I do love his talks and the way he explains things especially about being brainwashed into having all these things to give us happiness. He makes me think about the biggest problems in the world, by living in smaller houses, less clothes, using public transport when u can we can help the future of humanity. How we are attached to wrong things and be attached to the right things.
Ajahn Brahm brings together modern society with buddhism in a way that is practical, beautiful, and tactful. His messages carry a wave of love and peacefulness that resonates with anyone who truly listens. I love this man.
If being a monk with a simple life where people even feed you helps reduce attachment, then is that actually avoiding practicing non-attachment? Shouldn't you be able to have things? Also I've noted that the monetary value and quantity isn't necessarily the factor in attachment, as seeing family members super attached to family heirlooms to an extreme level. One beat up old item worth $10, such as an old hay hook of grandfather's, brings in them extreme attachment.
Yoga Nine Vipassana" is a Facebook page that offers free resources for meditation, including articles, quotes, recent research, excerpts from well-known teachers, etc. Please come and check it out.
One issue I have with buddhism,is its ok for a buddhists monk/nun to sing the praises of attachment,peace and so on but are they truly living in the real world?Most people have no choice but to work for a living,pay rent/morgages and even wanting a small amount of material stuff is like a reward for people that work.I'd be quite happy to give up everything,become a buddhists nun,and have everything given to me.
Much that i like Ajahn Brahm, i've never been able to agree with the immobilist image of reality depicted by buddhism. It's in my innest beliefs that we should try to change the world, so I'm all up for justice, cooperation, etc etc. Should i try to dettach myself from this passion of mine and sit out there to meditate here and now and afterwards note that i should pass on whatever happens because it's going to happen? I don't think so. I try to live the middle way in a more engaged manner.
Much that i like Ajahn Brahm, i've never been able to agree with the immobilist image of reality depicted by buddhism. It's in my innest beliefs that we should try to change the world, so I'm all up for justice, cooperation, etc etc. Should i try to dettach myself from this passion of mine and sit out there to meditate here and now and afterwards note that i should pass on whatever happens because it's going to happen? I don't think so. I try to leave the middle way in a more engaged manner.
one of the most beautiful moments of life being with them letting them go and enjoy the beautiful act of love, the greatest act of love is letting one u care for go with your blessing. selfless love! beautiful love!
being with without being attached
let go of your identity. don't have a fixed identity! not the mother always. not a businessman always... be free to be anything
try to get rid of control business. detach of controlling.
The cops got plans, the mob has plans, Gordon's got plans. They're schemers...schemers trying to control their little worlds! I'm not a schemer. My job is to show the schemers how PATHETIC their attempts to control the world really are. You wanna know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars! I wouldn't know what to do, if I GOT one. I just DO the things. I'm an agent of chaos. You were a schemer, you had plans. Now look where that got ya: to Ajahn Brahms ;-)
I'm ambivalent about the Buddhist attitude toward attachment, especially regarding the fear of death and grief over the loss of a loved one. Firstly, it seems to me that the Buddhist courage in the face of death is partly based on a belief in reincarnation- something of which I am not convinced. Secondly, I think that being detached from grief over the loss of a loved one seems inhumanly impersonal to me. People are not concerts.
@Alexisme1001 To me, the Buddhist courage in the face of death is about letting go of things and making peace with things. Any fear or struggle creates more trouble. You can't control death. But you have control how you respond. By not fearing death, you have a peaceful and happy death.
@Alexisme1001 Without grieving, we still show deep respect for our loved ones who have passed away. Death is a part of life and thus we need to let our loved one go away peacefully, not holding him/her back. We celebrate and reflect at how fruitful his/her life has been and say goodbye to him/her and wish him/her well. We still remember them in our heart but make peace with the fact that death is inevitable, but without grieving.
@Alexisme1001 If we grieve, our loved one at the death bed might not be able to pass away peacefully on seeing us crying excessively. To me, such grieving is selfish; it is adding more pain to our dying loved. Without grieving, we can still show our support and respect to our loved one in a calm manner so that our loved one can pass away peacefully. You certainly do not want to see your friends and parents crying when they are sending you off at the airport. And likewise for our dying loved one.
I was with my wife when she died.. Ajahn is truly right about the whole spiritual awakening part of being with someone at their death. A great and insightful talk as always.
However the sad thing is, like many others, I think I have become too attached to watching Ajahn Brahm videos.. which is why the dhammatube channel on youtube is great, many other monks with teachings on there :).
Brahm's lessons are wonderfull. I now realise that I am attached to pain in my body, the pain has become who I am. When I chat with others, I identify myself to them about my pain from a spine injury. I have become "that person" and its not who I am or want to be. I do have a hard time dealing with it. I used to meditate but have lost control and struggle with concentration. Someone stole the radio out of my car, but, I was able to let that go. I need to do the same here. Thanks Ajahn Brahm.
Sathu. Attachment is so hard to draw out. Once I realize it, I've alreadly been attached again....I would need to keep on reminding myself by listening or reading more.
By the way I cannot listen to the whole video. Something's wrong about the end part of the tape. It automatically stops and cannot continue to the final part. Anyway, I would move on to other video.
Well done...once, I had a great many attachments - land, home, car, job, bills, responsibilities. I'm without most now and I've started to see life in a different light. I wake up and the entire day is mine to do as I wish, my mind is not troubled by distractions which I've only unto recently realized had exceptionally little worth. What is necessary?...precious little. Thank you Ajahn Brahm for echoing my realization. With less, I have found more - in losing much, I acquired everything I need.
I have a statue of Buddha in the garden next to my practice, he seems to smile after each Dharma talk I hear from you, thank you for your daily inspiration!
sometimes Ajahn sounds so whiny and annoyed when he speaks about non-buddhists that I find it hard to take things he says seriously. If he practices detachment then why does other people's obviously stupid behaviour bother him so much?
@Jdudeo He is just using examples that demonstrate the nature of the mind. He is in essence making fun of the human mind, not the individual. We all have these mental qualities and emotions; that is why we are aggravated by them in other people.
@standingcorpse I remember another talk he did where he complains about people who complain about the weather, saying something like "if you can't change the weather, don't let it get on your nerves", why not apply that simple concept to other people? People will always complain about the weather, so why complain about them? Using them as an example is all fine but as I said it's more his tone of voice that bothers me, because the irritation and sometimes desperation seems very tangible.
@Jdudeo Remember that monks are also human beings with differing personalities. This does not discount that there may still be much to learn from them. I see too often that people have exceedingly unrealistic expectations for monks. It is good that there are a variety of different teaching styles available to appeal to varied learning styles. Take the wisdom that you know to be helpful to you, but don't discredit a teacher for being human! They are also learning and live the most noble cause.
@standingcorpse You make good and valid points, different teaching styles for different learning styles, that's probably why I gravitate more towards Zen buddhism than the more traditional approach, I wasn't so much trying to discredit him as I was expressing my own opinion, I also wish you well on your journey.
Always wise words to start the week, ^^ the problem here in Mexico it's just this 1 temple which i haven't had the chance to go, I always meditate at home, but i'd like to go to a temple ^^ so i can learn more about the Buddhist life
Ajahn Brahm...you've taught me so much over the past months. I just wanted to say something. You very often talk about crying like it's a bad thing, but I totally disagree. I cry very often during your talks when I really connect with something you're saying and feel how beautiful it is. Like letting go of someone that you love dearly...that makes me cry, but only because it's so beautiful. I guess what I want is "crier's rights." :)
@birkuscircus lol! I hear you! I cry for everything from a touching beautiful song to a new born baby. But I think ajahn brahm means grief, and associates crying with grief. (And yes, I definitely cry when I am sad also.. lol).
@beaterfred I had a tear in my eye when ajahn brahm told the story about how a women forgave the murderer of her husband in court, in one of his talks. It truly showed how someone can forgive others and most importantly, forgive oneself.
I think my life is FUBAR sometimes. Thanks Brahm and all you folks for helping me stay somewhat grounded and balanced. May you all and all who read this be happy and well. -JK
I do love his talks and the way he explains things especially about being brainwashed into having all these things to give us happiness. He makes me think about the biggest problems in the world, by living in smaller houses, less clothes, using public transport when u can we can help the future of humanity. How we are attached to wrong things and be attached to the right things.
MsDJAngieD 4 days ago
We shouldn't fear death, however our goal shouldn't be to return here in another body.
Our goal should be to become enlightened and pure so that we ascend to the heavens and not to return to this world.
madzane94 4 days ago
very insightful and fun to listen to!
robbiebryant 3 weeks ago
Thank you very much for these wonderful and enlightening videos of Ajahn Brahm.
TheNamezor 1 month ago
Great talk (-:
Hectorjohn73 1 month ago
do i have to laugh even if the jokes not funny?
thegrandwazoooo 2 months ago
thats why its easy for a monk...they will always get food and lodging but not so for the rest of us.
thegrandwazoooo 2 months ago
you can keep your posessions,
and be DEtached from them.
meaning, if you loose them, or they break,
just accept it and move on.
CosmicElectrolyte 2 months ago
Ajahn Brahm brings together modern society with buddhism in a way that is practical, beautiful, and tactful. His messages carry a wave of love and peacefulness that resonates with anyone who truly listens. I love this man.
RedFoxx322 3 months ago
If being a monk with a simple life where people even feed you helps reduce attachment, then is that actually avoiding practicing non-attachment? Shouldn't you be able to have things? Also I've noted that the monetary value and quantity isn't necessarily the factor in attachment, as seeing family members super attached to family heirlooms to an extreme level. One beat up old item worth $10, such as an old hay hook of grandfather's, brings in them extreme attachment.
MegF142857 4 months ago
This is one of my favorite talks.
Srbabiruso 4 months ago
Comment removed
misterbeanladen 6 months ago
great kindness and wisdom
TheBobber66 6 months ago
i love his talks!!
llcooljoe123 6 months ago
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MEDITATION RESOURCES:
Yoga Nine Vipassana" is a Facebook page that offers free resources for meditation, including articles, quotes, recent research, excerpts from well-known teachers, etc. Please come and check it out.
Look up "Yoga Nine Vipassana" on Facebook.
anapanasati1970 6 months ago
Dear Buddhist Community, I see one thumbs up... were is the second?
Knowmonicaledge 7 months ago
One issue I have with buddhism,is its ok for a buddhists monk/nun to sing the praises of attachment,peace and so on but are they truly living in the real world?Most people have no choice but to work for a living,pay rent/morgages and even wanting a small amount of material stuff is like a reward for people that work.I'd be quite happy to give up everything,become a buddhists nun,and have everything given to me.
TheMoonrakergirl 7 months ago
car park...hahahaha <3
sujatabhikkhuni 7 months ago
Much that i like Ajahn Brahm, i've never been able to agree with the immobilist image of reality depicted by buddhism. It's in my innest beliefs that we should try to change the world, so I'm all up for justice, cooperation, etc etc. Should i try to dettach myself from this passion of mine and sit out there to meditate here and now and afterwards note that i should pass on whatever happens because it's going to happen? I don't think so. I try to live the middle way in a more engaged manner.
Beatstranger 7 months ago
Much that i like Ajahn Brahm, i've never been able to agree with the immobilist image of reality depicted by buddhism. It's in my innest beliefs that we should try to change the world, so I'm all up for justice, cooperation, etc etc. Should i try to dettach myself from this passion of mine and sit out there to meditate here and now and afterwards note that i should pass on whatever happens because it's going to happen? I don't think so. I try to leave the middle way in a more engaged manner.
Beatstranger 7 months ago
myth of ownership
we come together to eventually go apart
one of the most beautiful moments of life being with them letting them go and enjoy the beautiful act of love, the greatest act of love is letting one u care for go with your blessing. selfless love! beautiful love!
being with without being attached
let go of your identity. don't have a fixed identity! not the mother always. not a businessman always... be free to be anything
try to get rid of control business. detach of controlling.
kathd62 8 months ago
The cops got plans, the mob has plans, Gordon's got plans. They're schemers...schemers trying to control their little worlds! I'm not a schemer. My job is to show the schemers how PATHETIC their attempts to control the world really are. You wanna know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars! I wouldn't know what to do, if I GOT one. I just DO the things. I'm an agent of chaos. You were a schemer, you had plans. Now look where that got ya: to Ajahn Brahms ;-)
Aristoteles83 9 months ago
amazing.................
750abcde 9 months ago
Thankyou
pjaymulholland 10 months ago
I'm ambivalent about the Buddhist attitude toward attachment, especially regarding the fear of death and grief over the loss of a loved one. Firstly, it seems to me that the Buddhist courage in the face of death is partly based on a belief in reincarnation- something of which I am not convinced. Secondly, I think that being detached from grief over the loss of a loved one seems inhumanly impersonal to me. People are not concerts.
Alexisme1001 10 months ago
@Alexisme1001 To me, the Buddhist courage in the face of death is about letting go of things and making peace with things. Any fear or struggle creates more trouble. You can't control death. But you have control how you respond. By not fearing death, you have a peaceful and happy death.
thomaser82 1 month ago
@Alexisme1001 Without grieving, we still show deep respect for our loved ones who have passed away. Death is a part of life and thus we need to let our loved one go away peacefully, not holding him/her back. We celebrate and reflect at how fruitful his/her life has been and say goodbye to him/her and wish him/her well. We still remember them in our heart but make peace with the fact that death is inevitable, but without grieving.
thomaser82 1 month ago
@Alexisme1001 If we grieve, our loved one at the death bed might not be able to pass away peacefully on seeing us crying excessively. To me, such grieving is selfish; it is adding more pain to our dying loved. Without grieving, we can still show our support and respect to our loved one in a calm manner so that our loved one can pass away peacefully. You certainly do not want to see your friends and parents crying when they are sending you off at the airport. And likewise for our dying loved one.
thomaser82 1 month ago
Thanks for wonderful talk.
kamalcacs 10 months ago
I was with my wife when she died.. Ajahn is truly right about the whole spiritual awakening part of being with someone at their death. A great and insightful talk as always.
However the sad thing is, like many others, I think I have become too attached to watching Ajahn Brahm videos.. which is why the dhammatube channel on youtube is great, many other monks with teachings on there :).
JrDiNisi 10 months ago
has anyone ever disliked one of these videos? I dont think it's possible not to like Ajahn Brahm
oranjjjggg 11 months ago
Brahm's lessons are wonderfull. I now realise that I am attached to pain in my body, the pain has become who I am. When I chat with others, I identify myself to them about my pain from a spine injury. I have become "that person" and its not who I am or want to be. I do have a hard time dealing with it. I used to meditate but have lost control and struggle with concentration. Someone stole the radio out of my car, but, I was able to let that go. I need to do the same here. Thanks Ajahn Brahm.
jamie7378 11 months ago
Designer buddhism...I love it,too funny!
Simbai69 11 months ago 2
Thank you for uploading this talk Ajahn Brahm
stevesusenet 11 months ago 2
Sathu. Attachment is so hard to draw out. Once I realize it, I've alreadly been attached again....I would need to keep on reminding myself by listening or reading more.
By the way I cannot listen to the whole video. Something's wrong about the end part of the tape. It automatically stops and cannot continue to the final part. Anyway, I would move on to other video.
mymotto10 11 months ago
Comment removed
agent0sephiroth 11 months ago
Well done...once, I had a great many attachments - land, home, car, job, bills, responsibilities. I'm without most now and I've started to see life in a different light. I wake up and the entire day is mine to do as I wish, my mind is not troubled by distractions which I've only unto recently realized had exceptionally little worth. What is necessary?...precious little. Thank you Ajahn Brahm for echoing my realization. With less, I have found more - in losing much, I acquired everything I need.
mdlittle5466 1 year ago 3
I have a statue of Buddha in the garden next to my practice, he seems to smile after each Dharma talk I hear from you, thank you for your daily inspiration!
Dr. G. Kokelenberg
guykok 1 year ago
Great Dharma message. Thanks!
chilesauce 1 year ago
Ehipassiko "come and see"
you'll know
The Teaching of Peace
The Teaching of Love
The Teachings of the
Buddha is for all
Who want to be free
forever more
TheBuddhistWorld 1 year ago
Wonderful!
standingcorpse 1 year ago
thank you for answering my question.
Very useful!
Elephantshoeprints 1 year ago
sometimes Ajahn sounds so whiny and annoyed when he speaks about non-buddhists that I find it hard to take things he says seriously. If he practices detachment then why does other people's obviously stupid behaviour bother him so much?
Jdudeo 1 year ago
@Jdudeo He is just using examples that demonstrate the nature of the mind. He is in essence making fun of the human mind, not the individual. We all have these mental qualities and emotions; that is why we are aggravated by them in other people.
standingcorpse 1 year ago
@standingcorpse I remember another talk he did where he complains about people who complain about the weather, saying something like "if you can't change the weather, don't let it get on your nerves", why not apply that simple concept to other people? People will always complain about the weather, so why complain about them? Using them as an example is all fine but as I said it's more his tone of voice that bothers me, because the irritation and sometimes desperation seems very tangible.
Jdudeo 1 year ago
@Jdudeo Remember that monks are also human beings with differing personalities. This does not discount that there may still be much to learn from them. I see too often that people have exceedingly unrealistic expectations for monks. It is good that there are a variety of different teaching styles available to appeal to varied learning styles. Take the wisdom that you know to be helpful to you, but don't discredit a teacher for being human! They are also learning and live the most noble cause.
standingcorpse 1 year ago 2
@standingcorpse You make good and valid points, different teaching styles for different learning styles, that's probably why I gravitate more towards Zen buddhism than the more traditional approach, I wasn't so much trying to discredit him as I was expressing my own opinion, I also wish you well on your journey.
Jdudeo 1 year ago
@Jdudeo Also, much love and happiness to you, brother! I hope that may blessings come your way. ( :
standingcorpse 1 year ago
Thank you.
winnbrad 1 year ago
Always wise words to start the week, ^^ the problem here in Mexico it's just this 1 temple which i haven't had the chance to go, I always meditate at home, but i'd like to go to a temple ^^ so i can learn more about the Buddhist life
MexicoSoul 1 year ago
just wonder if this great monk let go of his I???
jimanHK 1 year ago
Why am I getting the image of a lead balloon springing to mind?!! hehe
Well i thought the machete joke was funny too Brahm, so that's 2 of us at least!
cyborg1320 1 year ago
When you realize you dont exist, that's when u get enlightened.
Ashitanoyuki 1 year ago
@Ashitanoyuki you think too much grasshopper
BeingNobody1956 1 year ago
Ajahn Brahm...you've taught me so much over the past months. I just wanted to say something. You very often talk about crying like it's a bad thing, but I totally disagree. I cry very often during your talks when I really connect with something you're saying and feel how beautiful it is. Like letting go of someone that you love dearly...that makes me cry, but only because it's so beautiful. I guess what I want is "crier's rights." :)
birkuscircus 1 year ago
@birkuscircus lol! I hear you! I cry for everything from a touching beautiful song to a new born baby. But I think ajahn brahm means grief, and associates crying with grief. (And yes, I definitely cry when I am sad also.. lol).
He just means grief and being sad! :)
beaterfred 1 year ago
Comment removed
rajmal04 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@beaterfred I had a tear in my eye when ajahn brahm told the story about how a women forgave the murderer of her husband in court, in one of his talks. It truly showed how someone can forgive others and most importantly, forgive oneself.
rajmal04 1 year ago
Haha I can relate so much to this!
I have so much stuff that I don't need but I always think, hmm maybe I'll have some use for that in the future.
Thank you for the talk!
Yaiyasmin 1 year ago 9
I think my life is FUBAR sometimes. Thanks Brahm and all you folks for helping me stay somewhat grounded and balanced. May you all and all who read this be happy and well. -JK
justkarmatoo 1 year ago 3
great talk as always.
sk8bamsk8 1 year ago 14