Ajahn Kalyano, abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery, shares his fascinating journey from London to Australian meditation mastery. He dives into the challenges and insights gained from intensive retreats, balancing vegetarianism in a meat-centric culture, and the significance of meaningful actions in coping with grief. Kalyano recounts a gripping tale of a terrifying midnight encounter with a tiger, illustrating the interplay of fear and mindfulness. He emphasizes the role of personalized guidance from teachers in navigating the complexities of meditation.
Ajahn Kalyana emphasizes that the quality of effort in meditation is more important than simply the number of hours spent sitting.
He advocates for establishing a regular daily meditation practice, starting with as little as 10 minutes to facilitate growth in mindfulness.
The role of a teacher in one's spiritual journey is invaluable, providing personalized insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the Dharma.
Deep dives
Ajahn Kalyana's Monastic Journey
Ajahn Kalyana, born in London in 1962, developed a keen interest in Buddhism during his university years, leading him to Thailand for deeper training. He received ordination in the forest tradition under the guidance of Ajahn Chah and later trained with Ajahn Anand. In 2000, he was invited to establish the forest tradition in Australia, becoming the abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Melbourne. His experiences, particularly nursing Ajahn Chah and conducting retreats, have greatly influenced his meditative practice and teachings.
The Regenerative Experience of the Rains Retreat
During a challenging rains retreat in 1990-1991, Ajahn Kalyana found solace in the deep forest of Thailand, nurturing his meditation practice while coping with physical exhaustion from nursing Ajahn Chah. He and Ajahn Boonshu built simple huts in a remote jungle area, committing to long nights of meditation as part of their spiritual journey. By focusing on stillness, they fostered an environment conducive to deep practice, often meditating through discomfort and sleepiness. This experience reinforced the significance of consistency in meditation, highlighting the importance of perseverance during challenging times.
Meditation: Quality Over Quantity
Ajahn Kalyana emphasized that meditation is not merely about the hours spent sitting but about the quality of effort applied during practice. He recalled his early struggles with meditation, including painful experiences as a young practitioner, which gradually transformed into longer periods of stillness and mindfulness through perseverance. Building the ability to sit still for extended durations was not only about physical endurance but also about developing mental clarity and understanding the nature of thoughts. His journey demonstrates that while sitting for long periods can have its benefits, the key to progress lies in the understanding and attentiveness cultivated during these sessions.
Daily Practice for Laypeople
For those unable to engage in long meditation sessions due to life responsibilities, Ajahn Kalyana recommended establishing a consistent daily practice, even if it starts at just 10 minutes. He suggested that regularity is crucial for growth in understanding and mindfulness, with the morning being an ideal time for many. As practitioners become accustomed to their practice, they may gradually increase the time spent meditating, aiming for around 45 minutes, which often marks a threshold for deeper calmness and clarity. Ultimately, the recommendation is to approach meditation with a commitment to not give up, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in fostering spiritual development.
The Importance of Relationships with Teachers
Ajahn Kalyana underscored the value of having a teacher in one's spiritual journey, as they provide insights and guidance that can expedite development. The personal connection with a teacher enables tailored advice suited to an individual's unique challenges and circumstances. He highlighted the unspoken teachings that arise simply from spending time in the presence of a genuine teacher, conveying the powerful atmosphere they create through their mindfulness and wisdom. The relationship with a teacher enriches understanding of the Dharma, helping practitioners to navigate their paths with greater clarity.
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Kalyano, abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Australia, about the practice of meditating all night, long sits, vegetarianism, spirits, training with a teacher, Abhidhamma study, and... tigers!
Bio
Ven. Ajahn Kalyano (Daniel Jones) was born in London in 1962. His interest in Buddhism awakened while still a student. After completing his university degree at Bristol University, he travelled to Thailand. In 1985 received ordination in the forest tradition of Ajahn Chah.
He has trained for many years with Venerable Ajahn Anan, one of several disciples of Ven. Ajahn Chah who have become highly regarded as meditation masters in their own right. In 2000, Ven. Ajahn Kalyano was invited to establish the forest tradition in Australia. He is now the abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in East Warburton, Melbourne, Australia
