Ajahn Brahmali: Day 7 Afternoon Session Sutta Study and Q&A 22.05.21
Channel: Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project
Date: 22/05/2021

Ajahn Brahmali continues with explaining about the Recollection of the Dhamma with its particular qualities. How can we know we have the word of the Buddha? By comparative studies, that is how. By looking at the extant texts of lineages of schools which separated thousands of years ago; you see the majority of the identical teachings across most of these schools. Ajahn moves on to the Recollection of the Sangha; who are worthy of the highest honour due to their ability to potentially give you more than anyone else can in terms of happiness and leading to more wisdom. Ajahn remarks, however, that no contemporary teacher is comparable to the depth of wisdom and compassion of the Buddha and we ought to remember that. Of those who are practising well, we should allow ourselves to be lifted up knowing that the Noble Sangha still exist in the world. Next Ajahn looks at the Recollection of Virtue or ethical conduct. This really fires up our practice as it uplifts the mind when you consider you have been living in the right way. Next is the Recollection of Generosity which brings the realisation that letting go/giving up is far happier than keeping hold of things. For reaching the highest states of meditation, this wholesome state of giving/generosity is essential. Ajahn suggests remembering past experiences to bring up this joy or just generally how giving you are as a person. Finally, the Recollection of the devas which focuses on the potential for rebirth in the heavenly/deva realms due to impeccable wisdom, ethics, meditation, generosity et al. We can get the feeling that we are on the same path as some of the devas themselves if we live in the right way, and even if we don't reach full awakening in this life, this is not a bad consolation prize! For even in some of these realms, there is a "Buddhist corner" so to speak, where progress on the path is possible. A Q&A which is meditation and deva question-based follows. 

This teaching is part of a special 8-day online retreat called “Why We Suffer & How We Get Free,” given by Ajahn Brahmali and Ven Canda in support of Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project. The teachings explore two of the Buddha’s famous causal sequences, Dependent Origination and Dependent Liberation, which together reveal the entire course of human experience, through this world and beyond to Nibbana. 
Anukampa is a UK Charity and pioneering project that is raising funds to develop the first Theravada Bhikkhuni Monastery in the UK, where women can train towards full ordination. Donations of any amount are very gratefully received to help us achieve this noble aim, welcome you as guests and continue to spread the priceless Dhamma teachings. Please visit http://www.anukampaproject.org/donate