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.
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.