Bhavana Society | Resources

These are audio talks available for downloading or listening to directly from our website. They are recorded in MP3 format. Click on a track name for more information and a link to download. For information about having new talks downloaded to your computer automatically, check out our Podcast page

Title	Author
Right View -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
A 45 minute Saturday talk given by Bhante Gunaratana on "Right View", recorded on the 1st of May 2010. File size approx. 12.6MB, t
Strategy to Defeat Mara -Download-	Bhante Rahula
Practicing Dhamma is the strategy to defeat Mara.
Law of Khamma -Download-	Bhante Rahuala
Talk in given by Bhante Rahula in December 2009 on Law of Khamma
Insight into impermanence -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
After returning to Bhavana Society Bhante Gunaratana resumes his Saturday Dhamma talks. This is a 45min talk on Impermanence file size approx. 16.5 MB.
Non-Self2 -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the concept of Non-self, or Anatta. Uploaded 12 MB size file.
Non-Self -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the concept of Non-self, or Anatta.
Equanimity -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the seventh enlightenment factor, Uppekha or Equanimity.
Concentration -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the sixth enlightenment factor, Samadhi or Concentration.
Tranquility -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the fifth enlightenment factor, Pasadha or Tranquility.
Joy and Q & A -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the fourth enlightenment factor, Piti or joy.
Effort -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the third factor, Viriya, or Effort.
Mindfulness and Investigation -Download-	Ajahn Sona
From Ajahn Sona's 2009 Retreat on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, this talk concerns the first two factors, Mindfulness and Investigation.
The Greater Series of Questions and Answers Part Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The second of three talks on the Mahavedalla Sutta, MN 43, is composed of a discussion between Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Kotthita concerning a number of subtle points of the Dhamma.
The Greater Series of Questions and Answers -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The first of three talks on the Mahavedalla Sutta, MN 43, is composed of a discussion between Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Kotthita concerning a number of subtle points of the Dhamma.
The Exposition of Offerings -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this sutta, the Buddha describes various kinds of personal offerings and also types of offerings made to the Sangha.
The Greater Series of Questions and Answers Part Three -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The last of three talks on the Mahavedalla Sutta, MN 43, is composed of a discussion between Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Kotthita concerning a number of subtle points of the Dhamma.
The Brahma Viharas and Equanimity -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk includes the four Brahma Viharas and begins a longer discussion on Equanimity.
Determination and Loving Friendliness -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers both Loving Friendliness (or Kindness) and Determination or Resolution.
Equanimity -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk continues a discussion on Equanimity which is called the most sublime of Buddhist emotions.
Energy Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers ENERGY, the parami of determination and persistence.
The Patience Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers PATIENCE.
The Truthfulness Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers TRUTHFULNESS.
Dana Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers DANA, the very first parami and the parami of charity and giving.
The Five Spiritual Faculties -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
Discussion of the five faculties: faith, determination, mindfulness, concentration and wisdom.
Wisdom Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers Wisdom, the parami of understanding and insight.
Overview of the Paramis -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
General overview of the subject of the Paramis.
Renunciation Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers Renunciation, the parami giving up the unskillful in our lives.
Introduction to Paramis Retreat -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
Introductory talk to the 13 part Paramis Retreat held in Ottawa 2008.
Sila Parami -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
From the retreat on the Paramis this talk covers SILA, or morality.
The Upali Sutta Part Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The concluding part of an exposition of the Upali Suttta, MN 56, from the 2008 Sutta Study Retreat. In this sutta the layman, Upali, attempts to defeat the Buddha in verbal debate about the relative importance of intention, action, and speech.
The Upali Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The first part of a two part exposition of the Upali Suttta, MN 56, from the 2008 Sutta Study Retreat. In this sutta the layman, Upali, attempts to defeat the Buddha in verbal debate about the relative importance of intention, action, and speech.
The Middle Path -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
What does the term Middle Path mean in relation to our practice? Meanings of the term Middle Path.
The Deathless -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
The concept of "The Deathless" applied to our meditation practice, both on and off the cushion.
Happiness Through the Dhamma -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The varieties of happiness found in the practice of Dhamma.
What is Kamma? -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Bhante Gunaratana offers an explanation of Kamma.
The Four Vipers -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The story containing the similes of the four vipers, robbers, village, stream and so on are found in the Samyutta Nikaya. in the last chapter of the section entitled The Six Sense Bases (Salayatanasamyutta).
Kalama Sutta Part II -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The second of two discourses on the Kalama Sutta, AN III.66, from the 2008 Sutta Retreat.
Abhayarajakumara Sutta Part II -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The second and concluding discourse on the Abhayarajakumara Sutta, MN 58, (9.21.08). from the 2008 Sutta Retreat.
Abhayarajakumara Sutta Part I -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The Abhayarajakumara Sutta, MN 58, from 9.21.08 is the first of nine suttas discussed in the 2008 Sutta Retreat.
Kalama Sutta Part I -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The first of two discourses on the Kalama Sutta, AN III.66, from the 2008 Sutta Retreat.
What Next? Practicing at Home -Download-	Bhante Rahula
The last of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008. Please note: Future podcasts will be posted weekly.
Momentary Rebirth -Download-	Bhante Rahula
The sixth of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008.
Vipassana -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The fifth of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008.
Cleanse the Mind with Mindfulness -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The fourth of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008.
Feeling and Perception -Download-	Bhante Rahula
The third of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008.
Mindfulness of the Body and Feelings -Download-	Bhante Rahula
The second of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008.
The Basics of Mindfulness -Download-	Bhante Rahula
The first of seven dhamma talks by Bhante Gunaratana and Bhante Rahula from The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat of 2008.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Nine -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Nine -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Sumation of the Jhana retreat.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Eight -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Eight -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Technical definition of Jhanas with formulas.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Seven -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Seven -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Mindfulness and clear comprehension are explored in relation to Jhana attainment.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Six -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Six -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The hindrances are defined and explained.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Five -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Five -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Jhana Factors are found in each of the seven categories which compose the Buddha's core teaching on the enlightenment path.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Four -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Four -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Various views held by people about the necessity of attaining Jhana before enlightenment.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Three -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Walking Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Three -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
This talk discusses right and wrong concentration.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
This talk begins with the clearing up of misconceptions about Jhanas and continues with a discussion of the hindrances.
Jhana Retreat Guided Meditation One -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Metta Meditation.
Jhana Retreat Talk One -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The first of nine Dhamma talks on Jhanas, this talk focuses on the theory of concentration meditation, Samadhi. The Buddha's early training and experience with Jhanas is described.
Jhana Retreat Introductory -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
This talk introduces a series of nine talks and guided meditations from the 2008 Jhana Retreat held at IMS. The Dhamma talks will be posted on Tuesdays and the meditations on Wednesday of each of the next nine weeks.
Integrating the Practice -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
Practice in daily life is discussed.
The Seven Purifications -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
The overall path of spiritual awakening is described.
Dependent Origination -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
How dependent origination works.
The First Noble Truth -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
Suffering, The First Noble Truth, is explained.
Vesak Talk Three -Download-	Matt Flickstein
The third Vesak talk features Bhante Gunaratana's student, well known Dhamma and meditation teacher, Matt Flickstein. Questions and answers follow the talk.
Body-Scan Meditation -Download-	Bhante Y. Rahula
A guided meditation from the 2008 Vipassana with Yoga Retreat.
Vesak Talk Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The second Vesak talk continues discussion of the significance of this important Buddhist celebration.
The Basic Teaching of Suffering -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Why does the Buddha concentrate on suffering in his teaching? People are so immersed in suffering that they take suffering as joy and pleasure.
Vesak Talk One -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Bonus this week and next, three Vesak talks. This first talk introduces the significance of Vesak.
The Heart of Buddhist Wisdom -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The Buddha discovered that meditation on the breath lead to more than mere concentration. He saw the impermanence, suffering and non-self aspects of reality in the breath and attained enlightenment.
The Dvedhavitakka Sutta, Part Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this discourse, "Two Kinds of Thought", MN 19, the Buddha shows how he himself used thoughts as objects of meditation by dividing them into two groups, and replacing unwholesome with wholesome thoughts. Part one of this topic is at the end of the previous talk.
The Madhupindika Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In the "Honeyball Sutta", MN 18, the weighty subject of conceptual proliferation is discussed. A discussion of the "Dvedhavitakka Sutta", MN 9 was begun and is completed in the next talk
The Maharahulovada Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this sutta, MN 62, the Buddha instructed Ven. Rahula to meditate on a variety of objects including: the emptiness of the five aggregates, the four Brahmaviharas, foulness, impermanence and mindfulness of breathing.
The Canki Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this sutta, number 95 MN, the Buddha refuted blind faith and showed us how to preserve the Truth, approach the Truth and attain the Truth.
The Alagaddupama Sutta Part Two -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
This talk is a continuation of the previous talk on MN 22 "The Simile of the Snake Sutta."
The Alagaddupama Sutta Part One -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this sutta (MN 22) compares the danger of wrong grasp of the Dhamma to catching a snake by the tail.
The Kakacupama Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this discourse (MN 21) the Buddha shows how one should meditate and practice with qualities seen in the earth element, space, the Ganges River and a soft cat-skin bag: imperturbable, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and ill-will.
The Mahahatthipadopama Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
"The Greater Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant's Footprint"
The Vitakkasanthana Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this discourse the Buddha teaches five ways of overcoming distracting thoughts that may arise during meditation.
The Sabbasava Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The Buddha lists seven methods of abandoning the taints from our minds.
The Rathavinita Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this sutta, The Relay Chariots, the seven stages of purification leading to the attainment of enlightenment are discussed.
The Mahakammavibhanga Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The Mahakammavibhanga Sutta, MN 136, explains that kamma works in subtle ways.
Dhammacakkappavattana (Part Two) and Anattalakkhana Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The concluding talk on "Turning the Wheel of Dhamma," is followed by a discussion of the "Anattalakkhana Sutta."
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Explanation of the Buddha's first talk to the five original bhikkhus.
Ariyapariyesana Sutta MN 26 Part 2 -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Continuation of the previous talk with emphasis on the Buddha's experience of enlightenment.
Ariyapariyesana Sutta MN 26 -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
In this sutta, MN 26, The Noble Search, the Buddha describes events leading up to his enlightenment, attaining Nibbana and the beginnings of his teaching.
Questions and Answers from October 5, 2007 -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
A very good Q and A session in which the nature of emotions is explained in some detail.
Message to the World -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Reasons why there is no peace in the world. Why there are so many religions in the world. Interesting question and answer session.
Ordinary and Noble Persons -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The ordinary unlearned and the learned persons are explained using the Buddha's definitions.
Goals of Meditation -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The importance of watching the mind carefully in order to see our distorted perceptions is stressed.
The Path to Nibbana -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The three knowledges that the Buddha attained on his Enlightenment.
The Classes of Speech -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Is it wrong to tell the truth even if it makes another person uncomfortable? The various kinds of speech are categorized.
Eliminating the Taints by Restraint -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
Purifying the mind by eliminating the taints or asavas.
Teaching Different Types of People -Download-	Bhante Gunaratana
The Buddha used different similes, stories, systems, parables, examples and methods to suit each person's mental state.

MP3s