Gossip can cause misunderstandings and problems. People like to spread bad rumors because we live in a competitive society and it makes them feel superior. Instead, we should gossip about positive and uplifting things. This talk discusses the negative effects of gossip and negative speech in society...
Ajahn Brahm explains that the fear of making a mistake is what makes decision making difficult, and it comes from the conditioning of punishment associated with making wrong choices. The speaker also mentions that whatever decision we make, we can always make something out of it and that life is con...
Ajahn Brahm talks about the difference between happiness and peace. He points out that people often confuse happiness with material success and wealth, but these are fleeting and impermanent. He suggests that instead of striving for happiness, we should embrace the inevitable losses and failures in ...
Ajahn Brahm gives a talk about the origin of human views - including questioning why some people can believe in really crazy ideas - by looking at causality inside the mind and how our belief systems are shaped. And also how we can use an understanding of this process to bring our beliefs and views ...
Ajahn Brahm shares a story from his youth about getting lost in mist while hiking in Scotland, and uses it as a simile for the path to enlightenment. He explains that we can follow the path by focusing on what brings us peace, happiness, and freedom, and letting go of attachments and possessions. Th...
This talk is about the habit of complaining and how it doesn't lead to anything productive. Ajahn Brahm gives an example of how he always tells silly jokes because of conditioning from his father. He then shares a story about a Brazilian goalkeeper who couldn't stop his conditioning to save a baby. ...
As human beings, we are always searching and trying to understand our existence and emotions. It is important to encourage honesty and questioning, as these are the tools to dig deeper into the reality of life. During one of his recent talks, Ajahn Brahm discussed the purpose of life and how we need...
Death is part of life and should not be seen as a negative event. Understanding reincarnation can help us accept death. We should also let go of the negative part of our grief in order to move forward. Ajahn Brahm discusses the importance of understanding death and how it relates to the meaning of l...
Ajahn Brahm talks about religious freedom and how it should be defined and protected. Many people use the term religious freedom to justify their control and indoctrination of others, but true religious freedom is the ability to make choices without fear or pressure. Governments need to enact laws t...
Ajahn Brahm tells stories from his time as a monk studying under Ajahn Chah in Thailand. He explains how the simplicity and equality of life in the monastery taught him valuable lessons about letting go of attachment and status. He also shares a story about Ajahn Chah's wisdom when he visited Ajahn ...