Dear Clear Mountaineers, Below, we hope you’ll find some ways to warm yourselves with the community during the colder months. It’s been a beautiful season; and we look forward to the next! You may find the full update here. May all beings be well! Table...
After a great deal of work, “Recluse in Seattle: A Forest Monastery’s Aspiration,” a video introducing Clear Mountain, is ready! The 4-and-a-half minute video describes the aspiring monastery’s unique vision—a community of monks, accessible to Seattle and founded on...
This summer has brought with it a series of celebrations, all displayed in the new photo album on the Clear Mountain website. As the season’s activity settles, Clear Mountain’s monastics are entering a month of retreat, complete with increased Zoom meditation session...
Download PDF * This is the text of “The Wellbeing Cascade: Natural Passages Through Pāmojja”, a book featuring all instances of the wellbeing cascade in the Pāli Canon. Click here for the related article, “Wellbeing Cascading: Radical Attention and...
Download PDF Download EPUB * This is the text of the book “Thus Should You Train Yourselves”, an exhaustive survey of the Buddha’s exhortations from the Pāli Canon addressed in the form “Thus … should you train yourselves”. Click here for the companion...
* This is an article on the causality of wellbeing (pāmojja), written as Ajahn Kovilo’s senior thesis for graduation from the Dharma Realm Buddhist University. Click here for the related book, “The Wellbeing Cascade: Natural Passages Through...
Ajahn Jayasāro tells the story of arriving in Iran penniless as a young man, having determined to travel central Asia and the Middle East with nothing but his practice and trust in the goodness of those he encountered. Weeks of hitchhiking and sleeping rough,...
Dear Clear Mountaineers, The past three months, spent in the annual Winter Retreat, have been a true blessing. The support of the community in protecting our seclusion during this period allows us to cultivate formal practice and preserve the core of the monastic life...
Dear Clear Mountaineers, The New Year begins with notes of sadness alongside the bright. The body Geshe Dadul, the senior teacher at Sravasti Abbey who’d gone missing several months ago, was recently found. Sravasti Abbey’s reflections on how to navigate the death may...
New Year’s Eve All-Night Meditation Vigil (In-Person & Online) Beginning at 7 pm on New Year’s Eve, Clear Mountain will host an all-night meditation vigil to celebrate the past year and set our aspiration together for the future.The evening, held in-person at...
Counting Time – The Metrics of Metta: A Summer with Clear Mountain There are an infinite number of ways that we could count our time. In one discourse (AN 7.74), before going on to suggest that we should all meditate more, the Buddha does the math to creatively...
“‘The days and nights are relentlessly passing; how well am I spending my time?’ This should be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.” (AN 10.48) Introduction There are an infinite number of ways that we could count our time. In one discourse (AN...
Traveling back to Seattle along the North Cascade Highway last month, Ajahn Kovilo and I descended through the choke of rock past where Diablo Lake shines turquoise in the mountain’s hand. I’m struck by that descent every time, seeing the passage carved by water and...
“This is peaceful, this is sublime – that is … Nibbāna” | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the Canonical recollection of Nibbāna: “Etaṃ santaṃ, etaṃ paṇītaṃ – yadidaṃ sabba-saṅkhāra-samatho, sabb-ūpadhi-paṭinissaggo,...
Neutral Feeling and Creativity | Ajahn Jotipālo In this talk, Ajahn Jotipālo, a monk of over twenty years ordained at Abhayagiri Monastery, speaks about the benefits of attending to neutral feeling, which comprises so much of our experience, and of pursuing the...
Advice for Ordination | Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about what one should consider when deciding if, when, and where to go forth as a monastic. Reflections can be applied to the lay life as well, and address the path as a whole. Podcast &...
Body Contemplation: A Core Teaching the West Forgot | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes body contemplation, a practice emphasized throughout the suttas but neglected in the West. By using the calm mind to investigate the body in terms of the...
Wandering Tudong in California | Tan Jāgaro In this session, Tan Jāgaro speaks about his wandering up the California coast on monastic “tudong”, depending on the kindness of strangers for food and often the side of the road for rest. His stories inspire...
Beginnings matter; how we plant this spring’s seed determines the shade of oak that will touch our children’s hands. This June, Clear Mountain will hold its first formal and formative event: a robe offering ceremony. Traditionally, Kathina and Robe Offering Ceremonies...
Guided Meditation: Breath as Nourishment | Ajahn Kaccāna In this meditation, Ajahn Kaccāna guides listeners through how to maintain awareness with breathing by finding pleasure in this simplest of activities. For more in-depth instructions, see Luang Por...
A Hierarchy of Blessings: The Mangala Sutta | Ajahn Kaccāna In this talk, Ajahn Kaccāna speaks about the Mangala Sutta https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/khp/khp.5.nara.html which describes the various blessings or protections one may cultivate through...
Finding Faith in Nibbāna | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak about finding faith in Nibbāna. See Chapter 6 of P.A. Payutto’s Buddhadhamma: https://buddhadhamma.github.io/nibbana-supreme-peace.html Podcast...
Demystifying the 10 “Bases of Merit” (Puññakitiyavatthu) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the 10 “Bases of Merit” or “Rituals of Richness” (Puññakitiyavatthu) as skillful means for a good life. Podcast &...
In Six Facets of Awakening | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces and reads 155 names for/facets of Nibbāna. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
How to Take the Monastery Back to Your Job | Clear Mountain Community In this Community Stories session, Mark, Mike, and Dennis speak about their path to the monastery and back to the world (for now), and what lessons they take with them. Steve reflects on the special...
Building Buddhist Community (not a 70’s Commune) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the six principles of communal harmony laid out by the Buddha in MN 48: https://suttacentral.net/mn48/en/sujato Podcast & YouTube Play &...
5 Fantastic Theravāda Websites | Ajahn Kovilo In this video, Ajahn Kovilo will give a guided introduction to five powerful online Sutta study resources:1) Reading Faithfully – readingfaithfully.org2) Access to Insight – accesstoinsight.org3) Sutta Central...
On Clear Mountain’s recent pilgrimage to Thailand and India, we had local agate beads blessed by senior teachers and determined by the community under the Bodhi Tree. Over the past few months, we’ve worked to finish, adjust, and in many cases restring, the malas made...
The Persistence of Mindfulness – Mālas in Daily Life | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the practice of using māla-beads: how he has used them, how others use them, and how they can be a symbol for life’s phases. Podcast & YouTube...
How to Quit Your Job & Go to a Monastery | Clear Mountain Community In this Community Stories session, three community members, Xander, Adam, and Daniel, speak about the meaningful steps they have taken towards aligning their lives with Dhamma and possibly...
Finding Joy on the Road of Tudong | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss finding joy on the road of tudong (walking pilgrimage on faith). Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Is Buddhism True (And Which Sect)? | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the Buddhist conception of truth and means for discerning the path, especially as outlined in the Kalama Sutta (https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN3_66.html) and Canki Sutta...
The Freedom of Morality: Psychological Development in Buddhism | Ajahn Sādaro & Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks with Ajahn Sādaro (https://www.bsv.net.au/ajahn-sadaro/) on the topics of sīla (morality), self, society, and salvation. Podcast &...
Culture War Pacifism (The Dhamma of Dolly Parton) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how, like the uniquely politically-transcendent figure of Dolly Parton, we can become conscientious objectors in the culture wars. While we may engage in...
32 Marks of a Buddha Explained! Part 2 – The Face | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will continue speaking on the 32 “Marks of a Great Person” (specifically those from the neck up) as discussed in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (DN 30) and will...
Saturday, June 17th, 9:30 am – 2 pm at St. Mark’s Cathedral’s Bloedel Hall (enter through back of cathedral), 1245 10th Ave E. Those unable to attend in-person are also welcome to tune in via Zoom or YouTube livestream. You may spread the word by downloading and...
Stages of Awakening | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho details the stages of Awakening described by the Buddha, and emphasizes the importance of practicing for Stream Entry, the first stage of Enlightenment. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Arahant or Bodhisattva Path? | Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the figures of the Bodhisattva and Arahant as presented in different traditions, and whether or not the two ideals can harmonize. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Addiction, Motorcycle Accidents, & Teddy Bears as Dhamma Doors | Clear Mountain Community In this session, members of Clear Mountain’s community share how they came to the Dhamma, and what it’s meant to them. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Finding Heart in the Intellectual | Aj Kovilo & Aj Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss how to bring embodiment, intuition, and insight into seemingly heady Buddhist study. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
The Dhamma of George Constanza | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how practice involves a radical flip of our worldly perceptions, where we lean into suffering as a source of learning and difficulty as a ground for practice. Just like in the...
32 Marks of a Buddha Explained! Part 1 – The Body | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the 32 “Marks of a Great Person” (specifically those from the neck down) as discussed in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (DN 30) and will suggest ways to make...
Guided Meditation: Letting Go into Death | Ajahn Nisabho This guided meditation, based on one by Ajahn Brahmali, helps one move towards letting go of the world into a place of stillness. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Maraṇasati: Mindfulness of Death | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes maranasati, or mindfulness of death, both as a clarifying recollection in one’s daily life and a meditation object. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Line-For-Line: Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo continues to discuss the Buddhist holiday Māgha Pūjā or “Sangha Day” (Mach 6th, 2023) – commemorating when the Buddha taught the “Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha” to 1250 fully...
How does Kamma Work? | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how kamma works, and the Buddha’s instructions on how we can cultivate that kamma which leads to the ending of all kamma. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Saṅghānussati: Recollection of Saṅgha – Meditating with “Saṅ-gho” | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives a talk and Q&A focusing on the upcoming March 6th, 2023 Buddhist holiday Māgha Pūjā or “Sangha Day” –...
Beautiful in the Beginning | Ajahn Kovilo In this talk given on New Year’s Eve 2022, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about three qualities that are especially helpful for new starts: 1) Saddhā (Faith)2) Dāna (Generosity)3) Sīla (Virtue)And how these qualities lead from...
Is Rebirth Real? | Ajahn Nisabho Some resources for those who are interested in looking deeper into the issue: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/truth_of_rebirth.html S2, Episode 6: The Self and Survival (Mar. 27th, 2018) Podcast &...
Demons to Devas: A Tour of the Buddhist Cinematic Universe | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho explains the realms of rebirth described in Buddhist cosmology, elaborating on how each can be used as a metaphor for the mind and its states. Podcast & YouTube...
Joy as Path – Pāmojja! | Ajahn Kovilo On the broad topic of the law of kamma as discussed in Chapter 5 of P.A. Payutto’s Buddhadhamma, in this session, Ajahn Kovilo will speak on various “Paths to/through Pāmojja” or gladness/joy such as: 1)...
Breathing as Brahmā: Fundamentals of Breath Meditation| Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the fundamentals of breath meditation as described by Luang Por Sucitto in “Breathing Like a...
Balance (Seven Factors of Awakening I) I Ven Nisabho In this talk, Tan Nisabho speaks about the Seven Factors of Awakening, focusing on how to balance the factors of investigation and equipoise using mindfulness. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
“Practice” and “practice”? | Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho Q&A In this conversation, Ajahn Kovilo and Ven. Nisabho discuss the relationship between Capital-P “Practice” (formal sitting and walking meditation) and lowercase-p...
Ajahn Achalo – Full Interview | Intuiting Home; Love and Rest Between Vehicles; and Shrine Practice This is the full interview of Ajahn Achalo’s conversation with Ajahn Kovilo and Tan Nisabho on topics including “intuiting home”, “love...
Buddhism Is About Suffering! Buddhism Is About Happiness! | Ajahn Cunda In this talk Ajahn Cunda, visiting from Abhayagiri, speaks about the path as both one of comprehending stress and as one of moving towards happiness. The talk is followed by a Q&A with him,...
Spreading the Love: An Intro to the Four “Saṅgaha-vatthu” | Ajahn Kovilo On the broad topic of the law of kamma as discussed in Chapter 5 of P.A. Payutto’s Buddhadhamma, in this session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces the the four “Bases for...
Pilgrimage & the Language of Faith | Ajahn Nisabho at Wat Marp Jan A Dhamma talk by Tan Ajahn Nisabho, given on 13 Dec 2022 at Wat Marp Jan, Rayong, Thailand. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Tales from Thailand and Bodh Gaya | Clear Mountain Pilgrims Participants from the recent pilgrimage reflect on their experiences, sharing what they took from the journey to Thailand and India. Detailed reflections from the pilgrimage may be found on Clear...
Doubt Intelligently | Ajahn Kovilo A Dhamma talk on doubting faith; faith in doubt; faith in faith; and faith in doubt by Ajahn Kovilo given on 12 Dec 2022 at Wat Marp Jan, Rayong, Thailand. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
The annual 3-month monastic retreat will begin Feb. 5th Monastic Winter Retreat Begins February 5th The Buddha required monastics to, for three months of every year, stay in one location and put aside traveling for a time. Though traditionally the Rains Retreat,...
Māra | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about Māra, the Buddhist embodiment of death and spiritual stagnation, and how we can confront him in our lives and practice. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (1.25.2023) In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the Loss languages, the Buddhist Uposatha, how to navigate love and attachment, and more. Podcast & YouTube Play &...
27 Topics of Animal Talk | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will give a deep dive on 27 topics of conversation that the Buddha warned practitioners to be wary of. See the “Pointless Talk Sutta” (SN 56.10...
Clear Mountain’s pilgrims, both in person and in heart, set a strong intention for our future, ending 2022 at the feet of the masters and under the seat of the Buddha. Here, they recount their experiences. Clear Mountain’s Aspiration Through the merit of our...
For a more detailed account of the journey, see the article, At the Feel of the Masters: Pilgrims’ Reflections from Thailand & Bodh Gaya. May all beings be...
Non-dual Theravada? | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on the concept and practice of non-duality (advayaṃ) as it features in the Pāli Canon. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Finding the Relevant in the Far Out – Faith in Devas? | Aj. Kovilo, Aj. Nisabho, and Tan Tejadhammo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and Tan Tejadhammo discuss how to relate to topics that come up in Buddhist circles (e.g. rebirth, psychic powers,...
Loving-kindness, Wisdom, and Liberation | Tan Tejadhammo In this talk, Tan Tejadhammo speaks about using the mind brightened through loving-kindness practice, to see into the not-self nature of the body, and move towards liberation. Play & Download iTunes Google...
Pilgrimage Roundup | Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and Fellow Pilgrims In this session, Ajahn Kovilo, Ajahn Nisabho, and fellow pilgrims discuss their December 2022 pilgrimage to Thailand and India. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Pilgrimage, Tudong, and Faith as Courage | Ajahn Ñāṇiko In this interview, Ajahn Nyaniko, abbot of Abhayagiri, speaks about his experience developing faith as a faculty and power of the heart through pilgrimage and the practice of wandering tudong. Play & Download...
Chanting “Itipi So” – Introduction | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives an annotated introduction to the traditional “itipi so” chanting. This video references: The Dhajagga Sutta:...
Is there a problem with Non-Self? | Ajahn Sādaro In this session, Ajahn Sadaro discussed if there is a problem with non-self. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Ajahn Sadaro | Practicing with Thinking In this session, Ajahn Sadaro went over practicing with thinking method. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Finding Morality in Meditation | Ajahn Sādaro & Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speak on the relationship between morality and meditation. Does more meditation necessarily improve morality? Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Nov. 30th – Meditation and Morality | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Sādaro In this session, Ajahn Kovilo will be interviewing Ajahn Sādaro on the broad general topic of meditation and morality. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
What is Buddhism? | Ajahn Sādaro Ajahn Sādaro, visiting from Australia, speaks about how Buddhism moves into a culture without losing its essence, and how we must all take responsibility for what it becomes. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Conditions have been coming together around Clear Mountain’s aspiration, and we have good tidings to share for December’s season! Clear Mountain Monastery & Friends of Clear Mountain Receive Official 501(c)3 Status! First, after a year of work, waiting, and enough...
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (11.23.2022) In this session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about gratitude, faith, and Mara. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Clear Mountain’s first year-and-a-half gave rise to a community inspired by the shared vision of a monastic presence near Seattle. We look now towards finding a physical home for the monastery and the refuge it might become for all who need it. In 2007, Gene...
Ajahn Gavesako – Full Interview This is the full, 1:14:00 video interview of Ajahn Kovilo’s conversation/interview with Ajahn Gavesako of Sumedhārāma Monastrery. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Doubt & Uncertainty (Hindrances V) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about doubt, the fifth of the five hindrances to calm in meditation. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Finding Benefit in Loss Languages | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho discuss the topic of finding benefits in the four loss languages: 1) fear of scarcity; 2) fear of not being good enough; 3) fear of being overwhelmed;...
Anxiety and Remorse (Hindrances IV) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about restlessness and remorse, the fourth of the five hindrances to calm in meditation. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
The Spiral Path – Transcendent Dependent Origination | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks on transcendent dependent origination (lokuttara Paṭicca-sammuppāda) as discussed in “Breaking the Cycle” in Chapter 4 of P.A. Payutto’s Buddhadhamma:...
The Body’s Wisdom | Ayya Anandabodhi In this talk, Ayya Anandabodhi, co-founder of Aloka Vihara and a monastic of several decades, speaks about using the body to find wisdom. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Four Similes for Full-Body Awareness | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo gives four similes for full-body awareness in the context of not following feelings into craving as outlined in dependent origination. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Seeing Through the Veil of the Body | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes how to use contemplation of the body to pierce the delusion of self. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
10) Abandoning the Five Hindrances (MN 39) | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about abandoning the five hindrances as featured in The Greater Discourse at Assapura (MN 39 https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.039.than.html) Play &...
Sloth and Torpor (Hindrances III) | Ajahn Nisabho In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about sloth and torpor, the third of the five hindrances to calm in meditation. Play & Download iTunes Google Play Spotify...
Live from Clear Mountain | Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Nisabho (1.26.2022) In this Q&A, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about developing compassion for ourselves, the Four Noble Truths as a spiral staircase, and the cultivation of right-brain thinking. Play & Download...
The Causality of Conflict | Ajahn Kovilo In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the dependent origination of conflict as discussed in Chapter 4 of P.A. Payutto’s Buddhadhamma: https://buddhadhamma.github.io/dependent-origination.html Play & Download iTunes...
