Clear Mountain Monastery Project

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho celebrate Āsāḷha Pūjā by speaking about the Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma Sutta (SN 56.11 - Dhammacakkappavattanasutta), and its articulation of the Four Noble Truths. They they take questions dealing with topics ranging from the difference between Bodhisattvas and Arahants, to the nature of Nibbāna, to the benefits of memorization. Sadhu!An article by Ajahn Kovilo on memorizing long Dhamma may be found here: https://www.clearmountain.org/2020/08/01/article-a-fun-way-to-memorize-long-dhamma-with-a-special-focus-on-the-dhammapada/A recording and text for chanting the Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma Sutta (SN 56.11 - Dhammacakkappavattanasutta) may be found on page 2 of the Amaravati Chanting Book: https://amaravati.org/dhamma-books/chanting-book-volume-two/The full Sutta text may be found here: https://suttacentral.net/sn56.11/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=falseA recording may be found here: Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_FNHIPiTns--------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!

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks with Kim Grose Moore and Tommy "Shakur" Ross from the GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) Training Institute (https://grip-traininginstitute.org/) about their work in prisons teaching inmates to transform trauma and anger into meaningful internal change. The program, inspired by Dhammic principles and practices, has helped almost 2000 graduates move towards genuine freedom of heart, even while behind bars.To learn more about GRIP and support, visit https://grip-traininginstitute.org/To sign up for their newsletter, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/pDQIgRHaHUaPNnI5Xurq-A2Biography of Kim:Kim Grose Moore is the Executive Director of the GRIP Training Institute, where she leads transformative restorative justice programs across California. By guiding incarcerated individuals through a deep process of trauma healing, and learning mindfulness and emotional intelligence, Kim works to break cycles of violence and develop Peacemakers in the most unlikely of places: prison.Her leadership is informed by 15 years of faith-based community organizing in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on housing, immigration, and criminal justice reform. A Buddhist chaplain in the Theravada tradition and a former Rhodes Scholar, Kim anchors her activism in the principle that "the first revolution is internal." She views the Dharma and mindfulness as the essential foundations for both personal transformation and the broader pursuit of a more just and equitable society.Biography of Tommy:Tommy “Shakur” Ross was paroled in 2022 after serving 37 years of incarceration. During that time, he committed himself to personal transformation and achieved extensive growth through education, training, and service. His experience includes work as a peer health educator, circle keeper, group facilitator, podcaster, mentor, event planner and organizer, and restorative justice practitioner.In 2013, Shakur officially participated in the GRIP Program at San Quentin. He graduated from GRIP and signed the Peacemaker Pledge. Shakur went on to become GRIP facilitator, facilitating Tribes at San Quentin as both an inside and outside facilitator, and at Soledad as an outside facilitator. Many people ask Shakur, why does he go back inside prison after serving so much time there? His reply is, " because I know the way out, and the way out is sitting in the fire, burning clean, leaving nothing but ashes!" He remains deeply committed to accountability and restoration, dedicating his life to honoring those he has harmed by giving back to the community and being of service to others.-----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 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this session, Ajahn Vinita, longtime attendant and student of Luang Por Sumedho, speaks with deep devotional warmth and sweetness about his affection and love for his teacher, the "simplest, most ordinary human" he's ever met. The talk, given on the Saturday preceding Luang Por Sumedho's 93rd birthday, is made especially poignant in that it was given at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral where Luang Por served as alter boy while growing up in Seattle.Ajahn Vinita Biography:Born in Sri Lanka, Ajahn Vinitha ordained as a novice at age 17 in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw. After ten years training in Sri Lanka, he had the opportunity to attend to (upaṭṭhāk) Luang Por Sumedho on one of Luang Por's visits to the island. Before returning to England, Luang Por invited Ajahn Vinita to come to England to ordain under him at Amaravati Monastery. Since that time, Ajahn Vinita has diligently lived and trained with Luang Por Sumedho and served the Western Sangha for over 20 years. Ajahn Vinita is currently staying at the Alberta Insight Meditation Centre in Canada.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!

Gratitude Retreat Part 1: https://youtu.be/Bs-ymolbjqsIn this second portion of the daylong gratitude retreat given in June of 2026, Bhante Rahula speaks about the essential practice of cultivating gratitude for the blessings in our life, and the blessings we give to others. Such recollections represent a great support in practice, and our lives, and can be cultivated through practical means. Bring a pen and paper! Special thanks to Luis Navarro (Memo) for inserting the wonderful visuals. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com.BioBhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. He underwent monastic Vinaya training for 2 years in Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary in Malaysia under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika, where he also led retreats and Dhamma activities for the local community. Currently, Bhante is constructing the Mexican Buddhist Center (Paññābhūmi) to introduce and propagate the Buddha’s teaching in South America. He is also actively involved in diverse programs to aid parts of the society in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational campaigns for children and teens to prevent such problem in this region. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com.00:00 – Introduction: Working with the Mind After a Meal00:26 – The Three Inner Enemies: Desire, Aversion, and Not Knowing06:29 – Desire vs. Attachment: The Hummus Story10:12 – Aversion, Pessimism, and Fear Is a Liar15:03 – Introducing Gratitude as the Antidote16:41 – Gratitude List Exercise Begins20:00 – Group Sharing: What Gratitude Uncovers42:15 – Warrior Breathing and Body Awareness48:32 – Silanusati: Recognizing Our Own Goodness1:03:05 – Worthy and Capable: Overcoming Self-Doubt1:13:47 – How to Use This Practice Against the Inner Bully1:17:16 – The Plane Story: Gratitude in the Face of Death1:30:05 – Group Reflections: Bringing This Practice Home2:04:52 – Words of Appreciation for Bante Rahula2:17:16 – Closing Blessing and Dedication-----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!

Gratitude Retreat Part 2: https://youtu.be/RJ1mAYVhJ-YIn this first talk of the daylong gratitude retreat given in June of 2026, Bhante Rahula speaks about how to use practice to take stock of our moment in life, and use it skillfully to cleanse the mind and heart. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com.BioBhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. He underwent monastic Vinaya training for 2 years in Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary in Malaysia under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika, where he also led retreats and Dhamma activities for the local community. Currently, Bhante is constructing the Mexican Buddhist Center (Paññābhūmi) to introduce and propagate the Buddha’s teaching in South America. He is also actively involved in diverse programs to aid parts of the society in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational campaigns for children and teens to prevent such problem in this region. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com.-----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!

00:00 Intro & THAI Part-1: On Merit, Meditation, Impermanence, and Karma15:10 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-124:25 Question: Expressing Gratitude and Asking About Sitting Together25:24 Ayya Anandabodhi Gratitude and Luang Por Damrong Sucitto Response29:43 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-232:38 Question: Requesting a Monastic BlessingIn this talk, Luang Por Damrong Siribadaddho, one of the most senior disciples of Ajahn Chah, teaches that material wealth and physical health are impermanent, urging the community to find true happiness by cultivating inner peace through generosity, morality, and meditation. Biography:Luang Por Damrong SIribaddho, or Phra Khru Bhaddadhammasiri, is a direct disciple of Luang Por Chah who has been in robes for 57 years. He is the is abbot of Wat Pah Nam Khamgeung (วัดป่าน้ำคำเกิ่ง) in Ubon, Thailand.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!

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will be interviewing Ajahn Nyaniko—abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery in California—about the Thai Forest methods of training the heart as found in the teachings of Luang Por Chah, Luang Por Baen, and in his own experience leading a monastic community of sincere seekers. The interview is organized around the teachings and "korwat" (monastic training protocols) found in the book "The Way Forward" by Luang Por Baen (as translated by Ajahn Nyaniko). "Training Thai Style"- pdf of "The Way Forward": https://dn710703.ca.archive.org/0/items/TheWayForwardLuangPorBaen/The%20Way%20Forward%20-%20Luang%20Por%20Baen%20.pdfAjahn Nyaniko's Biography:Ajahn Nyaniko was born and raised in California. In 2001, at the age of 20, he visited Abhayagiri and decided to request anagarika ordination. In 2002 he took novice ordination, and in July 2003 he was ordained as a bhikkhu. He received his basic training from Luang Por Pasanno and Luang Por Amaro at Abhayagiri, and has also spent over six years training in Thailand. Since Ajahn Pasanno stepped back from his leadership role in 2018, Ajahn Nyaniko has guided the Abhayagiri community first as co-abbot with Ajahn Karunadhammo and now as sole abbot.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 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

00:00 Intro and THAI Part-1: On Taking Precepts07:13 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-1 10:28 THAI Part-2: Main Talk21:47 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-2In this talk, Luang Por Damrong Sucitto, one of the most senior disciples of Ajahn Chah, speaks about the importance of keeping sīla, or virtue, and of finding the deeper truths of the heart through observing the breath.BioLuang Por Damrong Sucitto (หลวงพ่อดำรงค์ สุจิตโต - พระครูภาวนาสารคุณ)Luang Por Damrong Sucitto (Phra Khru Bhāvanāsāraguṇa), direct disciple of Luang Por Chah and monk for over 50 years, is abbot of Wat Pah Pluem Phatthana (วัดป่าปลื้มพัฒนา) in Buriram, Thailand. ----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!

00:00:00 THAI - Luang Por Jandee on Three Types of Drunkenness00:15:46 ENGLISH TRANSLATION00:32:40 Q1 - Practicing Right View as a layperson00:33:31 THAI - Right View00:34:36 ENGLISH TRANSLATION00:36:08 THAI - Luang Por Chah on Right View00:36:44 ENGLISH TRANSLATION00:37:48 Q2 - Cultivating good health vs. getting drunk on health00:39:06 THAI - Good Health00:41:03 ENGLISH TRANSLATION00:42:38 Q3 - A surprising teaching from Luang Por Chah00:43:31 THAI - Surprising Teaching00:45:35 ENGLISH TRANSLATION00:48:41 Q4 - Finding encouragement during monastic suffering00:49:43 THAI - Answer on Monastic Suffering00:51:32 ENGLISH TRANSLATION00:54:32 THAI - Final Summary and Inspiration01:03:54 ENGLISH TRANSLATION01:09:54 THAI - Concluding Remarks01:12:39 ENGLISH TRANSLATION01:14:27 THAI - Closing BlessingIn this talk, Luang Por Jundee, one of the most senior disciples of Luang Por Chah, expands on two original poems speaking to the brevity of life and need to be heedful. To see things with Right View, we must understand their nature to arise and pass away, and understand ourselves as subject to the same forces. As it becomes accustomed to these truths of nature, the heart may find peace. Also, it will learn, in the words of Luang Por Chah, to see ducks and ducks, chickens and chickens, and the papaya salad of practice as irresistible. Luang Por Jundee's talk was followed by a Dhamma teaching from Luang Por Damrong Sucitto, another of Ajahn Chah's most senior disciples, on finding truth in one's own breath and practice.BioLuang Por Jundee (หลวงพ่อจันดี กันตสาโร)Luang Por Jundee Kantasāro, direct disciple of Luang Por Chah and monk for almost 50 years, is the abbot of Wat Pah Ampawan (วัดป่าอัมพวัน) in Chonburi, Thailand.Luang Por Damrong Sucitto (หลวงพ่อดำรงค์ สุจิตโต - พระครูภาวนาสารคุณ)Luang Por Damrong Sucitto (Phra Khru Bhāvanāsāraguṇa), direct disciple of Luang Por Chah and monk for over 50 years, is abbot of Wat Pah Pluem Phatthana (วัดป่าปลื้มพัฒนา) in Buriram, Thailand. ----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!

In this Q&A session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss seclusion of body (kāya-viveka) and seclusion of mind (citta-viveka), how to apply the fourth establishment of mindfulness (mindfulness of dhammas) in meditation, ways of dealing with aversion, skillful means of nonviolent communication, and the benefits of retreat versus stays at monasteries.-----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!