Wisdom of the Masters

Ayn-al-Qużāt Hamadānī was a Persian mystic and philosopher, executed for heresy at just 33. In this discussion, he delves into the transformative power of love, exploring its dual ability to elevate and burden the heart. He reflects on how genuine devotion can reshape one’s identity and foster a deeper connection to the divine. The conversation also touches on excerpts from his works, providing insights into Sufi mysticism and the overlooked brilliance of his spiritual philosophy.

Longchenpa, a prominent Dzogchen teacher from the Nyingma lineage, shares profound insights on recognizing the natural state of the enlightened mind. He emphasizes the importance of unobstructed awareness and spacious meditation, guiding listeners to see thoughts as fleeting and embrace a profound oneness with all. His teachings foster a sense of emptiness and freedom, essential for anyone looking to deepen their Dzogchen practice through meditative clarity.

Sukhasiddhi, an 11th-century yogini and master of Vajrayana Buddhism, shares her incredible journey from a struggling housewife to a revered teacher. She discusses the transformative path of embracing non-conceptual awareness, highlighting her awakening experiences under the guidance of her guru, Virupa. The conversation delves into the concept of 'non-meditation,' encouraging listeners to transcend conceptual thought and rediscover their natural state of being. Her insights into compassion and generosity offer a timeless perspective on spiritual growth.

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist master and Dzogchen authority, shares profound insights on achieving Buddhahood through undistracted non-meditation. He delves into the contrast between deluded thoughts and genuine yogic awareness, emphasizing the importance of purification practices. The conversation highlights the shift from effortful mindfulness to effortless awareness, culminating in the recognition of one’s true essence. Rinpoche also discusses the significance of distinguishing true reality from perception, urging listeners to let go of rigid beliefs.

Ama Samy (Arul Maria Arokiasamy), S.J., born in 1936, is an Indian Zen master and Jesuit priest. Ama Samy was born to Christian parents in Burma in 1936 and grew up in India. After becoming a Jesuit priest in 1972, he began visiting Hindu ashrams and Buddhist meditation centers. He was introduced to Ramana Maharshi's teachings by Swami Abhishiktananda. His searching led him to become a wandering beggar for a period and to settle down as a hermit. Father Ama visited Japan and trained with Yamada Koun Roshi of Sanbo Kyodan. In 1982, Yamada Roshi authorized him to teach Zen. Ama Samy founded the Bodhi Sangha, the community of his disciples, in 1986. Bodhi Sangha became an independent Zen school when he left the Sanbo Kyodan organization in 2002. Ama Samy's method of teaching embraces both Soto and Rinzai Zen traditions and draws from the resources of Christianity and other religions. He lives and teaches at Bodhi Zendo Zen Center near Kodaikanal in South India. 🔆 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. 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

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."  Translated by Red Pine (Bill Porter). 🔆 These podcast 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://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage or WISE using the the email address above. 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Join Samaneri Jayasara, a guide in meditation and relaxation techniques, in a guided meditation session focusing on embracing silence, exploring the metaphor of the open sky in meditation practice, and embracing the mind as an open sky. Learn to prioritize spaciousness over internal conflicts and tune into your natural frequency for tranquility and wisdom.

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.