Clear Mountain Monastery Project

You can find the guided death meditation referenced in the Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tTAidK4aK9U?si=kwEvgYTE8u1Ct0KV&t=1310 In this Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho answers question regarding the effect of the final moment before death on rebirth, Buddhist last sacraments, the nature of the citta, the relationship of metta and emptiness, and more! -------- Tune in with fellow pr...

In this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Bhante Rahula, joining from Paññābhūmi Monastery in Guadalajara, Mexico ( https://www.bhanterahula.com/), answer a wealth of questions, including if grief is a Buddhist emotion, how to use self-acceptance to counteract aversion, and how to deal with boredom. Bhante Rāhula Bio Bhante Rāhula was born in Mexico. Originally a musician and composer by profession, he l...

In this talk, Ajahh Nisabho speaks to how we can approach the political upheavals of the modern world with loving-kindness. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)...

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview renowned Buddhist teacher Roshi Joan Halifax about her path to Buddhism, finding "compassion in the charnel ground" of the world, balancing compassion towards oneself and towards others, the difference between healthy and unhealthy empathy, and many other subjects. It was a joy! To learn more, visit https://www.joanhalifax.org/ and https:...

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/ We found land! These video updates serve to keep Clear Mountain's wider community informed about the ongoing process of Due Diligence—a 3 month period, ending March 22, 2026, where where we assess if the land is suitable for a monastery and the community gathers in support. Please feel free to dedicate the goodness of your practice towards the realizati...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the "Ten Subjects For Frequent Recollection" (AN 10.48 - Amaravati Chanting book page 57 - https://suttacentral.net/an10.48/en/sujato?lang=en AND https://cdn.amaravati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/30/Chanting-Book-Vol-1-Web.pdf): 1) ‘I am no longer living according to worldly aims and values.’ 2) ‘My very life is sustained through the gifts of others.’...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview James Baraz about his extensive meditation experience, his passion for climate and engagement, and his teachings on awakening joy in the face of difficulty. To learn more about James' work, and upcoming "Awakening Joy" course, visit https://www.awakeningjoy.info/. Biography of James Baraz: James Baraz has been a meditation teacher since 197...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Santikaro Upāsaka, student and translator of Ajahn Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu and international Dhamma teacher for over 35 years. In this conversation, Santikaro discusses his time living with and translating for Ajahn Buddhadāsa, the scope of saṃsāra, the reality or rebirth, Santikaro's experiences with cancer (twice!), the importance of people of...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Willa Thaniya and Eliza Day about their key moments of faith which guided them to the path, using Dhamma to deal with heartbreak and loss, stories of devas and the supernatural, the Dhamma of Gestalt therapy, and more. To learn more, visit https://kihikihi-meditation-yoga.org/ . Bio Both Willa Thāniyā Reid and Elizabeth Day were trained in...

In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho describe the 10 pāramis, or spiritual perfections, as priorities for the New Year. In these qualities, we find a rich language to describe the growth of heart daily practice brings.. The Pāramī include: 1) Generosity — Dāna; 2) Morality — Sīla; 3) Renunciation — Nekkhamma; 4) Discernment or Wisdom – Paññā 5) Energy —Viriya; 6) Patience — Khanti; 7) Trut...

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about using the traditional eight Tibetan Mind Training verses ( https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/geshe-langri-thangpa/eight-verses-training-mind) to relinquish the self and find the deeper peace of humility. Eight Verses of Training the Mind by Geshe Langri Thangpa 1. By thinking of all sentient beings As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel Fo...

In this roundtable discussion, Ajahn Kovilo and Nisabho speak with Doug Smith (of Doug's Dharma YouTube channel) and Jon Aaron - the cohosts of Diggin' the Dharma. The conversation touched on themes Secular Buddhism vs Traditional Buddhism, the sacred, belief in rebirth, saddhā (faith), Mundane Right View vs Transcendent Right View, attachment to views, and much more! To learn more about Diggin' t...

Land Page: https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/ Full Land Reveal Video: https://youtu.be/8z4kwFzSyzU In this presentation, Kim Tull-Esterbrook, President of Friends of Clear Mountain, and Steve Wilhelm, Vice-President, speak about what a forest monastery could mean for the Pacific Northwest, and how those who are inspired can help this happen. 00:00 - Steve Wilhelm, Vice President, on the...

In this short session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces the concept of a "vihāra-dhamma," a tool for sustaining the heart, asking: What is your "Vihāra Dhamma"? Your way to home? Your abiding principle? Also highlighted is the Sutta on the Highest Blessings ( https://www.abhayagiri.org/reflections/131-mangala-sutta) as a wise checklist for evaluating one's 2025 and for planning into one's 2026. The Maṅgala...

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/ 00:00 - Beginning 2:00 - Thai Forest Tradition (Roots) 4:46 - Clear Mountain's goals 7:10 - Clear Mountain's phased plan 13:31 - Introducing Friends of Clear Mountain Board 18:35 - The story of Clear Mountain 29:00 - Searching for land 33:25 - Potential land in North Bend! 38:05 - Team, Due Diligence process, and steps going forward 45:25 - How you can...

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the power of developing the four brahmavihārā (divine abodes), of mettā (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (rejoicing), and upekkhā (equipoise). By constantly invoking these skillful emotions, we create a breadth of heart which can hold all beings and lead to liberation. ---- Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online a...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Joseph Goldstein about his perspectives on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta ( https://suttacentral.net/mn10/en/sujato?lang=en&) and elaborated upon in his book "Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening." The conversation touches on Joseph's personal relationships with his teachers and peers Anag...

In this talk, Ayya Suvijjana and Ayya Niyyanika speak about the 4 aspects of sati-sampajañña, or mindfulness and clear comprehension, outlined in the commentarial teachings. By considering actions in terms of purpose, suitability, domain, and non-confusion, we can see reality more clearly, and let go of ignorance. To learn more about Ayya Suvijjānā & Ayya Niyyānika, visit www.passaddhivihara.o...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Venerable Chandaratana about Ven. Matara Srī Ñāṇārāma Maha Thero, the way of practice at Na Uyana and Nissarana Vanaya Forest Monasteries, the practice of the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness, finding joy in meditation, the benefits of memorizing Pāḷi, and more. Learn more about Ven. Chandaratana at https://www.nissarana.lk/ Ven. Chandaratana's...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about several Buddhist triads: - 1) radical introversion; 2) radical extroversion; and 3) the Middle Way - 1) interoception; 2) proprioception/kinesthesia; 3) exteroception - 1) Buddha; 2) Dhamma; and 3) Saṅgha.d And proposes a "Nine Breath Challenge" - taking one minute to recite the 3-fold refuge: Breaths #1-3) "Bud-dhaṃ sara-ṇaṃ gacchā-mi." OR "To-Buddha for...

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Zen meditation teacher and founder of Awakening Dharma, Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi. Subjects discussed include the Pau Auk meditation system, techniques for deepening jhāna, and the concepts of Cessation, Awakening, and the Deathless across Zen and Theravāda traditions. To learn more about Mugen Roshi, visit https://awakeningdharma.org/. B...

In this session, Ven. Thubten Chodron, founder of Sravasti Abbey, visits Clear Mountain's Saturday gathering and shares insights into the self-centered mind and how not to fall for its tricks. Sharing insights from nearly 50 years in robes, she speaks about how we can learn to consider others' wellbeing as of equal importance to our own, and cultivate a heart as broad as the world. Also included:...

This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's interview with Sam Harris. Watch PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/cYamzDDJR8w?si=v5O0YrlBS0zT7g9r 00:00:07 Introduction 00:01:30 The Details of Sam's spiritual biography & the paradox of meaning? 00:19:49 Who else was on the trip with Sam to see Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche? 00:26:22 What preliminaries enabled the Dzogchen pointing out instruction to be effective?...

In this talk, Bhante Sumitta, joining Clear Mountain on a special occasion with 13 other monastics, speaks about the power of mettā, or loving-kindness, in developing the 11 benefits described by the Buddha in the Mettā Sutta (AN 11.15 - https://suttacentral.net/an11.15/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin). Apart from helpin...

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Sam Harris. Watch PART TWO on Wednesday, Nov. 26th. 00:00:07 Introduction 00:01:50 Is it okay to choose what one takes from Buddhism? 00:12:25 Is Sam a Buddhist? What is Sam's relationship to faith in the Triple Gem? 00:30:03 Faith in the Sangha? Is there value in living a monastic life? 00:43:02 The advantages of monastic baldness and robes? 00:...