Ajahn Dhammasiha joins the Vesak Full Moon prgram at Amaravati. We chant the 'Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta', the first formal teaching of the Buddha after his attainment of supreme awakening, 'Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma'. Ajahn Amaro is leading the recitation, with the whole monastic community of some 40 monks, nuns, male and female anagārikas joining, plus many of the lay visitors participating in the event. The full Pali text of the chant, as well as an Engllish translation, is in Volume two of the Amaravati Chanting boo, page 3ff: https://cdn.amaravati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/30/Chanting-Book-Vol-2-Web.pdf .

English Translation starts at 11:05 0:00 LPT Thai: Growing in our Dhamma Practice by supporting the Buddha Sasana 11:05 Aj M Engl Trsl: English Translation by Ajahn Moshe 21:20 LPT Thai LPT about his practice as young monk, when his teacher encouraged him to meditate longer by meditating together with him. Luang Por Tongdaeng Varapañño is the abbot of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang near Chiang Mai. He was born in Sakon Nakhon Province in the Northeast of Thailand in August 1954. At the young age of 13 he ordained as a novice with Luang Por Wan Uttamo. Some time later, he trained in the monastery of Luang Por Waen, Wat Doi Mae Pang. After his full ordination as a bhikkhu, Luang Por Tongdaeng's most important teachers were Luang Por Prasit, and Luang Por Plien of Wat Aranyavivek. CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY OF LUANG POR'S VISIT TO DHAMMAGIRI https://www.dhammagiri.net/luang-por-thong-daeng-gallery Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast⁠ More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠ Our Youtube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/⁠@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: ⁠https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive⁠ Our Podcasts on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD⁠ Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834⁠

Luang Por Tongdaeng Varapañño is the abbot of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang near Chiang Mai. He was born in Sakon Nakhon Province in the Northeast of Thailand in August 1954. At the young age of 13 he ordained as a novice with Luang Por Wan Uttamo. Some time later, he trained in the monastery of Luang Por Waen, Wat Doi Mae Pang. After his full ordination as a bhikkhu, Luang Por Tongdaeng's most important teachers were Luang Por Prasit, and Luang Por Plien of Wat Aranyavivek. Luang Por Thong Daeng answers questions about the topics: - Why did the teachers of the Buddha not realize the Dhamma even though they had developed strong Samadhi? - How to develop loving kindness in daily life? - Overcoming difficlties and pain in our meditation practice CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY OF LUANG POR'S VISIT TO DHAMMAGIRI https://www.dhammagiri.net/luang-por-... In addition to our Youtube videos, we usually publish about 2 new Dhammatalks/GuidedMeditations every week as audio podcast. All the latest podcasts, and some 300 earlier ones on a wide variety of subjects, are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts/itunes, Castbox, Google Podcasts, and many other podcast apps. Just search for "Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts" on your favourite podcast app. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast⁠ More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠ Our Youtube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724⁠ Our email Newsletter: ⁠https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive⁠ Our Podcasts on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD⁠ Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834

Ajahn Dhammasiha shares how we can contemplate impermanence (Pali: Anicca) when we set out on a journey. We're all exited and look forward to what we're going to experience, whowe will meet. But then, after we have returned and the travels are over, only memories remain, which are slowly fading away. What appeared so important when we set out, is now just a distant memory. It's actually the same with a whole life. If we contemplate like that, we can let go, or at least we're not holding on so tightly, and we're not getting too much worried, exited or depressed about whatever may or may not happen. Travel itinerary of Ajahn Dhammasiha 18 May to 12 July Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Ajahn Dhammasiha shares some information about his upcoming travels to Europe and Asia. If any of our global podcast audience likes to catch up personally, here's the dates in detail: Thu 18 to 27 May Sumedharama, Lisbon, Portugal 10:40 am Arrival Lisbon, pick up to Sumedharama Paying respects and spending time with our long standing Dhamma friend Ajahn Vajiro, who has provided support and advice to Dhammagiri in our early years. More recently, he and local Sangha & laity have been working hard establishing the first Ajahn Chah monastery in Portugal. Sat 27 to Wed 31 May Hartridge Buddhist Monastery After meeting Ajahn Jutindharo many time in our Elders' Meetings, finally I get a chance to see his Hartridge Monastery. In 2020 they finished an inspiring meditation hall - can't wait to meditate/chant in that tranquil space. 31 May to 08 June Amaravati Buddhist Monastery Always uplifting and educational to come back to the largest Western monastery in our tradition, and to connect with the large Sangha of Amaravati, and abbot Ajahn Amaro. 08 to 17 June, Germany, Berlin & Hannover for Father's 80th Birthday - 17 to 21 June, Germany, Muttodaya Waldkloster Catching up with old 'kalyāṇa-mittas' (Dhamma friends) Ajahn Cattamalo and Ajahn Mettiko, and the local Sangha and international visitors at German 'Waldkloster' Muttodaya 22 to 28 June India, Dhammaram Delhi & Sangharama Monastery Land There will be Dhamma program and meal offerings at the New Delhi Dhammarama Centre in Dwarka district. I believe more info will appear on their website closer to event, which you can access by clicking image below: If conditions allow, we hope to visit the new monastery land 'Sanghārāma' at Adi Badri near Yamunanagar on 25/26 June, where Ajahn Jīvako together with a small, but highly dedicated Sangha are taking on the challenging task of developing the first forest monastery of the Ajahn Chah tradition in India. Thu 28 June Morning Changi Airport, Singapore 06:10 Arrival Singapore Changi, SQ 403 from Delhi Meeting with Ryan and other Dhamma friends, who offer breakfast at 'Jewel' Waterfall area. 10:15 Departure Singapore, SQ 112 to Kuala Lumpur 11:15 Arrival Kuala Lumpur KUL, Airport Dana and lift to BUBS Bandar Utama Vihara Thu 28 June to 12 July BUBS Bandar Utama Vihara, KL There will be Dhamma programs and meal offerings at Uttama Bodhi Vihara, and possibly at other Buddhist Centres in Kuala Lumpur. Programs should become available on BUBS website later. 05 to 11 July Singapore, Palelai Buddhist Temple Dhamma Programs & Meal Offerings, possibly including some other Buddhist Venues in Singapore as well. First time staying at Wat Palelai, who are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. However, old kalyāṇa mitta (Dhamma friends) from Wat Ananada will be catching up with me, too. Details on Palelai website. 12 July Arrival back in Brisbane 06:55 am Arrival Brisbane, SQ 235 from Singapore Should be enough time to easily reach the meal at Dhammagiri normal time 10:30 am https://www.dhammagiri.net .

Luang Por Tongdaeng was so kind to perform for us the traditional ceremony of taking refuge in the 'Triple Gem' (Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha), and to observe the 8 precepts. Dr Lakmini is leading our lay community in requesting the Three Refuges and the 8 precepts from Luang Por Next, Luang Por recites 'Namo tassa...' (Homage to the Buddha) three times. The lay community repeats 'Namo tassa...' three times. Luang Por recites each of the 8 precepts in Pali, followed by the lay community repeating each precepts. The Buddha recommended that laity keeps eight precepts on the 'Uposatha' holidays, marking the four moon phases (about once a week). Lay disciples of the Buddha are encouraged to dedicate these days to spiritual practice, avoiding any distractions and spending the day meditating, listening to Dhamma, visiting monasteries, and making good karma. As our modern calendar doesn't follow the moon phases, at Dhammagiri we usually do our One Day Meditation Retreat with 8 precpts on the weekend: Every Saturday 07.30 am; and Sundays closest to the full moon at 09.00 am. The eight precepts are more focussed on renunciation and developing meditation than the regular five precepts. Although there's nothing 'evil' in eating in the evening, or listening to music, these activites still distract the mind, incline us to sensuality, and make the develpment of samādhi much more difficult. English Translation of the Eight Precepts: "I undertake the training rule to abstain from intentionally killing any living being." (including animals, even insects) "I undertake the training rule to abstain from stealing." "I undertake the training rule to abstain from any non-celibate conduct." "I undertake the training rule to abstain from lying." "I undertake the training rule to abstain from alcohol or any drugs that cause intoxication and heedlessness." "I undertake the training rule to abstain from eating at the unsuitable time." ('unsuitable' in this context means from noon until next dawn, i.e. one eats only in the morning) "I undertake the training rule to abstain from dancing, singing, music, shows & entertainments, garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, make up, jewelry and adornments." "I undertake the training rule to abstain from high or luxurious seats/beds" After the ceremony has concluded, Luang Por provides some instructions for the following session of silent meditation, translated by Ajahn Moshe. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser. Also easy to search, just enter e. g. : 'Meditation' or 'Loving Kindness' in search, and it will show all our podcasts on that subject: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Vesak is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. We remember, commemorate, celebrate and rejoice in three main events in the Buddha's life, which all occurred on the Full Moon in May ('Visākhā'): 1. Birth of the Bodhisatta in beautiful Lumbini grove 2. Supreme Awakening ('Sammāsambodhi') under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, at the banks of River Neranjana. 3. Final Nibbāna ('Mahā-Parinibbāna') between the twin Sāla trees in the park of the Mallas'. In this talk, Ajahn Dhammasiha describes the events leading up to the Buddha's final victory against greed, hatred and delusion, while meditating all night under the Bodhi Tree. He relates the crucial insight that occurred to the Bodhisatta while he was practising austerities until he almost died: When the Bodhisatta collapsed from the extreme fasting he had done, he remembered how he had spontaneously attained the first jhāna (full samādhi) as a young child when left alone under a Rose-apple tree. He realized that the happiness and bliss from samādhi is utterly free from sensuality and unwholesome phenomena. He ralized that the happiness and bliss from samādhi is actually the path to full awakening, a crucial condition for liberating insight to arise. The Bodhisatta abandoned the extreme of ascetic self-mortification, started eating suitable amounts of food, and regained sufficient strength. Then he sat down under the Bodhi Tree and resolved: "I will not break this posture, even if my blood and flesh dries out and only bones and skin remain, until I have experienced total release from suffering ... Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Luang Por Thongdang, Ajahn Dhammasiha, Ajahn Moshe, Ajahn Khantiko, Ajahn Moneyyo and Tan Niddaro recite auspicious Paritta during Luang Por's visit to Dhammagiri. Luang Por is chanting in the 'Makhot' style prevelant in the Dhammayut Nikāya, which is noticably different from the 'Sangyot' style that is normally chanted in Mahānikāya, including Ajahn Chah tradition. Fortunately, Ajahn Moshe and Ajahn Khantiko are familiar with this recitation style, and the rest of us gently blend in at lower volume, giving quite a unique result. For the paritta chanting, a bowl of water often is placed in front of the senior monk. A candle is fixed to the wall of the bowl, and then lighted during the chanting. It continues dripping wax into the water bowl while the recitation continues. The thumbnail for this podcast is a photo of the resulting candle wax drippings in the water bowl after the chanting concluded (anumodanā to Ajahn Moshe for taking the pic on Luang Por's suggestion). As you can see, quite unusually, the dripping wax formed an almost perfect spiral. Luang Por mentioned that he regards this as wholesome and auspicious. Enjoy listening! Despite some imperfections, I'm very happy with the recording. It's not easy to record audio in a live setting, even more so when the participating monks chant together for the first time, coming from different chanting traditions. I used one recording made with stereo mic capturing the full ambience in the Dhammahall, and mixed in a seperate second recording capturing only the four microphones in mono. I'm very glad about the resulting powerful and inspiring sound. Photos from Luang Por Tongdaeng's visit to Dhammagiri here: https://www.dhammagiri.net/luang-por-thong-daeng-gallery Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Responding to questions and comments of the audience, Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about falling asleep mindfully, directing awareness to the point of rising. He addresses questions on the hindrance of sleepiness and laziness ('Thina-middha'), and how to arouse energy to overcome excessive sleeping Ajahn talks about the relationship of pleasant feeling, desire, indulgence and the tendency of our mind to flow our into the world (and the www!) into sensuality ('Āsavā') Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

We've put the English translation by Ajahn Moshe first, as our podcast audience are mainly English speakers. You can listen to the complete Thai original from 38:20 Luang Por Tongdaeng Varapañño is the abbot of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang near Chiang Mai. He was born in Sakon Nakhon Province in the Northeast of Thailand in August 1954. At the young age of 13 he ordained as a novice with Luang Por Wan Uttamo. Some time later, he trained in the monastery of Luang Por Waen, Wat Doi Mae Pang. After his full ordination as a bhikkhu, Luang Por Tongdaeng's most important teachers were Luang Por Prasit, and Luang Por Plien of Wat Aranyavivek. Luang Por encourages us not to miss the opportunity we have to practice the Dhamma, and to develop our heart with all the 10 foundations of making good karma ('Puñña-kirirya-vatthu'). He also answers several questions about meditation. Photos from Luang Por Tongdaeng's visit to Dhammagiri here: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/luang-por-thong-daeng-gallery⁠ Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Luang Por Thong Dang, Ajahn Dhammasiha, Ajahn Moshe, Ajahn Khantiko and Tan Niddaro receive 'Sanghadāna' (Offerings dedicated to the Sangha of the four quarters) and receite the Pali verses of blessings, anumodanā (rejoicing) and sharing of merits. 00:00 Namo tassa... (Homage to the Buddha) by Lay Community - 3 times 00:30 Offering of 'Sangha-Dāna' (dedication of offerings to Sangha of the four quarters), Pali, Lay Community led by Devaka 01:12 Offering of 'Sangha-Dāna' (dedication of offerings to Sangha of the four quarters), English, Lay Community led by Devaka 01:56 'Apalokana Sangha-Kamma' (formal decision by sangha) to share Sangha offerings, Pali, recited by Ajahn Moneyyo 02:33 Apalokana Sangha-Kamma (formal decision by sangha) to share Sangha offerings, English, recited by Ajahn Moneyyo 02:48 Sharing of Good Karma with all Beings, Anumodanā (rejoicing in acts of generosity), and Blessing, Pali, chanted by Sangha led by Luang Por Tongdeang Photos from Luang Por Tongdaeng's visit to Dhammagiri here: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/luang-por-thong-daeng-gallery⁠ Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Luang Por Thong Dang provides very comprehensive Dhamma Guidelines during a one day meditation retreat at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage. Luang Por explains various skillful means to develop Dāna, Sīla and Bhāvanā (Generosity, Virtue and Meditation). He encourages us to raise our heart to a higher cause, and to investigate the true nature of the present moment. As our podcast is directed at an English speaking audience, we have put the English translation by Ajahn Moshe at the beginning, right after the formal invitation to teach Dhamma and Luang Por paying homage to the Buddha. However, for the benefit of our Thai listeners (or Thai learners :), we have included the complete Thai version at the end, from 21:57 Photos from Luang Por Tongdaeng's visit to Dhammagiri here: ⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/luang-por-thong-daeng-gallery⁠ Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

The Buddha used the simile of a magic show for consciousness. In his time there were no movies yet, otherwise he may well have used watching movie or TV or Youtube as a simile. Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about how truly mindfully watching a film usually means that we can't 'enjoy' it anymore. The moment we're aware that this is not real, this is just pictures on a screen, this is artificially produced by actors and director and lighting arrangements and so on, we can't 'buy into it' any more. It's difficult to get frightened by the villian, cheer for the heroine, and hope for the cavallery to appear and save them all, if we conciouosly know this is only a movie produced by actors in a studio. Or imagine they were to zoom out of a romantic scene in moolight, to show you the surrounding studio, mics, lights, camera, prop-up and numerous people standing around. All emotional effect would immediately be lost. Similarly, if we observe the constructed nature of consciousness, how it arises based on contact of internal sense bases and external forms, sounds, fragrances, tasts, sensations and thoughts/ideas, we would lose or at least weaken our attachment to it. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

We hope for "Good Luck" and are worried that we may end up "unlucky". However, if we truly have confidence in the Buddha Dhamma, we know that there is actually no such thing as good or bad luck, there's only the results of Karma. Nothing happens just by chance, it's always the outcome of our intentional action. Usually a combination of the Karma from actions a long time ago, even several liftimes ago, plus our very recent actions. In fact, the influence of our actions right now means that the law of Karma is not a fatalist teaching. Karma doesn't mean that our future is totally determined, because we have the freedom to choose our course of action right now. We can't change what we have done in the past, but we can change how we respond to the results of our actions here and now in the present. If we experience hardship due to the karmic results of past unwholesome actions, we have to courses of action open how to respond: We may feel grumpy and react with anger and retaliate, thus creating the karmic causes for more suffering in the future Or we may react with patient endurance, equanimity, forgiveness, loving kindness and compassion, thus breaking the unwholesome cycle and creating the karmic causes for future happiness Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question about AI ('Artificial Intelligence'). He points out the most important difference between AI and a living human being, namely consciousness: Even the most sophisticated and 'intelligent' AI is not conscious, it's not a living being. A human being is more than the faculty of intellect. In particular, human beings can have a conscience, which AI completely lacks. Humans also have feelings, emotions. Humans can make decisions based on ethical standards, virtue and precepts they are committed to. AI doesn't have that ability. They can't feel compassion or loving kindness. Even in a dictatorship, human beings may decide not to follow orders, but to act according to their conscience and ethical considerations. They may be committed not to kill, even in war, even if their own wealth, health and life are endangered. Ajahn quotes several examples where single individuals, 'unsung heroes' who may be virtually unknown, have courageously acted against orders, solely based on their conscience, and prevented major bloodshed, and potentially even global nuclear war. On the other hand, once robots/AI are making decisions affecing real human beings, these decisions wouldn't be restrained by any kind of ethics, precepts, standards of virtue, or conscience. We should never allow that to occur, because ethics, compassion, loving kindness and conscience need to guide any decision making. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

The Buddha teaches a gradual training. Most beings are not ready yet to completely let go of everything and end the circle of Saṃsāra, the endless wheel of birth and death. First we can aim at improving our situation in Saṃsāra: By generosity and kindness By keeping precepts By having conviction in the efficacy of karma and the truth of rebirth We accumulate good karma that will lead to a fortunate rebirth as human of deva. Once we have secured that much, our mind is already purified to some extend, and we're now getting ready to end rebirth for good. Even the longest life in the most beautiful heavn is still impermanent. So we contemplate the five groups of clinging (pañcupādānakkhandhā) and the six internal and external sense spheres (saḷāyatana) as impermanent, disappointing and not me or mine or self, so that the heart can let go of them completely and experience awakening, the end of any form of existence, the total freedom of Nibbāna. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

When we respect and admire a person, like for example the Buddha, when we revere a certain quality, like wisdom or compassion, our mind will incline into that direction. We gradually condition ourselves to become similar to the person or quality that we respect and worship. The choice is ours, in which direction we wish to develop: If we respect and admire celebrities, sport, pop and music stars, we will gradually incline to the qulities they represent If we worship the Triple Gem, our mind will incline towards generosity, virtue, mindfulness, loving kindness and wisdom It does matter who's picture we put on our phone wallpaper, or on our walls at home. Let us choose wisely. Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Ajahn Dhammasiha shares some info about Luang Por Tongdaeng, who will visit Dhammagiri in three weeks time 23rd to 25th April, including a one day retreat on Sun 23/04. Luang Por is the abbot of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang near Chiang Mai. He was born in Sakon Nakhon Province in the Northeast of Thailand in August 1954. At the young age of 13 he ordained as a novice with Luang Por Wan Uttamo. Some time later, he trained in the monastery of Luang Por Waen, Wat Doi Mae Pang. After his full ordination as a bhikkhu, Luang Por Tongdaeng's most important teachers were Luang Por Prasit, and Luang Por Plien of Wat Aranyavivek. Ajahn Dhammasiha relates the story how Luang Por Pien was the first senior monk visiting Dhammagiri, only days after we had aquired the top section of our property, and how he made some amazingly accurate predictions about the future development of Dhammagiri. Ajahn Dhammasiha mentions that Luang Por Tongdaeng talked about reciting "Iti pi so Bhagavā..." a lot when he saw him last January to invite him to Dhammagiri. He actually said that "Iti pi so Bhagavā..." is the most powerful mantra of all. It is how the Buddha described his unique qualities himself, and they apply not only to our Buddha, but to all Buddhas whenever or wherever they arise. We can recieve great benefit from chanting "Iti pi so..." regularly and frequently, like e.g. 108 times in sequence. "Iti pi so Bhagavā Arahaṃ Sammā-sambuddho Vijjā-caraṇa-sampanno Sugato Lokavidū Anuttaro Purisa-damma-sārathi Satthā Deva-manussānaṃ Buddho Bhagavā ti" "He, the Blessed One, is indeed the Pure One, the Perfectly Enlightened One; He is impeccable in conduct and understanding, the Accomplished One, the Knower of the Worlds; He trains perfectly those who wish to be trained; he is Teacher of gods and humans; he is Awake and Holy" (English translation as in Amaravati Chanting Book) Our Podcast on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, just listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 ,

The Buddha himself explained that the highest form of puja is to practise the Dhamma in line with Dhamma. The same applies to any teacher I know of, they all appreciate most if their students take their teachings on board and actually practise them. We can use this fact to give us motivation to be more diligent in our meditatitve development. We reflect that by putting forth effort in our own bhāvanā: We offer a form of puja to the teacher far superior to any material offerings like flowers, incense and so on We express our gratitude in the form the teacher appreciates the most We provide the best possible motivation to the teacher to continue their difficult and demanding work in teaching, expounding, inspiring and encouraging students with Dhamma Our Podcast is now also available on our own Dhammagiri Website, no need for any special app, you can listen in any browser: https://www.dhammagiri.net/podcast More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .

Ajahn Dhammasiha points out how Luang Por Liem in his recent Dhamma talks interprets terms like 'Going Forth' ('Pabbajjā'), or 'Generosity/Giving' ('Cāga'), in a deeper, more profound sense. Usually Pabbajjā means ordination as a novice, going forth from the houselife into homelessness. But Luang Por takes it deeper by suggesting the meaning of going forth, moving away from everything unwholesome, abandoning mental defilements. Similar, he interprets 'Cāga' not just as giving something as an act of generosity, but suggests it means giving away, letting go of attachments, anger and craving. This generates a question from the audience: "What is the Result of Letting Go?" More about Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage: https://www.dhammagiri.net/news Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724 Our email Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive Our Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SHWfWEGkO8OAtSWNJlqyD Our Podcasts on Apple/itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dhammagiri-buddhist-podcasts/id1534539834 .