Ajahn Brahm Podcast

This talk is about how to deal with criticism in a wise and positive way, and why people often react negatively to criticism. We tend to take criticism personally because we identify with our ideas, views, and sense of self. It's important to have a more malleable sense of self and be open to change in order to be more receptive to criticism.

Ajahn Brahm addresses the question of whether nibbana is guaranteed (and the attitude required to get there). — This dhamma talk was originally recorded using a low quality MP3 to save on file size on 2nd March 2007. It has now been remastered and published by the Everyday Dhamma Network, and will be of interest to his many fans. These talks by Ajahn Brahm have been recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia under the Creative Commons licence. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page. ---- Summary I recently gave a talk about Buddhism in Melbourne where I asked the question, "Is nirvana guaranteed?" This question challenges the common idea that spiritual life is about attaining something. In reality, spirituality is about letting go and being free from our possessions and attachments. I was reminded of this recently when I visited a monk in Indonesia who gave all his money to help refugees. This serves as an example of what possessions are truly for. We should learn to not be possessed by our possessions and to let People often have false expectations and sense of ownership in life, but on a spiritual path, one must learn to let go of these things. The most important thing to let go of is the ego, as it causes a lot of suffering and conflict. When one is highly illuminated, they don't care what others think of them and can laugh at their own mistakes. This shows that they are not possessive of their ego and can bring humor and happiness to life. Buddhism does not have a hierarchy Though at times, it is helpful to have a unified voice or principle, Buddhism emphasizes on lowering pride and ego, and not measuring oneself with others. Letting go does not mean getting rid of all possessions or self-worth, but rather not identifying oneself with titles or material wealth. Success and happiness in life do not solely depend on external security, but also inner peace and contentment. Letting go does not mean complete laziness, but rather working without attachment to the results or for the joy The term "eliminate oneself" in Buddhism refers to letting go of the ego, not eliminating passions. It means eliminating the sense of "me" or "I" and embracing a sense of "us". This leads to compassion and motivation to work towards the betterment of society. IQ is not a measure of success, and emotional intelligence, the ability to form relationships, is more important. The question of whether Nirvana is guaranteed is not a simple question, but one that can lead us to explore deeper into the nature of life. Nirvana is the ultimate happiness and is the result of following the path of Dharma, which is understanding the laws of life and working towards compassion and the community. This path leads to success, happiness, and the ultimate happiness of Nirvana.

n response to three requests, Ajahn Brahm gives a talk about how to reconcile religion, duality and the Middle Way. — This dhamma talk was originally recorded using a low quality MP3 to save on file size on 16th February 2007. It has now been remastered and published by the Everyday Dhamma Network, and will be of interest to his many fans. These talks by Ajahn Brahm have been recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia under the Creative Commons licence. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.

Explore how intention shapes communication and enhances relationships. Discover the dangers of seeking validation through spiritual or material achievements. Learn about minimalist living and the true roots of happiness that lie within. Embrace detachment as a path to freedom, illustrated by poignant anecdotes. Understand the power of kind communication, emphasizing compassion over criticism, to foster harmony and reduce stress in our interactions.

People’s attitudes to sensuality and the joys of sensuality have a huge impact upon the way they live their lives and the way they act towards other people. Ajahn Brahm gives a talk about the Buddhist attitude towards sensuality. — This dhamma talk was originally recorded using a low quality MP3 to save on file size on 19th January 2007. It has now been remastered and published by the Everyday Dhamma Network, and will be of interest to his many fans. These talks by Ajahn Brahm have been recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia under the Creative Commons licence. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.

Dive into the fascinating exploration of superstition through a Buddhist lens. The talk highlights how superstitions manipulate fears and the importance of questioning them. With relatable anecdotes about karma, guilt, and the effects of rituals, the speaker advocates for personal responsibility. Hear reflective insights on meditation, reincarnation, and the need for clarity beyond conventional beliefs. Humor and personal stories make this a compelling look at transforming our understanding of life, death, and everything in between.

Delve into the dance between control and freedom, exploring how societal pressures shape personal choices. Discover anecdotes on rebellion against authority and the importance of trust over control. Reflect on the nuances of receiving praise while uplifting community contributions. Learn to distinguish between mental well-being and physical suffering, emphasizing the freedom meditation brings. Finally, uncover lessons from nature on acceptance amidst chaos, promoting a compassionate mindset for true peace and autonomy.

Explore the intriguing emotions of jealousy and envy from a unique perspective. Personal anecdotes highlight how celebrating others' successes can lead to true fulfillment. Uncover ways to transform negative feelings into empathetic joy and discover the importance of peace and reflection. Contrasting superficial success with genuine happiness, the talk shares insights on finding contentment through meditation. It also emphasizes kindness and mutual respect as vital elements in the quest for inner peace, encouraging listeners to prioritize fulfillment over comparison.

Dive into the intriguing dynamics of authority and obedience from a Buddhist viewpoint. Explore how personal experiences with monks reshape obedience into compassionate attentiveness. Discover the importance of understanding interpersonal relationships and our connection with nature. Reflect on the peace that comes from accepting death, illustrated through a powerful story. Ultimately, learn how redefining authority fosters empathy and personal responsibility, promoting kindness in conflict resolution.

Explore the intricate relationship between happiness, actions, and spiritual growth from a Buddhist angle. Discover the importance of vulnerability and compassion, and how true joy stems from meaningful connections rather than superficial success. Enjoy humorous anecdotes that illustrate the quest for authentic fulfillment while realizing the need for intentional living. This enlightening discussion sheds light on laughing our way to spiritual contentment, emphasizing that happiness can be both present and future-oriented.