Dhamma-Vinaya Patipadā Podcast

This video is a sutta study evaluating whether the meditation method of intense focus on a single object, such as the breath, is recommended by the Buddha. It is a follow-up to the video “Is Meditation Only for Stream Enterers or Those Who Are Close?” In particular, it builds on the points made in that video—that the Buddha did teach the Satipaṭṭhānas to laypeople, and breath meditation is part of...

This Ovāda discusses how experienced practitioners can lose motivation in meditation and how to overcome it.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question (condensed and paraphrased)... 'Bhante, thank you for giving me the chance to clarify my thoughts in writing—it’s something I rarely do. When I refer to “‘the form (of the Satipatthanas) practiced’ today,” I mean the common methods most meditators now use, such as watching the breath for extended periods. I believe these approaches often address only the s...

This ovāda discusses different levels of refuge and their effectiveness.

A Dhamma Discussion based on the question... "if thinking of samsara as a process or activity; is nibanna the only process or possibility other than samsara? I'm trying to understand nibanna and whether it is an eternal, unchanging state of peaceful existence, or an eternal state of nothingness. If it's not either of these things, what else is it? And specifically, I'm trying to make sense of what...

This ovāda discusses the role of effort and endurance as foundational elements of practice.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Often during meditation, I continuously experience a dreamy type of state when old memories become vivid and captivating. There is a level of comfort and warmth to this, but also some unease as I feel it's a distraction from my main object. I do my best to pull my mind out of these experiences, but they usually continue to come back moments later withi...

This ovāda discusses the way that calm can arises if one perseveres beyond agitation in one's practice. It discusses how to see patterns in what gives rise to states of calm vs states of agitation. It also discusses how to use that knowledge to gain the confidence to step forward in one's practice and into the unknown.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I'm curious to confirm if the bliss referred to (as that which may lie behind the perception of mind), is that which is referred to in the Pali as *piti*. Often the English term "bliss" may be generally (mis)interpreted as intensely pleasurable feeling, like some hugely pleasant esctatic sensation.....perhaps like an overwhelmingly pleasant and long la...

An ovāda based on the Dhammapada verse: All compounded things are impermanent When with wisdom this is seen (One) develops dispassion for the world This is the path to purity

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Bhante, can you please explain how anapanasati can develop insight or discernment, or to removal of the defilements? Do you think that the modern variations of mindfulness of breathing can lead to the same "great fruits and great benefits" as how the Buddha taught it?"

This ovāda discusses how overly-simplified and pre-planned paths of practice can be a hindrance

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "How do you balance practicing metta and asubha meditation?"

The ovāda touches on the extraordinary accomplishments of the foreign monks of the Island Hermitage in Sri Lanka. Using their examples, It discusses how practice can become powerful when all the aspects of life become turned towards the Dhamma.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I have a question about doubt in the practice. When I first started practicing I was quite enamored with (a certain monk's) work. I still am to a degree but after learning about the conflict of views between him and (another monk) in regards to ... "not self strategy". This back and forth writing of essays refuting each other's views has created a lot...

This ovāda discusses the role of patience, balance, and investigation in Buddhist practice.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I am struggling to control my anger in certain circumstances. I am able to control most of the time, however when certain situations arise in the family sometimes it becomes hard and I lose my temper. Despite my efforts in meditation, I feel like I have made little progress in this aspect of reducing anger. I would like some practical advice on how can...

This ovāda discusses the five topics for frequent recollection. In particular, it focuses on the reflection: "All that is mine, beloved, and pleasing will become otherwise; it will become separated from me." It explores how contemplating separation can serve as a path that leads beyond separation.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I wanted to share something interesting that happened and ask for clarifications. "Recently I've been having lots of dreams where in the dream I am doing chanting, meditating and in one dream I was paying respects to (a Venerable)... In another dream, I dreamt about another Buddhist monk from Romania... The dreams were very clear, detailed and I can re...

This ovāda discusses the seeming paradox of how the intense application of effort in practice can lead to almost immediate peace and ease.

Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I’ve recently come across a post by (a Venerable)... that has raised some concerns for me. In the post, he describes a growing “ultra-right extremist Buddhism” and characterizes a broad range of views—including "incel culture, anti-feminism, vaccine skepticism, fans of Jordan Peterson, opposition to bhikkhuni ordination, transphobia, homophobia, and clim...

This ovāda discusses the importance of staying in the present moment to give strength to one's practice.

A Dhamma discussion based on the questions... 1. How do you get rid of arrogance? 2. How can you practice to be more humble? 3. How can you avoid feeling condescending toward people who are less spiritual?

This talk discusses the ways in which concentration and insight practices complement one another and when to switch between them

A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... "I've had an experience where I just see things arising and passing away, but I don't know how to cross beyond that. Do you have any advice?"