Ajahn Brahm: "A Path Without Groaning!" Dhamma Talk, Q&A at Thames Buddhist Vihara 17.06.25

Ajahn Brahm describes why he bows to Buddha statues (and sometimes Jesus statues) with a series of stories about the qualities he admires in the Buddha: virtue, stillness, and kindness. He then answers audience questions about choosing a meaningful life, and finding meaning in the life we have. [0:00] Dhamma talks without groaning [5:58] Bowing [9:32] Natural respect for virtue [19:45] The power of the mind [30:58] A path of joy and fun [37:33] The medicine of meditation [53:51] Even kids can meditate [1:01:04] The importance of “us” [1:05:20] Where the Buddha lived [1:11:22] Happiness over money [1:21:35] Not good enough [1:28:14] Learning outside the box [1:35:59] Where is the salvation in meditation? [1:44:38] Opening to horrible experiences [1:54:03] Gratitude for what we have [2:08:04] Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project Sutta reference: MN 27: The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant’s Footprint (Cūḷahatthipadopama Sutta) https://suttacentral.net/mn27/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]