In this second half of the Dhamma talk, Ajahn Anan explains how Ajahn Chah’s simple instructions to “not fall into liking and disliking” short-circuit the chain of dependent origination and help one avoid suffering.
In these seven short teachings we learn how to see in accordance with truth. By observing how everything we experience arises and passes away, we start to gain a direct and deep understanding of both the world, and our bodies and minds. This allows us to stop claiming possession over everything, to stop taking it all personally. It’s here that we can begin to truly let go.
The path to realizing the Dhamma is to be found in the heart that’s kept in the middle – not falling for either liking or disliking. This heart of equipoise isn’t bland, however, but is filled with great joy and peace.
Luang Por Anan tells us of the importance of forbearance and how much we’ve all gained from the great endurance of the Buddha.
Talk given on May 12th, 2020
In these eight short teachings we discover how to live in the world with ease. Even though it’s normal to get angry at those around us, we can learn to develop kindness and acceptance towards them. And by seeking out the teachings of the wise and the company of good friends, they can help steer our life in a wholesome direction. We learn to live skillfully and with gratitude, knowing how to wisely care for those around us.
Everyone in this world is rushing around searching for true happiness, but hardly anyone finds it. In this talk, Ajahn Anan explains the nature of lasting happiness and how we can get there.
In preparation for the annual three-month rains retreat, Ajahn Anan exhorts Wat Marp Jan’s community to clean the monastery and purify their intention so that the time may be used wisely. He describes in detail how one can use contemplation of the body to overcome greed and lust.
After the Buddha became awakened under the Bodhi Tree, his heart was constantly joyful. Through faith, cultivating goodness and developed meditation, we too can realize our own inner awakened nature and become joyful like the Buddha.
The question of what happens after death, and whether our actions really do have results, has been around for a long time. In these five short teachings, Ajahn Anan tells us how we don’t need to look far away for the answer—we can see karma at work right within our own minds in the present moment. With this knowledge, we try to create as much goodness as we can in this life. But we must also accept the mistakes that we’ve made, learn our lesson, forgive ourselves, and move on.
Ajahn Anan reflects on the fleeting nature of external goals and possessions, and the enduring worth of internal qualities cultivated in the practice. He describes in detail how to develop the internal wealth of faith through pilgrimage and practice.