Ajahn Brahm Podcast Read Your Mind, Not the Books
Dec 13, 2025
Discover why Ajahn Brahm argues that meditation, rather than scriptures, is the essence of Buddhism. He emphasizes the importance of personal experience over blind adherence to texts. Explore how slowing down can reveal inner wisdom and beauty. Learn about the ethical implications of decisions like stem cell research through heartfelt understanding. Ajahn Brahm advocates for self-acceptance, kindness, and independent thinking, reminding us that true insight comes from within, not from following dogma.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Meditation As The Core Source
- Ajahn Brahm says meditation is Buddhism's 'holy book' because truth is found in the peace of your own mind.
- He argues inner experience outweighs literal reliance on scriptures for wisdom and ethics.
Zen Monk: Books Are Not Enough
- Ajahn Brahm recounts a Zen monk in London who said: "books, books, books, too many, too many, too many, dustbin, dustbin, dustbin."
- This story illustrates how overreliance on texts can obscure direct experience.
Defining Life By Manifested Consciousness
- Ajahn Brahm examines when human life begins using Buddhist criteria: consciousness manifesting in the womb.
- He emphasizes 'manifest' meaning perceptible responses, linking ethics to observable development.
