Ajahn Sumedho Podcast by Amaravati Opening up to Life and Finding the Answers Through Wisdom
Apr 22, 2025
Explore the concept of Vipaka Kama and how our past karma shapes our current emotions and experiences. Dive into the impermanence of memory and emotion, discovering how to acknowledge feelings instead of suppressing them. Learn about navigating past grievances on the path to forgiveness through Buddhist teachings. Witness the transient nature of consciousness, prompting a deeper self-understanding. Finally, uncover the speaker's journey from a strict Christian background to embracing the liberating aspects of Buddhist philosophy.
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Past Actions As Empty Memories
- Vipaka-kamma are past actions and memories that persist as conditioned phenomena in the present moment.
- Ajahn Sumedho emphasizes they are empty memories without inherent self unless we grasp them.
Witness Painful Memories, Don't Fight Them
- When painful memories and emotions arise, take the witnessing position of pure awareness and observe without judgment.
- Relax, don't suppress or engage the emotion, and let it dissipate through mindful witnessing.
Consciousness As Your True Home
- Consciousness is presented as the immediate, timeless 'home' distinct from memory and concepts.
- Ajahn Sumedho points out you cannot remember being conscious because you are conscious here and now.
