Stillness Flowing (audiobook)

Explore the virtues of Luang Por, a forest monk renowned for his remarkable patience and leadership. Discover how gratitude is woven into Thai Buddhist culture and hear about the balance between craving and wholesome desire. Delve into the simplicity of Luang Por's lifestyle, his calmness amid fame, and the humor he used to engage his disciples. Learn about the fierce compassion he displayed, his independence from wealthy donors, and his resolute boundaries with lay hosts—all elements that highlight his extraordinary impact on his community.

Explore the inspiring communication skills of Luang Por, who mastered the art of Dhamma teaching with clarity and warmth. Discover his unique ability to adapt his talks to diverse audiences, drawing on cultural roots and humor. Hear how he contrasted spontaneous, heartfelt discourses with formal sermons, engaging listeners deeply. Learn about his clever use of simple language, practical similes, and how he encouraged practical application over rote memorization of teachings. His emphasis on authentic, experiential Dhamma resonates through timeless wisdom.

The podcast delves into the significance of Vinaya, exploring its role as the lifeblood of Dhamma practice. It highlights the structured rules and procedures that govern monastic training, aiming to purge actions that detract from spiritual progress. Listeners learn about the evolution of these rules and the formal establishment of the Patimokha as a core code for monastics. Additionally, it discusses how Vinaya principles also apply to laypeople, fostering supportive conditions for enlightenment within communal monastic life.

The discussion delves into the essential role of the Pāṭimokkha in preserving the Dhamma, illustrated through a vivid flower-petals simile. Luang Por's journey from village life to strict adherence to the Vinaya showcases the transformative power of mindful discipline. Key virtues like wise shame and fear of consequences are emphasized as crucial guardians against unwholesome actions. The podcast also explores the importance of communal practices and how a shared commitment to rules fosters harmony within the Sangha.

Explore the intriguing world of monastic life as Luang Por highlights the Khandhakas' role in shaping daily practices. Discover the significance of alms rounds, morning rituals, and mindful eating. A humorous tale featuring a rat in an alms bowl teaches the value of attentiveness. Delve into the concept of simplicity revealing attachment and the practices promoting humility. Insights on respecting elders and maintaining social harmony underscore the teachings, culminating in the essential triad of Sila, Samadhi, and Panya for true liberation.

Luang Por and the Vinaya: Part 4 THE ASCETIC PRACTICES: ADDING INTENSITY Mention has been made above of the thirteen dhutaṅga practices. These are the ascetic practices which the Buddha allowed his monks to adopt, if they wished, in order to intensify their practice. The dhutaṅgas were practices aimed at ‘abrading’ or ‘wearing away’ the defilements by creating situations in which they were provoked and directly opposed. By the standards of the day, they were mild in nature. Certainly, they paled beside the physical challenges that the Buddha undertook prior to finding the right way of practice that led to his enlightenment. Wearing only tree bark or owl wings, for example, he had practised standing continuously in the open for long periods, using a mattress of spikes, making his bed in charnel grounds with the bones of the dead for a pillow. In one of the most vivid passages in the Suttas, the Buddha described the extent to which he took the practice of fasting: Because of eating so little, my limbs became like the jointed segments of vine stems or bamboo stems. Because of eating so little, my backside became like a camel’s hoof. Because of eating so little, the projections on my spine stood forth like corded beads. Because of eating so little, my ribs jutted out as gaunt as the crazy rafters of an old roofless barn. Because of eating so little, the gleam of my eyes sank far down into their sockets, looking like a gleam of water that has sunk far down in a deep well. Because of eating so little, my scalp shrivelled and withered as a green bitter gourd shrivels and withers in the wind and sun. – MN 36 …

Explore the transformative teachings of the Buddha on meditation, focusing on the Noble Eightfold Path to liberation from suffering. Discover how ethical restraint, mindfulness, and generosity shape mental clarity. Learn practical tips like mindful breathing and body contemplation, alongside navigating thoughts during practice. Experience insights on blending sitting and walking meditation for a holistic approach. There are metaphors for guiding the mind, illustrating the journey towards self-awareness and tranquility.

Explore the five hindrances to meditation, including sensual thoughts and ill-will, and discover how they stifle insight. Learn practical strategies like loving-kindness meditation and mindful effort to counteract these obstacles. Dive into techniques for overcoming sloth, agitation, and doubt, with tips for maintaining alertness and clarity. Gain valuable encouragement for slow progress and insights on treating these hindrances as teachers. Ultimately, embrace the journey of awareness and detachment from mental states.

This discussion dives into how meditation exposes latent hindrances in the mind rather than creating them. Luang Por offers insights on balancing effort, emphasizing the importance of steady practice without clinging to results. He warns against excessive study, craving special experiences, and the distractions of psychic powers. Vital mindfulness across all postures is highlighted, alongside strategies for effectively handling subtle obstacles. The conversation also explores the role of calmness as a foundation for deeper insight, promoting a wise approach to meditation.

Explore the intriguing distinction between jhāna factors like bliss and equanimity versus conventional jhāna labels. Discover the journey from vitakka and vichara to deeper calm, and understand the importance of mindfulness in fostering wisdom. Learn how insight arises from serene investigation, avoiding the traps of false attainments and conceit. Luang Por illustrates the path of liberation, emphasizing the continuous interplay of tranquility and clarity as essential for insightful living.