7 Day Sutta and Meditation Retreat with Ajahn Brahmali at BSV Buddhaloka Center, Malvern East from 6/3/2020 to 13/03/2020.
Pt 1: Dhamma talk – Introduction to Meditation – Establishing Mindfulness, with a Guided Meditation.
Pt 2: Dhamma Talk: Introduction to the 4 Noble truths as a framework for all teachings. Context of the teachings, and the “Middle way” through starting SN 56.11.
Pt 3: Dhamma Talk: Continuation of SN 56.11, the Middle way, and the first noble truth (rebirth).
Pt 4: Guided Meditation: Note that there is minimal talking in the meditation.
Pt 5: QnA
Pt 6: Dhamma Talk: Continuation of SN 56.11, and MN 141. First Noble Truth: explanation of how old age, sickness and death are all suffering.
Pt 7: Dhamma Talk: Finish SN 56.11. Continuation of explanation of 1st Noble truth – association with the disliked, separation from the liked, explanation of the 5 grasping aggregates (khandas).
Pt 8: Guided Meditation: Note that there is minimal talking in the meditation.
Pt 9: QnA
Pt 10: Dhamma Talk: Explanation of SN 22.95. The lump of foam. Understanding the khandas through this sutta. Ajahn also talks about the lineage of the suttas and how carefully the Buddha chose his words.
Pt 11: Dhamma Talk: Last talk on the first noble truth. Examining SN48.50, SN 15.3, SN 15.11, SN 15.14, SN 15.9. Ajahn also compares being deluded to a chic in a shell.
Pt 12: QnA
Pt 13: Dhamma Talk: Explanation of Second Noble Truth through SN 56.11. It is craving that leads to rebirth. Mindfulness can help reduce craving, but it cannot removing craving completely. You have to deal with delusion. Begin SN 12.1 – Dependent Origination.
Pt 14: Dhamma Talk: Finish SN 12.1 and SN 12.15. Ajahn gives a very nice explanation of eternalism vs annihilationism.
Pt 15: Guided Meditation: Note that there is minimal talking in the meditation.
Pt 16: QnA
Pt 17: Dhamma Talk: Explanation of the Third Noble Truth in SN 56.11. Buddhism is a very happy path – it isn’t boring or bland! Nibanna is the highest bliss. AN 10.61 expresses the noble eightfold path in a different way.
Pt 18: Dhamma Talk: Explanation of the Fourth Noble Truth in SN 56.11. The eightfold path is gradual and has a natural sequence. Explanation of MN 95.
Pt 19: Guided Meditation: Note that there is minimal talking in the meditation.
Pt 20: QnA
Pt 21: Dhamma Talk: Finish AN 2.12 – The 2 powers: reflection and development, as well as AN 5.612: Removing resentment. This sutta defines the 5 kinds of persons and the ways we can remove resentment towards them.
Pt 22: Dhamma Talk: Begin MN 54 – a sutta which compares sensual pleasures with many powerful similes.
Pt 23: Guided Meditation: with Metta as a theme. Note that there is minimal talking in the meditation.
Pt 24: QnA
Pt 25: Dhamma Talk: Explanation of MN 82, with the 4 summaries of Dhamma.
Pt 26: Dhamma Talk: Explanation of AN 10.2 – which explains the psychological view of meditation. If there’s one thing to remember, be kind!
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