Wisdom of the Masters

St. Teresa of Avila, a prominent Carmelite nun and Spanish mystic, shares profound insights on prayer and meditation rooted in her mystical experiences. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing inner growth through love and humility, contrasting the eternal spiritual realm with the temporal nature of material life. Teresa's reflections encourage listeners to cultivate a deeper connection with the divine, illuminating paths toward inner wealth and spiritual fulfillment.

Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist monk and meditation Master. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was reputed to be an Arahant. 🔆 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 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Explore Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings on the illusory nature of the world, the bliss of the liberated one, and the concept of uncaused happiness. Discover the essence of self-realization and transcending the physical body to awaken to the truth of pure awareness.

The Abhidharmakośabhāṣya (Treasury of Metaphysics with Self-Commentary) is a pivotal treatise on early Buddhist thought composed around the 4th or 5th century by the Indian Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu. This work is a complete and systematic account of the Abhidharma, and is the peak of scholarship in the Fundamental Vehicle. It elucidates the Buddha’s teachings as synthesized and interpreted by the early Buddhist Sarvāstivāda school. Vasubandhu (4th to 5th century CE) was an influential Buddhist monk and scholar from Gandhara or Central India. He was a philosopher who wrote commentary on the Abhidharma, from the perspectives of the Sarvastivada and Sautrāntika schools. After his conversion to Mahayana Buddhism, along with his half-brother, Asanga, he was also one of the main founders of the Yogacara school. Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakośakārikā ("Commentary on the Treasury of the Abhidharma") is widely used in Tibetan and East Asian Buddhism, as the major source for non-Mahayana Abhidharma philosophy. Vasubandhu is one of the most influential thinkers in the Indian Buddhist philosophical tradition. Because of their association with Nalanda university, Vasubandhu and Asanga are amongst the so-called Seventeen Nalanda Masters. In Jōdo Shinshū, he is considered the Second Patriarch; in Chan Buddhism, he is the 21st Patriarch. 🔆 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 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Shantideva’s Dedication Prayer is one of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama’s favourite dedications, extracted from Chapter 10 of the Bodhicharyavatara of Master Shantideva. Treasured by Buddhists of all traditions, The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment and to generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. This text has been studied, practiced, and expounded upon in an unbroken tradition for centuries. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the Bodhisattvas--those who renounce the peace of individual enlightenment and vow to work for the liberation of all beings and to attain buddhahood for their sake. Shantideva was a scholar in the eighth century from the monastic university Nalanda, one of the most celebrated centers of learning in ancient India. According to legend, Shantideva was greatly inspired by the celestial bodhisattva Manjushri, from whom he secretly received teachings and great insights. Music: Wings of an Angel - Amitābha Buddha - with loving thank to 'Wings' for his gifts of music. 🔆 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 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Zen Master Baizhang Huaihai, a revered Tang dynasty Chan teacher, discusses the practice of instant purification of the mind in Zen Buddhism, focusing on self-realization and Nirvana through enlightenment and eradicating deluded thoughts.

Explore the wisdom of Dipa Ma, a revered meditation teacher, known for her exceptional wisdom, concentration, and lovingkindness. Learn about her influence on the Vipassana movement and her teachings that continue to inspire spiritual seekers today.

Exploring the significance of unity and selflessness in embracing the path of love in Sufi mysticism, highlighting themes of sincerity, humility, and divine love through the selected poems of Hafez.

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, a Tibetan Dzogchen master, shares insights on presence and awareness. Topics include maintaining focus, mindfulness in daily activities, self-liberation in Dzogchen, understanding awareness, the power of presence, and cultivating genuine compassion through inner awareness.

Zen Master Ryokan, the renowned Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk, delves into his minimalist lifestyle, deep connection with nature, and profound reflections on the transient nature of life. Discover his poetry and calligraphy embodying Zen essence.