Clear Mountain Monastery Project

”The Supreme Conduct is Disharmony with the World”: Lojong Mind-Training | Jetsuma Tenzin Palmo Q&A

CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro00:22 Welcome00:40 Biography of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo01:58 The Background of Atisha’s Lojong03:58 Atisha’s First Verse and Jetsunma’s Dream of the Prison of Samsara09:50 Viewing Atisha’s Lojong Training as “Precepts”11:55 The Glimpse of the Mind and the Divine Resonance of the First Verse – Is this equivalent to Theravada Stream Entry?14:14 Advice for anyone who thinks Stream Entry or the Glimpse of the True Nature of the Heart is beyond them16:38 Are there glimpses before this utterly life-transforming deep glimpse that may be Stream Entry?18:53 The Second Verse – Taming the Mind: What is the requisite effort for achieving Samatha? Retreats, approaches…22:44 The Second Verse – Altruism: And the Theravada Firebrand – working for one’s own benefit versus working for the benefit of others25:32 The Ninth Verse – Supreme Generosity: Who has embodied this most in your life?28:05 The Sixth Verse – The Supreme Conduct is Being in Disharmony with the World! How does one do this in a healthy manner?30:12 Living in Partnership with a Non-Dhamma Person – How to navigate beautifully and with a compassionate heart32:16 The Seventh Verse – The Continual Decrease of Disturbing Emotions: Is it feasible to never, ever be sad?34:19 Verses Fifteen and Sixteen – Hidden Flaws: Meeting your root teacher for the first time – What gave you confidence?38:22 The Fourth Refuge/Jewel in Tibetan Buddhism – The Guru: How necessary, safe, or feasible is it?42:27 Bridging the Theravada Concept of Nibbana and the Mahayana Concept of Bodhicitta46:24 The Twelfth Verse – Supreme Effort is “Letting Go” of Activity vs. Engaged Buddhism49:08 Jetsunma’s Comment on Atisha’s Lojong: “The Ego is Happy to Be Miserable…”50:05 The Goal to Save All Beings – Skillful Means or Beyond Language, in the Bodhicitta?53:06 Words of Guidance for Ajahns Nisabho and Kovilo55:33 Invitation to Himachal Pradesh and to Seattle56:13 OutroIn this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo about "Atisha's Lojong Root Verses on Training the Mind", delving into these powerful teachings as tools towards breaking free from the prison of saṃsara, and realizing ultimate Awakening.To support the nun's community Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo founded and guides, along with her other initiatives, please visit https://dgli.org/tsunma-projects/Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo's Biography: https://tenzinpalmo.com/https://www.facebook.com/jetsunmatenzinpalmohttps://www.instagram.com/jtenzinpalmo/https://www.facebook.com/dglnunneryhttps://www.instagram.com/dglnunnery/To support nuns not in the Himalayas, please visit https://allianceofnonhimalayannuns.org/**Atisha's Lojong Root Verses on Training the Mind**The Supreme understanding is to realize the meaning of selflessnessThe Supreme spiritual discipline is to tame ones own mindThe Supreme great quality is altruismThe Supreme oral instruction is to observe the mind at all timesThe Supreme remedy is to know that nothing has self natureThe Supreme conduct is to be in disharmony with the worldThe Supreme accomplishment is a continuos decrease of disturbing emotionsThe Supreme sign of accomplishment is a continuos decrease of wishes and wantsThe Supreme generosity is non attachmentThe Supreme ethical conduct is to pacify one’s mindThe Supreme patience is to take the lowest placeThe Supreme effort is letting go of activityThe Supreme concentration is not altering the mind.The Supreme wisdom is to not grasp onto anything as the selfThe Supreme spiritual teacher is the one who exposes our hidden flaws andThe Supreme instruction is the one that help us to strike at those flawsThe Supreme companions are mindfulness and alertnessThe Supreme inspiration is enemies, hindrances, disease and sufferingThe Supreme method is to be naturalThe Supreme way of benefiting is to help others enter the DharmaThe Supreme benefit is a mind that turns toward the DharmaYou can listen to a series of Jetsuma Tenzin Palmo's talks on the verses here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS38s8prqQU

“Mom, I’m Becoming a Monk!” & Other Christmas Conversation-Killers | CMM Community

In this "Q&A and Community Stories" session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho are joined by Tan Budhisaro from Thailand, answering questions about balancing worldly obligations and Dhamma, the practice of "Buddho" as samatha and vipassanā practice, and following one's calling to the Path. In the "Community Stories" section, Clear Mountain community members Nit-Noi, Jean, Sam, Eugene, and Miles share how they came to the Dhamma and what it's meant to themTune 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!

Angels, Bodhisattvas, and Spontaneously Reborn Beings | Tan Tejadhammo Convo

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with their friend Tan Tejadhammo of Wat Marp Jan about the existence of celestial beings (deva) and the utility of such a belief, as they each share stories of uncanny light.The link to the 6:45-7:30 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 – 7:30 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!

Finding Community at Clear Mountain | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss various aspects of the community dynamic and support being fostered in the Clear Mountain community in Seattle, Washington, specifically through the framework of the 6 "Principles of Cordiality" (Sāraṇīya-dhammas"):1) acting with loving-kindness by body – in public and private;2) acting with loving-kindness by speech – in public and private;3) acting with loving-kindness by mind – in public and private; 4) sharing and being generous with what one has;5) maintaining the same precepts;6) having the same view (Right View).The link to the 6:45-7:30 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 – 7:30 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!

Liberation in Four Movements: Learning to Listen to the Noble Truths | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Four Noble Truths, and how to orient our practice based on which Truth we are experiencing.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!

Becoming Indistractible: Maps of Jhāna & Controversies of Concentration

In this interview, Leigh Brasington speaks about the various interpretations of jhāna, practical steps to access it, becoming "indistractible", and more.BioLeigh Brasington has been practicing meditation since 1985 and is the senior American student of the late Ven. Ayya Khema. Leigh began assisting Ven. Ayya Khema in 1994, and began teaching retreats on his own in 1997. He is also authorized to teach by Jack Kornfield.Leigh has taught the jhanas, along with multiple insight practices, at over one hundred and fifty residential retreats throughout the United States and Europe. He is the author of the books Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas and Dependent Origination and Emptiness: Streams Of Dependently Arising Processes Interacting.For more information, visit https://www.leighb.com/ The link to the 6:45-7:30 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 – 7:30 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!

Family Holidays: Highest Blessings & Highest Testings | Ajahn Kovilo

In this session, given just after a visit home for Thanksgiving, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about several of the "highest blessings" found in the Mangala Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/kp5/en/sujato?lang=en), namely:- "providing for mother and father’s support" (mātāpitu upaṭṭhānaṃ)- "cherishing family" (puttadārassa saṅgaho) - "ways of work that harm no being," (anākulā ca kammantā).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!

Flavors of Theravāda: Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia | Āyasmā Ariyadhammika Q&A

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Āyasmā Ariyadhammika, spiritual director of Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) (https://sasanarakkha.org/).BIOVen. Ariyadhammika is an Austrian Buddhist monk who ordained in 2005 in Myanmar with Pa-Auk Sayadaw as his preceptor and meditation teacher. He maintained a very simple lifestyle, living out in the open and under trees, dedicating himself to mindfulness of breathing and later also to many other meditation subjects. He was initiated into the meditation techniques of Mogok, Mahasi, Shwe Oo Min/U Tejaniya and Sunlun. He went to Thailand in 2010, where he stayed for 3 years at Wat Pah Nanachat, undergoing the traditional training of a Thai forest monk of the Ajahn Chah lineage. He stayed in Malaysia from 2013 to 2015, studying Pāli, Suttanta and the Vinaya under the guidance of Ven. Aggacitta Mahāthera. From 2015 to 2018 he stayed in Sri Lanka and returned to Malaysia in Jan. 2018 where he was appointed Saṅghanāyaka of SBS Monk Training Centre, dedicated to guiding and supporting fellow monastics.You can find out more about Āyasmā Ariyadhammika and Sāsanārakkha at the links below: - https://sasanarakkha.org/- https://www.youtube.com/@ariyadhammikabhikkhu5385The link to the 6:45-7:30 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.or.... 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_mona... for details. Welcome!

The Art of Discipline: Lay Vinaya & Building a Buddhist Life | Ajahn Nisabho

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!

”Times Are Urgent; We Need to Slow Down” | Ayya Santaciitā

In this talk, Ayya Santacittā speaks about how, in the face of a chaotic world, we can fortify the heart with a sense of patience, equipoise, and the steady intention of the earthworm—making space amidst the pressure of surrounding dark. The talk is followed by a meditation on the body as elements and not-self.BiographySantacitta Bhikkhuni was born in Austria and did her graduate studies in Cultural Anthropology, focusing on dance, theatre and ritual. She also worked in avant-garde dance theatre as a performer and costume designer. In 1988 she met Ajahn Buddhadasa in southern Thailand, who sparked her interest in Buddhist monastic life. She trained as a nun in England and Asia from 1993 until 2009, primarily in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. Since 2002, she has also received teachings in the lineage of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.Santacitta Bhikkhuni co-founded Aloka Vihara in 2009 and received Bhikkhuni Ordination in 2011. She is committed to Gaia as a living being and resides at Aloka Earth Room, currently located in San Rafael, CA. You can learn more at https://alokavihara.org/ayya-santacitta/ .----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!