On the Uposatha, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the core understanding of the Four Noble Truths – that we practice not because it is pleasant and healthy and wonderful but because we have to. Samsara is a mess, and when we really look at our lives we can sense the subtle (or not so subtle) dissatisfaction …
On this Uposatha evening, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the Eighth Factor of the Eightfold Path – that of Samadhi. Samadhi is a composure, brightness, and control of the mind. It is a fulfillment of the aspiration of the rest of the eightfold path, namely, to generate mindstates free of craving and suffering. Samadhi itself is …
It’s a common sentiment that in Buddhist circles, the most auspicious day is the day when we commit to practicing sincerely. Nevertheless, there are a few days in the calendar that are a bit more auspicious than others. The lunar days every fortnight are an example, where we get together to retake our precepts, meditate, …
Tahn Pamutto reflects on the Fourth Noble Truth – the Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering. Drawing from the previous talk on the third truth, Cessation, he explains how development in Buddhist practice is not merely a matter of eliminating defilements but is just as much about setting the foundation for them …
In this Uposatha reflection Tahn Pamutto relates the story of MN 89 – a sutta relating the last conversation of King Pasenadi, a devout follower of the Buddha, as he enumerates those things he sees in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha which inspire faith and confidence in him. These things, called the Monuments of the …
Yesterday Tahn’s Pamutto and Santi took part in a variety of activities in NYC, including an almsround and meal in Union Square Park and co-leading an afternoon practice session nearby at the Still Mind Zendo. These activities were the meeting point of a number of social networks. The almsround brought together monks from a number …
Keep an eye on Unproductive Kammax at the bottom of the main page and at Dhamma Comics for some beautiful renderings of famous teachings, including A Taste of Freedom by Ajahn Chah and a visual tour of the Pali Canon!
Since the first of the year, Tahn Pamutto has been in residence in a spacious and well-equipped apartment generously offered in the town of Shelburne, not far from the Vipassana Meditation Center. During this time most of the online broadcasts have come from that location and there were many daylongs and even a weeklong retreat …
In this Uposatha reflection, Tahn Pamutto discusses in depth the Second Noble Truth – that of the Origin of Suffering, namely Craving. It takes wisdom and investigation to see how this seemingly innocuous force in our daily lives, the gross or subtle wanting that drives us into situations, is in fact the requisite condition for …
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