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Dhamma is something straightforward

The Buddha taught simply: “O, Bikkhus! When the mind is filled with lust, know so; when the mind is without lust, know so.” You see? These teachings are straightforward, nothing unusual at all. When our mind is filled with lust, know that it is filled with lust; when our mind is without lust, know that it is without lust. “O, Bikkhus! When the mind is filled with anger, know so; when the mind is without anger, know so.” There’s nothing complicated here, such simple things. Dhamma is simple, plain, open, and straightforward; our mental defilements are what make us think that Dhamma is unusual and out-of-the-ordinary.

We did not practice meditation to cater to desires

In the past, Luang Por visited Dhamma Teachers and studied with them. Luang Por felt that I couldn’t afford to be lazy as each of the Dhamma Teachers was very old. Luang Por didn’t know how many chances I would get to learn from them. Applying their teachings, Luang Por practiced meditation diligently and continuously, …

Nibbana is the supreme happiness. There is no other happiness that can compare to peace. And what is called peace is Nibbana. Nibbana is the ultimate peace. If we want to have a happy life, we shouldn’t act like a mangy dog. A mangy dog feels itchy here, so it runs to another place. Then it starts itching again, so it runs again. Our constant wandering in search of happiness from the external world is just like the behavior of a mangy dog. But we shouldn’t criticize them, because people in the world haven’t had the opportunity to listen to the Dhamma, to practice the Dhamma, or to experience the Dhamma. They still need to run around because they think it’s the best thing for them. We shouldn’t judge them, because we were once like that too. As we accumulate merit, listen to the Dhamma, practice the Dhamma, and understand the Dhamma, our lives will gradually lead to true peace.

Perseverance in Dhamma Practice

We’ve been in the Cycle of Birth and Death for so long and came across many different Lords Buddhas, because of this fluctuating nature. If we don’t fight, then we keep allowing those defilements to drag ourselves along by our desires. We must fight and endure hardships first, then we can find comfort later. I can tell you from experience, once you keep practicing, the results are immense. It is a happiness like no other, a happiness that arises from within. It’s not just calmness but a deep inner peace. The mind becomes naturally tranquil, and within that tranquility, happiness overflows while the mind is not addicted to it. If the mind is content, it means it hasn’t attained the ultimate goal yet. It still needs more practice. There’s no free lunch. Dhamma operates under the law of karma. Whatever effort we put in, that’s the result we’ll get. There are no shortcuts.

Prepare for death as a wise one does

Regardless of whether life is good or bad, in the end, we are in this world temporarily. Whether we depart with possessions, or having to wait and receive the merit from others, all results from our actions.

Understand suffering thoroughly to end desire

The five aggregates are not us, but also that they’re suffering. They suffer because they’re impermanent, under pressure to break down, and uncontrollable. This is seeing suffering according to the noble truth, not general suffering. The one who sees suffering according to the noble truth clearly is the arahant. As they see suffering clearly, Samudaya is extinguished and Nirodha (Nirvana) immediately appears when there’s no desire (taṇhā). Desire is extinguished when the mind understands suffering clearly. When there’s no desire, the mind reaches Nirvana. It’s the moment of noble path. Nirvana is the state without desire.

Raising the level of happiness

Today seems strange. You sit and wait for me in somewhat peaceful manner. On most Saturdays, there’s usually a lot of mental distraction – mostly planning where to go after the sermon ends. But on Sundays, there isn’t as much mental distraction. After the sermon, you hurry home. People are all running after happiness. Throughout …

The world has always been chaotic, even at the international level. There really has never been peace. Problems are a part of the world. Currently, conflicts are everywhere; this is normal. There are conflicts among politicians, government officials, teachers, police forces, and even monks; this is normal. When you hear the news, take care of …

In our practice, we must remain mindful of mental formations. Our minds are in constant fabrication, concocting happiness, suffering, good, and evil. If we are not mindful, mental formations will overpower our minds. When they concoct happiness, we get lost in enjoyment. When they concoct suffering, we become anxious and sad. When they concoct wholesomeness, …

At the moment, there’s a Chinese course with over 100 Chinese people attending. Learning Dhamma feels like when you cannot see the wood for the trees. Sometimes it feels really difficult, but in reality, it’s just so basic. It’s all just a simple thing, yet many people have to practice diligently. Back when I studied …

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Dhamma is something straightforward

We did not practice meditation to cater to desires

Stop Seeking Happiness Like a Mangy Dog

Perseverance in Dhamma Practice

Prepare for death as a wise one does

Understand suffering thoroughly to end desire

Raising the level of happiness

Law of Kamma

Be mindful of the mental formations

Rules of Dhamma Practice