Clear Mountain Monastery Project

The Rebel of Suan Mokkh: Rebirth, Cancer, & the Four Truths of Dhammic Socialism | Santikaro Q&A

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Santikaro Upāsaka, student and translator of Ajahn Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu and international Dhamma teacher for over 35 years. In this conversation, Santikaro discusses his time living with and translating for Ajahn Buddhadāsa, the scope of saṃsāra, the reality or rebirth, Santikaro's experiences with cancer (twice!), the importance of people of integrity (sappurisa), approaches to mindfulness of breathing, socially engaged Buddhism, "The Four Noble Truths of Dhammic Socialism", and more!For more information about Santikaro, visit: https://www.kevalaretreat.org/.Santikaro Biography: Santikaro Upāsaka studied with Ajahn Buddhadasa during the last nine years of his life, became his primary translator, and continues to share his “naturalist” approach to Buddha-Dhamma. Ordained as a Theravada Bhikkhu in 1985, Santikaro spent most of his monastic life at Suan Mokkh (สวนโมกข์). During this time he also led Dawn Kiam (ดอนเคี่ยม), a small monastic community for foreigners and was active among socially engaged Buddhists in Asia. He returned to the USA in 2000 and left monastic life in 2004 to found Kevala Retreat (then Liberation Park). He continues to teach nationally and internationally, and to translate the work of his teacher. He has led meditation retreats for more than thirty-five years, with a special fondness for mindfulness with breathing. Books edited, contributed to, and translated by Santikaro include: "Seeing With the Eye of Dhamma: The Comprehensive Teaching of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu", "Under the Bodhi Tree: Buddha's Original Vision of Dependent Co-arising", and "Mindfulness with Breathing: A Manual for Serious Beginners."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!

A Nightmare, A Butterfly, & the Disbanding That Reveals Nibbāna | Willa Thāniya & Eliza Day

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Willa Thaniya and Eliza Day about their key moments of faith which guided them to the path, using Dhamma to deal with heartbreak and loss, stories of devas and the supernatural, the Dhamma of Gestalt therapy, and more. To learn more, visit https://kihikihi-meditation-yoga.org/ .BioBoth Willa Thāniyā Reid and Elizabeth Day were trained in the monastic lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition, in which teachers offer Dhamma reflections in response to the present moment (_the ‘here and now’ Dhamma_). They speak informed by the graduated teachings of the Buddha, drawing on primary texts relevant to the unfolding inquiry of Dhamma.  They live in Kihikihi where they have established a practice community. They teach locally in Aotearoa NZ and internationally, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.Elizabeth works as a professor of psychotherapy, and also offers individual therapy and Dhamma guidance. Willa is currently in the process of retiring, allowing her to further orientate to providing Dhamma guidance. They are intending to spend next year offline, in meditation retreat. Appreciating that time is short, they will be cultivating what is most precious. To lean more, visit https://kihikihi-meditation-yoga.org/--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!

Smaller Vehicle? We have TEN Perfections! The New Year in Ten Pāramis | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho describe the 10 pāramis, or spiritual perfections, as priorities for the New Year. In these qualities, we find a rich language to describe the growth of heart daily practice brings..The Pāramī include:1) Generosity — Dāna;2) Morality — Sīla;3) Renunciation — Nekkhamma;4) Discernment or Wisdom – Paññā5) Energy —Viriya;6) Patience — Khanti;7) Truthfulness — Sacca;8) Resolve — Adhiṭṭhāna;9) Kindness — Mettā;10) Equanimity — UpekkhāYou may read more about the pāramī here: https://ajahnsucitto.org/articles/parami-1-crossing-the-floods/----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!

Luminous Lowliness: Eight Tibetan Mind Trainings to Short-Circuit the Self | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about using the traditional eight Tibetan Mind Training verses (https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/geshe-langri-thangpa/eight-verses-training-mind) to relinquish the self and find the deeper peace of humility.Eight Verses of Training the Mindby Geshe Langri Thangpa1. By thinking of all sentient beingsAs more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewelFor accomplishing the highest aim,I will always hold them dear.2. Whenever I’m in the company of others,I will regard myself as the lowest among all,And from the depths of my heartCherish others as supreme.3. In my every action, I will watch my mind,And the moment destructive emotions arise,I will confront them strongly and avert them,Since they will hurt both me and others.4. Whenever I see ill-natured beings,Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,I will cherish them as something rare,As though I’d found a priceless treasure.5. Whenever someone out of envyDoes me wrong by attacking or belittling me,I will take defeat upon myself,And give the victory to others.6. Even when someone I have helped,Or in whom I have placed great hopesMistreats me very unjustly,I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher.7. In brief, directly or indirectly,I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers,And secretly take upon myselfAll their hurt and suffering.8. I will learn to keep all these practicesUntainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.May I recognize all things as like illusions,And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.--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!

Theravāda Tag Team: No Self Left Standing! | Doug Smith & Jon Aaron Roundtable

In this roundtable discussion, Ajahn Kovilo and Nisabho speak with Doug Smith (of Doug's Dharma YouTube channel) and Jon Aaron - the cohosts of Diggin' the Dharma. The conversation touched on themes Secular Buddhism vs Traditional Buddhism, the sacred, belief in rebirth, saddhā (faith), Mundane Right View vs Transcendent Right View, attachment to views, and much more! To learn more about Diggin' the Dharma visit: - www.digginthedharma.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@DougsDharma- https://www.jonaaron.net/- https://www.youtube.com/@DiggintheDharma-qd7jzJoin Clear Mountain Live:- 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!

What Would Land Mean? A 9-min Message from the Board Vice President & President | Friends of CM

Land Page: https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/Full Land Reveal Video: https://youtu.be/8z4kwFzSyzUIn this presentation, Kim Tull-Esterbrook, President of Friends of Clear Mountain, and Steve Wilhelm, Vice-President, speak about what a forest monastery could mean for the Pacific Northwest, and how those who are inspired can help this happen.00:00 - Steve Wilhelm, Vice President, on the relevance of Clear Mountain3:58 - Kim, President, on how people can contribute7:44 - Ajahn Nisabho speaks about Clear Mountain's messaging around it's aspiration.---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!

2025 Year-End Review: A 38 Highest Blessings Brief - What Is Your ”Vihāra-Dhamma”? | Ajahn Kovilo

In this short session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces the concept of a "vihāra-dhamma," a tool for sustaining the heart, asking: What is your "Vihāra Dhamma"? Your way to home? Your abiding principle?Also highlighted is the Sutta on the Highest Blessings (https://www.abhayagiri.org/reflections/131-mangala-sutta) as a wise checklist for evaluating one's 2025 and for planning into one's 2026.The Maṅgala Sutta's 38 "Highest Blessings":(1) Avoiding those of foolish ways(2) Associating with the wise(3) Honoring those worthy of honor(4) Living in places of suitable kinds(5) With the fruits of past good deeds(6) Guided by the rightful way(7) Accomplished in learning(8) Accomplished in craftsman’s skills(9) With discipline, highly trained(10) Speech that is true and pleasant to hear(11) Providing for mother’s support(12) Providing for father’s support(13) Cherishing family(14) Ways of work that harm no being(15) Generosity(16) A righteous life(17) Offering help to relatives and kin(18) Acting in ways that leave no blame(19) Steadfast in restraint(20) Shunning evil ways(21) Avoiding intoxicants that dull the mind(22) Heedfulness in all things that arise(23) Respectfulness(24) Being of humble ways(25) Contentment(26) Gratitude(27) Hearing the Dhamma frequently taught(28) Patience(29) Willingness to accept one’s faults(30) Seeing venerated seekers of the truth(31) Sharing often the words of Dhamma(32) Ardency(33) Commitment to the Holy Life(34) Seeing for oneself the Noble Truths(35) The realization of Nibbana(36) A mind that remains unshaken when involved in worldly tasks(37) Beyond all sorrow (Sorrowlessness)(38) Spotless and secure (Stainlessness)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!

The Monastery Begins: A 3-Month Countdown to Potential Land! | Clear Mountain Monks & Friends Board

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/00:00 - Beginning2:00 - Thai Forest Tradition (Roots)4:46 - Clear Mountain's goals7:10 - Clear Mountain's phased plan13:31 - Introducing Friends of Clear Mountain Board18:35 - The story of Clear Mountain29:00 - Searching for land33:25 - Potential land in North Bend!38:05 - Team, Due Diligence process, and steps going forward45:25 - How you can help48:10 - Fundraising goals and how to contributeIn this exciting video, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and the Friends of Clear Mountain Board (Kim Tull-Esterbrook (Jotikārā), Steve Wilhelm, Alison Thomas, and Nicole Jarosinski) reveal a momentous milestone in the creation of Clear Mountain Monastery: following a multi-year search, the project has signed a preliminary purachase-of-sale agreement on approximately 90 acres of land near North Bend, Washington! The next three months of due diligence testing and community support will determine if the land can indeed become a home for Clear Mountain Monastery.----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!

Love Actually: Liberating the Heart Through the Brahmavihārās | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the power of developing the four brahmavihārā (divine abodes), of mettā (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (rejoicing), and upekkhā (equipoise). By constantly invoking these skillful emotions, we create a breadth of heart which can hold all beings and lead to liberation.----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!

Pick-Ax Dhamma: Deep Mining the Four Foundations of Mindfulness | Joseph Goldstein Q&A

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Joseph Goldstein about his perspectives on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/mn10/en/sujato?lang=en&) and elaborated upon in his book "Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening." The conversation touches on Joseph's personal relationships with his teachers and peers Anagarika Munindra and Bhante Analayo, the meaning of "ardency" (ātāpi); the daily life practice of clear comprehension; the experience of "not clinging to anything in the world"; how to relate to "digging for the water" of practice; breathing mindfulness; walking meditation; intuitive practice with the elements; the similarities and differences between knowing mind as mind and Dzogchen; whether Nibbāna is a state of awareness; how to relate to such inquiries; and much more!Joseph's Biography:Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and lovingkindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and the Forest Refuge, a center for long-term meditation practice. He is the author of: - Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening; - One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism;- The Experience of Insight, among other books.To learn more about Joseph, visit: https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/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!#Mindfulness #JosephGoldstein #Awareness #Meditation #PresentMoment #SelfAwareness #MentalHealth #MindfulLiving #Buddhism