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 […]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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On the Uposatha with a group online and in-person, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the First of the Four Noble Truths. These foundational teachings are not just true, in that they apply to all people, but they are ennobling – they allow us to be better, happier, and to suffer less. The first noble truth is
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(This story and reflection come from a session of Upavana’s online “Lay Sangha Chat”, held on the first and last quarter Moon, open to all and hosted by Upavana sangha members.) “So I bought the chocolate bar. And ate it.” He shrugged his shoulders with a good-humored expression of “I tried not to, but
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For the Uposatha, Tahn Santi offers his gratitude towards friends and supporters for his recent stay in Massachusetts, folding it into a reflection on Nekkhama, or Renunciation. The ability to let go of something that could otherwise be held on to is a form of generosity and reflects a giving heart, and can be the
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On the Uposatha, Tahn Pamutto gives a reflection furthering the study of Faith and Wisdom and how they define entry onto the path of spiritual liberation. In this talk he points out dilemmas – normal everyday problems that are choices between two unpleasant courses of action, or situations where we have to work with incomplete
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