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 podcast, Ajahn Larry reads the Ratana Sutta in English.
The Ratana Sutta, or the Jewel Discourse, is a sutta that Ajahn Anan has recommended chanting particularly in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. This sutta was taught by the Buddha as a way to help alleviate a plague afflicting the city of Vesali. When the monks chanted the sutta, the plague was dispelled and the city returned to prosperity.
One can listen peacefully or chant along in the Wat Marp Jan chanting book (pages 176-79): https://watmarpjan.org/en/audio-books/books/ (English translation included).
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/