Buddhist Women on a Path of Spiritual Awakening
Chariot to Nibbana
What is the best chariot according to the Dhamma? A commentary on the Buddha’s conversation with Ananda about the noble vehicle that will carry you victoriously along the spiritual path – to Nibbana, full awakening. A talk given during a 10 day retreat at…
A Mind Empowered 5 Ways
Learn how we can refine our mental skills of faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. Enhanced by right view and a deepened understanding of the Four Noble Truths, these spiritual powers vanquish hatred and fear, nurturing our readiness to forgive and the blessed qualities…
Until Death Do Us Part: The Power of Determination
Are you interested in becoming fully awakened? The development of determination, adhitthana, is one of the Ten Perfections that will allow you to persevere with your practice and gain traction in spite of seemingly intractable obstacles and frustrations. A talk given at the Buddhist Society…
The Wilderness of Anger
Why does anger cause us so much misery? As long as we feed it, anger insidiously undermines our spiritual work. Mindful and aware, we learn to refrain from feeding that angry dog and we loosen its foothold within the mind. By the power of…
Solstice Heart
With the advent of the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year – comes the promise that the light will return. We can honour this principle in our practice by turning towards the light that is revealed in our own minds. The…
Batik Buddha
Ayya Medhanandi reflects on the meaning of the different mudras or hand gestures used by the Buddha himself when he gave teachings. Each represents an important quality for us to practise and develop such as fearlessness, faith or compassion. You can see these mudras…
Energy Audit
You can conduct an energy audit on the strength of your attention when you sit down to meditate. Notice if your attention is wavering and then patiently seal up the leaks so that your mind is no longer tempted by the world that the…
Empty of Fear
A dedication to a member of the community who is in the last stages of life. She struggles with breathing but is composed and at peace with the process. We are reminded how important it is to train the mind while we are able…
Medicine Heart Metta: Guided Forgiveness
May you be well, happy, and peaceful. Learn how to connect with the radiant, loving energy in your heart. Dissolve your opinions and unwholesome attitudes and deepen a quintessential quality for the Path – forgiveness. It is the key to greater loving-kindness for all…
Bhikkhuni Pioneers
Ayya Medhanandi offers a historical perspective on the bhikkhuni tradition as well as insights on how to live with compassion in the world. She describes how the monastic communal experience provides abundant opportunities for the exploration of personal and collective aspirations to fulfill the…
~ Dhammapada Verse 54