Ajahn Candā: "Thoughts That Lead to Nibbana (MN 19)" Sutta Discussion 13.02.26

This highly interactive discussion considers a sutta that Ajahn Candā refers to often: Two Kinds of Thought. This sutta looks at the Buddha’s journey before his enlightenment, which is what makes it so inspiring. Throughout the sutta, the Buddha speaks about unwholesome and wholesome thoughts, discerning what leads to freedom—and what leads away from it. [0:00] Introduction [2:49] Sutta reading, Part 1 [9:25] How did the Buddha know about Nibbana? [14:08] Motivation to seek mindfulness [17:42] Kamma and observing mental states [23:40] What about unintentional thoughts? [27:25] What do thoughts of renunciation mean for a lay person? [35:33] Noticing the effect of what’s arising now [39:10] How do we manage the proliferation of thoughts? [44:04] Sutta reading, Part 2 [56:00] Understanding how much attention to give to our thoughts [59:28] How to work with thoughts and intention [1:02:52] Does metta work when you’re in an unwholesome state? [1:05:06] The last resort for unwholesome thoughts Sutta references: MN 19: Two Kinds of Thought https://suttacentral.net/mn19/en/bodh... MN 20: The Removal of Distracting Thoughts https://suttacentral.net/mn20/en/bodh... ✨ Anukampa Grove is our new Bhikkhuni residence: the first of its kind in the UK! Your help is especially appreciated at this exciting time: https://anukampaproject.org/donate ️ ✨ Standing orders help us plan ahead and cover our running costs. ✨ Please click SUBSCRIBE to help us spread the Dhamma! ABOUT US: Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project was founded in 2016 by Ven Canda and Ajahn Brahm. The charity aims to spread the Buddha's teachings and give women the opportunity to practice as bhikkhunis for the first time in UK history, by establishing a monastic residence for bhikkhunis. This second aim was accomplished in March 2024, when we procured a property in a secluded woodland hamlet near Oxford, called Anukampa Grove, where Ven Canda now resides. Donations of any amount are gratefully received and help support the monastics' requisite needs and cover our running costs, either as one-off gifts or standing orders. UK taxpayers can claim gift aid, increasing your donation by 25%. International bank transfers can be made via Wise. Please visit https://anukampaproject.org/donate or write to finances@anukampaproject for further information. General enquiries can be addressed to [email protected]