale Meditation Group is one we hope he will repeat in the very near future. Venerable started the evening by asking us to give thanks to ourselves for just being there, for at least trying to be a better person. Venerable continued his talk by recalling examples of being a better person from his own experience prior to becoming a monk. During his working experience in Japan, Venerable was exposed to Zen Buddhism, so uses this experience to explain how we beginners and experienced alike should approach our meditation. Venerable refers to the process of watching the mind as “taking a backwards step”. Just step backwards in our minds and watch, rather than becoming engaged in our thoughts as they arise.

Prior to the meditation Venerable asked and instructed us to simply make ourselves comfortable, sit how-ever we feel comfortable. The focus initially is on the feelings and sensations that are always present within our bodies. This meditation is well suited to both experienced and new meditators alike.

After meditation Venerable continued his talk on trying to be a better person before opening to Q&A.

 

Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.

To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Jhanarato | Impermanence - Anicca | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

January 2020

Ajahn Jhanarato spoke on anicca [impermanence], an apt subject given the current situation here in Australia. Ajahn spoke on this subject, not to say that we should not be concerned about the climate, but more to point out that it may not affect us and that it keeps us from the present moment. Not thinking of a possible future that may not occur, nor dwelling in the past that may disturb. Ajahn read a sutta from “In The Buddha's Words” by Bhikkhu Bodhi that covers the subject very well.

Ajahn lead the group in a 30 minute relaxing meditation reminding us to not dwell in the past nor become anxious about the future. This meditation is well suited to beginners and experienced a like.

After meditation Ajahn opened to Q&A before continuing to speak on a variety of subjects.

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Venerable Cunda | A Calm Peaceful Mind | The Armadale Meditation Group

Our first Monk of the year 2020 was Venerable Cunda. Venerable has been living in Victoria for just over a year now helping to establish the Buddhist Society of Victoria Monastery at Newbury. As we all do, we work hard and then search for ways to unwind, clear our minds and just relax. Venerable encourages us to firstly relax our bodies as much as we are able, this will allow us to relax our mind.

Venerable lead the group in a longer than usual meditation commencing with a body sweep and moving gently to our breathing. Throughout the meditation Venerable asks us to use our bodies as an anchor, so that when random thoughts arise, we can return to the moment.  This meditation is well suited to both experienced and new meditators alike.

After meditation, Venerable described his early meditation experience and difficulties to help us understand that we don't need to make it hard work. Venerable then opened to questions before continuing his talk about Newbury.

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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Santutthi | Buddha and Mangoes | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

December 2019

Ajahn Santutthi related a simile by the Buddha about mangoes. Rather than picking the fruit, the Buddha patiently waited for the fruit to fall. Ajahn encourages us all to do the same regards our meditation practise, be patient and wait for the deeper states to occur naturally.

Ajahn then guided us in a thirty minute meditation well suited to all. Ajahn then related Buddha's earlier practise of meditation when he was trying many different techniques in his effort to find the best meditation.

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Kevin Hume | Science and The Buddha | The Armadale Meditation Group

Kevin focuses on teaching meditation and mindfulness as simple, practical skills. He teaches us how and why meditation works, draws on the most up-to-date scientific research, and introduces us to techniques that we can use on the go - whenever and wherever we are. He is also keen to help us find innovative ways to adapt meditation to our own needs. His teaching methods reflect his life experiences as a high-level communicator and participant-observer in the media, politics and corporate life. He has a particular interest in the science of meditation, as well as in the cultures and traditions from which such techniques are drawn. Kevin was introduced to meditation in 1992 by renowned meditation teacher Eric Harrison of the Perth Meditation Centre.

Kevin lead the group in meditation by first asking us to relax and listen to sounds around us. By doing this we shift from thinking to observing. The meditation is a full detailed body scan encouraging us to simply observe, not think nor engage with random thoughts. The meditation is well suited to all levels of meditators.

After meditation Kevin opened to questions.

 

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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Venerable Pasado | Unfortunate Consequences | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

April 2018

Monday Night Meditation with Venerable Pasado. Recorded at Dhammayanaram Monastery, home of the Cambodian Society of WA.

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Ajahn Jhanarato | Christmas Edition Meditation | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

December 2019

The last meditation before Christmas 2019 and Ajahn JR promises us that there is nothing to think about for our half hour meditation. The most important thing right now, is right now, just this moment. Nothing to think about, nothing to do, just relax and let the thoughts arise and pass.

Ajahn lead the group in a 30 minute mindfulness meditation well suited to beginners and experienced a like.

After meditation Ajahn opened to Q&A.

 

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Ajahn Cittapalo | Something To Aspire To | Armadale Meditation Group

Ajahn Cittapalo asks us to consider the Metta Sutta and it's wording. Ajahn reminds us that the Metta Sutta is something to aspire to. How-ever, when we meditate we should focus our attention on just one person, ourselves. Make number one happy, then more often than not, those around us will be happy too. Ajahn reminds us that we should put our own mind first in meditation. If we are calm and happy, it will be easier, more pleasant to wish others well.

Ajahn then guided the group in meditation well suited to beginners and experienced alike and a pleasure to do. Ajahn asks us to be kind to ourselves first before considering others. To simply allow thoughts to come, to go and not apply any pressure to our mind. Just let it progress.

After the meditation, Ajahn continued his talk on the Metta Sutta asking us to bare in mind that it is a translation, not a set of instructions.

 

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To find and download more Armadale Meditation Group Teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page, choose the AMG teaching you want, then type the title into the Podcast search box.

Teachings are available for downloading from the BSWA website, the BSWA Youtube Channel, the BSWA Podcast, and Deeper Dhamma Podcast.

Ajahn Santutthi | Get Off The Treadmill | Monday Night Meditation at Wat Dhammayanaram

December 2019

Ajahn Santutthi suggests we use our meditation to get off the treadmill that we often feel we are on in life and just relax in meditation. Ajahn further suggests we give ourselves the opportunity to relax, to forget about the past, not dream of the future and just relax in the present moment.

Ajahn the guided us in a thirty minute meditation well suited to all before reminding us that nothing lasts for-ever.

 

Please support Wat Dhammayanaram Cambodian Buddhist Society of WA (CBSWA) in making teachings available for free online here.

Teachings are available for downloading from the CBSWA website.

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