Clear Mountain Monastery Project

Weathered Maturity: A Jagged, Holistic Life At the Center of the Edge of the World | Ajahn Sukhito

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sukhito, Israeli-born abbot of Poo Jom Gom Forest Monastery in Ubon, Thailand and (https://ketkamala.org/).00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction of Tan Ajahn Sukito00:00:26 Biography: Early Life and Journey to Buddhism00:01:04 Service at Wat Phu Chong Gom and the Gamala Foundation00:01:38 Personal Connection and Reflections on Practice00:02:27 Ajahn Sukito’s Experience in Northern India00:04:21 Favorite Suttas and Precious Teachings00:07:07 The Five Faculties as a Framework for Life00:09:32 A Holistic Approach to the Dhamma00:11:46 The Five Dimensions: Relationship, Action, and Supervision00:16:37 The Five Dimensions: Inner Life and Continuous Learning00:18:59 Tracing the Development of Faith (Saddha)00:21:53 Meeting the Dhamma: A Powerful Shift in Perspective00:27:56 The Faculty of Energy (Viriya) and the Path to Thailand00:32:51 Discovering the Thai Forest Tradition and Its Teachers00:35:51 Stepping into the Role of Abbot at Wat Phu Chong Gom00:40:46 Managing a Forest Monastery for Holistic Practice00:44:40 The Importance of Community in the Ajahn Chah Lineage00:47:07 Balancing Aesthetic Seriousness with Lightness00:48:49 Physical Work and Simplicity as Spiritual Practice00:52:49 Cultivating Noble Friendship on the Path00:55:19 The Faculty of Wisdom (Panna) and Education00:59:48 The Vision of the Kate Gamala Foundation01:03:40 Applying Dhamma to Global Challenges and Education01:06:48 Guiding Hearts Through World Upheaval and Conflict01:13:47 Closing Words and GratitudeAjahn Sukhito's Biography:Ajahn Sukhito - born in Israel in 1970 - is a Theravāda Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. In his early twenties, he traveled to the East, where he first encountered Buddhism in Northern India - an experience that profoundly shaped his life. He went on to study and practice within several Buddhist traditions before ordaining as a monk in the Ajahn Chah lineage. For over 30 years, Ajahn Sukhito has lived and practiced as a monk primarily in Thailand. For approximately 14 years, he has served as abbot of Poo Jom Gom (วัดป่าภูจ้อมก้อม) Forest Monastery in Northeast Thailand. In recent years, he has also spent extended periods in Israel at the invitation of his students, supporting the development of the local community of practitioners in the Ajahn Chah tradition. Also in recent years, Ajahn Sukhito has taken on the role (along with Ajahn Jayasaro and Ajahn Dton) of "Spiritual Advisor" to the Ket Kamalā Foundation มูลนิธิเกตุกมลา (https://ketkamala.org/), which provides Holistic Buddhist Education in the form of weekend camps at various monasteries and with a vision is to establish a Holistic Buddhist Bilingual School in Ubon Province.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!

(Almost) Effortless Mindfulness for Effortful Skeptics: A Savory Same-Taste Sandwich | Loch Kelly

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Loch Kelly - meditation teacher, author, and founder of the Effortless Mindfulness Institute (https://lochkelly.org/).00:00:00 Introduction to Loch Kelly00:02:14 Introduction to Effortless Mindfulness for Theravāda Listeners00:12:14 Mapping Effortless Mindfulness to Samādhi and the Unborn00:14:12 Resonance of Loch's Teachings with the Theravāda Tradition00:19:40 Defining "Glimpses" and "Local Awareness"00:27:35 Experiencing a Glimpse: What is the Nature of this Awareness?00:29:03 Understanding the Capabilities of Local Awareness00:30:08 Loch’s Personal Experience and the "Clear Light" of Rigpa00:32:00 Determining the Relationship Between Awareness and the Deathless00:39:06 Navigating the Conflict Between Dualistic and Non-Dualistic Teachings00:45:52 Demonstrating a Second Skillful Glimpse00:50:08 Distinguishing Types of Awareness: Attention vs. Mindful Awareness00:53:11 Shifting the Location of Identity and the Mindful Witness00:56:58 Identifying the Detours: Spiritual Bypassing, Psychological Overpassing, Cognitive Underpassing01:02:40 Guiding the Seven Steps: Unhook, Drop, Open, See, Include, Know and Let Be01:04:41 Implementing Effortless Mindfulness for Different Personalities01:11:53 Paradoxes in Buddhism: Mundane vs. Super-Mundane Right View01:15:12 Applying Mindfulness Tools to Deep Suffering and Trauma01:25:19 Helping Students "Unstuck" from the Mindful Witness Position01:28:30 Integrating Flow Consciousness into Everyday Life01:32:11 Risks and Ethics of Sharing Direct Pointing InstructionsLoch Kelly's Biography:Loch Kelly is a meditation teacher, psychotherapist, and is the founder of the non-profit Effortless Mindfulness Institute. A graduate of Columbia University and Union Theological, he has, since the late 1970s, studied in multiple lineages of Buddhism: with such Theravāda elders as Professor Lily de Silva and Godwin Samararatne; with the Tibetan masters Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, and Anam Thubten among other greats; and with modern teachers such as Adyashanti, Tara Brach, and Shinzen Young. Loch synthesizes ancient nondual wisdom, neuroscience, and contemporary psychology–especially Internal Family Systems–into a unique experiential teaching style focused on "small glimpses" many times. Loch is recognized for his collaborative research with neuroscientists at Yale and NYU, and is the author of "Shift Into Freedom: The Science and Practice of Open-Hearted Awareness" and "The Way of Effortless Mindfulness." 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 Heart-shaking Life of Extraordinary Genius: The Historical & Human Buddha | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho recounts the Buddha's life and Enlightenment, emphasing both his relatability as a historical figure who lived 2500 years ago, and the transcendent aspect which we can contact today. By more deeply understanding his humanity, we understand that we too have the potential to Awaken as he did.----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!

Hey Ego! The Trees Don’t Care: Heartwood Forest Dhamma | A. Anandabodhi, A. Niyyanika, Tan Tejassi

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!

Clash of the Titans of Translation: The Buddha Across Language, Tradition, Time, AI | Ajahn Brahmali

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Brahmali, elder monk at Bodhinyana Monastery, advisor to the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (https://bswa.org/), and frequent contributor to and translator at SuttaCentral.net.Biography of Ajahn Brahmali:Ajahn Brahmali was born in Norway in 1964. He first became interested in Buddhism and meditation in his early 20s after a visit to Japan. Having completed degrees in engineering and finance, he began his monastic training in England at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries. After hearing teachings from Ajahn Brahm, he decided to travel to Australia to train at Bodhinyana Monastery. Ajahn Brahmali has lived at Bodhinyana Monastery since 1994, and was ordained as a Bhikkhu, with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor, in 1996. Ajahn Brahmali’s knowledge of the Pali language and of the Suttas is excellent. A regular contributor to discourse.suttacentral, he has also published two essays on Dependent Origination, a book called “The Authenticity of the Early Buddhist Texts” with Bhante Sujato, and has translated the entire Buddhist Monastic Code.Ajahn Brahmali Previous CMM Interview on Early Buddhist Texts: https://youtu.be/FznHXTboSJs?si=44Mc8X9sSSZGRyshNine Principles of Translationfrom: https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/principles-of-translation/194851. Translating (nearly) everything2. Translating transparently and meaningfully3. Principle of the least meaning4. (Partially) transforming the oral nature of the text into literary form5. Using simple language and vocabulary6. Avoiding Buddhist hybrid English7. Using American spelling and vocabulary8. Sometimes using multiple renderings for each Pali term or expression9. Principle of [[lectio difficilior potiorThe link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 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 Buddhist Response to Artificial Intelligence: A Nuanced Perspective | Randima Fernando Q&A

In this session, Randima Fernando, co-founder of Center for Humane Technology (https://www.humanetech.com/) joins Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho for a conversation.Randima's Biography:Randima has presented on the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and social impact to the world’s leading technology companies, NGOs, and government agencies. He is a Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Center for Humane Technology, which has helped over 100 million people globally understand the harms of extractive technology through the documentary film The Social Dilemma, the podcast Your Undivided Attention, and many other initiatives. Randima started his career at NVIDIA, where he led many award-winning projects and authored three #1-ranked books on 3D graphics over seven years. Additionally, he was a founding Board Member of the NVIDIA Foundation. Randima then served for seven years as founding Executive Director at Mindful Schools, a nonprofit that has taught mindfulness to millions of kids and over 70,000 educators worldwide. He is also a former board member of Spirit Rock Meditation Center.The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 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!

FAQ/Q&A: How Clear? Which Mountain? Monastery What? | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monasteryhttps://youtu.be/ElxEuHRiolIhttps://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about the long-term vision for Clear Mountain, as well as the timeline and immediate steps towards its realization. Addressing frequently asked questions and comments from the audience, the session describes the process for creating a refuge of Dhamma in the Northwest on the newly acquired land.-----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!

Sacred Boredom: Unhooking, Enoughness, and The Path of Getting Better at Happiness | Ajahn Kovilo

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about Nibbidā - disenchantment, disillusionment, and enoughness as one practices the path at getting better at pleasure, happiness, and peace.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!

Theatre~Forest~Prison: Wisdom from Aj. Chah’s Most Senior European Disciple | Luang Por Khemadhammo

In this interview, we speak with Luang Por Khemadhammo OBE (https://foresthermitage.org.uk/), abbot of The Forest Hermitage & founder of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program.00:00:00 — Introduction00:01:45 — Key moments of faith leading to monasticism00:06:45 — Transferable skills between acting and meditation00:11:18 — Personal perspectives on the "Dharma of Shakespeare"00:11:44 — Specific gems of wisdom found in Shakespeare's works00:12:16 — Experiencing the qualities of genius and love in Ajahn Chah00:17:48 — Specific anecdotes or stories from time with Ajahn Chah00:23:44 — The genesis and nature of the Angulimala prison project00:30:57 — Inspiration for dedicating decades to prison work00:35:00 — Transmuting rage and anger in incarcerated individuals00:37:31 — Most relevant Buddhist teachings for inmates00:38:50 — Practical means and methods of the prison program00:42:04 — Relating to and appreciating diverse Buddhist schools00:49:33 — Stories of personal transformation among inmates00:52:17 — Handling worldly accolades and honors as a monk00:55:06 — The quintessential ingredient for staying in robes00:58:29 — Evolving perspectives on monks using modern media01:01:15 — Advice for interacting with those "down and out" or unseenAs you can see, the conversation was wide-ranging touching on many fascinating aspects of Luang Por Khemadhammo's unique life as a Shakespearean actor turned Buddhist monk. Such topics include meditation lessons from the theatre, the initial meeting and life with Luang Por Chah, the beginnings of the Western Sangha in England, the birth of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program, insights from teaching prisoners, and perspectives gained from 55 years in robes. For more information about Luang Por, visit: https://foresthermitage.org.uk/Luang Por Khemadhammo's Bio:Luang Por Khemadhammo (Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht) OBE was born in England in 1944. After training and practising as a professional actor and working at the Royal National Theatre with Laurence Olivier, in 1971 he travelled to Thailand via the Buddhist holy places in India. In December 1971 in Bangkok he became a novice and about a month later moved to Ubon to stay at Wat Nong Pah Pong with Ajahn Chah with whom he received bhikkhu ordination. In 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to prisoners and for his creation of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy (https://angulimala.org.uk/) program. The following year at His Majesty the King of Thailand’s birthday in December he was made a Chao Khun with the title, Phra Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht. He is the founder and abbot of The Forest Hermitage and one of the most senior Western Disciples of Luang Por Chah. 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!

Mental HealthMaxxing! The Tools of Retreat Meet Full-Spectrum Humanity | CMM Ajahns

In this dual talk describing their recent three-month Winter Retreat, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about key tools, take-aways, and the particular dukkha and sukha, of sitting in quiet for 90 days… with 9 hours a day of sitting meditation on Zoom.------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!