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# Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā

Dhamma talks and activities of Bhante Joe

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## Posts

- [what if ignorance is something we choose? | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/08/04/what-if-ignorance-is-something-we-choose-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explores how ignorance (avijjā) and craving (taṇhā) work together as the roots of suffering. He explains that ignorance is not merely a lack of knowledge, but also the mind’s tendency to forget, conceal, or avoid seeing what truly leads to happiness and suffering. Drawing on personal experiences with meditation,
- [Say what you do, do what you say. A Buddhist talk on truthfulness](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/08/04/say-what-you-do-do-what-you-say-a-buddhist-talk-on-truthfulness/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on truthfulness, keeping promises, and the Buddhist training in right speech. Beginning with the Buddha’s description of the Tathāgata as one who “does as he says and says as he does,” he explores how hypocrisy weakens faith, how clear goals support honest speech, and why trustworthy conduct matters
- [What Is the Best Investment You Can Make in Life? | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/07/31/what-is-the-best-investment-you-can-make-in-life-bhante-joe/) - What gives the greatest return on the time and energy we invest in life? Bhante Joe explores this question through the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence, death, meditation, and long-term happiness. Drawing on the simile of four mountains closing in on King Pasenadi, he explains why aging, sickness, and death should inspire wise urgency rather than
- [Is the Unity of Opposites the Truth? Non-Duality and Oneness from a Theravāda Perspective](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/07/28/is-the-unity-of-opposites-the-truth-non-duality-and-oneness-from-a-theravada-perspective/) - DESCRIPTION In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe examines the “unity of opposites” and asks whether Buddhism regards good and bad, saṃsāra and Nibbāna, or consciousness and its objects as ultimately one. Contrasting Theravāda teachings with Taoism, later Buddhist philosophy, and New Age non-duality, he explains the Buddha’s categorical distinction between wholesome and unwholesome kamma, while
- [The Four Bases of Spiritual Power: Desire, Effort, Concentration & Investigation | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/07/08/the-four-bases-of-spiritual-power-desire-effort-concentration-investigation-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explains the four bases of spiritual power (iddhipāda)—desire (chanda), effort (viriya), intent or concentration (citta), and investigation (vīmaṃsā)—and why the Buddha taught that they are indispensable for arahantship. Drawing on the Iddhipāda-vibhaṅga Sutta, the story of Venerable Soṇa and the lute-string simile, Ānanda’s explanation of using desire to go
- [Foraging for Happiness | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/06/30/foraging-for-happiness-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explores how the perception of beauty can either create attachment or provide essential nourishment for Buddhist practice. Drawing on the Buddha’s fortress simile, the four bases of power, and teachings on overcoming anger, he explains how desire can be directed towards concentration, virtue, reverence, and the wholesome qualities of
- [The Power of Asking Wise Questions in Buddhist Practice | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/06/18/the-power-of-asking-wise-questions-in-buddhist-practice-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on the role of wise questioning in Buddhist practice, beginning with the Buddha’s final invitation to the monks to ask questions before his passing. He explains how a central question—what leads to true happiness?—sets the framework of the path and keeps practitioners from being distracted by side experiences,
- [How to Practice When You’re Sick: Buddhist Teachings on Illness, Pain, and Freedom | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/06/15/how-to-practice-when-youre-sick-buddhist-teachings-on-illness-pain-and-freedom-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on practicing with illness and how Buddhist training can help the mind remain steady when the body is sick, painful, or uncertain. Drawing from personal experience in Europe, meditation retreats, and Thai Forest teachings, he explains how sickness can become a place of practice rather than only a
- [A Path Beyond Knowing | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/06/10/a-path-beyond-knowing-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explores dependent origination, or paṭicca samuppāda, as a practical teaching for understanding how suffering is built and how it can be taken apart. Rather than treating dependent origination as an abstract theory about everything that happens, this talk focuses on the links of contact, feeling, craving, clinging, becoming, kamma,
- [The Link in Dependent Origination We Keep Ignoring | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/05/17/the-link-in-dependent-origination-we-keep-ignoring-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explores the Buddha’s teaching on contact, feeling, craving, and suffering through the image of craving as “the seamstress.” Drawing from the Pārāyana Sutta, dependent co-arising, and the simile of the flayed cow, this talk explains how suffering often begins before obvious painful feelings arise. Rather than only trying to
- [The Momentum of Practice: Building Calm and Clarity | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/05/07/the-momentum-of-practice-building-calm-and-clarity-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on the momentum that develops through steady Buddhist meditation practice. Drawing on stories from Korean Zen, the image of learning to ride a bicycle, and teachings from the Pāli Canon, he explains how returning again and again to the present moment gradually weakens mental proliferation, anxiety, anger, and
- [How to Practise When Nothing Goes to Plan | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/04/25/how-to-practise-when-nothing-goes-to-plan-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on the wandering life, uncertainty in practice, and the need to develop adaptability, ingenuity, and equanimity when conditions do not go according to plan. Drawing on recent travel experiences in Sri Lanka, he explores how practitioners can meet discomfort, instability, and unexpected obstacles without losing heart. The talk
- [Friends on the Path: Recognizing the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/04/20/friends-on-the-path-recognizing-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-bhante-joe/) - watch the full video here {https://youtu.be/wWW5B48OOqg?si=YEHemPmzPdq8rQjo} In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on how to recognize true spiritual friendship on the Buddhist path and why noble friendship is not merely supportive, but foundational to practice. Drawing on the Buddha’s correction to Ven. Ānanda that admirable friendship is the whole of the holy life, he
- [Not Swept Away by the Eight Worldly Winds | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/04/20/not-swept-away-by-the-eight-worldly-winds-bhante-joe/) - watch the full video here {https://youtu.be/ztaW_WK8f9g?si=oQeH1laksAwTjepr} In this Dhamma reflection, Bhante Joe begins with a vivid experience of heading into the forest to sleep on a sun-warmed rock, only to find himself watching the weather and reading the direction of the wind. From there, he develops the Buddha’s simile of the eight worldly winds—gain and
- [The Body Sets the Terms: Practice While You Can | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/04/20/the-body-sets-the-terms-practice-while-you-can-bhante-joe/) - Watch the full video here 👇🏾👇🏾 {https://youtu.be/l_4JdBofO9c?si=HaEPh_4YPo6LHhXJ} ━━━━━━━━━━ ONLINE EVENTS & COMMUNITY PRACTICE ━━━━━━━━━━ Tune in with fellow practitioners for dhammavinayapatipada online events and community practice! ━━━━━━━━━━ MONTHLY MEDITATION via ZOOM ━━━━━━━━━━ *North America — 1st Sunday of the month: 7–8:30pm *Australia — 1st Monday of the month: 7–8:30pm https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monthly-meditation-meetings/ ━━━━━━━━━━ LUMA CALENDAR ━━━━━━━━━━ *Subscribe
- [The Body Behind the Mind: How the Body Shapes Identity and Suffering | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/03/24/the-body-behind-the-mind-how-the-body-shapes-identity-and-suffering-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on how a person’s sense of identity is quietly built around the body and the attention given to both the body and the external world. He explains that the body functions as a hidden condition behind attraction and aversion, behind hopes and fears, and behind many assumptions about
- [At Home in Homelessness | An Interview With Ven. Jeffrey](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/03/18/at-home-in-homelessness-an-interview-with-ven-jeffrey/) - In this interview, I had the opportunity to sit down with Venerable Jeffrey. Venerable Jeffrey has been a undertaken the traditional monastic wandering in life California since 2022. We discussed his reflections on the practice of wandering: its practical demands, the way it may be undertaken in daily life, and how it can support meditation
- [Stream Entry and the Five Precepts | Ritual, Merit, and Ungrasped Virtue](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/03/16/stream-entry-and-the-five-precepts-ritual-merit-and-ungrasped-virtue/) - Stream Entry and the Five Precepts | Ritual, Merit, and Ungrasped Virtue In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe responds to two related questions from a meditation course: whether formally undertaking the five precepts through ritual creates a different kind of merit than keeping them inwardly and sincerely, and what it means when the virtue of
- [How the mind builds a world, things as they are and as they've come to be | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/03/06/how-the-mind-builds-a-world-things-as-they-are-and-as-theyve-come-to-be-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe begins with an unusual story about giving a talk in Sinhala through ChatGPT translation, then uses that experience as a doorway into a deeper reflection on how the mind interprets the world. He explores how perception, memory, fear, and proliferation can cause reality to become “lost in translation,” and
- [Keeping Insight Meditation Alive: Simple Saññā (Perception) Techniques | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/02/21/keeping-insight-meditation-alive-simple-sanna-perception-techniques-bhante-joe/) - DESCRIPTION In this practical Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe responds to a common meditation problem: when concentration feels weak, how do you stay with “perception” (saññā) topics—like impermanence, not-self (anattā), asubha, and mindfulness of death—without drifting into random thinking or restlessness? He explains how the mind naturally builds a “reality” around what it wants by moving
- [5: Scroll or Control? Meditation and Technology in the Modern World | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/02/14/5-scroll-or-control-meditation-and-technology-in-the-modern-world-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explores how Buddhist practice can stay strong in a world shaped by smartphones, social media, and AI. He begins by questioning the common idea that “older = purer,” pointing out that while the Buddha’s time was ideal because the Buddha was present, the path itself isn’t about clinging to
- [55: Practicing with Fear: Observer vs Observed (A Practical instruction)](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/02/03/55-practicing-with-fear-observer-vs-observed-a-practical-instruction/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe responds to a thoughtful question about breath meditation: if the breath feels uncomfortable, should we adjust it—or “just observe”? Using early Buddhist framing, he explains how both strategies can be skillful at different times: sometimes we counter a defilement through deliberate fabrication, and sometimes we overcome it through steady,
- [55: Walking Meditation (Cankama) Training: Purpose, Objects, and Buddha’s Teachings](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/02/03/55-walking-meditation-cankama-training-purpose-objects-and-buddhas-teachings/) - In this Q&A, Bhante Joe answers practical questions: what’s the goal of walking meditation? How can it be done? What object should you use? He clarifies that walking is not a separate “technique,” but a posture for continuing your main meditation theme—whether that’s breath, a mantra like “Buddho,” or a perception-based contemplation. Drawing on the
- [54: The Original Robe Size at the Time of the Buddha: Ancient Measures, Modern Monks](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/01/09/54-the-original-robe-size-at-the-time-of-the-buddha-ancient-measures-modern-monks/) - In this lively Vinaya conversation, Bhante Joe interviews Venerables Suddhāso, Suñño, and Soma on a topic most Buddhists rarely hear about—but many will find fascinating once they do: the “small robe” option in Theravāda and what the Vinaya actually says about robe dimensions (cīvara). Together they explore why modern robes often became much larger over
- [New Year's Dhamma Talk: Goal-Setting in Buddhism — From “Candy Goals” to Liberation (Nibbāna](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/01/02/new-years-dhamma-talk-goal-setting-in-buddhism-from-candy-goals-to-liberation-nibbana/) - In this New Year Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on goal-setting in Buddhism and why the Buddha’s training revolves around a clear aim: Nibbāna, the end of suffering. He explains how effective spiritual goals rely on balancing two vital capacities—the rational faculty (breaking a large aim into realistic, workable steps) and the intuitive faculty (recognizing
- [49: A Path to Being Untouched](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/12/25/49-a-path-to-being-untouched/) - This Dhamma talk discusses the importance of using the Buddha's teachings for the practical purpose of ending suffering, rather than ontological knowledge about the world. It also discusses how the teaching on not self is not meant to lead to a state where one 'realizes' no self, but to a state where the mind is
- [52: Why the World Expands— and the Mind Must Contract to Find Freedom | Papanca & Dispassion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/12/25/52-why-the-world-expands-and-the-mind-must-contract-to-find-freedom-papanca-dispassion/) - In this talk, Bhante Joe reflects on “de-meshing with the world”: how the world praises outward expansion—more roles, more projects, more involvement—while the Dhamma points in the opposite direction, toward inward contraction and release. Using the idea of papañca (proliferation), he explains how the mind rushes out, mixes with things, and then suffers when those
- [Brightness Throughout](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/12/22/brightness-throughout/) - Ajahn Nissarano is the abbot of Newbury Buddhist Monastery. He trained at Bodhinyana monastery for almost ten years setting out to stay in Thailand and later Sri Lanka. He spent 13 years in Sri Lanka, eight of which were in a solitary cave. For more information on Ajahn Nissarano's teachings, Newbury Buddhist Monastery, and the
- [50: Effort and Ease —Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/12/19/50-effort-and-ease-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased) 'We've talked about how ease is important in practice, is there a role for more rigorous practices?'
- [49: Skill in Inspiration](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/12/12/49-skill-in-inspiration/) - This talk discusses how inspiration is a skill. It discusses strategies for making the mind inspired and for using inspiration well when it arises. *Note: this talk was given as a backup for our regular monthly meditation session for North America. For more information about our monthly events, see our Luna calendar... https://luma.com/user/dhammavinayap
- [48: Distraction Through Analysis](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/12/06/48-distraction-through-analysis/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased...) Hey, Bhante... what I find sometimes with myself is this: I’ll sit down, and then there’s this resentment or anger from something during the day. Someone said something wrong to me or whatever, right? So I’ll be trying to look for the root or the background of
- [Pushing the Boundaries: Insights From the Buddha's Lay Noble Disciples In Ancient and Modern Times](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/11/16/pushing-the-boundaries-insights-from-the-buddhas-lay-noble-disciples-in-ancient-and-modern-times/) - This talk examines the lives of the Buddha's lay noble disciples in ancient and modern times to see what lessons their lives can hold for practitioners today. It also examines the Buddha's specific advice to laypeople in the Pali Canon that can act as a checklist for lay practice.
- [A Cascade of Wellbeing: An Interview With Ajahn Kovilo](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/11/13/a-cascade-of-wellbeing-an-interview-with-ajahn-kovilo/) - An interview with Ajahn Kovilo of Clear Mountain Monastery. Links Website http://www.clearmountainmonastery.org The Wellbeing Cascade: https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/2024/06/11/the-wellbeing-cascade/ Thus You Should Train Yourselves https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/2024/06/11/thus-should-you-train-yourselves/
- [45: Building a Self Through Not-Self](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/11/03/45-building-a-self-through-not-self/) - This talk discusses how the Buddha defines the self as a process. We can create selves that are based on increasingly refined levels of happiness, until we don't need to create a self at all.
- [The Happiness of Absence](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/11/03/the-happiness-of-absence/) - Dhamma discussion based on the question... '..sort of following the connection from last week, the comments you made about observing cause and effect and especially observing causes of happiness today. I was wondering if you could clarify the difference between the latter two types of happiness that you mentioned. So, happiness from stillness and that
- [44: A Connoisseur of Happiness 2](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/10/15/44-a-connoisseur-of-happiness-2/) - An ovāda and Dhamma discussion based on developing an increasing sensitivity to different types of happiness as a means to progress on one's path.
- [42: To the Source](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/10/10/42-to-the-source/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of keeping in mind the purpose for which we meditate and evaluating our success or failure against that purpose
- [42: Simple Guided Breath Meditation](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/10/10/42-simple-guided-breath-meditation/) - A simple guided breath meditation suitable for beginners
- [41: Discernment That Destroys Defilements | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/10/02/41-discernment-that-destroys-defilements-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Bhante, I have some questions regarding discernment. First, is the only type of discernment which leads to the destruction of defilements and cutting fetters, insight into the three characteristics? Secondly, are we supposed to A) actively produce discernment in meditation, or B) are we cultivating our minds in
- [40: A Body Among Bodies](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/09/24/40-a-body-among-bodies/) - This ovāda discusses the Buddha's statement that the in and out breath is a body among bodies.
- [39: Repeating Peaceful Meditations — Manipulating vs Letting Be | Dhamma Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/09/17/39-repeating-peaceful-meditations-manipulating-vs-letting-be-dhamma-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... @ Bhante Joe I have a question around balancing contentment and striving. When I was meditating last night I saw how much dissatisfaction I was experiencing over not having the type of meditation experiences I had the last time and wanted again this time. The perceptions and feelings
- [38: Working Out On The Eight Precepts](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/09/11/38-working-out-on-the-eight-precepts/) - This Sutta and Vinaya study discusses controversies regarding working out and keeping the precept not to eat after solar noon. *** Note: the distinction between milk fat and milk protein appears to be the reason why milk is not allowed after noon, but butter is. Also note that whey protein powder is derived from milk.
- [37: Meditation From the Bottom-Up](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/09/03/37-meditation-from-the-bottom-up/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Dear Bhante, between asubha and 4 elements contemplation for the body, which is a better one to get insight into annata and cut the fetter of Sakkāya-diṭṭhi? I was watching a video of Ajahn (X) and it was mentioned there that asubha is primarily to reduce lust and
- [36: Develop Your Good Qualities Through Balance | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/08/27/36-develop-your-good-qualities-through-balance-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of balance and experimentation in Buddhist practice.
- [35: Jhānas and Noble Attainments for Laypeople | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/08/21/35-jhanas-and-noble-attainments-for-laypeople-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Theruwan Saranai Bhante, have you encountered any lay people who have reached supramundane stages of practice, such as attaining the Jhanas or even attaining Sotapanna and/or beyond? What do you think allowed them to reach such stages of practice while still living as laypeople especially in the modern-day
- [34: Desire is a Part of the Path and Experience Should be Manipulated | Sutta Study](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/08/16/34-desire-is-a-part-of-the-path-and-experience-should-be-manipulated-sutta-study/) - This sutta study examines a popular claim that the only way to overcome suffering is to be with the experience without reacting to it. Attempting to change the experience — for example, by focusing on a meditation topic or manipulating thoughts — is seen as negative. The basic assumption is that desire and aversion cannot
- [33: Balancing Our Relationships With Others by Withdrawing | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/08/06/33-balancing-our-relationships-with-others-by-withdrawing-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the following question.. (after speaking about the possibility of bringing relationships with others into balance by withdrawing) "How could I do this if it is with a family member that I can't avoid?"
- [32: Focus on the Process to Get the Results](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/07/31/32-focus-on-the-process-to-get-the-results/) - This ovāda discusses setting goals and dealing with expectations of results in one's practice.
- [31: Overcoming the Fear of Renunciation](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/07/24/31-overcoming-the-fear-of-renunciation/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... Do you ever feel fear from what the Buddha teaches? How long this has been going on, how many lives this ball has been picking up speed. How many times has it been slowed but never fully stopped, leading onto suffering for a long long time. I suppose
- [30: Cooling the World](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/07/17/30-cooling-the-world/) - The ovāda discusses how the world burns with passion at the eyes, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, and the importance of seeing the cooling of this passion as peace.
- [29: Deepening the Perception of Impermanence](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/07/11/29-deepening-the-perception-of-impermanence/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "While practicing I believe I can sometimes glimpse the impermanent nature of all determinations. For example, I can establish my mind on the impermanence of the breath and recognize that the breath depends on the body as its necessary basis which is in itself also determined by consciousness
- [28: Associating With Solitary Places](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/07/04/28-associating-with-solitary-places/) - This ovāda discusses how to associate with solitary places. It was given at the ancient monastery of Situl Pawa inside Yala National Park.
- [27: What Observes Pressure and Its Abscence Is Not Supreme Peace | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/06/26/27-what-observes-pressure-and-its-abscence-is-not-supreme-peace-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Is the mindfulness that recognizes the absence of pressure when it is absent, and the presence of pressure when it is present, without being deceived by it, that supreme peace? Or something moving in that direction?" Suttas Referenced: -MN 137 (Equanimity based on multiplicity) -MN 22 (Let go
- [26: All Beings Have the Same Goal](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/06/18/26-all-beings-have-the-same-goal/) - This ovāda discusses how all beings have happiness as their goal and gives some of the Buddha's strategies to achieve it.
- [25: Did the Buddha Teach Intense Focus On a Single Object? | Sutta Study](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/06/13/25-did-the-buddha-teach-intense-focus-on-a-single-object-sutta-study/) - This video is a sutta study evaluating whether the meditation method of intense focus on a single object, such as the breath, is recommended by the Buddha. It is a follow-up to the video “Is Meditation Only for Stream Enterers or Those Who Are Close?” In particular, it builds on the points made in that
- [24: When You Want to Meditate, Meditate. When You Don't Want to Meditate, Meditate](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/06/06/24-when-you-want-to-meditate-meditate-when-you-dont-want-to-meditate-meditate/) - This Ovāda discusses how experienced practitioners can lose motivation in meditation and how to overcome it.
- [23: Is Meditation Only For Stream Enterers or Those Who Are Close?](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/05/30/23-is-meditation-only-for-stream-enterers-or-those-who-are-close/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (condensed and paraphrased)... 'Bhante, thank you for giving me the chance to clarify my thoughts in writing—it’s something I rarely do. When I refer to “‘the form (of the Satipatthanas) practiced’ today,” I mean the common methods most meditators now use, such as watching the breath for extended
- [22: A Secure Refuge](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/05/21/22-a-secure-refuge/) - This ovāda discusses different levels of refuge and their effectiveness.
- [21: Beyond the Allness of the All | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/05/15/21-beyond-the-allness-of-the-all-discussion/) - A Dhamma Discussion based on the question... "if thinking of samsara as a process or activity; is nibanna the only process or possibility other than samsara? I'm trying to understand nibanna and whether it is an eternal, unchanging state of peaceful existence, or an eternal state of nothingness. If it's not either of these things,
- [Two Pillars of Practice](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/05/08/two-pillars-of-practice/) - This ovāda discusses the role of effort and endurance as foundational elements of practice.
- [19: Memories in Meditation](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/05/01/19-memories-in-meditation/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Often during meditation, I continuously experience a dreamy type of state when old memories become vivid and captivating. There is a level of comfort and warmth to this, but also some unease as I feel it's a distraction from my main object. I do my best to pull
- [18: Into the Mist](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/04/24/18-into-the-mist/) - This ovāda discusses the way that calm can arises if one perseveres beyond agitation in one's practice. It discusses how to see patterns in what gives rise to states of calm vs states of agitation. It also discusses how to use that knowledge to gain the confidence to step forward in one's practice and into
- [17: 'Bliss' Is Not a Sensual Pleasure](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/04/17/17-bliss-is-not-a-sensual-pleasure/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I'm curious to confirm if the bliss referred to (as that which may lie behind the perception of mind), is that which is referred to in the Pali as *piti*. Often the English term "bliss" may be generally (mis)interpreted as intensely pleasurable feeling, like some hugely pleasant esctatic
- [16: This is The Path to Purity](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/04/10/16-this-is-the-path-to-purity/) - An ovāda based on the Dhammapada verse: All compounded things are impermanent When with wisdom this is seen (One) develops dispassion for the world This is the path to purity
- [15: Breath Meditation —Discernment and Insight](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/04/10/15-breath-meditation-discernment-and-insight/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Bhante, can you please explain how anapanasati can develop insight or discernment, or to removal of the defilements? Do you think that the modern variations of mindfulness of breathing can lead to the same "great fruits and great benefits" as how the Buddha taught it?"
- [14: Not a Simple Framework](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/03/26/14-not-a-simple-framework/) - This ovāda discusses how overly-simplified and pre-planned paths of practice can be a hindrance
- [13: When to Change From Mettā to Asuba](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/03/22/13-when-to-change-from-metta-to-asuba/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "How do you balance practicing metta and asubha meditation?"
- [12: Gathering the Strands Together](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/03/13/12-gathering-the-strands-together/) - The ovāda touches on the extraordinary accomplishments of the foreign monks of the Island Hermitage in Sri Lanka. Using their examples, It discusses how practice can become powerful when all the aspects of life become turned towards the Dhamma.
- [11: Practicing With Doubt](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/03/04/11-practicing-with-doubt/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I have a question about doubt in the practice. When I first started practicing I was quite enamored with (a certain monk's) work. I still am to a degree but after learning about the conflict of views between him and (another monk) in regards to ... "not self
- [10: Watch, Wait, Discover](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/02/27/10-watch-wait-discover/) - This ovāda discusses the role of patience, balance, and investigation in Buddhist practice.
- [9: Strategies for Anger](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/02/19/9-strategies-for-anger/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I am struggling to control my anger in certain circumstances. I am able to control most of the time, however when certain situations arise in the family sometimes it becomes hard and I lose my temper. Despite my efforts in meditation, I feel like I have made little
- [7: A Road Beyond Separation](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/02/14/7-a-road-beyond-separation/) - This ovāda discusses the five topics for frequent recollection. In particular, it focuses on the reflection: "All that is mine, beloved, and pleasing will become otherwise; it will become separated from me." It explores how contemplating separation can serve as a path that leads beyond separation.
- [6: Is There a Significance to Dreams?](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/02/04/6-is-there-a-significance-to-dreams/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I wanted to share something interesting that happened and ask for clarifications. "Recently I've been having lots of dreams where in the dream I am doing chanting, meditating and in one dream I was paying respects to (a Venerable)... In another dream, I dreamt about another Buddhist monk
- [6: Intense, Focused Effort Leads to Peace and Ease](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/01/30/6-intense-focused-effort-leads-to-peace-and-ease/) - This ovāda discusses the seeming paradox of how the intense application of effort in practice can lead to almost immediate peace and ease.
- [4: Extreme Left-Wing Buddhism?](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/01/24/4-extreme-left-wing-buddhism/) - Dhamma discussion based on the question... "I’ve recently come across a post by (a Venerable)... that has raised some concerns for me. In the post, he describes a growing “ultra-right extremist Buddhism” and characterizes a broad range of views—including "incel culture, anti-feminism, vaccine skepticism, fans of Jordan Peterson, opposition to bhikkhuni ordination, transphobia, homophobia, and
- [3: Delight in Non-Expansion | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/01/15/3-delight-in-non-expansion-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of staying in the present moment to give strength to one's practice.
- [2: Overcoming Arrogance and Conceit](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/01/10/2-overcoming-arrogance-and-conceit/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the questions... 1. How do you get rid of arrogance? 2. How can you practice to be more humble? 3. How can you avoid feeling condescending toward people who are less spiritual?
- [1: Concentration and Understanding](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2025/01/04/1-concentration-and-understanding/) - This talk discusses the ways in which concentration and insight practices complement one another and when to switch between them
- [48: Beyond Arising and Passing Away](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/12/28/48-beyond-arising-and-passing-away/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... "I've had an experience where I just see things arising and passing away, but I don't know how to cross beyond that. Do you have any advice?"
- [47: Goodness is More Powerful Than Evil](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/12/20/47-goodness-is-more-powerful-than-evil/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of staying with goodness during difficult times
- [46: Themes of the Mind | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/12/12/46-themes-of-the-mind-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the questions... What is the citta nimitta? What are nimittas in general?
- [45: Solutions Through Spontaneity](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/12/07/45-solutions-through-spontaneity/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of spontaneity in developing the Buddhist path
- [44: The Paradox of Consumption](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/11/27/44-the-paradox-of-consumption/) - A Dhamma Discussion based on the question... "Something that I have struggled with for many years is the way practice bears so much fruit. The more... meditation I do the more energy and good ideas and better relationships I have get me caught up in the world, it can be a bit of a vicious
- [43: Only Non-Hate Dispels Hate](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/11/21/43-only-non-hate-dispels-hate/) - This ovāda discusses how hatred arises in individuals, groups, and society. It explores the negative consequences of hatred and examines the benefits of seeking and practicing ways to escape it.
- [42: On Samvega](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/11/14/42-on-samvega/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the following questions (paraphrased)... What is the role of Samvega? Terror. Is that always a bad thing? Should one go towards it or should one go against it if one feels depression, despair, or terror?
- [41: A Warrior's Right View | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/11/08/41-a-warriors-right-view-ovada/) - This ovāda describes the cultivation of right view as something more than just the development of overt philosophies through thinking and pre-planning. It also emphasizes the more subtle levels of right view that one needs to cultivate by experimenting and training the mind to confront the defilements that cause suffering in real time. This is
- [40: Kamma and Free Will | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/11/08/40-kamma-and-free-will-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion revolving around kamma, free will, and determinism.
- [39: A Moment to Be Remembered](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/10/25/39-a-moment-to-be-remembered/) - This ovāda uses refers to suttas and to living traditons to discuss how the fruit of stream entry is a sudden occurrence that leaves a lasting impression on the mind. It contrasts this with a trend in modern Western Buddhism in which the fruit of stream entry is presented as something gradual and almost indiscernible.
- [38: Conscious of Consciousness](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/10/19/38-conscious-of-consciousness/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the topic (paraphrased): "I was discussing with my mother about the impermanence of the five khandhas. She could see how each of them were impermanent, except for consciousness. What proof is there, for example, that there isn't some little man hiding behind, in the mind, and observing everything? How can
- [37: Don't Eat Inspiration](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/10/12/37-dont-eat-inspiration/) - This ovāda discusses the purpose one should have in meeting inspiring monks. It discusses how one should seek to meet inspiring figures to take on their good qualities. One shouldn't seek to meet them just to feel inspired.
- [New Listings or Corrections](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/10/02/new-listings-or-corrections/) - Monastery Information Submission Page Listings for monasteries and centers can be updated with information provided by the monastic Sangha and lay practitioners. To submit information: About a new listing for a monastery or center. To correct an error in a listing about a monastery or center. Please follow the instructions below. New Monastery or Center
- [36: Taking Birth to Practice | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/10/02/36-taking-birth-to-practice-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Could you please say something about the preciousness of human rebirth. According to the scriptures it is very rare to be born in the human realm and we are very fortunate to be so. What are the causes of such a rebirth and what should we do to
- [35: Resilience Through Two Types of Faith](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/09/28/35-resilience-through-two-types-of-faith/) - This ovāda discusses developing resilience by cultivating both rational and intuitive faith.
- [34: Practicing to Abandon the Khandas in the Present](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/09/20/34-practicing-to-abandon-the-khandas-in-the-present/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (punctuation and line breaks added)... Bhagyawathun Wahansa said, "Let go of the past—because it has already happened. Let go of the future—since it has not yet arrived and is full of uncertainty." So, this means we only have the present moment to come to and practice Dhamma (Sutha,
- [33: True and Right | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/09/12/33-true-and-right-ovada/) - This ovāda explores the practice of finding balance and skillfulness in various situations. It discusses how to navigate the intersection of what's right—the rules and guidelines that apply in a given context—with what's true -- the broader principles of the Dhamma.
- [32: Does Suffering Come From Resistance? | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/09/09/32-does-suffering-come-from-resistance-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... 'Suffering is an underlying attitude of resistance to the way things are / wanting things to be different which again leads to disappointment, frustration, more bad feeling?
- [32: Stilling the Background | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/08/30/32-stilling-the-background-ovada/) - Our life is made up of many moments that lend significance and give us a sense of time. These milestones can include things like the first day of school, winning an award, getting a first job, receiving a promotion, getting married, and so on. These events and their significance form what we might call the
- [31: Gradual Renunciation for Laypeople](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/08/22/31-gradual-renunciation-for-laypeople/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... 'How can I see clearly which lifestyle or hobbies or engagement as a lay person is not harming to others or oneself on a very subtle level?'
- [30: Meditation Surgery](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/08/13/30-meditation-surgery/) - This ovāda compares 'bhava' or 'becoming' to a cyst. It’s something that starts small but grows and spreads. This is one of the meanings of the word 'papancha'—expansion or proliferation. In our meditation practice, we sometimes need to act like surgeons, removing the cyst of becoming. We take out what is harmful and leave behind
- [29: Lest We Forget: The Disappearance of Arahantship in Ancient Sri Lanka](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/07/27/29-lest-we-forget-the-disappearance-of-arahantship-in-ancient-sri-lanka/) - In Sri Lanka, there is a strong cultural memory of the existence of large numbers of arahants. There is a folk tale that so many arahants used to fly through the sky at a monastery in the south of Sri Lanka that farmers found it hard to grow crops in the vicinity. The existence of
- [28: Away From the Source: A History of the Disappearance of Buddhism in Ancient India](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/07/27/28-away-from-the-source-a-history-of-the-disappearance-of-buddhism-in-ancient-india/) - India was the birthplace of the Buddha. It gave rise to the Buddhist religion. The Buddha and his greatest disciples lived and taught there. How did Buddhism disappear from its homeland? What can we learn from Buddhsim's fate in India? In this talk, we will explore these questions to find out what lessons history holds
- [27: Painful Practice | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/07/27/27-painful-practice-ovada/) - In some cases, one needs to practice with difficulty in order to progress. In fact, these situations can be among the most important for advancement in the path. However, it's important to know the difference between practice that is painful and advancing, and practice that is painful and heading towards an injury. In this discussion,
- [26: A Path of Renunciation](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/07/13/26-a-path-of-renunciation/) - The Buddha taught a path of renunciation. To create space in the mind, one must give things up. To achieve the highest goals of one's practice, one must be prepared to relinquish everything.
- [25: A Penetrative Path | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/06/26/25-a-penetrative-path-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion with the Dhamma Vijaya community, given on the weekend of Poson Poya in Sydney, Australia.
- [24: Developing the Paramis | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/06/18/24-developing-the-paramis-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question .. "How should one practice the Paramis ( also a way to develop wholesome mind states I would think). Should one concentrate on a few of them and develop say a couple throughout life or try and fulfill all ten of them in one go. I like to
- [24: Two Types of Effort](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/06/12/24-two-types-of-effort/) - This ovāda discusses how practice can build through consistent effort. At a certain point, however, acute effort may be required. If one puts forth intense effort at the right times, one can gain significant breakthroughs in one's practice.
- [23: Applying the Four Noble Truths | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/06/05/23-applying-the-four-noble-truths-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... "How does the intellectual framework of the Four Noble Truths apply to practice?'
- [22: Total War | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/05/29/22-total-war-ovada/) - This ovāda compares the use of different meditative strategies to different types of warfare. In particular it contrasts, meditation techniques and stately warfare with rules, with total warfare and the skills that experienced meditators are required to develop.
- [21: Best Ways to Give | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/05/25/21-best-ways-to-give-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... "What's the best way to give dāna?"
- [20: Balanced Contentment | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/05/14/20-balanced-contentment-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of developing contentment in a balanced way
- [19: Fear of Ghosts | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/05/08/19-fear-of-ghosts-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased) ... "How can I overcome a fear of ghosts?"
- [18: Right Association | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/05/02/18-right-association-ovada/) - This ovāda discussion the importance of associating with others to develop a lifestyle.
- [17: Right Place, Right Practice](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/04/24/17-right-place-right-practice/) - This talk discusses finding a good place to practice and the qualities one should aim to develop in going there
- [16: Strategies for Anxiety](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/04/24/16-strategies-for-anxiety/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "How does one discern when to listen to those (anxious) thoughts, and when to just ignore them. For there may be instances that require one to act on those thoughts. So in a way, it becomes a fear of not making the right decision in regards to those
- [15: Stopping Dangerous Slides in Mental Health](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/04/09/15-stopping-dangerous-slides-in-mental-health/) - A discussion based on the question (paraphrased and generalized)... 'How do I stop escalating negative mental behaviors from tipping over to the point where they make it hard to function?'
- [14: Tackling Big Messes | Ovada](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/04/02/14-tackling-big-messes-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses strategies for taking on the larger dirty areas in one's mind
- [12: Practicing With Pain | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/03/25/12-practicing-with-pain-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "How can we be more aware of identifying with thoughts of me and mine when the body is experiencing chronic pain that is crippling and then adds more pain (2nd arrow).? I do practice when calm, but some days the entire body starts up and the mind melts
- [12: So the Dhamma Might Last | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/03/17/12-so-the-dhamma-might-last-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses some of the historical trends that led to the decline of Buddhism in India. It discusses some of the causes of this decline and how we can abandon them in our own practice.
- [11: Questionable Ultimate Reality | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/03/11/11-questionable-ultimate-reality-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "Would it be possible to talk about Buddhism's conventional and ultimate truths? "As I understand it, conventional truth is how most people experience the world, and the ultimate truth is seen when doing correct Vipassana meditation. And practitioners well versed in Abhidhamma will understand between the two truths.
- [10: Difficult Places to Exercise | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/03/03/10-difficult-places-to-exercise-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses the importance of developing in areas that are difficult. Areas of weakness can remain hidden. However, sometimes slight, changes in circumstances bring them to light. It can be important to practice in ways such that expose one's weaknessess, so they can be overcome.
- [8: Diversifying the Risk of Work](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/02/26/8-diversifying-the-risk-of-work/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased and generalized)... "I realize how attached I am to my work. I need it for income, but would like to approach it differently. Do you have any advice?"
- [8: Examining Delusion | Ovāda](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/02/19/8-examining-delusion-ovada/) - This ovāda discusses some of the ways delusion can arise. It also provides strategies for countering delusion.
- [7: Maintaining Health Over Longer Practice Periods | Discussion](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/02/11/7-maintaining-health-over-longer-practice-periods-discussion/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased).. "These days, there's a lot of talk about how the mind and body are interconnected, and a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. If you're sitting in meditationfor seven or eight hours a day, how do you maintain your health?"
- [6: Ovāda -- Navigating the Human Element](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/02/04/6-ovada-navigating-the-human-element/) - This ovāda discussed how, although meditation is primarily internal, practicing also requires us to navigate the human element. It discusses some of the reasons the human element is important and gives some strategies for navigating it.
- [5: Discussion -- Flight or Fight From Overconsumption](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/01/28/5-discussion-flight-or-fight-from-overconsumption/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... "May I request for a Dhamma talk on cultivating wholesome mind states, especially for times when the senses are overloaded like in public, mecia etc when the nervous system is hijacked and Sati is present (due to practice) however the body is in the modes if the animal
- [4: Ovāda -- Like There's No Tomorrow](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/01/21/4-ovada-like-theres-no-tomorrow/) - This ovāda emphasizes using the perception of impermanence to spur one on, even when situations are difficult
- [3: Blockages for Long-Term Meditators](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/01/13/3-blockages-for-long-term-meditators/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question... (I)t seems to me, the more I sit the less concentrated I am. And, while I 'know' a number of strategies, I sometimes feel as though I cannot access them? The landscape becomes quite flat, and my body feels quite agitated. I am wondering if you might offer
- [2: Objects of Development -- The Buddha's Meditation Teachings | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/01/05/2-objects-of-development-the-buddhas-meditation-teachings-bhante-joe/) - A Dhamma talk with Dhammadharani on the Buddha's meditation objects and their use. https://www.facebook.com/dhammadharanii?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- [1: Discussion -- Ignorance, Wisdom and Liberating Insight](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2024/01/04/1-discussion-ignorance-wisdom-and-liberating-insight/) - A Dhamma discussion based on the question (paraphrased)... "It's said that craving is the cause of suffering and ignorance is behind craving. What does that mean?... What is wisdom and what is liberating insight?"
- [Hello world!](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2019/04/07/hello-world/) - Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
- [When a Feeling Becomes a Story | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/08/13/when-a-feeling-becomes-a-story-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe explores what the Buddha means by being “developed in body” and “developed in mind”: learning not to be overwhelmed by painful feeling or carried away by pleasant feeling. Drawing on a discourse involving Saccaka, he explains how whole-body awareness, mindfulness of feeling (vedanā), and careful attention can prevent thoughts
- [The path that destroys itself | Bhante Joe](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/2026/08/13/the-path-that-destroys-itself-bhante-joe/) - In this Dhamma talk, Bhante Joe reflects on MN 106 and the Buddha’s teaching that identity can form around sensuality, form, meditative attainments, and the perceptions that shape our experience. He explains how the Buddhist path uses wholesome desire to overcome unwholesome desire, refined perceptions to release coarser perceptions, and contemplation of the four elements

## Pages

- [About](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/) - Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā features the Dhamma talks and activities of Bhante Joe Atulo. Bhante Joe is a Canadian Buddhist monk ordained in the Thai Forest Tradition.
- [Monthly Meditation Meetings](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monthly-meditation-meetings/) - MONTHLY MEDITATION MEETINGS & MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY GROUP MEDITATION We’ll be holding two regular meditation sessions per month:The first is on the first Sunday of every month. The sessions are scheduled to run from 9am – 10:30am EST | 6:30pm – 8pm IST. We’ll be meeting via. ZOOM:Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86385855301?pwd=RUE3VlV1NDQrL3F4MTl2RGtZbFQ1Zz09 The second is on the
- [Objects of Development: Meditation Training Retreat](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/objects-of-development-meditation-training-retreat/) - Dates: Wednesday March 25 (6:00 AM start) – Sunday March 29Location: Kalalgoda Vipassana Meditation Centre, 45/1 Kalalgoda Road, Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka About the retreat:This residential/non‑residential retreat offers practical training in Theravāda Buddhist meditation and is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. Over five days you will: Explore the basic principles of training the mind. Build proficiency
- [Meditation Course: Blueprint of the Buddha's Noble Lay Disciples](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/meditation-course-blueprint-of-the-buddhas-noble-lay-disciples/) - Beginning January 28, 2026 (North America) and January 29, 2026 (Australia), we’ll be holding an eight-week Level 2 meditation course: Blueprint of the Buddha’s Noble Lay Disciples. Schedule (Zoom): North America (Eastern Time): Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 PM ET, with an optional Q&A until 8:30 PM ET Course dates (NA): January 28, 2026 – March 18, 2026
- [Meditation Course: Objects of Development (Condensed)](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/meditation-course/) - From January 14th until roughly January 26th, we’ll be holding a condensed version of our five-week meditation course, Objects of Development. This condensed course will be conducted mostly through self-study modules, with guidance from a teacher. Its main purpose is to give those who would like to participate in the upcoming Level 2 course (beginning
- [Events](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events-2/) - This page features public teaching events with Bhante Joe. Our events are managed through Luma. Click here to visit our Luma events page directly.
- [Public Teaching Events](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events/) - This page contains upcoming public teaching events with Bhante Joe.
- [දෙශනා](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/දෙශනා/) - මේ වෙබ් පිටුව මඟින් භන්තෙ ජෝ ස්වාමින්වහන්සෙ ගේ දෙශනා ඔබ වෙත ලබා දෙනු ලැබේ
- [Community](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/discord-community/) - We’ve created a Dhamma-Vinaya Patipada Discord Community. Discord is an advanced online chatroom platform. The purpose of our Discord community is to support members' Dhamma practice. To join the Dhamma-Vinaya Patipada Discord Community, click the link below... ― JOIN ―
- [Monasteries and Meditation Centers in Sri Lanka](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/) - This page provides a list of monasteries and meditation centers in Sri Lanka, published by Nyanatusita Bhante in 2018. The guide has been updated with new entries and revisions in 2024. The table below is responsive for easy viewing. To see all details in a listing, click the plus (+) button beside it. Sort the
- [Writings and Downloads](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/writings/) - Welcome to the 'Writings and Downloads' page. Click any entry to view its details in a pop-up window. Scroll down in the pop-up window to access the 'DOWNLOADS' link. You can sort the table by writings or downloads by clicking on the 'type' menu below. [table id=2 /]
- [Monastery Information](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monastery-information/) - Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Suitable Forest Hermitages and Meditation Centres in Sri Lanka Considerations for Selecting a Monastery References Contributions "BEST" MONASTERIES FOR FOREIGNERS Most Popular Monasteries for Newcomers Ordaining in Sri Lanka CULTURE, MANNERS Staying at Monasteries Cultural Differences Independence in Practice TRADITIONS Kalyāna Yogāshramaya Saṃsthāva (Galduwa Tradition) Deldūva Group Mahāvihāra Vamshika Syāmopāli Vanavāsa
- [New Listings or Corrections](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/new-listings-or-corrections/) - Monastery Information Submission Page This page provides information on how to submit new listings for monasteries and centers, as well as how to correct existing entries. To submit information: About a new listing for a monastery or center. To correct an error in a listing about a monastery or center. Please follow the instructions below.
- [Contact](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/contact/) - The following form can be used to send a message to Bhante Joe.
- [Photos](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/photos/) - This page contains photos from Bhante Joe's Instagram page. To go directly to his Instagram page... click here.
- [News](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/news/) - This page features news updates from Bhante Joe's Facebook page. To go directly to the page, click here.
- [Forest Cārika Routes](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/forest-carika-tudong-routes/) - This page features downloadable gpx data for forest cārika routes. These routes are intended for Buddhist monks. One can follow these trails using a hiking app, such as Alltrails or Gaia GPS. See the documentation of the hiking app regarding importing the gpx file to the app. *One can make custom maps of the routes
- [Dhamma Talks](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/dhamma-talks/) - This page contains Dhamma talks from Bhante Joe's YouTube channel, 'Dhamma-Vinaya Patipada'. To go directly to his YouTube channel, click here.
- [Podcast](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/podcast/) - The Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā podcast features Dhamma talks, Dhamma discussions, and guided meditations by Bhante Joe. It is hosted on Spotify for Podcasters. It will generally have the same content as the Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā YouTube channel, but in audio format.
- [My Bookings](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events-2/my-bookings/) - CONTENTS
- [Tags](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events-2/tags/) - CONTENTS
- [Categories](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events-2/categories/) - CONTENTS
- [Locations](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events-2/locations/) - CONTENTS
- [Teaching Events](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/teaching-events/) - This page features a list of upcoming public teaching events with Bhante Joe.
- [Kutis and Places of Interest](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/kutis-and-places-of-interest/) - This page features location co-ordinates of kutis and places of interest. This information is intended for Buddhist monks. In particular, for wandering monks looking for places to stay and meditate. Locations are given using the 'What3Words' app. This app allows precise locations to be shared with three English words. The links to the locations below
- [Mailing List](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/mailing-list/) - This page contains a signup form for the Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā mailing list. Email updates are sent out periodically. These updates contain recent news from Bhante Joe's time in Sri Lanka. They sometimes also contain announcements for new Dhamma writings, retreat dates, etc.

## Downloads

- [The Way of Phra Ajahn Mun](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/the-way-of-phra-ajahn-mun/) - This document provides a detailed account of Phra Ajaan Mun’s daily routine, monastic discipline, meditation practice, and method of training during the final period of his life at Wat Pa Nong Phue Na Nai. It was created from photographs of a series of display panels preserved on one of the middle floors of the great chetiya
- [ДО УГАСАНИЯ ТЕЛА И УМА](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/до-угасания-тела-и-ума/) - ДО УГАСАНИЯ ТЕЛА И УМА История жизни Бханте Ньянадипы и его наставления в Бхаддека Вихара Аранья В январе 2020 года Бханте Ньянадипа приехал поселиться в Бхаддека Вихара Аранья. Он был в добром здравии и охотно беседовал о Дхамме. Проживающие и приезжавшие монахи черпали вдохновение из его наставлений. Бханте ненадолго уехал, но примерно через месяц вернулся.
- [A Moment to Be Remembered: An Essay on the Suddenness of the Fruit of Stream Entry](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/a-moment-to-be-remembered-an-essay-on-the-suddenness-of-the-fruit-of-stream-entry/) - This essay explores the nature of stream entry in Buddhist practice. As Buddhism continues to take root in the West, interpretations of stream entry have evolved, with some suggesting that it is a gradual process rather than a distinct moment of realization. This essay critically examines the Modern Gradualist Interpretation (MGI), which proposes that stream
- [Monasteries and Meditation Centres in Sri Lanka (Spreadsheet)](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/monasteries-and-meditation-centres-in-sri-lanka-spreadsheet/) - Updated October 18th, 2024 This comprehensive spreadsheet lists many monasteries in Sri Lanka and is based on a document originally compiled by Nyanatusita Bhante, last updated by him in 2018. The list incorporates data from an earlier compilation, reflecting the efforts of many contributors, especially Nyanatusita Bhante. In 2024, new additions and updates have been
- [Objects of Development | Course Handout](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/meditation-course-objects-of-development-course-handout/) - This is the handout to accompany the meditation course 'Objects of Development'
- [Balangoda -- Pabbata Kuti to Bududgala Ruins](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/balangoda-pabbata-kuti-to-bududgala-ruins/)
- [Pilikutuwa to Ambalgaspitiya](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/pilikutuwa-to-ambalgaspitiya/) - A beautiful cārika route going from the Pilikutuwa forest to the village of Ambalgaspitiya. It passes by a very large cave kuṭi with two mud kuṭis. One can stay there for the night and go on piṇḍapāta with resident monks, if one likes.
- [Kandy District -- Udagalbokka Kuṭi Forest Route](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/kandy-district-udagalbokka-kuṭi-forest-route/) - A path running from the solitary Udagalbokka Kuṭi to the village below. An exteremely remote path. Elephants frequent the path from afternoon onwards. If heading to the kuṭi, one should leave in the early morning. An extremely remote kuṭi. The village of Udagalbokka only has a footpath leading to it. The villagers use buffalo to
- [Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuṭi Combined](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/dahatuna-kuṭi-combined/) - A combination of forest routes starting from the Dahatuna Kuṭi. A beautiful area, close to the ancient monastery of Kuragala. Behind the kuṭi there is quite a lot of elephant grass. Villagers often burn the grass during vassa season. Routes are nicest to walk after the burn.
- [Balangoda -- Kuuragala Stupa to Dahatuna Kuṭi Cross Country](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/balangoda-kuuragala-stupa-to-dahatuna-kuṭi-cross-country/) - Balangoda -- Kuuragala Stupa to Dahatuna Kuṭi Cross Country A route going from the stupa at the ancient Buddhist monastery of Kuuragala to the Dahatuna Kuṭi. This route cuts cross-country rather than skirting the cliff edge. There is little to recommend this route over the route skirting the cliff edge. There is quite a lot
- [Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuti to Kuuragala](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/balangoda-dahatuna-kuti-to-kuragala/) - Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuti to Kuuragala A route going from the solitary Dahatuna Kuti to the ancient monastery of Kuragala. A beautiful route, which skirts the edge of a cliff. The cliff looks out over Udawalawa Park. The large local landmark Haabidigala is nearby. Ends at the ancient Buddhist monastery of Kuragala. Distance: 4.5km |
- [Balangoda -- Pabbata Kuṭi to Kuuragala](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/balangoda-pabbata-kuṭi-to-kuuragala/) - Balangoda -- Pabbata Kuṭi to Kuuragala A shortcut running from the solitary Pabbata Kuṭi to the ancient monastery of Kuuragala. An excellent shortcut up the face of the mountain. This route seems much less steep than other areas of ascent. Appears that it was used in ancient times by people going to Kuuragala for religious
- [Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuṭi to Haabidigala](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/balangoda-dahatuna-kuṭi-to-haabidigala/) - Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuṭi to Haabidigala A nice route going from the solitary Dahatuna Kuṭi to the large rock called 'Haabidigala'. The rock is perhaps the largest on the mountain range. It offers an excellent view of the surrounding area. It is a wonderful place to meditate. Distance: 1.3 km | Moving Time: 39:34 |
- [Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuṭi to Wimalabuddhi Kuṭi](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/balangoda-dahatuna-kuṭi-to-wimalabuddhi-kuṭi/) - Balangoda -- Dahatuna Kuṭi to Wimalabuddhi Kuṭi A route running from the solitary Dahatuna Kuṭi to the solitary Wimalabuddhi Kuṭi. A beautiful route. Skirts the edge of a cliff. Runs down a riverbed to a solitary kuṭi located on the mountain below. A good option for one wishing to go on forest cārika. Distance: 3.31km
- [To the End of Body and Mind -- Audio Files --](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/nyaṇadipa-bhante-dhamma-discussion-audio/) - To The End of Body and Mind -- Audio Files -- Recorded by Bhante Joe From January to June 2020 These are the original audio notes on which the book, "To the End of Body and Mind: The Story of Nyāṇadīpa Bhante's Life and His Teachings at Bhaddeka Vihari Aranya" are based. Nyāṇadīpa Bhante held
- [The Happiness of Respect](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/the-happiness-of-respect/) - The Happiness of Respect An essay describing the happiness one can gain from an attitude of respect. This essay intersperses sutta passages, with commentary and Bhante Joe's personal experience. It contrasts the happiness of respect with the happiness that comes from competition. It describes how the happiness of respect can make one's world a brighter
- [To the End of Body and Mind: The Story of Nyāṇadīpa Bhante's Life and His Teachings at Bhaddeka Vihari Aranya](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download/ven-sujjano/) - To the End of Body and Mind: The Story of Nyāṇadīpa Bhante's Life and His Teachings at Bhaddeka Vihari Aranya Compiled by Bhante Joe Atulo | Updated January 13th, 2021 In January 2020, Nyāṇadīpa Bhante came to stay at Bhaddeka Vihari Aranya. He was feeling in good health and was very open to discussing

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Podcast](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/category/podcast/)

## Categories

- [Writings](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download-category/writings/) - Bhante Joe’s writings
- [Downloads](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download-category/downloads/) - Files and other downloads
- [Carika Routes](https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/download-category/carika/) - GPX data for carika routes