The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Dharma Talks given at Sati Saraniya Hermitage
2018-11-04 First Aid 10:51
Ayya Medhanandi
To free us from our relentless conceptualising and the suffering that comes of it, the Buddha has thrown us a lifeline. We can grab hold of it by continually using the perspective that “this is impermanent”, and, thereby, we can pull ourselves to safety. A breakfast reflection given at Sati Saraniya Hermitage in 2018.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2018-10-20 At The Core of The Coreless 28:07
Ayya Medhanandi
We sit at the edge of the heart peering in, tangled by clinging, inflated and inflamed by worldly ways. Yet we long to know the truth of what we are. For that we must explore the inner core. This is a letting go both magnificent and excruciating. So how can we bear it? Burn up all that you think you know to discover that which cannot be burned. It's a corelessness – the pure, unfathomable truth. Trust and see through to the emptiness of 'I' – there is no me and nothing to cling to. That knowledge and vision will set us free.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2018-08-16 Entering the Gate: Four Spiritual Powers 38:34
Ayya Medhanandi
Satipanna Insight Meditation Toronto (SIMT) Retreat, Chapin Mill, Batavia, N.Y. Entering the Gate: Four Spiritual Qualities Though our spiritual paths are many and varied, we can all practice with enough present moment awareness, faith, energy and commitment to realize the boundless nature of the heart that seemed at first beyond our reach.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2018-06-17 Fearlessness 47:36
Ayya Medhanandi
Buddhist Insights, East Village, New York City
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2017-11-26 Courage, Kindness, and Freedom - Ancient Verses of Arahant Rohini Bhikkhuni 25:34
Ayya Medhanandi
In the world of Arahant Rohini, the same forces of violence, greed, and delusion we face now were at play. She encourages us to sustain faith in the Dhamma, using its special weapons to counter the erosion of peace and to liberate the mind with kindness, courage, selflessness, and wisdom - for the benefit of all beings.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2017-11-12 How Do I Save That Moth? 20:06
Ayya Medhanandi
The Winter of the World is here… How do we bear it? What does the mind need in order to open to the teachings? Dana. Sila. Generosity and virtue. Cultivating generosity, starting with the material, can mature into acts of sharing one’s time, energy, abilities, kindness and compassion. Let us cherish these noble qualities and develop them in a boundless way, for all beings. The Buddha advises us how to be fearless and present with a loved one near death. A talk given at Sati Saraniya Hermitage in November, 2017.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2017-09-15 Imina Punya - Sharing of Blessings Chant in Pali 3:52
Ayya Medhanandi
Chanting the sharing of the blessings of our practice for the benefit of all beings
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2017-08-11 Turning to Dust: Death Contemplations 26:36
Ayya Medhanandi
The nine-cemetary contemplations presented in the Satipatthana Sutta work with elemental perspectives on the parts of the body by simulating their condition after death.  The clarity of mind realized in these special practices sheds light on how valuable death contemplations are for a wholesome and happy life.  Not only does the mind gain immense lucidity and peace, but we are able to access and develop special qualities of mental composure, joy and discernment.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2017-05-22 When You Get Close to the Sun 19:40
Ayya Medhanandi
What can protect us from the repercussions of negative and unwholesome mind states? Begin the journey, the archeology of our own heart. It’s a total cleansing. Like a mountain climber, we ascend the interior slopes and our burden lightens. We clear it out moment by moment. Whatever misfortunes come, letting go, we wean ourselves away from the quicksand of habit. We grow fearless, students of life, learning to bow and bring forth these gifts, like diamonds from coal in the quiet eternity within us. Therein, we hear the timeless hymn of unspoken love.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

2016-12-10 The Novice With An Empty Bowl 24:50
Ayya Medhanandi
A humble novice with his bowl empty exemplifies where true riches lie in this world. Meditating deep in the unchartered borders within, gain those riches by giving up worldly pursuits. See the value of what is true and what reveals the truth to us. Beyond confusion, beyond wanting, beyond harmful ways of being, purify the mind and seek that jewel of the heart's true peace, clear and free.
Sati Saraniya Hermitage

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