Ajahn Brahmali Podcast
Ajahn Brahmali was ordained as a Bhikkhu, with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor, in 1996. His talks delve into various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice, often drawing from early Buddhist scriptures. They are characterized by clarity, depth, and a practical approach to spiritual development.
Episodes
Buddhist Perspective on Relationships | 2022
Ajahn Brahmali reminds us about the impermanent nature of relationships and teaches us how to have good relationships with others. Ajahn also explains the benefits of having positive relationships.Recorded 2022-11-18-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can su
The Idea of Freedom | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali teaches us what real freedom is from the Buddha’s point of view. This kind of freedom isn’t about doing whatever one wants, but about being free from desire, attachments, and suffering. Ajahn Brahmali emphasizes that true freedom arises from discipline, renunciation, and mindfulness.Recorded 2023-04-14-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution
Right View in Practice | 2019
A public talk given by Ajahn Brahmali during a Sutta Retreat on the 17th of March 2019.Recorded 2019-03-17-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
Kamma According to the Buddha | 2026
Ajahn Brahmali addresses common misunderstandings about Kamma and teaches Kamma as explained by the Buddha.Recorded 2026-01-30-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi p
Right View and Letting Go | 2021
Ajahn Brahmali explores how Right View serves as the foundation for successful meditation practice and letting go in the Buddhist path. He talks about how Right View is the correct understanding of reality, particularly by seeing impermanence, non-self, and suffering.Ajahn Brahmali emphasizes that true letting go is not forceful but happens naturally through insight. The more clearly that we see t
Stagnation and Making Progress | 2026
Ajahn Brahmali acknowledges that many people struggle to make progress in meditation and offers guidance on how to advance.Recorded 2026-01-02-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support v
Developing Metta - Loving-Kindness | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali teaches how to cultivate mettā, or loving-kindness, as a vital part of Buddhist practice. To develop mettā, we must train the mind to see others through compassion, not judgment or fear. Mettā purifies the mind, reduces anger and ill-will, and is a foundation for deep meditation.Recorded 2023-04-07-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by
The Many Facets of Mindfulness | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali joins the Armadale Meditation Group online to discuss the many facets of mindfulness.Recorded 2025-11-18-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
True Freedom | 2015
What is freedom really? Ajahn Brahmali contrasts modern societal notions of freedom with a Buddhist conception of freedom.Recorded 2025-03-06-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support vi
Benefits & Pitfalls of Renunciation | 2023
In this talk, Ajahn Brahmali speaks on the theme of benefits and pitfalls of renunciation. Being more of an internal phenomenon rather than a mere external state, the Pali word for renunciation, Nekhamma, refers to letting go of the world of the five senses. One of the main benefits of the monastic life is the company of Kalyanamittas, spiritual friends, and they bring out the best in us. It is ac
Buddha's Advice for Lay Buddhists | 2017
Ajahn repeats some of the Buddha’s teachings he gave to laypeople and talks of the benefits of living life well. Ajahn begins by looking at the distinction between what the Buddha taught to laypeople and monastics. Ajahn talks of many topics such as morality, generosity, kindness, solitude practice and meditation.Recorded 2017-04-14-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for f
What, Why and How Do We Let Go? | 2022
Ajahn Brahmali explores the essential Buddhist theme of letting go, addressing what it truly means, why it's important, and how to practice it effectively. Letting go involves gradually loosening the hold of desires, expectations, ego, and fixed views. As we practice, we begin to see that the peace of letting go is far greater than the fleeting pleasure of attachments.Recorded 2022-01-07-This
Similes of the Buddha | 2024
Ajahn Brahmali talks about some of the similes of the Buddha found in the Suttas, such as the snake, the raft, the mountain and more.Recorded 2024-02-16-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your
How To Move Forward In One's Practice | 2018
Dhamma talk by Ajahn BrahmaliRecorded 2018-12-31-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
Memory and Mindfulness | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali teaches about the connection between memory, mindfulness and the Buddhist practiceRecorded 2025-11-28-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
Learning from Everything | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali shares how insight and spiritual growth can be developed not just through formal meditation, but by learning from everyday life, a teaching inspired by Ajahn Chah’s principle: “Everything teaches you.”With mindfulness and right view, daily experiences become your Dhamma teachers. Whether you are aging, sick, or grieving, these are not interruptions, rather they are the very path to
Non-Self – A Unique Teaching of the Buddha (Anatta) | 2014
Ajahn Brahmali describes the Buddha’s teaching on non-self, and how to use this teaching in practice. He encourages listeners to look at direct experience, not beliefs, to see how the sense of self is constructed and how it can be let go. Understanding non-self helps to diminish attachment, reduce suffering, and leads to liberation.Recorded 2014-11-21-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and m
Having Compassion with Wisdom | 2021
Ajahn Brahmali explores the essential quality of compassion (karuṇā) in Buddhism, emphasizing how it must be balanced with wisdom to become truly transformative. Compassion, in Buddhism, means genuinely wishing to alleviate the suffering of others. True compassion uplifts both the giver and the receiver.Wisdom ensures compassion is skillful and effective, rooted in understanding the true nature of
Letting Be | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali offers guidance on letting go, emphasizing that it is a gradual process.Recorded 2025-10-17-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
How to Find Inspiration in Buddhism | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali discusses the importance of inspiration (pasāda) in Buddhist practice and explains where to look, and not look, for it. He emphasizes that right inspiration energizes practice and keeps it aligned with the Buddha’s original path.True inspiration is quiet, steady, and rooted in wisdom. It grows when we align with the Buddha’s path and reflect on teachings that bring peace, clarity, a
Going Against the Stream | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali discusses the powerful Buddhist metaphor of “going against the stream,” explaining what it means in practice and how it can be a guide for spiritual development. The “stream” represents the habits, instincts, and societal norms that push us toward desire, aversion, ego, and delusion. The Buddha described those who follow the Noble Eightfold Path as going upstream, against the curren
Right View in Buddhism | 2018
Ajahn Brahmali offers a teaching on Right View, the first factor of the Eightfold Path. Ajahn says people tend to argue over who is right, but he explains how having the right view makes us more humble about our opinions.Recorded 2018-03-30-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commo
How to Reflect on the Dhamma | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali gives a practical talk on how to reflect wisely on the Buddha’s teachings (Dhamma), emphasizing that contemplation is an essential part of the path, alongside meditation and ethical living. Contemplation helps internalize the teachings, so they are felt and lived, not just known intellectually.Recorded 2019-11-29-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free d
How Letting Go & Meditation Happens | 2024
Ajahn Brahmali gives a talk on the process by which meditation happens, exploring the three key qualities namely letting go, enjoyment, and mindfulness with a particular focus on letting go as the foundational quality that allows the others to follow. He also describes the roles of other valuable meditation supports, including the gentle mind, morality (sila), and good company (kalyanamitta), as w
How to Cultivate Mindfulness in Buddhism | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali explains how to develop mindfulness in a way that supports and deepens Buddhist practice.Recorded 2025-05-16-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page
Buddhist way to Deal with Worldly Problems | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali discusses how to approach everyday difficulties and societal challenges using Buddhist wisdom and practice. Drawing from the Dhamma, he offers a grounded perspective on managing stress, conflict, and uncertainty in a skillful and peaceful way.Many people look outward for solutions to life's challenges, but Buddhism emphasizes looking inward: examining how we respond, rather than
Power of Generosity | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali explains how generosity is a foundation of the Buddhist path.Recorded 2025-02-21-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
The Role of Devotion | 2014
Ajahn Brahmali looks at different religions perspectives on the role of devotion and discusses the role and uses of devotion in Buddhist practice.Recorded 2014-11-07-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by
Pilgrimage to India | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali shares his experience of going to India recently, how spirituality is deeply rooted in India and the inspirations that he got from going to holy places.Recorded 2025-01-03-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of
Material and Spiritual Progress | 2020
Ajahn Brahmali explores the contrast between material progress and spiritual progress, encouraging a reflection on what truly brings meaning and fulfillment in life.Material progress (wealth, technology, status) is often seen as success in the modern world. Yet, despite material advances, people continue to feel restless, anxious, and dissatisfied.Spiritual progress means reducing defilements, cul
Conflict and Disharmony | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali explores the roots of conflict and disharmony, both within ourselves and in the world around us. Drawing from early Buddhist teachings, he explains how negativity, ego, and unwise reactions fuel unnecessary suffering, while qualities like kindness, patience, and understanding dissolve tension at its source.Recorded 2025-05-20-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made availab
Recitation of the Metta Sutta
Ajahn Brahmali recites the metta sutta which he discusses in the talk Conflict and Disharmony.-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
Secularism & Buddhism | 2016
Ajahn Brahmali explores the relationship between secularism and Buddhism, reflecting on how Buddhism fits into modern, often secular societies, and evaluating the movement known as “secular Buddhism.” In the West, secular Buddhism does emphasize mindfulness, ethics, and psychological insight. However, it often downplays or excludes key elements like rebirth and karma.While secular approaches make
Freedom and Addiction | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali explores how the Buddhist path may help with addiction.Recorded 2025-03-14-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
Karma and Dependent Origination | 2016
Ajahn Brahmali delivers a thoughtful and accessible talk on one of the Buddha's most profound teachings: Dependent Origination (Paticca Samuppāda). He unpacks its structure, purpose, and role in understanding suffering and the path to its cessation.Dependent Origination is the principle that everything arises due to conditions; nothing exists independently or permanently. Understanding this re
Free Will and Conditioning (Part 2) | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali continues his teaching on free will and conditioning, leading into why this teaching makes it so important for us to surround ourselves with the right people.Recorded 2025-01-24-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Socie
How to Deal with Difficult Events | 2016
Ajahn Brahmali offers advice on how we can skillfully deal with situations where things are looking bad or the future feels threatened.Recorded 2016-11-11-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging yo
Buddhism and War | 2024
Ajahn Brahmali explores how Buddhism understands and responds to war, revealing how our own karma shapes the challenges we face, and how we can meet them the Buddhist way.Recorded 2024-05-10-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society
Reasons to Practice | 2018
In this talk, Ajahn Brahmali reflects on the motivation behind Buddhist practice and what we can do to persevere. Ajahn Brahmali offers us an outlook of the world through impermanence, non-self, and suffering and gives us reasons to keep on walking the Buddhist path.Recorded 2018-01-05-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of West
Five Factors that Support Meditation | 2024
Ajahn Brahmali reflects on the Metta Sutta, highlighting how true loving-kindness begins with cultivating your own virtue. He then shines a light on a rarely explored teaching from the Buddha: the five supportive factors of Right Effort (AN 5.53). These include confidence in the Buddha (saddhā), maintaining health and good digestion, honesty and integrity, the steady energy of effort (viriya), and
The Dangers of Sensual Pleasures | 2014
In this talk, Ajahn Brahmali addresses the role of sensual pleasures in the Buddhist path, clarifying common misunderstandings and explaining why the Buddha warned against overindulgence. He emphasizes that sensuality is not “evil” in itself, but that attachment to it binds us to suffering and prevents deeper peace.Recorded 2014-01-17-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for
Free Will and Conditioning (Part 1) | 2025
Ajahn Brahmali explains that what we perceive as our free will are actually choices that are based on our conditioning. Ajahn emphasizes that regardless of free will or not, choices have results, causes, and conditioning that traps us into acting certain ways.Recorded 2025-01-10-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Aus
Buddhist Outlook, Buddhist Values | 2018
In this talk, Ajahn Brahmali explains how a Buddhist outlook, or perception of the word, naturally shapes values, priorities, and daily conduct. He emphasizes that our perspective influences what we consider important, and Buddhist values emerge from seeing the world through the lens of wisdom, compassion, and impermanence.Recorded 2018-04-27-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made avail
What Is & Isn't a Jhana - Deep States of Meditation | 2024
Ajahn Brahmali explores the nature of the deep states of meditation called jhānas.Recorded 2024-06-13-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Ko-fi page.
Spiritual Success | 2017
In this inspiring talk, Ajahn Brahmali redefines the idea of “success” from a Buddhist perspective, focusing not on worldly achievements but on spiritual qualities such as peace, kindness, and insight.Recorded 2017-11-03-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You ca
The Superpower of Patience | 2023
In this insightful talk, Ajahn Brahmali explores patience (kanti) as a spiritual superpower, a quality highly praised in the Buddhist suttas and vital to both meditation and everyday life. Recorded 2023-05-24-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support th
How to Overcome Ill-Will and Anger | 2014
The Buddha talks about the whole spiritual path as an act of purification. Ajahn Brahmali offers an inspiring talk on purifying our mind of defilements, such as anger and ill-will.Recorded 2014-04-18-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhis
Making Peace with Your Inner Critic | 2024
In this honest and insightful Dhamma talk, Ajahn Brahmali guides listeners through the process of understanding, relating to, and ultimately going beyond the inner critic, the voice of self-judgment that many of us carry. With clarity and compassion, he explores how Buddhist practice can help us meet that voice with kindness, mindfulness, and wisdom.Recorded 2024-06-14-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali
Delusion | 2018
In this insightful talk, Ajahn Brahmali explores delusion (moha), one of the three unwholesome roots in Buddhist teachings, highlighting its role as a core obstacle to wisdom, peace, and awakening.This talk encourages listeners to stay committed to the path, trusting that the gradual fading of delusion brings freedom, peace, and a more meaningful life.Recorded 2018-04-06-This talk by Ajahn Brahmal
There is No Bad Meditation | 2024
In this reflective talk, Ajahn Brahmali discusses the idea that there is no such thing as "bad meditation." Drawing from his experiences traveling internationally, he highlights that meditation is less about reaching particular states or achievements and more about cultivating kindness, patience, and letting go.Recorded 2024-06-12-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made availab
Buddhist Freedom of Choice | 2017
Ajahn Brahmali explores the concept of freedom through both a modern Western and a Buddhist lens, emphasizing that while both traditions value freedom, they understand it in fundamentally different ways.Western freedom is often equated with autonomy: the ability to choose what to do, say, or consume. In Buddhism, the core idea of freedom is inner freedom: the freedom from the compulsion of desire
UN Sustainable Development Goals and Buddhism | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali discusses the intersection between the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Buddhist principles, sharing reflections from a recent experience at a university conference in Thailand. The talk explores how Buddhism can support, deepen, and even surpass the ambitions of global sustainability initiatives.The SDGs seek external change, but Buddhism teaches that true change begins
The View That Frees | 2021
Ajahn Brahmali explores the transformative power of Right View (sammā-diṭṭhi), explaining how developing accurate understanding of the Dhamma is the foundation for liberation. Recorded 2021-01-16-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded in support of the Anukampa Bikkuni Project. Please see their donation page for ways to support!
Impermanence - Unreliability (Anicca) | 2024
In this Dhamma talk, Ajahn Brahmali reflects on impermanence (Anicca), one of the most central and transformative insights in Buddhism.Impermanence means that all conditioned things (bodies, feelings, perceptions, relationships, thoughts) are in constant flux, making them unreliable. The Buddha emphasized Anicca as a starting point for wisdom, leading to dispassion (Nibbida) and release from suffe
Commitment and Perseverance | 2017
Ajahn Brahmali offers an encouraging and down-to-earth talk about the essential qualities of commitment and perseverance in sustaining a Buddhist practice. Drawing on both practical advice and spiritual insight, he speaks to the long-term mindset needed for deep transformation.Perseverance is not about striving or perfection; it’s about patient, kind repetition. Over the years, even small acts of
How Right View Affects Our Lives | 2024
Ajahn Brahmali explores the practical impact of Right View, not just what it is, but how deeply it influences our choices, emotions, and progress on the spiritual path.Recorded 2024-01-05-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can support the Buddhist Society of
How to Overcome the Five Hindrances | 2018
Ajahn Brahmali explains the Five Hindrances (mental obstacles that block inner peace and meditation) and shares practical methods for overcoming them based on the Buddha’s teachings.The Five Hindrances:Sensory Desire (Kāmacchanda)Ill Will (Byāpāda)Sloth and Torpor (Thīna-middha)Restlessness and Worry/Regret(Uddhacca-kukkucca)Doubt (Vicikicchā)Recorded 2018-07-08-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali wa
Right Perception and Buddhism | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali delves into the topic of right perception in the Buddhist path; explaining how our interpretation of experience shapes our behavior, emotions, morality, and our spiritual growth.Recorded 2023-11-10-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BWSA) under the Creative Commons license. You can suppor
Fake or Real Buddhism | 2023
Ajahn Brahmali discusses how to distinguish authentic Buddhist teachings from those that may be misrepresentations, diluted, or adapted in ways that stray from the original Dhamma.He mentions that real Dhamma teachings should lead to peace, renunciation, contentment, and letting go. These teachings emphasize non-attachment, simplicity, morality, and wisdom.If a teaching supports ego, acquisition,
The Importance of Harmony | 2022
Ajahn Brahmali reflects on one of the fundamental but often overlooked aspects of Buddhist practice: harmony. On a personal level, harmony arises from contentment, ethics, and kindness. In communities, it’s supported by mutual respect, humility, and non-contentious speech.Ajahn Brahmali emphasizes the importance of cultivating kind speech, patience, and a forgiving attitude. He encourages us to re
Developing Perception | 2011
Ajahn Brahmali explores the role of perception in Buddhist practice, drawing from early Buddhist discourses to show how it can be trained and refined to support wisdom and liberation. Perception shapes how we respond to the world; therefore, training it is vital for spiritual development. Just as habits are formed by repetition, wise perceptions become more natural over time through consistent pra
Buddha’s Approach to Meditation | 2022
Ajahn Brahmali explains the authentic framework of Buddhist meditation as taught by the Buddha, grounding the discussion in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta and broader Pali Canon teachings. The Buddha emphasized gentleness, joy, and patience in meditation, not striving or controlling. Ajahn Brahmali points out that meditation develops naturally when one cultivates the conditions for peace, such as practici
The Art of Giving | 2021
Ajahn Brahmali offers a heartfelt talk on generosity (dāna), explaining why it's not just a nice moral act but a powerful spiritual practice that lays the foundation for deeper progress on the Buddhist path. Practicing generosity is not just giving material things, but also giving time, attention, forgiveness, and kindness.Recorded 2021-11-12-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made a
Buddhist’s Idea of Right View | 2022
Ajahn Brahmali explores Right View, emphasizing its essential role as the foundation of the entire Buddhist path. Right View is the correct understanding of reality, particularly in terms of:Kamma (karma) and its consequences.The Four Noble Truths.Impermanence, non-self, and suffering (dukkha).Right View helps reduce craving, aversion, and delusion, replacing them with clarity, peace, and wisdom.R
6 Factors to Mindfulness | 2022
Ajahn Brahmali shares a light-hearted yet deeply practical talk on the six supporting factors that lead to strong and stable mindfulness. His focus is on how to nourish mindfulness through everyday habits and attitudes, not just meditation. You don’t force mindfulness; you nurture its conditions, and it arises on its own.Recorded 2022-04-03-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made availab
Death and Eternal Life | 2020
In this reflective talk, Ajahn Brahmali discusses the themes of death and what it reveals about life, meaning, and the spiritual path. He approaches death not with fear, but with clarity and compassion, seeing it as one of the most profound contemplations in Buddhism.Recorded 2020-05-01-This talk by Ajahn Brahmali was recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Wes
Consciousness and Spiritual Development | 2020
Ajahn Brahmali offers a talk on the nature of consciousness and how understanding it plays a vital role in spiritual growth. Delivered during the early COVID-19 lockdowns, the talk weaves in reflections on change, uncertainty, and the deeper workings of the mind. Consciousness is not a fixed self or soul, but a process that arises dependent on conditions. Seeing its conditioned nature helps us ste
Identity | 2020
Ajahn Brahmali explores the theme of identity, both in everyday life and in the context of Buddhist wisdom. The talk is sparked by his own experience of recently becoming an Australian citizen, which led him to reflect on what identity really means. According to the Buddha, identity is a mental fabrication based on attaching to the five khandas or aspects of experience (body, feeling, perception,
Is Buddhism a Religion | 2020
Ajahn Brahmali explores the common question: “Is Buddhism a religion?” He offers thoughtful reflections on how we define Buddhism and why that definition matters for both practitioners and newcomers.Buddhism is practical and experiential, focusing on ethics, meditation, and insight rather than dogma or ritual. Ajahn Brahmali suggests Buddhism is best seen as a training or path, a way to understand
Buddhism and Politics | 2020
According to the Suttas, a corrupt leader can corrupt the whole society. Ajahn Brahmali discusses the importance of voting for moral leaders and for having compassion towards politicians. Ajahn reminds us that our world is never going to be perfect, so we shouldn’t become upset over political issues. Instead we should focus our attention on being generous and kind.Politics affects everyone, but fo
Practicing Lay Buddhists | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali offers a thoughtful talk on the role of lay Buddhists in the Buddha’s path, emphasizing that deep spiritual practice is not limited to monastics and that laypeople have a vital and honored place in the Buddha's teachings (Dhamma).Even with jobs and families, laypeople can progress deeply by:Reflecting on the Dhamma.Using life’s challenges as opportunities for patience, non-attac
The Easy Way to Awakening | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali humorously addresses the title “The Easy Way to Awakening,” using it as a launching point to discuss the practical, gradual, and joyful nature of the Buddhist path. The Buddhist path is not about forcing or striving, it’s about creating the right causes and conditions for awakening to unfold naturally. Awakening arises naturally from ethical conduct, renunciation, and wisdom applied
The Importance and Benefits of Monasticism | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali discusses the role and significance of monastic life in Buddhism, highlighting why it remains a vital aspect of the Buddha's teachings (Dhamma) and what both individuals and society gain from preserving it. While not everyone can become a monk or nun, valuing and supporting monasticism ensures that the Dhamma remains available, authentic, and transformative for future generation
Terrorism and Tragedies from A Buddhist Perspective | 2019
In the wake of the 2019 Easter terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, Ajahn Brahmali offers a compassionate and thoughtful reflection on how to process suffering, violence, and loss through the lens of Buddhist teachings.Events like terrorism challenge our emotional and moral frameworks. Buddhism does not ignore suffering, rather it teaches how to respond to it wisely and compassionately. Tragedy can als
Death and Impermanence | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali reflects deeply on the themes of death and impermanence, drawing from his personal experience following the passing of his father. He uses this as a heartfelt entry point into one of the most central contemplations in Buddhism.Death is an unavoidable part of life that many avoid thinking about, yet Buddhism encourages us to face it directly and honestly. The impermanence of life rem
Samadhi - Stillness | 2019
Ajahn Brahmali offers a detailed and encouraging talk on samādhi, or meditative stillness, explaining its meaning, purpose, and crucial role on the Buddhist path. He addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding deep meditation.Samādhi refers to deep states of mental stillness and clarity. It is not mere relaxation or concentration, but a fully collected and peaceful mind, free of dist
Understanding Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths | 2018
Ajahn Brahmali offers a foundational talk on what Buddhism is really about, centered on its core framework: the Four Noble Truths. This talk is ideal for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners, as it revisits the essential insights of the Buddha’s awakening.The Four Noble Truths:Dukkha (Suffering or Unsatisfactoriness)The Cause of DukkhaThe Cessation of DukkhaThe Path Leading to the Cessation (
Why I am a Buddhist Monk | 2018
In this personal and reflective talk, Ajahn Brahmali shares the motivations, experiences, and insights that led him to become a Buddhist monk.Recorded 2018-07-12-These talks by Ajahn Brahmali have been recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia under the Creative Commons licence. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by ple
Finding True Freedom | 2018
Ajahn Brahmali delivers an insightful talk exploring the concept of true freedom from a Buddhist perspective. The session begins with reflections on meditation and segues into a deeper discussion about what it really means to be free. Real freedom is not doing whatever we want but being free from the desires that control us.Recorded 2018-07-09-These talks by Ajahn Brahmali have been recorded and m
From Original to Traditional | 2010
Ajahn Brahmali explores the distinction between “original” and “traditional” Buddhism, encouraging a thoughtful return to the Buddha’s earliest teachings to better understand the essence of the Dhamma.Original Buddhism refers to the direct experience and insights of the Buddha. These teachings are preserved in the early suttas (especially in the Pāli Canon).Traditional Buddhism includes the ritual
