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Ajahn Sona

English, Buddhism, 1 season, 205 episodes, 4 days, 14 hours, 35 minutes
About
Dhamma talks given by Venerable Ajahn Sona, the Abbot of Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery, Canada.
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (11): A Dignified Life

Talk 11 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023.
7/10/202450 minutes, 2 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (10): Right View, It All Starts Here

Talk 10 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023.
6/30/202438 minutes, 33 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (9): Supernormal Clarity

Talk 9 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023.
6/30/202442 minutes, 48 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (8): The Active Side of the Seven Factors

Talk 8 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023.
6/30/202442 minutes, 21 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (7): Reintroducing the Requisites

Talk 7 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023.
9/3/202342 minutes, 10 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (6): The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Talk 6 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023.
9/3/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (5): The Four Roads to Psychic Power (Iddhipāda)

Talk 5 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023. In this talk Ajahn Sona discusses the Four Iddhipāda.
9/3/202350 minutes, 35 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (4): A Path of Exertion and Effort

Talk 4 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023. In this talk Ajahn Sona discusses the Four Right Efforts.
9/3/202343 minutes, 11 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (3): Perfecting the Craft of Dhamma

Talk 3 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023. In this talk Ajahn Sona discusses the Five Powers.
9/3/202343 minutes, 30 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (2): Two For the Price of One

Talk 2 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023. In this talk Ajahn Sona discusses the Five Faculties.
9/3/202341 minutes, 9 seconds
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The 37 Requisites of Enlightenment (1): The Buddha's Phone Number

Talk 1 (of 12) from an in-person retreat at Birken Forest Monastery in May of 2023. An introduction to the 37 Requisites and an overview of Right Effort.
9/3/202337 minutes, 34 seconds
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (6) - Moving to Perfect Balance

Talk 6 (of 6) in a 6-day Virtual Retreat. Given at Birken Forest Monastery, December 2022.
1/8/202341 minutes, 16 seconds
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (5) - Coasting to Freedom

Talk 5 (of 6) in a 6-day Virtual Retreat. Given at Birken Forest Monastery, December 2022.
1/8/202335 minutes, 42 seconds
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (4) - Refreshing Energy, Joyful States

Talk 4 (of 6) in a 6-day Virtual Retreat. Given at Birken Forest Monastery, December 2022.
1/8/202336 minutes, 35 seconds
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (3) - The Investigation Begins

Talk 3 (of 6) in a 6-day Virtual Retreat. Given at Birken Forest Monastery, December 2022.
1/8/202327 minutes, 58 seconds
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (2) - No Surprise...Mindfulness is Necessary

Talk 2 (of 6) in a 6-day Virtual Retreat. Given at Birken Forest Monastery, December 2022.
1/8/202336 minutes, 30 seconds
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (1) - The Structure of the Enlightened Mind

Talk 1 (of 6) in a 6-day Virtual Retreat. Given at Birken Forest Monastery, December 2022.
1/8/202330 minutes, 17 seconds
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The Natural Elements (5) -The Elements of Peace

Talk 5 (of 5) in a 5-day Virtual Retreat. This talk focuses on the kasinas of the four primary colors, and was given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, June 2022.
8/9/202224 minutes, 34 seconds
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The Natural Elements (4) -The Color Kasinas

Talk 4 (of 5) in a 5-day Virtual Retreat. This talk focuses on the kasinas of the four primary colors, and was given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, June 2022.
8/9/202235 minutes, 23 seconds
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The Natural Elements (3) - Transforming the World Around You

Talk 3 (of 5) in a 5-day Virtual Retreat. This talk focuses on the air and fire element kasinas, and was given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, June 2022.
8/9/202231 minutes, 46 seconds
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The Natural Elements (2) - The Sign of Success

Talk 2 (of 5) in a 5-day Virtual Retreat. This talk focuses on the earth and water element kasinas, and was given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, June 2022.
8/9/202242 minutes, 33 seconds
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The Natural Elements (1) - Better Than Magic

Talk 1 (of 5) in a 5-day Virtual Retreat on the element and color kasinas given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, June 2022.
8/9/202232 minutes, 16 seconds
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The Highest Blessings (6) - Finally Secure

Talk 6 from The Highest Blessings Virtual Retreat, recorded December 2021 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/28/202229 minutes, 44 seconds
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The Highest Blessings (5) - The Physics of Generosity

Talk 5 from The Highest Blessings Virtual Retreat, recorded December 2021 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/28/202241 minutes, 45 seconds
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The Highest Blessings (4) - On Family

Talk 4 from The Highest Blessings Virtual Retreat, recorded December 2021 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/28/202236 minutes, 51 seconds
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The Highest Blessings (3) - Begin Well, End Well

Talk 3 from The Highest Blessings Virtual Retreat, recorded December 2021 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/28/202237 minutes, 20 seconds
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The Highest Blessings (2) - Leading Up From Magnificence

Talk 2 from The Highest Blessings Virtual Retreat, recorded December 2021 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/28/202229 minutes, 4 seconds
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The Highest Blessings Retreat (1) - Shaping a Better Life

Talk 1 from The Highest Blessings Virtual Retreat, recorded December 2021 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/28/202232 minutes, 37 seconds
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Maranasati: Buddhist Reflections on Death

Ajahn Sona offers a Dhamma reflection on the practice of Maranasati, the Buddhist recollection of death.
7/17/202124 minutes, 19 seconds
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Vesak - The Buddha's Birthday: Dhamma Talk and Q&A with Ajahn Sona

Vesak is the celebration of the birth, Enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, celebrated by Buddhists on the full moon of May. On this auspicious day, Ajahn Sona offers a Dhamma reflection and answers questions from around the world. Opens with a Dhamma Talk; Q&A begins at 23:52.
5/28/20211 hour, 4 minutes, 44 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (9) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (9 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions:  00:00 - Welcome 00:30 - How does one practice Loving-kindness when entangled with unskillful people? 09:12 - In the past, I used to end my sittings with a smile and start to laugh. Is this “laughing-kindness” like “Loving-kindness”? 11:41 - In a Jataka story, the Bodhisatta practices patience (Khanti). Isn’t it a practice of Loving-kindness as well? 15:34 - What strategies can we undertake to keep from getting overwhelmed beyond one’s capacities for Loving-kindness? 20:53 - As a psychotherapist, how can I express to patients, family, etc, that I am not available for periods of time? 27:01 - Please explain how something persisting through many lifetimes, carrying the kamma from many lifetimes, is separate and distinct from an idea of a self? 35:14 - What thoughts, feelings and wishes are appropriate when seeing a dead animal on the street? 37:47 - How does eating meat relate to Loving-kindness towards animals? 43:50 - When I am in a rush and time pressure,  it is hard to sustain Metta. Any advice? 48:34 - Can you speak to balancing our own inner wisdom with that of outside voices (teachers, etc)? 51:55 - Any advice in keeping Metta that we’ve cultivated  in daily life after the retreat?
5/9/202156 minutes, 14 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (8) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (8 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions:  00:00 - Welcome 00:32 - Beings in nature are inevitably food for other beings, so how does sending Loving-kindness fit in with the food chain? 05:02 - What do monks do when they are having ongoing health problems? 10:59 - How does Metta practice relate to the compilation of death? 15:09 - Sometimes Metta fades and it’s tiring to keep generating it. Any suggestions? 20:11 - Do people get benefits in chanting a sutta (say, in Pali) without knowing it’s meaning? 25:41 - When in an urban environment I try to take negative thoughts that arise from sights and sounds and turn them into positive ones. Am I fooling myself? 30:56 - Why is it that positive or negative emotions put into the universe come back amplified? 38:15 - Can chanting the Metta Sutta act as good kindling for getting Metta started? 40:53 - Having survived trauma, sometimes fear arises during meditation. Does one stop meditating or keep going? 44:46 - Can you clarify the difference between the physical sensation of pain and the concept of dukkha? 48:04 - I have an end of life directive. What would the Buddha say? I don’t want family to be left with bad kamma resulting from that. 52:44 - Can you explain what to observe in our dreams to see how much Metta has penetrated?
5/8/202158 minutes, 10 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (7) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (7 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions: 00:00 - Welcome 00:20 - How does one get the right balance between breath meditation and Metta practice? 07:35 - How does kamma relate to past actions? What releases us from negative past actions and corresponding results? 19:00 - How does one balance retreating from the world when opportunities arise to make active contributions in the world? 24:02 - How do we expand small generations of Metta into longer lengths of experience? 28:37 - Is it possible to take a Metta speed boat all the way to sotapatti? 33:03 - The suggestion to euthanize a sick pet is in conflict with our Buddhist upbringing. Is it a lack of, or abundance of Loving-kindness when a vet gives such advice in a cool manner? 44:49 - When one sees killing in nature, say, a lizard catching a fly for its meal, does one intercede? 48:19 - Does anger arise for enlightened beings? 53:07 - How to recapture feelings of past Loving-kindness when experiencing present difficulties?
5/7/202156 minutes, 46 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (6) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (6 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions: 00:00 - Welcome 00:28 - Can Metta protect one from greed and sense desires? 10:54 - How can one be “a graceful receiver” in a relationship, rather than the giving end? 21:04 - Is there a way to cultivate Metta without words? 24:52 - Does Loving-kindness require vulnerability and forgiveness for oneself and others?   27:33 - You’ve said that one should not be guilty for past unskillful actions because one is no longer that person. If one takes this stance but continues to do the same unskillful actions after vowing to do better, is that failed right effort? 38:49 - My mind is craving for Loving-kindness that isn’t present. Is that craving an impediment? 42:20 - How does one not fail to achieve Nibanna through Loving-kindness? And, how does one achieve Jhana through Loving-kindness? 45:37 - How can one cultivate relaxed safety when confronted with overwhelming bodily discomfort? 50:05 - Can you talk about gratitude from a Buddhist prospective?
5/6/202156 minutes, 38 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (5) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (5 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions: 00:00 - Welcome 00:23 - Does Metta include patiently bearing with the unpleasant? 07:34 - Can you speak of Metta towards objects or natural elements? Like, towards snow. 16:18 - What is the middle way in cultivating Metta powerfully without trying to force it? 22:24 - Do you need to be a Buddhist to recieve or radiate Metta? Does speaking Pali help?   26:31 - Previously you said that one has a better chance with Metta knowing it is a component of the Eightfold Path. Can you say more? 28:40 - I love being happy but don’t want to brush off my broken heart. What do you suggest? 32:07 - Do you have an example of a misused application of metta which we should avoid?   35:18 - Can you comment on spiritual conceit? 41:32 - What is the need to lead a virtuous life and what does trying to do this give us? 48:30 - Given all the horrors of the world, should we use our time and energy to make it a better place? 52:13 - How does one become consistent in the recollection of one’s good actions?
5/5/202156 minutes, 8 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (4) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (4 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions:  00:00 - Welcome 00:33 - Which requires greater effort - overcoming bodily or mental unpleasant feelings? 10:33 - How do we give meaning to Loving-kindness as kusala-kriya - skillfully moving towards the ultimate release of suffering? 23:05 - Could it be that the pandemic has brought good conditions for the development of Metta? 32:53 - Can Metta lead to the Jhanas and Enlightenment? 37:15 - How can I hold my contentment with simplicity and not question it when others ask “what did you do today”? 43:59 - How much needs to be put into Metta practice to overcome our automatic emotional reactions? 48:07 - What does ‘Vande’ mean - from the ‘Buddham Vande’ chant?
5/4/202151 minutes, 22 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (3) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (3 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions:  00:00 - Welcome 00:36 - Did the Buddha teach Metta in the same structured approach as taught by lay retreat teachers? 08:46 - Is a sweet feeling in the middle of the chest a natural response when cultivating Metta? 16:30 - How do you work with joy and energy when they get in the way of sleep?   19:30 - How does Metta transform perception? 29:27 - Can the notion of a Bodhisattva be understood within the Theravada tradition? 38:20 - How to overcome reacting with fear or anger to disagreeable events in the world?   43:49 -  Can you comment on the experience of being “in sync” as the practice of Metta deepens? 47:08 - How does one sustain personal goals when outside of the realm of Loving-kindness? 50:47 - How can I tell when I am generating Metta towards myself vs ego self protection?
5/4/202152 minutes, 51 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (2) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (2 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions:  00:00 - Welcome 00:41 - When using Metta to induce a sense of safety, images arise of the possibility of not being safe. How to best work with this? 11:01 - Of the Four Divine Abidings, is Metta the most important for our daily lives? 23:03 - How can one skillfully relate to remorse over harmful speech done in the past? 29:09 - How does one get to an embodied experience of Metta wherever one is? How is Metta seen as a concentration practice? 34:23 - What role does Loving-kindness play in death and dying? 41:47 - How is the guided Metta session used to develop Loving-kindness? 44:57 - How does one find their way into Metta while experiencing physical pain? 48:28 - Should I contemplate the Dhamma talk during meditation, or keep the mind clear and contemplate after the sitting? 51:07 - What kind of self-talk pattern is needed when I need to be kind to myself? 57:00 - Should one practice body self-acceptance and then move on to loving oneself? Can one love themselves too much?
5/2/20211 hour, 16 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (1) with Ajahn Sona

Edited HD version of Teatime at Birken (1 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions: 00:00 - Welcome 01:57 -  What is the relationship between Metta and the Seven Factors of Enlightenment? 06:02 - As Metta arises in the body, what sensations arise as a result? 18:15 - Is the development of good ethics (Sila) the foundation for generating Metta? 26:20 - When on this Metta cruise on the canoe, is it OK if I want to be on a yacht as well? 32:13 - The mind resists going into Metta and it got worse when kids came along. How can I work to become a more loving and kind person to my children? 39:09 - How do I make negative emotions be absent through the practice of Metta? 44:56 - In the 8th Precept, why do we refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place?   48:55 - Any advice for keeping and not forgetting the Metta feeling once you’ve found it? 54:03 - What is the relationship between Loving-kindness and the Four Noble Truths? 56:10 - Is there too much goodwill that would put one at risk, for example, from being scammed?
5/1/202158 minutes, 29 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 17 - Opening the Eye

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/25/202133 minutes, 45 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 16 - All I Ask of You

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Ajahn Sona. Vocals by Upasikas Bodhipala & Metta.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/24/202110 minutes, 8 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 15 - A Year of Metta

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/18/202130 minutes, 21 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 14 - Another Word For Trust

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/15/202131 minutes, 6 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 13 - The Four Quarters

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/11/202123 minutes, 43 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 12 - Knocking From the Inside

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/8/202126 minutes, 28 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 11 - The Sun and the Moon

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/4/202121 minutes, 8 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 10 - Be Kind to Yourself

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
4/1/202121 minutes, 12 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 9 - Dive In

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/28/202118 minutes, 37 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 8 - Due Season

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/25/202124 minutes, 11 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 7 - Jhana Bodies

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/21/202128 minutes, 41 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 6 - Abandoning the World

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/18/202127 minutes, 43 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 5 - Breathing in the Noble Path

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/14/202127 minutes, 39 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 4 - Pleasant Abiding

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/11/202129 minutes, 11 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 3 - What Benefit

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/7/202125 minutes, 51 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 2 - Binoculars Clear & Focused

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021.
3/4/202127 minutes
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Introduction

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021. Music Credit: Riley Lee Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
2/28/20214 minutes, 36 seconds
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Bloom (Audiobook) by Ajahn Sona: Chapter 1 - As A Child

From Ajahn Sona's book "Bloom: Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love", narrated by Upasika Bodhipala.  Serenity: Chapters 1-8 | Love: Chapters 9-17 Published weekly March-April 2021. Music Credit: Riley Lee Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
2/28/202127 minutes, 51 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (10) - Concluding Unscientific Postscript

Talk 10 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
1/1/202132 minutes, 14 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (9) - The Benefits of Loving Kindness

Talk 9 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/31/202035 minutes, 27 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (8) - As Radical As It Gets

Talk 8 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/30/202030 minutes, 42 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (7) - Crank it to 11, Include the Neighbours

Talk 7 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/29/202033 minutes, 44 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (6) - Your Ultimate Swiss Army Knife

Talk 6 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/28/202028 minutes, 32 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (5) - Unlimited Treasure

Talk 5 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/27/202030 minutes, 20 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (4) - Extreme Makeover

Talk 4 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/26/202028 minutes, 13 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (3) - Skills for Sanity

Talk 3 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/25/202032 minutes, 33 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (2) - The Path to Profound Friendliness

Talk 2 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/24/202033 minutes, 18 seconds
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Virtual Metta Retreat (1) - What is This Thing Called Loving-Kindness?

Talk 1 (of 10) from the Virtual Metta Retreat given in December 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
12/23/202031 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ajahn Sona 32 Years a Monk - Part 3

Ajahn Sona concludes his spiritual autobiography, recounting the establishment and development of "Birken III", (known as 'Sitavana' - Pali for "cool forest") outside of Kamloops, British Columbia. Part 3 of 3.
11/15/202038 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ajahn Sona 32 Years a Monk - Part 2

Ajahn Sona continues his spiritual autobiography, detailing the search and establishment of the intermediate monastery after the shack - "Birken II" - in Princeton, British Columbia. Part 2 of 3.
11/1/202035 minutes, 38 seconds
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Ajahn Sona 32 Years a Monk - Part 1

Ajahn Sona continues where he left off in the talk "20 Years a Monk", recounting experiences as a young monk in Thailand, through the establishment of the original Birken Monastery. Part 1 of 3.
10/25/202042 minutes, 20 seconds
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Ajahn Sona Teatime QnA - October 14, 2020

Ajahn Sona Livestream Dhamma Q&A from Whistler, BC. Streamed on YouTube October 14, 2020.
10/24/20201 hour, 12 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ajahn Sona 20 Years a Monk

A talk given by Ajahn Sona at the Vancouver Public Library in 2008, reflecting on his 20 years as a monk.
10/24/202048 minutes, 20 seconds
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Jhana - Ajahn Sona QnA on "Breath Meditation, In Depth"

Ajahn Sona joins Ajahn Sudanto on his Morning Coffee livestream for a QnA discussion on Jhana talk 6:  "Breath Meditation, In Depth". Recorded August 3, 2020.
8/4/202056 minutes, 44 seconds
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Jhana (6) - Breath Meditation, In Depth

Talk 6 (of 6) in a series on the development and cultivation of Jhāna,  given in March 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
8/2/202056 minutes, 31 seconds
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Jhana (5) - A Pleasure Not To Be Feared

Talk 5 (of 6) in a series on the development and cultivation of Jhāna, given in March 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
7/26/202043 minutes, 44 seconds
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Jhana (4) - What's Between You & Jhana?

Talk 4 (of 6) in a series on the development and cultivation of Jhāna,  given in March 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
7/19/202031 minutes, 47 seconds
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Jhana (3) - Happiness which leads to Happiness

Talk 3 (of 6) in a series on the development and cultivation of Jhāna, given in March 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
7/12/202032 minutes, 19 seconds
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Jhana (2) - Samadhi Is Relief

Talk 2 (of 6) in a series on the development and cultivation of Jhāna,  given in March 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
7/5/202038 minutes, 34 seconds
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Jhana (1) - The Treasure Within

Talk 1 (of 6) in a series on the development and cultivation of Jhāna, given in March 2020 at Birken Forest Monastery.
6/28/202034 minutes, 15 seconds
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Equanimity in the Time of the Pandemic

Dhamma talk and Q&A offered by Ajahn Sona during a live stream event by invitation of the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the USA.  Streamed June 20, 2020. Questions asked during the Q&A: 1) How do we find equanimity during this time when we are seeing so much injustice, inequity and inequality? 2) How can we carry any calm and stillness that we have developed during the pandemic, once the pandemic is over? 3) How do we build our bank account of unconditional love, lovingkindness, Metta, and Karuna? 4) How do we remain mindful and equanimous when we are bombarded with so much negative news that causes anxiety and depression?
6/23/202047 minutes, 32 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Closing Teatime with Ajahn Sona

Closing Teatime Q&A with Ajahn Sona. Part of the Four Foundations of  Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific  Hermitage.
5/10/202058 minutes
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 9, 2020

May 9th Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of  Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific  Hermitage.
5/10/20201 hour, 2 minutes, 1 second
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (9) - Landing at the Luminous Destination

Talk 9 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/10/202040 minutes, 15 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 8, 2020

May 8th Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of  Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific  Hermitage.
5/9/202058 minutes, 21 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (8) - How To Attend Wisely

Talk 8 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/9/202043 minutes, 16 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 7, 2020

May 7th Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific  Hermitage.
5/8/202056 minutes, 26 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (7) - Moving Towards Lucidity

Talk 7 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/8/202037 minutes, 29 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 6, 2020

May 6th Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific  Hermitage.
5/7/202056 minutes, 15 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (6) - The Second Arrow

Talk 6 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/7/202039 minutes, 49 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 5, 2020

May 5th Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of   Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific Hermitage.
5/6/20201 hour, 2 minutes, 7 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (5) - Reenginnering Perception

Talk 5 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/6/202038 minutes, 44 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 4, 2020

May 4th Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of   Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific Hermitage.
5/5/202058 minutes, 34 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (4) - The Body as Nature

Talk 4 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/5/202038 minutes, 4 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Evening Puja Chanting

Evening Puja Chanting from the Pacific Hermitage, in the Thai Forest Theravada Tradition.
5/4/202017 minutes, 11 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (3) - Objective Sense of the Body

Talk 3 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/4/202040 minutes, 54 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 3, 2020

May 3rd Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of  Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific Hermitage.
5/4/202054 minutes, 41 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Teatime QnA with Ajahn Sudanto on May 2, 2020

May 2nd Teatime with Ajahn Sudanto. Part of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat from Birken Forest Monastery and Pacific Hermitage.
5/4/202037 minutes, 8 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (2) - Focused Attention, Panoramic Awareness

Talk 2 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/3/202037 minutes, 3 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat - Morning Puja Chanting

Morning Puja Chanting from the Pacific Hermitage, in the Thai Forest Theravada Tradition.
5/3/202017 minutes, 47 seconds
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Virtual Mindfulness Retreat (1) - More Than Just Awareness

Talk 1 (of 9) in the 10-Day Virtual Mindfulness Retreat, given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery, May 2020.
5/2/202032 minutes, 49 seconds
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Teatime at Birken: Illness Is No Surprise

Teatime talk given by Ajahn Sona at Birken Forest Monastery on the topic of illness and loss during this time of the pandemic. Recorded April 8, 2020.
4/11/202056 minutes, 57 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (11) - Swimming in the Beautiful

Talk 11 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
4/4/202031 minutes, 50 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (10) - Getting the Energy Rolling

Talk 10 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
3/28/202036 minutes, 28 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (9) - Skillful Strategies

Talk 9 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
3/22/202033 minutes, 15 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (8) - Responsible For Your Future

Talk 8 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
3/14/202031 minutes, 51 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (7) - The City

Talk 7 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
3/8/202036 minutes, 40 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (6) - Alternative Fuels

Talk 6 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
3/1/202039 minutes, 35 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (5) - Rising Above Normality

Talk 5 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019. 
2/23/202049 minutes, 38 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (4) - A Better Map

Talk 4 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019. 
2/16/202033 minutes, 45 seconds
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Natural Human and the Insane, Cruel Master

Ajahn Sona in an interview with Dinka Pignon and Joe Wiseley. A conversation about human nature and higher aspirations.  
2/11/20201 hour, 11 minutes, 35 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (3) - Unwise Attention

Talk 3 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019. 
1/5/202034 minutes, 30 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (2) - Stop Trouble Before It Starts

Talk 2 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.  
12/12/201930 minutes, 13 seconds
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Right Effort Retreat (1) - A Jewel on the Path

Talk 1 of 11 in the series of talks on Right Effort, given by Ajahn Sona at the Pacific Hermitage retreat, Birken Forest Monastery, May 2019.
11/29/201924 minutes, 33 seconds
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Where Do the Children Play

Ajahn  Sona
11/5/201926 minutes, 33 seconds
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Where Is the Buddha Now?

A talk offered by Ajahn Sona at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in October 2016, at the inauguration of new facilities.
10/26/201937 minutes, 52 seconds
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Stages of Enlightenment

 Stages of Enlightenment, in the series of talks on The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths.
7/30/201926 minutes, 39 seconds
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The Tenfold Path (9 & 10) - Right Knowledge & Liberation

Right Knowledge & Liberation, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
7/20/201912 minutes, 43 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (8) - Right Concentration

 Right Concentration, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
7/16/201918 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (7) - Right Mindfulness

Right Mindfulness, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
7/13/201912 minutes, 41 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (6) - Right Effort

Right Effort, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
7/9/201952 minutes, 22 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (5) - Right Livelihood

Right Livelihood, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
6/25/201913 minutes, 30 seconds
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Reflections From a Year of Retreat

Luang Por Pasanno reflects on his year-long retreat in Thailand and Canada. Dhamma talk offered at Birken Forest Monastery on June 16, 2019.
6/24/201940 minutes, 59 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (4) - Right Action

Right Action, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
6/20/201917 minutes, 52 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (3) - Right Speech

Right Speech, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
6/15/201921 minutes, 18 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (2) - Right Intention

Right Intention, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
6/11/201916 minutes, 32 seconds
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The Noble Eightfold Path (1): Right View

Right View, in the series of talks on  The Noble Eightfold Path, The Tenfold Path, and The Four Noble Truths. 
6/8/201919 minutes, 2 seconds
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The Four Noble Truths

A series of talks on The Four Noble Truths,  The Noble Eightfold Path, and The Tenfold Path.
6/4/201932 minutes, 18 seconds
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The Rabbi and the Buddhist Monk

 In conversation: Rabbi Shmuel Braun and Ajahn Sona, abbot of the Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery. 
5/29/201949 minutes, 25 seconds
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Buddhist Cosmology (10) - Formless Realm

Part 10, last in the series on Buddhist Cosmology. In dialogue: Ajahn Sona and Ajahn Punnadhammo. Cosmology Book, free download: https://www.arrowriver.ca/book/cosmoBook.php 
5/6/201923 minutes
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Buddhist Cosmology (9) - Hell Realm

Part 9 in a continuing series on Buddhist Cosmology. In dialogue: Ajahn Sona and Ajahn Punnadhammo. Cosmology Book, free download:https://www.arrowriver.ca/book/cosmoBook.php
4/15/201938 minutes, 2 seconds
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Buddhist Cosmology (8) - Mara

Part 8 in a continuing series on Buddhist Cosmology.  In dialogue: Ajahn  Sona and Ajahn Punnadhammo. Cosmology Book, free download:   https://www.arrowriver.ca/book/cosmoBook.php
4/1/201937 minutes, 34 seconds
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Buddhist Cosmology (7) - Brahma Realms

Part 7 in a continuing series on Buddhist Cosmology.  In dialogue: Ajahn Sona and Ajahn Punnadhammo. Cosmology Book, free download:  https://www.arrowriver.ca/book/cosmoBook.php
3/20/201936 minutes, 49 seconds
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Buddhist Cosmology (6) - Six Sensuous Heavens

Part 6 in a continuing series on Buddhist Cosmology.  In dialogue: Ajahn Sona and Ajahn Punnadhammo. Cosmology Book, free download:  https://www.arrowriver.ca/book/cosmoBook.php
3/13/201942 minutes, 17 seconds
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Buddhist Cosmology (5) - The Wheel turning Monarch

Part 5 in a continuing series on Buddhist Cosmology.  In dialogue: Ajahn Sona and Ajahn Punnadhammo. Cosmology Book, free download: https://www.arrowriver.ca/book/cosmoBook.php
3/5/201928 minutes, 1 second