On the Uposatha Tahn Pamutto gives a talk on the Meghiya Sutta, AN 9.3. This sutta was given to a monk who was new in the practice and not yet ready to be out on his own. The Buddha’s advice centers around those things we can cultivate, both actively and passively, to bring our mind […]
To Meghiya – Bringing the Mind to Maturity Read More »
On the Uposatha, Tahn Pamutto reflects on one of the higher fetters known as Conceit, or Māna. This commonplace word was used by the Buddha as a catch-all for those processes by which we create an idea of self and other. This is different from Ignorance, which is the defunct view of a self in
Tahn Pamutto discusses developing mindfulness in the walking posture. This posture is a substantial part of our lives and a wonderful opportunity for resetting our awareness of the present moment. When used as the posture for formal meditation it is the best posture for stepping down restless and distracted energy and bringing a sense of
Walking Meditation Read More »
Discussing and answering questions about the topic of the day: Doubt and the process of directing the mind away from its causes.
The Fetter of Doubt Q&A Read More »
Beginning the daylong retreat entitled ‘The Fetter of Doubt’, Tahn Pamutto starts by leading a short guided meditation to aid putting things down and preparing for the day ahead. He then gives a reflection on how to understand and approach the topic of Doubt, a tendency of mind that leaves us spinning and prevents us
The Fetter of Doubt Daylong Read More »
Tahn Pamutto provides a thorough instruction in the aspect of Mindfulness of the Body known as the ’32 Parts’ Contemplation or ‘Asubha’. This technique is powerful, direct, and in its more basic form using the first five parts is a meditation technique even given to children. Taking these first five parts and drawing from the
Body Parts Contemplation Read More »
Tahn Pamutto continues reflecting on the practice of cultivating Emptiness. In the early stages it’s just like any other method of cultivating mindfulness by continually bringing the mind back to its focus. What is different is the reflection that underpins it all – the five aggregates are all constructions and additions to what is actually
Emptiness is not Empty Read More »
Tahn Pamutto opens the daylong reflecting on Emptiness: where the idea comes from, what it has developed into, and how to begin working to understand it experientially. We seek Emptiness because we recognize we are full to the brim – with thoughts, emotions, habits and stories. It’s not that there isn’t space in-between these things,
Emptiness and Fullness Read More »
After discussions and lunch, Tahn Pamutto continues reflecting on Right Effort. In order to understand our goals in life we also have to understand how the Buddhist concept of happiness differs from that of the world. Rather than merely swapping pleasure for pain, we see that our happiness is actually proportional to the suffering we
Right Effort: The Opposite of Dukkha Read More »
