* Buddhist Reflections on the Spiritual Life
for Ven Ajahn Chah
* An anthology of teachings by
English-speaking disciples of Ajahn Chah
* Source: dhammatalks.net, holybooks.com
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CONTENTS
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01A. Dedication - Introduction - A Short Biography of Ajahn Chah 01B. Venerable Ajahn Chah: Message from Thailand 01C. Venerable Ajahn Chah: What is Contemplation 02. Venerable Ajahn Sumedho: The Way it Is 03. Venerable Sanatcitto: Love and Attachment 04. Venerable Pabhakaro: On Humility 05. Venerable Khemadhammo: Responding to Pain 06. Venerable Jagaro: Happiness 07. Venerable Pasanno: What is Important 08. Venerable Anando: Kindness and Insight 09. Venerable Tiradhammo: Joy in Spiritual Practice 10. Venerable Viradhammo: So What 11. Venerable Brahmavamso: Becoming Enlightened 12. Venerable Gavesako: Talk on Suffering 13. Venerable Sucitto: Kwan Yin and the Noble Elephant 14. Venerable Munindo: The Work of Awareness 15. Venerable Puriso: Seeing in the Light of Dhamma 16. Venerable Kittisaro: Contemplation and Action 17. Venerable Bodhipalo: Walking Through India 18. Venerable Amaro: No Empty Ideal 19. Venerable Thanavaro: Generating Blessings 20. Venerable Jayasaro: Luang Por's Way 21. Venerable Vajiro: Dana 22. Venerable Kittisaro: Epilogue - True Friends
*** Guided Meditation *** Glossary
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Hard to elude is the reach of Death;
Hard to pass beyond.
But they who accord with the Dhamma well taught,
they will pass beyond
(Dhammapada, v-86)
This collection of teachings is an offering of gratitude to The Venerable Ajahn Chah.
In 1977, when this much-loved Thai Theravada meditation master visited the United Kingdom, he brought with him two of his senior Western-born disciples. Shortly afterwards, on invitation, two more joined them. These four monks remained in London
In 1981 two other Westerners were invited to go from their mother monastery in North-East Thailand to take up residence in Perth, Australia.
This book represents the teachings of a now international community -- the first generation of monks and nuns proceeding from this Theravada 'Forest Tradition'.
The book begins with an introduction and dedication to Ajahn Chah and follows on with two sessions of instruction given to Western students. The remainder is a collection of transcribed talks, letters, and essays by 20 teaching monks of this tradition. Some have remained as abbots of monasteries in Thailand; others are now living in England, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.
In keeping with the Buddha's own Teachings, these reflections on Dhamma -- the Truth of the Way Things Are -- are not intended to be accepted too readily. Neither are they to be rejected. Rather, they are offered for consideration.
They are also offered as an on-going expression of gratitude for what has been received -- the living example of the Way of Truth itself. For these monks it has been the opportunity to witness the life of a great Master, who awakened the 'heart of true faith' in so many. It is sincerely wished that these teachings bring to fruition true happiness, true 'Refuge', and true peace in the hearts of those who look into them.