From this videoconference talk from 14 December 2018, Ajahn Anan discusses inner wealth, generosity, the building of chedis, the preciousness of human birth, and more.
An excerpt: “May the results of the goodness that you have done be the cause for you to succeed in all things – being born as a human already, may you have no obstacles or difficulties. By these good causes and the parami you have made, may you succeed according to your wishes. Following the Bodhisattva path may you succeed in your wishes that you have made in your heart. Practicing for the goal of the paths and fruits of nibbana (enlightenment), may you all meet with success.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. One can read this talk’s transcript here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/the-goodness-that-we-build/
From this videoconference talk from 1 March 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the four imponderables that the Buddha taught.
There are four things that the Buddha taught should not be thought about, because they can drive one crazy:
1) The knowledge and power of a Buddha.
2) The abilities of those with deep concentration (jhana).
3) The details of how karma works.
4) Speculation about the universe (origin, etc.).
An excerpt: “It’s beyond the ability of humans to be able to think about and comprehend… And to think too much about it, one’s views may become distorted.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. One can read this talk’s transcript here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/the-four-imponderables/
From this videoconference talk from 31 May 2019, Ajahn Anan how to support oneself in the practice.
An excerpt: “And now, we will look at the saying from the Mangala Sutta, “To see a samana, a renunciant, is one of the highest blessings of one’s life.” Seeing a samana also means seeing inner peace, which means seeing the mind, our mind. When our mind knows the truth, then it has inner peace. This is a virtue, so we need to be intent to train our mind a lot.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 18 January 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses honoring Luang Pu Chah and one’s teachers.
An excerpt: “It’s like [The Lord Buddha] planted a great Bodhi tree of Dhamma. And we all come under its support, under this Bodhi tree of Dhamma. We are just 1 person coming to be supported under this Bodhi tree of the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, and Bodhisattvas. So, I ask you to reflect a lot on the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha in your hearts. Chant and meditate. This is the limitlessness of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha in one’s heart. Have inspiration in the heart and reflect on their virtue, and then determine to practice – sitting and walking meditation, determine to maintain sila. Here, we will have happiness and prosperity.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. This talk’s transcript can be found here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/honoring-luang-pu-chah-and-our-teachers/
From this videoconference talk from 20 December 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the veneration of chedis (stupas) and other holy sites.
An excerpt: “We venerate the Maha Bodhi tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment, the requisites of the Buddha, of which the important ones are the bodily relics of the Buddha that are still in this world, like the hair relics, or his bone relics. When we recollect these as Buddhanusati, we recollect the virtues of the Buddha – the virtues of great wisdom, great purity and great compassion – then our minds will feel joy and will have feelings of inner peace and happiness.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See this talk’s transcript at: https://watmarpjan.org/en/veneration-of-chedis-and-other-holy-sites/
From this videoconference talk from 8 March 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses Bodhi trees and the four things a Buddha cannot do for others.
An excerpt: “The essence of the Dhamma cannot be conveyed through language. Ultimately, one needs to practice for oneself to see the reality of the universe. There is only one path that will lead one to experience the truth of Dhamma. Whatever nationality or language one has, if one is only learning the scriptures, one won’t be able to gain understanding into the Dhamma. It is just like the spoon in the curry, which is unable to taste the curry. One must practice to gain proof of the truth, and then one will truly understand the Dhamma.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See this talk’s transcript at: https://watmarpjan.org/en/bodhi-trees/
From this videoconference talk from 22 February 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses Magha Puja and Venerable Cula Panthaka.
An excerpt: ““My Lord Buddha, my brother drives me away, so I am going to disrobe.” The Buddha then said to bring up awareness in Cula Panthaka, “Cula Panthaka, when did you ordain for your older brother? Didn’t you ordain for yourself? When your older brother told you to leave, why didn’t you come to me? Come. Stay with me.””
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See this talk’s transcript here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/magha-puja-and-culapanthaka/
A translation of a talk given by Ajahn Anan to resident monastics on February 8, 2020 on the afternoon of Magha Puja. In it, he discusses how the basic teachings in the Ovada Patimokkha may be applied in ones’ life, and gives detailed instruction as to how one should contemplate the body as the 32 parts, the 4 elements, and in progressive states of decay.
From this videoconference talk from 28 December 2018, Ajahn Anan discusses the foremost female lay supporter of the Buddha’s time, Lady Visakha, and the power of virtue.
An excerpt: “…Lady Visakha…wanted to make merit and do goodness within the dispensation of the Buddha. She had the state of mind that wanted her heart to have cleanliness and purity, that which we call nibbana. She saw the happiness in the present, she made merit and also gained the results of that merit.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. This transcript can be found here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/lady-visakha-and-the-power-of-virtue/
From this videoconference talk from 27 March 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses Covid-19 and a Bill Gates TED Talk from 2015.
Much of this talk is a reading of the transcript of a TED talk given by Bill Gates in 2015, which can be found here: https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready/transcript?language=dz
An excerpt: “Being born into this world, life follows according to the nature that all things arise, persist, then cease. When there is birth, there is aging. When there is aging, there is sickness. When there is sickness, there is death. This is the sacca dhamma, the truth of life.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 15 March 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses putting forth effort, developing wisdom, meditation, and more.
An excerpt: “We go about the practice where if even in 1000 times or 10,000 times, we can win just once, it is still good. Later on, we should be able to win more and more. And each time one wins over them, each step we take, it is not easy at all. It’s really difficult. Because the kilesa are very firmly rooted. This is called sakkaya ditthi – seeing as “I” and mine. This is very deeply embedded. But this is the first barrier that is very firmly rooted! If we can penetrate this barrier, then the rest of the barriers are not that difficult.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 28 June 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses having harmony despite having different viewpoints.
An excerpt: “There was no one who was wrong. Everyone was wondering and had doubts. They still did not understand. They had to keep going and keep practicing. Later on, they may be able to understand this matter.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 21 June 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the history of “Sadhu”.
An excerpt: “The monks anumodana with the lay people, the lay people anumodana with the monks. Each person gives their anumodana and is joyous at the goodness that all of us have done. And this sadhu has a history behind it.”
Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 19 July 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the Venerable Anya Kondanya, a great disciple of the Buddha, as well as advice for our own practice.
Two excerpts: “The Venerable arahant Anya Kodanya, what was it that he knew? The Buddha gave the sermon of a very ordinary nature. He taught that all things of the nature to arise have the nature to cease.
“He listened to the Dhamma just once and he succeeded to attain to becoming a sotapanna, a stream-enterer.”
Note: One can read talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
A translation of a talk given by Ajahn Anan on February 8, 2020 on the evening of Magha Puja. In it, he discusses what the day symbolizes and how we can use it as a recollection to spur us forward in practice. The talk moves from the higher levels of Dhamma practice to the fundamentals of cultivating mindfulness.
From this videoconference talk from 5 July 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the story of the blind men and the elephant.
Two excerpts: “In this world, there are more people who talk than people who take action. The people that like to criticise and ridicule others don’t have real knowledge about what they are saying. It can be compared to a bamboo tube that has no water. When it is hit, it makes a loud sound. And this is like the words of people who don’t know clearly according to truth. But they like to criticise and ridicule others according to their misunderstandings. They are like the “blind man feeling the elephant.” Let us look at the story behind this.
“There is no need to argue within the teachings of different traditions. Each of the traditions say they are right, but in reality it comes down to having mindfulness, having concentration, and beginning with the correct view of things.”
Note: One can read talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this talk, Ajahn Anan discusses virtue and concentration as ways to help deal with the virus pandemic currently affecting the world, Covid-19.
An excerpt: “…if they uphold sila, then this leads to peace. What are the benefits of sila? silena sugatim yanti- sila leads to happiness. Silena bhoga sampada – sila leads to wealth in one’s mind – it is a noble wealth. Sila leads coolness (peacefulness) to arise – that is nibbana.”
Note: One can read other talks at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this podcast, Ajahn Larry reads the Ratana Sutta in English. Ajahn Ajahn has recommended chanting the Ratana Sutta every day, or even more than once a day, as a way to help with the current virus pandemic. Please see recent talks for more information and teachings on this.
One can also see teachings in text form if one wishes: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 22 March 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses samadhi, or concentration, and its benefits.
An excerpt: “Concentration can help the mind to have radiance and become more subtle. It helps to reduce stress. It reduces anger and aggression. Concentration gathers the mind together and makes it strong. When the mind has the peace that comes from concentration, then there is also the quality of metta, or loving kindness, too.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 6 March 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses the importance of patient forbearance and gentle composure, stories from the Buddhist texts, and the relevance to the current outbreak of a coronavirus, Covid-19, around the world.
An excerpt: “The other quality that makes one beautiful is soracca. This translates as being gentle and composed in body, speech and mind. One makes the mind radiant and joyous. The body is composed because when one has patiently endured, then one doesn’t show any abnormal, harmful gestures.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 13 March 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses metta and giving, what our true refuge is, and the Covid-19 virus.
An excerpt: “May you take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha as the highest refuge in our hearts, as our highest jewel and highest wealth. It is a noble wealth in our hearts. Each of us that has metta and self-sacrifice, then spread this heart of metta to ourselves and to all living beings, to all the people in the world. May all beings be free from dangers, and free from sickness.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 21 February 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses the great Bhikkhuni Sigalamata Theri, foremost in faith out of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, and her son, Sigala.
Two excerpts: “The Buddha knew she was there and that she had a still mind, her faith was at a good level, and then the Buddha gave a talk about the foundations of faith. Sigalamata understood and attained to arahantship. The Buddha established her as being foremost out of all the bhikkhunis in gaining liberation through faith.
“If our faith drops, then think of arahant bhikkhuni Sigalamata, and this can raise our faith. Our faith grows bit by bit, like drops of water falling into an open vessel.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 28 February 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses helping one another with sincerity, honesty, and generosity, especially in relation to the current outbreak of a coronavirus, Covid-19. A story of Bill Gates learning from a newspaper vendor is highlighted.
An excerpt: “The people who have received help are very grateful. In times of difficulties and crisis, if one still has friends that extend their kindness and compassion to each other, then our world will still be worth living in. We will live in a world where there are still people that give and where the receivers show appreciation. They become friends with each other. When different people cooperate like this, then they will be able to overcome obstacles and difficulties, like the spreading of the Covid-19 virus.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 20 September 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses a story from the Buddha’s time, the story of Venerable Khema Theri, the Bhikkhuni foremost in wisdom.
Two excerpts: “And at that moment, the Buddha read Queen Khema’s mind and he made the beautiful maiden’s body gradually change little by little. From a young age to middle age, and gradually changing to old age. Then the Queen grew dispassion at seeing that when the beautiful maiden changed to being old, that her beauty disappeared.
“…Queen Khema, who had full spiritual development, attained to becoming an arahant with full mindfulness and wisdom, imbued with all the psychic powers, right at that time she was standing there.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 23 August 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses making consistent effort and uses a Zen story to illustrate this point.
Two excerpts: “When people come to practice Dhamma, they want results quickly. The quicker the better. We don’t want patience, we don’t want effort. We want it easy.
“So, can we see? That the ones who will gain freedom from suffering do so from their effort. This is as the Buddha taught. All the Buddhas, whose virtues we praise, had great compassion that is unbounded and unequalled.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 27 December 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses a range of topics under the theme of reflecting on the past year and preparing for the new year. An interesting analogy that Luang Pu Chah used for the 4 Noble Truths is referenced.
An excerpt: “So we have to come to train the mind. And in this new year that is approaching, we have to be determined to make our mind new. We will have new things come in. The new exterior things are normal for the world, but we need to make the new things arise in the mind. Make the mind better than in the past. And this comes from mental cultivation.
May you be very determined in this life. We have a very good chance to train in the Dhamma. We have met the Dhamma of the Buddha. And the chance to meet the Dhamma and to have faith in it, this is not easy to get at all. It relies on our having built spiritual accumulations and merit. If you still have birth, then may you have completeness, until you reach Nibbana. May you grow in blessings”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 3 January, 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses the topics of the new year’s holiday, change, and the benefits of chanting.
An excerpt: “All the things of this world are of the nature to change. For a very long time, the bodies of the people who have been born into this world have been evolving according to nature. But the mind that has not been trained, doesn’t evolve. It doesn’t develop and improve…. So this year, we will come to improve our minds. We will have an unwavering determination to build goodness.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 10 January, 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses the topics of homage and of relating to the new year.
An excerpt: “In this era we don’t hear the direct words of the Buddha, but his Dhamma is still here. If we learn it, it will be like we learn Dhamma in the Buddha’s time. So now is a good opportunity that we have good fortune and have this excellent wealth to meet the Jewel of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. When he taught on this good thing already – about how to respect and give honour, then we should practice following it, and then we will gain benefit in the practice. This will be our great merit and goodness. We need to do this because, though we are good people and our minds are imbued with sila, morality, and goodness, but it is normal that our minds are not strong enough yet to see deeply into the Dhamma.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this question-and-answer session held on January 7th, 2020, Ajahn Anan teaches about the inability of an arahant to remain in lay life, the realization of the fruit of stream entry, and other issues dealing with the transcendent.
From this videoconference talk from 31 January, 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses the development of the world, the spread of diseases, the Ratana Sutta, and other topics.
Three excerpts: “…material development means that darkness in the mind also develops.”
“…if we are at the end and we have no other refuge, then we have to hold on to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha as our highest refuge.”
“The Buddha had Ven. Ananda chant the Ratana Sutta, and well-being arose in the Licchavi Kingdom.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this question-and-answer session held on January 4th, 2020, Ajahn Anan gives a detailed exposition on how to contemplate the body in order to see its illusory nature.
From this videoconference talk from 7 February, 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses the special qualities of the Magha Puja holiday and the teachings of the Ovada Patimokkha.
An excerpt: “But if future generations of Buddhists and disciples, if they practiced following these teachings, then they would be able to see the Dhamma, attain to Dhamma, and attain to the supreme, which is Nibbana.
Nibbana is the supreme teaching, and this is what differentiates Buddhism from other religions.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
The first chapter of the recently-uploaded audiobook, “Simple Teachings on Higher Truths”. The book includes talks aimed at capturing Ajahn Anan’s ability to help us overcome everyday difficulties and grow in skillful qualities of heart through the practice of Dhamma. The full audiobook may now be found on itunes. For more information, visit www.watmarpjan.org/en.
The first chapter from the recently-uploaded audiobook, “The World and the Heart”. The book includes talks given by Ajahn Anan over the last 23 years exploring the wisdom gained from practicing the Buddha’s path and the integration of that wisdom into daily life. The full audiobook may now be found on iTunes. For more information, visit www.watmarpjan.org/en.
The first chapter of the recently-uploaded audiobook, “Sotapattimagga.” The book includes Ajahn Anan’s detailed exposition on the direct path of practice towards stream-entry. Geared towards the more serious practitioner. The full audiobook may now be found on iTunes. For more information, visit www.watmarpjan.org/en.
In this talk given on New Years Eve 2020, Luang Por Anan speaks about that which does not change with the passing of years: the truth of Dhamma and the necessity of the practice. Along with reflections on the supramundane, he speaks about the basics of practice.
The first chapter of the recently-uploaded audiobook of teachings from Ajahn Anan, a disciple of Ajahn Chah and abbot of Wat Marp Jan Monastery in Thailand. The book includes four Dhamma talks, progressing from the basics of meditation to more advanced stages of the Path. Includes a talk giving detailed accounts of Ajahn Anan’s own experiences in the practice. You may find the audiobook in its entirety on itunes now. For more information, visit www.watmarpjan.org/en.
From this videoconference talk from 26 July, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses truthfulness and determination.
An excerpt: “All the people born in the world, whether a monk or layperson, must follow the law of karma. One does good, and one gets good results. One does bad, and one gets bad results. No one has the power to overcome the results of karma that one has done. But additana, determination, is building the power of one’s mind to be strong to set a goal, locking that goal in so that we will succeed in that. This sets the compass of one’s life, so that it is straight. So, if we have enough strength of determination, then we will be able to succeed. Our minds need to build parami – build dana, giving, build sila, morality, build bhavana, mental development, build goodness, then our determinations will succeed.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 2 August, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the value of that which overflows from the mind, like the value of that which overflows from a teacup.
An excerpt: “Venerable Nan-in said, “For you as well, how can I put any more in to you? You are full of thoughts and views, following your own attachments and opinions. These two things will make you unable to understand Zen Buddhism. This is called ‘the teacup that is overflowing’.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 9 August, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the topic of giving and helping others.
An excerpt: “Today we learn about the Dhamma topic of self-sacrifice. The Buddha said this quality of self -sacrifice is something good for getting rid of the mental defilements and the sense of self. When we stay together in a group, each person needs to have this sense of self-sacrifice and metta, the love and compassion to help one another.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 16 August, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the way of practice and understanding nature.
An excerpt: “When we have wisdom, then we will be able to understand the truth of life, the truth of nature – that there is arising, persisting, and ceasing. Regardless of whether the Buddha becomes awakened, or doesn’t become awakened, the nature, the way things are, already exists. Our Buddha is the one who finds, understands, and becomes awakened to that nature. And after the Buddha has passed away into parinibbana, the nature of truth that is here already, is still here.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
From this videoconference talk from 15 November, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the history of King Asoka and some great disciples of the Buddha.
An excerpt from the end of the talk: “Then we can see the sacca Dhamma, the truth of reality, that there is changing of compounded things. All things are in this breath of ours. When we have the breath, we have everything. When the breath stops then everything ends with it, as well. The decay and ending of all things comes from this decay and ending of the in and out breath first. So when we travel, we sit, stand, walk and lie down, we have the breath there with us, and these breaths that we have left are getting less and less in each passing moment. So may we establish ourselves in not being heedless. May you all grow in blessings.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this talk translated by Ajahn Kalyano, Luang Por Anan speaks of the proper way to look at the Triple Gem, how to contemplate necessities such as food, and how to approach duties such as raising children.
From this videoconference talk from 6 September, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses a Zen story about the way to true happiness.
An excerpt: “If we have no goodness, then, even if we are breathing, then we are careless. It’s like we are someone who is already dead. Have you seen a dead person that is still breathing? They are walking around everywhere. They are already dead, because they are careless. Careless in building goodness and virtue.”
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this talk translated by Ajahn Kalyano, Luang Por Anan speaks about the challenges and necessity of practicing sincerely in today’s age of growth and technology.
In this talk translated by Ajahn Kalyano, Luang Por Anan gives a sweeping summary of the entire path of Buddhist practice, from the early stages of meditation to refined states of concentration and insight.
In this question-and-answer session, Ajahn Anan speaks on how one can begin walking the Buddhist path in a dedicated manner through doing good, making determinations, and staying in a good practice environment once one has found it. Additionally, he speaks on how a formal meditation practice can assist in other aspects of one’s life.
In this talk given at the end of the traditional rains retreat, Luang Por Anan speaks of the importance of maintaining the practice even as the monastery enters its usual schedule. He reflects that, if the practice is going well, all other regular comforts cease to occupy one, and so encourages the monks to put forth effort.
In this Friday night videoconference Dhamma session from October 18th, 2019, Venerable Ajahn Anan discusses the Kathina ceremony that occurs after the annual monastic rains retreat. He talks about a story of a great donation made in a past Kathina and the origin story of the Kathina ceremony.
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this Friday night videoconference Dhamma session from October 11th, 2019, Venerable Ajahn Anan discusses the Great Invitation Day that occurs at the end of the annual monastic rains retreat. He talks about the 7 factors of group harmony, the importance of forgiveness, and more.
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this session, Luang Por answers questions about the nature of mindfulness versus clear awareness, cultivating sati in the midst of daily life, developing specific insights into oneself, and giving up the habit of street racing.
In this Friday evening video-conference talk from 4 October, 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses the biography of the right-hand chief disciple of the Buddha – Venerable Sariputta, the bhikkhu foremost in wisdom. Venerable Sariputta was known for his gratitude, as well. The Kalama Sutta is also discussed.
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this talk, given on the Uposatha Day of September 28th, 2019, Luang Por Anan reminds the monastics and laity that the 2019 rains retreat has almost past, and that the fleeting nature of time, our possessions, and our bodies demand that we look with urgency towards that which does not decay. While he acknowledges continuity of mindfulness during daily life as a cornerstone of practice, on this occasion Luang Por Anan encourages those present to put forth special effort in sitting together through the night, not rising from the posture for a period of at least five hours. To practice occasionally in such a way, he reminds all present, represents a method of crossing over painful feeling and achieving a peace of mind above and beyond painful feeling.
A translation of a talk given at the Friday night videoconference, 27 September, 2019, in which Ajahn Anan describes the life of Khujjuttara, the foremost female lay disciple of the Buddha in terms of learning. Her story is one of difficulty and unexpected blessings that led her to become a source of liberation and inspiration for many, from her time until the present day.
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
This Friday videoconference talk was given 13 September, 2019. The topic is effort. The story of the monk foremost in effort from the Buddha’s time, Venerable Sona Mahathera, is given as an example.
Note: One can read this talk and others at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
The translation of a talk in which Ajahn Anan describes the life of Venerable Khema Theri, a prominent bhikkhuni during the time of the Buddha. Declared one of the chief disciples, Venerable Khema Theri came from a royal family and, after renouncing her wealth, achieved awakening and became renowned for her mindfulness and wisdom.
A talk given one Saturday morning by Venerable Ajahn Anan. This talk covers a range of topics, from contemplating the body in terms of the four elements, Christian ideas of salvation and how they relate to Buddhism, the nature of nibbana (nirvana), the meaning of not-self, and more.
A translation of a talk given by Ajahn Anan to the monastic community on the weekly lunar observance day. In concise terms, Ajahn Anan stresses how time’s relentless passage mandates that we apply ourselves to formal practice now, not taking our fortunate conditions for granted. Apart from urging the monks to maintain their foundational practices, such as attending daily chanting and participating in the monastery’s regular routine, Ajahn Anan also speaks of the higher insights one eventually can gain into the nature of the body and mind.
Ajahn Anan teaches techniques for maintaining a still center of mindfulness while fulfilling one’s regular duties. Apart from stressing the importance of constantly recollecting the formal practice, he speaks of the early days of his own monastic life and teachings he received from Ajahn Chah.
Ajahn Anan’s advice to the monks entering the traditional annual rains retreat at Wat Marp Jan regarding how to develop their practice in the midst of duties, study, and work. This talk was offered on August 15th, 2019.
Three short teachings on the practice of meditation. Here Ajahn Anan describes the importance of keeping mindfulness present within us at all times. If we can do this then our hearts will constantly be growing and developing the Dhamma. Next, he talks about using our reflective capacities in order to bring up peace and joy, firstly by reflecting on the Buddha, then by cultivating the ‘Four Divine Abidings’ of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity.
Weekly podcast with teachings from Venerable Ajahn Anan Akincaño.
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Ajahn Anan’s advice to Ven. Jayanando, our new bhikkhu from Malaysia, and his family and friends who gathered together to celebrate his ordination.
Ajahn Anan describes the foundation practices for the mind to gather in, becoming serene and still. Firstly he goes through ways of watching the breath and how to use the mantra ‘Buddho,’ then he proceeds to describing how to practice meditation while walking. Lastly, he gives a brief overview of the joyful results that comes from developing these practices.
This is the first part of the second chapter from ‘Simple Teachings on Higher Truths.’
A collection of short Dhamma teachings on how to find true happiness in our lives. This is the first chapter from Ajahn Anan’s book ‘Simple Teachings on Higher Truths.’
Profound reflections on life and death from Ajahn Chah to an old disciple during her last days. This reading is from a detailed translation by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro.
A short, informal discourse to the monks after the evening chanting about life in Wat Nong Pah Pong, the monastery that Ajahn Chah established, and how to keep the spirit of those practices alive today despite all the changes that have taken place in the last four decades. This talk displays how qualities such as respect, humility, energy and loving-kindness can be lived out on a day-to-day basis.
On the occasion of his birthday, Ajahn Anan talks about the importance of joy, how to develop appreciation for the goodness of others and the best way to show our love and respect for our teachers.
Ajahn Anan tells the story of the Buddha’s disciple Yasa and explains how it relates to the practice of the Dhamma in our lives.
Note: One can read similar Friday night talks at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
In this episode of the Friday night videoconference, Ajahn Anan discusses dukkha and the nature of liking and disliking.
Note: One can read similar Friday night talks at the Wat Marp Jan ‘Reflections’ page, which also includes questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/
A powerful and inspiring talk given to the thousands of monks, nuns and laity who gathered together on January 16th for the annual memorial of their teacher Ajahn Chah.
On the occasion of Asalha Puja, Ajahn Anan discusses the Four Noble Truths proclaimed by the Buddha in the Deer Park at Isipatana, as well as Venerable Añña Koṇḍañña’s realization of these truths.
In this episode of the Friday night videoconference, Ajahn Anan discusses the problem of attachment to happiness and other topics.
In this talk on the occasion of the new year, Ajahn Anan recalls the good we’ve done over the past year and encourages us to recall the Buddha and his teachings as a foundation for doing good in the coming year.
From the Friday night videoconference with Ajahn Anan Akiñcano. Topics covered include breath meditation, abstaining from alcohol, metta meditation, Ajahn Chah stories, and Stream Entry.
Seeking Buddho Chapter 4: Marananusati: Keeping the End in Mind
Seeking Buddho Chapter 3: Seeking Buddho: Awakened Awareness
Seeking Buddho Chapter 2: Samadhi for Liberation
Seeking Buddho Introduction and Chapter 1: Developing Samadhi
Sotapattimagga by Ven. Ajahn Anan Akiñcano: Part 2 Section 2
Sotapattimagga by Ven. Ajahn Anan Akiñcano: Part 2 Section 1
Sotapattimagga by Ven. Ajahn Anan Akiñcano: Part 1 Section 2
Sotapatimagga by Ven. Ajahn Anan Akiñcano: Introduction and Part 1 Section 1
Ajahn Chah gives advice and encouragement—at times light-hearted and humorous, at others hard-hitting and profound—to a weary old monk. This talk is not found in the Collected Teachings.
Q and A with the sangha of Abhayagiri Monastery.
Ajahn Anan tells a story of a Zen master, his heavy-hearted disciple and a bamboo basket.
Soon after the crumbling of a huge dam in Laos, Ajahn Anan gave this talk emphasizing the importance of maintaining firm mindfulness in order to keep suffering and the unwholesome tendencies of the mind at bay.
In this talk on the occasion of Visakha Puja, Ajahn Anan explains the causes and conditions for insight into the truths of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.
This talk includes Ajahn Anan speaking on the practice of giving as the foundation for the path to awakening, the Hinayana vs Mahayana traditions, and advice for young monks.
In this talk, Ajahn Anan discusses using different meditation objects, the nature of “parami”, or spiritual perfections, using determination skillfully, and recollecting death as a meditation practice.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Bodhikusuma Buddhist Center in Sydney, Australia, Ajahn Anan gives reflections on the nature of nibbana being not far away from us, and how nibbana can be seen in the present moment through mental development and learning to let go.
In this set of questions and answers, Ajahn Anan speaks on his life and his early practice. He also covers topics such as eating meat vs. vegetarianism and skillfully relating to one’s children.
In this episode, Ajahn Anan talks on the function of mindfulness as a protection for the mind, the practices of death and corpse recollection, renouncing sense objects, and a story of a monk from the time of the Buddha.
In this series of questions and answers, Ajahn Anan explains the monks’ code of conduct (Patimokkha), dealing with difficulties in the workplace, dealing with anger, and how to contemplate the Dhamma.
In this podcast, Ajahn Anan gives a talk on the occasion of Vesak Puja, a day commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (parinibbana) of the Buddha. Ajahn Anan reflects on these events and encourages listeners in the practice of mindfulness.
In this talk directed at the monastic community at Wat Marp Jan, Ajahn Anan discusses the importance of starting meditation time with loving-kindness practice, dealing with thinking, the recollection of death and corpses as meditation themes, and finding balance in mind training.
In this series of questions and answers, Ajahn Anan covers topics such as loving-kindness (metta) practice as it relates to insight, how to explain Buddhism to those unfamiliar with it, and objects that are suitable for contemplation in meditation.
In this podcast, Ajahn Anan describes the progression of meditation practice from making the mind peaceful and cooling down mental disturbances, to continuous mindfulness, the arising of concentration, and the mind’s release to seeing the nature of reality.