Wisdom of the Masters

This chapter on "The Method of Developing Bhavana" was taken from the text "Atulo" from the notes and memory of Phra Choa Khun Bodhinandamuni (Somsak Pajhdito), Wat Burapharam, Surin. Translated from the original Thai book "Atulo" by Bhikkhu Khemasanto (Douglas Johnson). ** A note on the word 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚 The word "Heart" is not a totally satisfactory rendering of the Pali word "Citta" but it does accord with much of the same meanings and senses as used in English. For those who prefer, the word "Mind" may also be used as a translation for the word "Citta". ** A note on the word 𝐁𝐡ā𝐯𝐚𝐧ā The Pali dictionary suggests that ‘bhāvanā’ refers to 'mental development' (lit. 'calling into existence, producing') in what in English is generally referred to 'meditation'. The Theravada School of Buddhism distinguishes two types of bhāvanā: (1) development of tranquillity (samatha-bhāvanā), i.e. concentration (samādhi), and (2) development of insight (vipassanā-bhāvanā), i.e. wisdom (paññā). Ajahn Dune Atulo (1888-1983) ordained at the age of 22 and after becoming disillusioned with his life as an uneducated town monk, he left to study in Ubon Ratchathani, where he befriended Ajahn Singh Khantiyagamo and reordained in the Dhammayut sect where he became a disciple of Ajahn Mun. After wandering for 19 years through the forests and mountains of Thailand and Cambodia, Ajahn Dune received an order from his ecclesiastical superiors to head a combined study and practice monastery in Surin. It was thus that he took over the abbotship of Wat Burapha, in the middle of the town, in 1934. There he remained until his death in 1983. 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become at Patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/jayasara⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Ramana Maharshi, an Indian sage and liberated being, discusses the practice of self-abiding meditation, the power of continuous meditation on a single object, and the realization that the Self is inherently happy. He emphasizes the importance of one-pointedness in meditation and achieving inner awareness for freedom and success.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and peace activist, discusses mindfulness, transcending suffering, embracing restlessness, compassionate awareness, and the harmony of light and darkness in meditation and self-discovery.

Shyama Charan Lahiri (30 September 1828 – 26 September 1895), best known as Lahiri Mahasaya, was an Indian yogi and guru who founded the Kriya Yoga school. He was a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji. According to the book America's Alternative Religions by Timothy Miller, Lahiri Mahasaya's life was described in Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi as a demonstration of the spiritual attainment that could be achieved by a householder "living fully in the world." 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become at Patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/jayasara⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Mazu Daoyi (709–88) is one of the most eminent of the ancient Chinese Zen masters. Two of the traditionally acknowledged major schools of Zen trace their lineage through this renowned Zen ancient. He was an influential abbot of Chan Buddhism during the Tang dynasty. The earliest recorded use of the term "Chan school" is from his Extensive Records. Master Ma's teaching style of "strange words and extraordinary actions" became paradigmatic Zen lore. In the Transmission of the Lamp, compiled in 1004, Mazu is described as follows: "His appearance was remarkable. He strode along like a bull and glared about him like a tiger. If he stretched out his tongue, it reached up over his nose; on the soles of his feet were imprinted two circular marks." 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become at Patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/jayasara⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Spanish mystic St Teresa of Avila discusses the Prayer of Quiet, emphasizing the soul's journey into divine peace and stillness. She explores finding peace in prayer, staying connected to God, and surrendering to divine goodness.

Annamalai Swami, a direct disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi, shares his wisdom on achieving the thought-free state through self-inquiry. Topics covered include the power of solitude, challenging emerging thoughts, detaching from the mind, directing attention inwards, and the illusionary nature of the mind.

Delve into the profound teachings of Padmasambhava, uncovering the essence of Dzogchen, the highest Tibetan Buddhist practice. Explore the concept of intrinsic awareness, discovering the mind's true nature and shedding misconceptions. The text emphasizes self-liberation through seeing, guiding listeners toward realizing their insubstantial essence. This enlightening discussion invites introspection and a deeper understanding of one's own mind, making it a compelling meditation on the journey to Buddhahood.

A clear and powerful teaching given by Upasika Kee Nanayon - taken from the book "An Unentangled Knowing" - translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Upasika Kee Nanayon or Kor Khao-suan-luang was a realized female practitioner from Thailand. She was mostly self-taught, reading the Pali canon and other Buddhist literature. She considered the Buddha's Dhamma as her primary teacher. Her dhamma talks and poetry were widely circulated. As word of her spread, she became one of the most popular meditation teachers in Thailand. This, and many of her talks, have been translated into English by Thanissaro Bhikkhu who sees her as "arguably the foremost woman Dhamma teacher in twentieth-century Thailand." 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠ or become at Patron at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jayasara⁠ 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Ryōkan Taigu 良寛大愚 (1758–1831) was a quiet and unconventional Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived much of his life as a hermit. Ryōkan is remembered for his poetry and calligraphy, which present the essence of Zen life. He renounced the world at an early age to train at nearby Sōtō Zen temple Kōshō-ji, refusing to meet with or accept charity from his family. These selected excerpts and poems by Ryokan have been taken from the text "Great Fool" translated by Ryuichi Abé & Peter Haskel. Music track: "Voices of the Land" by Swami Madhuram Puri 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠ or become at Patron at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jayasara⁠ 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.