Wisdom of the Masters

A selection of poems read from the text, "The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse" - translated by Red Pine (Bill Porter) The Zen master, Shiwu 石屋, or Stonehouse (1272–1352) was a Chinese Chan poet and hermit monk who lived during the Yuan Dynasty. He was considered one of the greatest Chinese Buddhist poets and used poetry as his medium of instruction for Dharma. In 1312 at the age of forty he moved to Xiamu Mountain near Huzhou to live as a hermit and it is here that he composed his "Mountain Poems" (Shan-shih), one-hundred and eighty-four verses expounding Dharma and the facets of living in the mountains. Near the end of his life, monks asked him to record what he found of interest on his mountain; Stonehouse delivered to them hundreds of poems and an admonition: "Do not try singing these poems. Only if you sit on them will they do you any good." The text can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mountain-Po... Music: Time for Peace - Bridge - Stillness and Voices of the Land www.timeforpeace.bandcamp.com. With deepest thanks to Swami Madhuram Puri for his kind offering of this exquisite music for this channel. Art/image: Anna Vladi 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings. 🔆 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 we have a WISE account with the above email address.

Explore the profound teachings of Ramana Maharshi, an Indian sage who guides listeners on a journey to self-realization. Discover the essence of the true self and the importance of perceiving the seer within. The conversation encourages transcending the ego to find inner peace and connection with the universe. It invites contemplation on the nature of existence and how self-knowledge can lead to liberation. Tune in for an enlightening meditation that enriches the soul.

Explore the ancient teachings of the Great Tantra of Vajrasattva, a key text translated into Tibetan in the 8th century. Discover the essence of uncontrived awareness and enlightenment, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality. The podcast highlights the wisdom passed down from Garab Dorje, a revered figure in Buddhist mythology, who embodies the principles of Great Perfection. Listeners are invited to redefine their understanding of clarity and wisdom, connecting with timeless insights that nurture the mind and spirit.

Delve into the life of Niguma, a pivotal figure in Vajrayana Buddhism and a dakini from Kashmir. Learn about her profound teachings that are said to originate directly from Buddha Vajradhara. Discover how Niguma influenced great masters like Marpa Lotsawa, who sought her guidance. The podcast also examines the nature of mind and reality, emphasizing the illusory quality of thoughts. Enjoy insights into meditation practices that purify intentions and promote true awareness on the path to enlightenment.

A reading of excerpts taken from Chapter 1 of The Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - translated by Suzuki and Goddard. The Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra was first translated into Chinese in the 5th century and has been the subject of many treatises and commentaries. It is a distinctive and influential philosophical discourse in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The sutra recounts a teaching primarily between Gautama Buddha and a bodhisattva named Mahāmati ("Great Wisdom"). The sūtra is set in mythical Laṅkā, ruled by Rāvaṇa, the king of the rākṣasas. The Laṅkāvatāra discusses numerous Mahayana topics, such as Yogācāra philosophy of mind-only (cittamātra) and the three natures, the ālayavijñāna (store-house consciousness), the inner "disposition" (gotra), the buddha-nature, the luminous mind (prabhāsvaracitta), emptiness (śūnyatā) and vegetarianism. It is also notably an important sūtra in Zen Buddhism, as it discusses the key issue of "sudden enlightenment". 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings. 🔆 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 we have a WISE account with the above email address.

Explore the profound philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, focusing on the evolution of human consciousness. Discover how interconnectedness leads to spiritual awakening and the realization of a singular, eternal awareness. The discussion highlights the challenges of self-discipline in spiritual practice and the transformative journey towards uncovering deeper truths. Emphasizing inner growth, it advocates for developing a universal self and embracing a divine nature in our everyday lives.

Discover the life of Ryōkan, a Zen Buddhist monk who turned away from materialism to embrace a simple, poetic existence. Journey through his reflections inspired by nature, blending tranquility with self-discovery. Explore the profound lessons of humility and simplicity that nature offers, all while contrasting fleeting beauty with a deeper spiritual life. Engage with poignant excerpts that capture the essence of Zen philosophy and the art of living.

Immerse yourself in a calming journey of body scan meditation. Discover the art of mindful breathing to enhance relaxation and present awareness. Each segment gently guides you to explore physical sensations while releasing tension. Embrace self-acceptance and foster inner comfort through soothing affirmations. This practice not only promotes mindfulness but also leads to insights about impermanence and the non-self nature of existence.

Brother Lawrence, a lay brother from a Carmelite monastery, is celebrated for his profound connection with God. He shares insights on 'practicing the presence of God,' emphasizing that divine communion isn't confined to prayer or church but can enrich everyday tasks. This approach transforms routine moments into spiritual encounters, fostering joy and peace. His genuine spirit and wisdom attracted many throughout France, offering them guidance in their own spiritual journeys.

Annamalai Swami, a direct disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi, shares profound insights from his decades of self-enquiry leading to Self-realization. He discusses the jnani experience, illustrating how enlightened beings perceive sensations and karma without attachment. Swami emphasizes the contrast between the enlightened and ordinary perspectives on bondage and freedom, providing seekers with valuable wisdom on transcending ordinary identification and the cycle of rebirth.