In these five short teachings, Ajahn Anan talks about a side of meditation that is often neglected—using our minds’ activity to bring inner calm and direct knowledge into truth. Both the recollection of life’s impermanence and chanting are effective tools to cut off distracted thought. And with a clear mind we can examine what the Buddha called the ‘three characteristics of existence,’ thereby gaining true insight.
During the course of this talk, Ajahn Anan tells some stories from Ven. Ajahn Chah, and how he used his Zen-like wisdom to teach his disciples that it’s better not to attach.
Ajahn Anan talks on the importance of grounding our minds, both at work and on the meditation cushion. He then describes the recollection of emptiness and how it’s possible for us to remain at peace even during troubled times.
In this videoconference talk from 4 September 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses how to choose one’s friends in order to succeed in life and in Dhamma. Included in this talk are discussions on the qualities of good and bad friends, the goodness of one’s parents, a story of Ajahn Anan’s past, and more.
One can read talk transcripts with Q and A here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/
If we try to force our minds to be a certain way, or hold high expectations, meditation can be a pretty stressful experience, can’t it? In these short teachings, we learn to bring a sense of acceptance and mindful knowing to our cultivation. We can also reflect on the Buddha’s beautiful qualities and the Four Sublime Abidings to allow the heart to relax and recharge.
In this talk, Ajahn Anan expands on the four reflections contained within the Ratthapala Sutta (MN 82), one of the most profound discourses in the Pali Canon. Ven. Ratthapala relates the Buddha’s teachings on how the world
“is swept away and does not endure”, “is without shelter, without protector”, “without ownership” and “a slave to craving.” These disenchanting reflections lead towards liberation.
In this talk, Ajahn Anan expands on the four reflections contained within the Ratthapala Sutta (MN 82), one of the most profound discourses in the Pali Canon. Ven. Ratthapala relates the Buddha’s teachings on how the world
“is swept away and does not endure”, “is without shelter, without protector”, “without ownership” and “a slave to craving.” These disenchanting reflections lead towards liberation.
In this videoconference talk from 28 August 2020, Ajahn Anan discusses overcoming obstacles.
One can read talk transcripts with Q and A here: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/
Presented here are the foundation meditation practices taught by Ajahn Anan, leading to collectedness, stillness and joy. Initially, he talks about posture and methods of watching the breath, then explains how to use a mantra. When we develop this practice, feelings of bliss and increasingly refined levels of concentration will naturally arise within us.
In this talk, Ajahn Anan teaches about how small, consistent acts of effort on the path lead to profound results and a transcendent happiness.