Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.
Ajahn BrahmEveryone makes mistakes. The wise are not people who never make mistakes, but those who forgive themselves and learn from their mistakes.
Ajahn BrahmMy first meditation teacher told me that there is no such thing as a bad meditation. He was right. During the difficult meditations you build up your strength, which creates meditation for peace.
Ajahn BrahmOur modern Western culture only recognises the first of these, freedom of desires. It then worships such a freedom by enshrining it at the forefront of national constituitions and bills of human rights. One can say that the underlying creed of most Western democracies is to protect their people's freedom to realise their desires, as far as this is possible. It is remarkable that in such countries people do not feel very free. The second kind of freedom, freedom from desires, is celebrated only in some religious communities. It celebrates contentment, peace that is free from desires.
Ajahn BrahmLove, oneness, is no separation between you and life. It is a progressive letting go, a progressive not fault finding. Just do nothing and love this moment. Its very beautiful and very deep.
Ajahn BrahmIf you know how to let go and be at peace, you know everything you need to know about living in the world.
Ajahn BrahmLove is not liking somebody. Anyone can do that. Love is loving things that sometimes you don't like.
Ajahn BrahmWhat are people searching for in life? God. In the christian scriptures, it says 'Be still and know you are God.' What is this? You are peace, compassion, truth, Love, freedom. Real love- the ability to love yourself so much that you forgive everything and you are at peace with yourself like a mother loves a child, not trying to be someone.
Ajahn BrahmThe selfless giving, the service, the kindness which you give out into this world that is the currency of (the) meaning (of life).
Ajahn BrahmWhen life is good do not take it for granted as it will pass. Be mindful, be compassionate and nurture the circumstances that find you in this good time so it will last longer. When life falls apart always remember that this too will pass. Life will have its unexpected turns.
Ajahn BrahmWhen you have abandoned all past and future, it is as if you have come alive. You are here, mindful...the nature of all types of consciousness reveals itself.
Ajahn BrahmHow many times have you tried to solve “the problem”? you’ll be trying to solve it not just until you die but for many more lifetimes. Instead, understand that this world is just the play of the senses. It’s the five khandhas doing their thing; it has nothing to do with you. It’s just people being people, the world being the world.
Ajahn Brahm