Clear Mountain Monastery Project

40 Episodes
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By: Clear Mountain Monastery

Dharma talks from monastics at Clear Mountain, an aspiring Buddhist Forest monastery in the greater Seattle area. The Forest Tradition represents a return to the simple way of life taught by the Buddha. Monastics aspire to live as the early disciples did: dwelling in the forest, studying the teachings, and devoting themselves to meditation. To learn more, visit https://wwww.clearmountain.org.

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We All Bow to Something: Adhiṭṭhāna, Vows, & the Architecture of Aspiration | Ajahn Nisabho
We All Bow to Something: Adhiṭṭhāna, Vows, & the Architecture of Aspiration | Ajahn Nisabho episode artwork
Last Sunday at 1:34 AM

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks the importance in practice of directing attention and intention to shape our path and experience. The word "adhiṭṭāna" ("determination" or "vow") describes such training, as does the Buddha's frequent admonishment to his discples, "Evañhi vo … sikkhitabbaṃ" ("Thus you should train yourselves...").


Some Suttas where the Buddha speaks about this setting of intention include the Mahāgosiṅga Sutta (MN 32 - https://suttacentral.net/mn32/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false), AN 2.5 (https://suttacentral.net/an2.5/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none¬es=asterisk&hi...


How to Laugh First: Renunciate ProTips for Beautiful Breaths & Truckloads of Bliss | Ajahn Brahm Q&A
How to Laugh First: Renunciate ProTips for Beautiful Breaths & Truckloads of Bliss | Ajahn Brahm Q&A episode artwork
Last Thursday at 1:00 AM

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Brahm, abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery (https://bswa.org/). The discussion delves into Ajahn's path to ordination, advice for achieving deep samādhi, thoughts on Stream Entry, stories of devas, tales of Luang Por Chah, and more.


00:00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:00:27 Humor in Meditation and Teaching

00:01:50 Key Moments and Faith leading to Ordination

00:02:43 Joining the Cambridge University Buddhist Society

00:05:15 Psychic Research and Hunting Ghosts

00:07:18 The Impact of Deep Meditative Experiences


The Buddha’s Blueprint for Wellbeing: It’s Not Just For Buddhist | Ajahn Kovilo
The Buddha’s Blueprint for Wellbeing: It’s Not Just For Buddhist | Ajahn Kovilo episode artwork
08/02/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the Four Noble Truths and the Discourse on Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma in honor of Āsāḷha Pūjā.


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)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)


See https://ww...


Q&A: Perceiving Nibbāna, Bodhisattvas vs. Arahants, & Can Laypeople Attain Jhāna? | CM Monks
Q&A: Perceiving Nibbāna, Bodhisattvas vs. Arahants, & Can Laypeople Attain Jhāna? | CM Monks episode artwork
07/30/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho celebrate Āsāḷha Pūjā by speaking about the Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma Sutta (SN 56.11 - Dhammacakkappavattanasutta), and its articulation of the Four Noble Truths. They they take questions dealing with topics ranging from the difference between Bodhisattvas and Arahants, to the nature of Nibbāna, to the benefits of memorization. Sadhu!


An article by Ajahn Kovilo on memorizing long Dhamma may be found here: https://www.clearmountain.org/2020/08/01/article-a-fun-way-to-memorize-long-dhamma-with-a-special-focus-on-the-dhammapada/


A recording and text for chanting the Set...


”There Won’t Be a Second”: A Devotional to Luang Por Sumedho, the Most Ordinary Human | Ajahn Vinita
”There Won’t Be a Second”: A Devotional to Luang Por Sumedho, the Most Ordinary Human | Ajahn Vinita episode artwork
07/26/2026

In this session, Ajahn Vinita, longtime attendant and student of Luang Por Sumedho, speaks with deep devotional warmth and sweetness about his affection and love for his teacher, the "simplest, most ordinary human" he's ever met. The talk, given on the Saturday preceding Luang Por Sumedho's 93rd birthday, is made especially poignant in that it was given at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral where Luang Por served as alter boy while growing up in Seattle.


Ajahn Vinita Biography:

Born in Sri Lanka, Ajahn Vinitha ordained as a novice at age 17 in...


The Miraculous Nature of the Ordinary: A Daylong Retreat on Gratitude | Bhante Rahula
The Miraculous Nature of the Ordinary: A Daylong Retreat on Gratitude | Bhante Rahula episode artwork
07/23/2026

Gratitude Retreat Part 1: https://youtu.be/Bs-ymolbjqs


In this second portion of the daylong gratitude retreat given in June of 2026, Bhante Rahula speaks about the essential practice of cultivating gratitude for the blessings in our life, and the blessings we give to others. Such recollections represent a great support in practice, and our lives, and can be cultivated through practical means. Bring a pen and paper! Special thanks to Luis Navarro (Memo) for inserting the wonderful visuals. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com.


Bio

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What Do You Want to Do with the Time You Have Left? The Radical Courage of Practice | Bhante Rahula
What Do You Want to Do with the Time You Have Left? The Radical Courage of Practice | Bhante Rahula episode artwork
07/18/2026

Gratitude Retreat Part 2: https://youtu.be/RJ1mAYVhJ-Y


In this first talk of the daylong gratitude retreat given in June of 2026, Bhante Rahula speaks about how to use practice to take stock of our moment in life, and use it skillfully to cleanse the mind and heart. To learn more, visit www.bhanterahula.com.


Bio

Bhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar b...


Billionaires Crying All Night, Because They Don’t Understand Dukkha | Luang Por Damrong Siribaddho
Billionaires Crying All Night, Because They Don’t Understand Dukkha | Luang Por Damrong Siribaddho episode artwork
07/17/2026

00:00 Intro & THAI Part-1: On Merit, Meditation, Impermanence, and Karma

15:10 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-1

24:25 Question: Expressing Gratitude and Asking About Sitting Together

25:24 Ayya Anandabodhi Gratitude and Luang Por Damrong Sucitto Response

29:43 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-2

32:38 Question: Requesting a Monastic Blessing


In this talk, Luang Por Damrong Siribadaddho, one of the most senior disciples of Ajahn Chah, teaches that material wealth and physical health are impermanent, urging the community to find true happiness by cultivating inner peace through generosity, morality, and meditation. <...


The Warrior Practice of Nooks & Crannies: A Wholehearted Guide to ”Korwat” | Ajahn Nyaniko Q&A
The Warrior Practice of Nooks & Crannies: A Wholehearted Guide to ”Korwat” | Ajahn Nyaniko Q&A episode artwork
07/16/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will be interviewing Ajahn Nyaniko—abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery in California—about the Thai Forest methods of training the heart as found in the teachings of Luang Por Chah, Luang Por Baen, and in his own experience leading a monastic community of sincere seekers. The interview is organized around the teachings and "korwat" (monastic training protocols) found in the book "The Way Forward" by Luang Por Baen (as translated by Ajahn Nyaniko). "Training Thai Style"

- pdf of "The Way Forward": https://dn710703.ca.archive.org/0/items/TheWayForwardLuangPorBaen/The%20Way%20Forward%20-%20...


Life is Just Breath... Yet Sooo Many Problems! | Luang Por Damrong Sucitto
Life is Just Breath... Yet Sooo Many Problems! | Luang Por Damrong Sucitto episode artwork
07/14/2026

00:00 Intro and THAI Part-1: On Taking Precepts

07:13 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-1

10:28 THAI Part-2: Main Talk

21:47 ENGLISH TRANSLATION Part-2


In this talk, Luang Por Damrong Sucitto, one of the most senior disciples of Ajahn Chah, speaks about the importance of keeping sīla, or virtue, and of finding the deeper truths of the heart through observing the breath.


Bio

Luang Por Damrong Sucitto (หลวงพ่อดำรงค์ สุจิตโต - พระครูภาวนาสารคุณ)

Luang Por Damrong Sucitto (Phra Khru Bhāvanāsāraguṇa), direct disciple of Luang Por Chah and monk for over 50 years, is abbot of Wa...


Drunk on Life: Seeing Ducks as Chickens & Life as Flickerless Flame | Luang Por Jundee
Drunk on Life: Seeing Ducks as Chickens & Life as Flickerless Flame | Luang Por Jundee episode artwork
07/11/2026

00:00:00 THAI - Luang Por Jandee on Three Types of Drunkenness

00:15:46 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

00:32:40 Q1 - Practicing Right View as a layperson

00:33:31 THAI - Right View

00:34:36 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

00:36:08 THAI - Luang Por Chah on Right View

00:36:44 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

00:37:48 Q2 - Cultivating good health vs. getting drunk on health

00:39:06 THAI - Good Health

00:41:03 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

00:42:38 Q3 - A surprising teaching from Luang Por Chah

00:43:31 THAI - Surprising Teaching
<...


Relationship Advice from Two Celibate Monks: Seclusion without Delusion | Aj. Kovilo & Aj. Nisabho
Relationship Advice from Two Celibate Monks: Seclusion without Delusion | Aj. Kovilo & Aj. Nisabho episode artwork
07/09/2026

In this Q&A session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss seclusion of body (kāya-viveka) and seclusion of mind (citta-viveka), how to apply the fourth establishment of mindfulness (mindfulness of dhammas) in meditation, ways of dealing with aversion, skillful means of nonviolent communication, and the benefits of retreat versus stays at monasteries.


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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!


- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Medit...


All the Pendence! Independence, Interdependence, Co-Dependence, & Dependence | Ajahn Kovilo
All the Pendence! Independence, Interdependence, Co-Dependence, & Dependence | Ajahn Kovilo episode artwork
07/04/2026

In this talk—given on July 4th, 2026—Ajahn Kovilo speaks about dependence (nissaya, paccaya), interdependence (aññāmaññapaccaya), and independence (anissita) in their various Theravāda Buddhist contexts.


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)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)


See https://www.clearmountainm...


The Interbeing of Nun and All: A Joyful, Engaged Life with Thich Nhat Hanh | Kaira Jewel Lingo Q&A
The Interbeing of Nun and All: A Joyful, Engaged Life with Thich Nhat Hanh | Kaira Jewel Lingo Q&A episode artwork
07/02/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Kaira Jewel Lingo, teacher, author, and former nun whose work integrates the traditions of Zen and Vipassana with a focus on social, racial, and environmental justice (http://www.kairajewel.com/).

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:38 Discussion on the dichotomy of softness and directness in teaching

00:02:35 Personal history: Growing up in spiritual and international communities

00:03:05 Key moments leading to Buddhist faith and ordination

00:07:41 The search for spiritual community after leaving childhood home

00:08:22 First encounter with Plum...


An Engineer’s Guide to Buddhism: A Google Acts of Peace & Joy on Demand | Chade-Meng Tan Q&A
An Engineer’s Guide to Buddhism: A Google Acts of Peace & Joy on Demand | Chade-Meng Tan Q&A episode artwork
06/29/2026

In this interview, Ahahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with early Google engineer and author Chade-Meng Tan (https://chademeng.com/). He is also the founder of Buddhism.net (https://buddhism.net/).


00:01:21 Meng's early life and path to Buddhism

00:06:21 Integrating Buddhist inspiration into Google

00:16:15 Scaling transformation and transcendence in society

00:23:15 The accessibility of joy and its training methods

00:32:42 Inspiring spiritual depth in world and business leaders

00:40:21 Meditation strategies for computer programmers

00:45:27 Corporate management principles for monastic...


Five Recollections to Counter Intoxication With Youth, Health, & Life | Ajahn Kovilo
Five Recollections to Counter Intoxication With Youth, Health, & Life | Ajahn Kovilo episode artwork
06/28/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about bringing loving-awareness and creativity to one's practice of the Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection:

1) "I am of the nature to age. I have not gone beyond aging."

2) "I am of the nature to sicken. I have not gone beyond sickness."

3) "I am of the nature to die. I have not gone beyond dying."

4) "All that is mine, beloved and pleasing, will become otherwise, will become separated from me."

5) "I am the owner of my kamma, heir to...


Fantastic Monastics! | Ayya Niyyānika, Ajahn Pandit, Ajahn Cunda, Bhante Rāhula, & Maechee Paññāsiri
Fantastic Monastics! | Ayya Niyyānika, Ajahn Pandit, Ajahn Cunda, Bhante Rāhula, & Maechee Paññāsiri episode artwork
06/26/2026

In this series of five talks given on June 20 for Clear Mountain's fourth annual Almsgiving Ceremony, we hear from 5 monastics:

00:00:00 - Ayya Niyyānika on how practice begins now, rather than when the monastery is finished;

00:02:45 - Ajahn Pandit on the story of Anaruddha, and the relentlessness of worldly life;

00:09:38 Ajahn Cunda on the wisdom of finishing work internally every day;

00:13:43 Bhante Rāhula on the joy of seeing the four Buddhist communities gathered together;

00:19:15 Maechee Paññāsiri on how a monastery is a mirro...


The Dhamma of Asking Questions: Deep Listening Advice From A Professional Interviewer | Steve James
The Dhamma of Asking Questions: Deep Listening Advice From A Professional Interviewer | Steve James episode artwork
06/25/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Steve James, meditation teacher & host of the Guru Viking Podcast (https://www.guruviking.com/).

00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:01:32 Formative faith moments and vocation

00:06:18 Life on an English canal boat

00:08:40 The rhythm of travel and interviewing

00:10:59 Interviewing the same guest over time

00:14:20 Most moving and luminous conversations

00:17:21 Handling negative reactivity in conversation

00:22:24 Balancing internal and external awareness

00:23:50 Advice for engaging with teachers and mentors
<...


”Beware of the Perfect Monastery”: From Spiritual Idealism to Spiritual Realism | Ajahn Sudanto
”Beware of the Perfect Monastery”: From Spiritual Idealism to Spiritual Realism | Ajahn Sudanto episode artwork
06/21/2026

In this talk given on June 20 on the occasion of Clear Mountain's fourth annual Almsgiving Ceremony, Ajahn Sudanto—abbot of The Pacific Hermitage in White Salmon, WA—speaks about moving past the initial "romantic phase" of spiritual life into a resilient commitment. Celebrating Clear Mountain Monastery's new land, he warns that longing for flawless conditions is a delusion, reminding us that true practice requires anchoring faith with determination, rising above liking and disliking to weather the inevitable ups and downs of the journey. For more information about Ajahn Sudanto and the Pacific Hermitage, visit: https://pacifichermitage.org/


Uncompromising Attunement: Navigating Hellish, Hungry, & Exalted Realms & Places | Ayyā Ānandabodhī
Uncompromising Attunement: Navigating Hellish, Hungry, & Exalted Realms & Places | Ayyā Ānandabodhī episode artwork
06/20/2026

In this talk given on June 20 on the occasion of Clear Mountain's fourth annual Almsgiving Ceremony, Ayya Ānandabodhi—abbess of Pārāyana Vihara in Port Townsend, WA—speaks about the joy of spiritual community, the danger of letting an untethered mind wander into modern-day 'hell realms,' and how to anchor ourselves in the present moment through the dual foundations of ethical living (sīla) and somatic awareness of the breath. For more information about Ayya Ānandabodhī or Pārāyana Vihara, visit: https://parayanavihara.org/


Ayya Ānandabodhī's bio:

Ayya Ānandab...


Interested & Excited: Gardening the Heart & Tooling Up Your Cultivation | Ajahn Cunda
Interested & Excited: Gardening the Heart & Tooling Up Your Cultivation | Ajahn Cunda episode artwork
06/14/2026

In this session, Ajahn Cunda—Abhayagiri-ordained senior monk and good friend of Ajahns Kovilo and Nisabho—speaks about cultivation as a garden and a tool kit ... and how to use a shovel and washing machine!


Ajahn Cunda's Bio:

Ajahn Cunda was raised in a warm and loving family in the Northern suburbs of Chicago and moved to California in 1996. His interest in Buddhism began in high school, continued in college, led him on a spiritual search to Asia, and eventually drew him towards Theravāda meditation practices. It was not until...


The Hard Knox of Metta: How to Survive Prison, Forgive Your Prosecutor, & Love Anyone | Amanda Knox
The Hard Knox of Metta: How to Survive Prison, Forgive Your Prosecutor, & Love Anyone | Amanda Knox episode artwork
06/09/2026

In this interview, Ajahn Nisabho speaks with Amanda Knox, who was falsely convicted of murder in 2009, about her journey to find meaning in prison and forgiveness afterwards. The conversation delves into Amanda's practice of meditation, loving-kindness (metta), and advice for those struggling to forgive.


Bio

Amanda Knox is an exoneree, journalist, public speaker, author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, Waiting to Be Heard, and host of the podcast Hard Knox. Her second book, FREE: My Search for Meaning came out in 2025. Between 2007 and 2015, she spent nearly four years...


What’s to Give Light Must Endure Burning…& Mayo? A Mai-Nai/Uncertain Sandwich | CMM & Ven. Paññāsiri
What’s to Give Light Must Endure Burning…& Mayo? A Mai-Nai/Uncertain Sandwich | CMM & Ven. Paññāsiri episode artwork
06/07/2026

In this three-way talk, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and Maechee Paññasiri speak about the Three Characteristics/Perceptions (tilakkhaṇa), or perceptions:

00:00:00 Introduction & Ajahn Kovilo on Dukkhatā - Pain/Suffering/Unsatisfactoriness

00:11:58 Maechee Paññāsiri on Anattatā - Not-Self

00:27:51 Ajahn Nisabho on Aniccatā - Impermanence

00:43:14 Questions and Answers

By contemplating these skillfully, one can bring the heart to full liberation. The talk also features a surprising number of references to mayonnaise.


Maechee Paññāsirī's Biography:

Sister Maechee...


Stanford Scholar on the Conceits & Blind Spots of Every Form of Buddhism | Prof. Paul Harrison Q&A
Stanford Scholar on the Conceits & Blind Spots of Every Form of Buddhism | Prof. Paul Harrison Q&A episode artwork
06/04/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Paul Harrison, professor of religious studies at Stanford University (https://religiousstudies.stanford.edu/people/paul-harrison).

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:23 Balancing academic scholarship and personal spiritual practice

00:04:09 Exploring the spiritual dimension of studying Buddhist texts

00:05:55 How early Mahayana Buddhism emerged

00:08:56 The timeline and setting where Mahayana began to diverge

00:12:54 Explanation of the Lokaksema Corpus and early ascetic Mahayana traditions

00:15:21 The cultural motivations and societal forces that drove the Mahayana movement

00:18:11...


Awakening is Devastating: Death, Dhamma, & Diamond-Cut Wisdom from White Robes | Maechee Paññāsirī
Awakening is Devastating: Death, Dhamma, & Diamond-Cut Wisdom from White Robes | Maechee Paññāsirī episode artwork
05/31/2026

In this talk, Maechee Paññasiri, visiting from Thailand, speaks about the urgency and profundity of the path of practice, and how the mundane moments of life, such as washing a robe, can catalyze the deepest insights. By purifying our sila (virtue) and relying on spiritual friends, we can see what stains remain in the heart and devote ourselves to their purification. When we understand the truth of mortality, only one task remains: that of Awakening.


Maechee Paññāsirī's Biography:

Sister Maechee Panyasiri is a Chinese-born, Thai forest nun in the...


Making Mountains of Merit Amidst Mounting Madness: Shedding Light on Group Karma | Ajahn Achalo Q&A
Making Mountains of Merit Amidst Mounting Madness: Shedding Light on Group Karma | Ajahn Achalo Q&A episode artwork
05/28/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Ajahn Achalo, abbot and founder of Ānandagiri Monastery in Pechabun, Thailand (https://www.peacebeyondsuffering.org/)

00:00:00 Welcome and introduction of Ajahn Achalo

00:01:27 Connection with the local village and global uncertainty

00:07:53 Advice for navigating dark or distressing times

00:08:36 Internal practices for holding the heart in a good space

00:13:06 Correlation between renunciation and letting go of hindrances

00:16:43 Contemplating the law of karma during difficult periods

00:19:38 Skillful means for brightening an anxious o...


True Safety in the Bravest of Spaces | Ayya Niyyānika
True Safety in the Bravest of Spaces | Ayya Niyyānika episode artwork
05/23/2026

In this session, Ayya Niyyānika explores how we can discover true inner security and cultivate a 'smiling heart' of endless kindness, even when navigating an overwhelming and messy world. Grounding in the Maṅgala Sutta, they challenge us to move beyond the illusion of perfectly guaranteed external 'safe spaces' and instead build brave communities where we can hold our vulnerabilities, challenges, and identities with wisdom and curiosity.


Ayya Niyyanika's Biography:

Ayya Niyyānika grew up on Whidbey Island, Washington, and worked as an ontology consultant in Minnesota before entering mona...


New & Ancient Rules of Relationship: Advice from a Therapist & Two Celibate Monks | Terry Real Q&A
New & Ancient Rules of Relationship: Advice from a Therapist & Two Celibate Monks | Terry Real Q&A episode artwork
05/14/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Terry Real, therapist, author, and creator of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) (https://terryreal.com/).

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:49 Coming out of the closet as a long-term meditator

00:04:46 Three parts of the brain and the psyche in RLT

00:05:42 Explaining the survival instincts of fight, flight, and fawn

00:06:22 Defining the "wounded child" and the nature of trauma

00:07:18 The role and function of the "adaptive child"

00:08:40 How trauma triggers reactivity in current relationships
<...


Weathered Maturity: A Jagged, Holistic Life At the Center of the Edge of the World | Ajahn Sukhito
Weathered Maturity: A Jagged, Holistic Life At the Center of the Edge of the World | Ajahn Sukhito episode artwork
05/14/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Sukhito, Israeli-born abbot of Poo Jom Gom Forest Monastery in Ubon, Thailand and (https://ketkamala.org/).

00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction of Tan Ajahn Sukito

00:00:26 Biography: Early Life and Journey to Buddhism

00:01:04 Service at Wat Phu Chong Gom and the Gamala Foundation

00:01:38 Personal Connection and Reflections on Practice

00:02:27 Ajahn Sukito’s Experience in Northern India

00:04:21 Favorite Suttas and Precious Teachings

00:07:07 The Five Faculties as a Framework for Life

...


(Almost) Effortless Mindfulness for Effortful Skeptics: A Savory Same-Taste Sandwich | Loch Kelly
(Almost) Effortless Mindfulness for Effortful Skeptics: A Savory Same-Taste Sandwich | Loch Kelly episode artwork
05/13/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Loch Kelly - meditation teacher, author, and founder of the Effortless Mindfulness Institute (https://lochkelly.org/).

00:00:00 Introduction to Loch Kelly

00:02:14 Introduction to Effortless Mindfulness for Theravāda Listeners

00:12:14 Mapping Effortless Mindfulness to Samādhi and the Unborn

00:14:12 Resonance of Loch's Teachings with the Theravāda Tradition

00:19:40 Defining "Glimpses" and "Local Awareness"

00:27:35 Experiencing a Glimpse: What is the Nature of this Awareness?

00:29:03 Understanding the Capabilities of Local Awareness

0...


A Heart-shaking Life of Extraordinary Genius: The Historical & Human Buddha | Ajahn Nisabho
A Heart-shaking Life of Extraordinary Genius: The Historical & Human Buddha | Ajahn Nisabho episode artwork
05/09/2026

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho recounts the Buddha's life and Enlightenment, emphasing both his relatability as a historical figure who lived 2500 years ago, and the transcendent aspect which we can contact today. By more deeply understanding his humanity, we understand that we too have the potential to Awaken as he did.

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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 P...


Hey Ego! The Trees Don’t Care: Heartwood Forest Dhamma | A. Anandabodhi, A. Niyyanika, Tan Tejassi
Hey Ego! The Trees Don’t Care: Heartwood Forest Dhamma | A. Anandabodhi, A. Niyyanika, Tan Tejassi episode artwork
05/03/2026

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)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)


See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!


Clash of the Titans of Translation: The Buddha Across Language, Tradition, Time, AI | Ajahn Brahmali
Clash of the Titans of Translation: The Buddha Across Language, Tradition, Time, AI | Ajahn Brahmali episode artwork
04/30/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Brahmali, elder monk at Bodhinyana Monastery, advisor to the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (https://bswa.org/), and frequent contributor to and translator at SuttaCentral.net.


Biography of Ajahn Brahmali:

Ajahn Brahmali was born in Norway in 1964. He first became interested in Buddhism and meditation in his early 20s after a visit to Japan. Having completed degrees in engineering and finance, he began his monastic training in England at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries. After hearing teachings from Ajahn Brahm...


A Buddhist Response to Artificial Intelligence: A Nuanced Perspective | Randima Fernando Q&A
A Buddhist Response to Artificial Intelligence: A Nuanced Perspective | Randima Fernando Q&A episode artwork
04/30/2026

In this session, Randima Fernando, co-founder of Center for Humane Technology (https://www.humanetech.com/) joins Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho for a conversation.


Randima's Biography:

Randima has presented on the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and social impact to the world’s leading technology companies, NGOs, and government agencies. He is a Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Center for Humane Technology, which has helped over 100 million people globally understand the harms of extractive technology through the documentary film The Social Dilemma, the podcast Your Undivided Attention, and many other in...


FAQ/Q&A: How Clear? Which Mountain? Monastery What? | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
FAQ/Q&A: How Clear? Which Mountain? Monastery What? | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho episode artwork
04/27/2026

https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery

https://youtu.be/ElxEuHRiolI

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/


In this talk, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about the long-term vision for Clear Mountain, as well as the timeline and immediate steps towards its realization. Addressing frequently asked questions and comments from the audience, the session describes the process for creating a refuge of Dhamma in the Northwest on the newly acquired land.


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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear...


Sacred Boredom: Unhooking, Enoughness, and The Path of Getting Better at Happiness | Ajahn Kovilo
Sacred Boredom: Unhooking, Enoughness, and The Path of Getting Better at Happiness | Ajahn Kovilo episode artwork
04/26/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about Nibbidā - disenchantment, disillusionment, and enoughness as one practices the path at getting better at pleasure, happiness, and peace.


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)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)


See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or v...


Theatre~Forest~Prison: Wisdom from Aj. Chah’s Most Senior European Disciple | Luang Por Khemadhammo
Theatre~Forest~Prison: Wisdom from Aj. Chah’s Most Senior European Disciple | Luang Por Khemadhammo episode artwork
04/23/2026

In this interview, we speak with Luang Por Khemadhammo OBE (https://foresthermitage.org.uk/), abbot of The Forest Hermitage & founder of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program.

00:00:00 — Introduction

00:01:45 — Key moments of faith leading to monasticism

00:06:45 — Transferable skills between acting and meditation

00:11:18 — Personal perspectives on the "Dharma of Shakespeare"

00:11:44 — Specific gems of wisdom found in Shakespeare's works

00:12:16 — Experiencing the qualities of genius and love in Ajahn Chah

00:17:48 — Specific anecdotes or stories from time with Ajahn Chah

00:23:44 — The genesis and...


Mental HealthMaxxing! The Tools of Retreat Meet Full-Spectrum Humanity | CMM Ajahns
Mental HealthMaxxing! The Tools of Retreat Meet Full-Spectrum Humanity | CMM Ajahns episode artwork
04/19/2026

In this dual talk describing their recent three-month Winter Retreat, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about key tools, take-aways, and the particular dukkha and sukha, of sitting in quiet for 90 days… with 9 hours a day of sitting meditation on Zoom.


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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)

- Sund...


Tantra! Vajra! Guru! Aaaa! An Indo-Tibetan Primer - Every Syllable About Ethics | Jay Garfield Q&A
Tantra! Vajra! Guru! Aaaa! An Indo-Tibetan Primer - Every Syllable About Ethics | Jay Garfield Q&A episode artwork
04/16/2026

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar Dr. Jay Garfield (https://jaygarfield.org/).

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:00:25 – Biography of Professor Jay Garfield

00:01:48 – Prof. Garfield's Start Studying Buddhist Philosophy

00:06:14 – The Origin of the "Third World Expectation" Requirement

00:08:34 – Why Study at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies?

00:09:15 – Shared Experiences at Hampshire College

00:10:18 – Defining Indo-Tibetan Buddhism

00:12:13 – Comparing Theravada and Indo-Tibetan Traditions

00:17:17 – Explaining the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma

00:26:24 – Authe...


No Best Friends: Sympathetic Resonance & the Architecture of Spiritual Community | Ajahn Nisabho
No Best Friends: Sympathetic Resonance & the Architecture of Spiritual Community | Ajahn Nisabho episode artwork
04/12/2026

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how we can create true spiritual community, referencing the the six principles of harmony taught by the Buddha in the Kosambiya Sutta (MN 48 - https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN48.html). Understanding kalyāṇa-mittatā, or spiritual friendship, as relationship predicated on mutual support of shared spiritual values rather than resonance of personality, we can cultivate a truly inclusive and safe refuge for all.


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Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!


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