Venerable Candā : Jhana Grove Retreat, Q&A session, October 2024

This session begins with a communal chanting of the Karaniya Metta Sutta: The Buddha's Words on Loving-Kindness. In this recording the chant starts part way through, from “May all beings be happy” in the text that follows below. After gently invoking the presence of Ajahn Brahm, Venerable begins by introducing herself to those who may not know about her background and the establishment of Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery. There then follows a detailed Q&A session.

[0:00] Chanting
[3:14] Background on Ven Candā
[21:43] Understanding karma
[27:40] Sharing teachings with non-Buddhist parents
[32:35] Visualising the rapid passing of one’s life
[38:33] The Anukampa Project as an example of letting go
[47:09] Suttas that describe meditation states
[54:27] Bhikkhuni ordination process and challenges
[1:05:16] An example of navigating the path into meditation
[1:10:57] Karma and physician-assisted suicide
[1:16:30] Interpreting the third precept on sexual misconduct
[1:21:49] Loving-kindness as a path, antidote to fear, and solution for unwanted spirits [1:34:15] How is Enlightenment (Nibbana) the highest happiness?
[1:36:36] Emotionally charged dreams on retreat

Sutta links:

Karaniya Metta Sutta
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove.
Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born
May all beings be happy
Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings;
Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies,
And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down
Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to false views,
The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world.

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ABOUT US:
Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project is a charity that aims to spread the Buddha's teachings and give women the opportunity to train toward full bhikkhuni ordination for the very first time in the UK. Over the years we have developed a diverse and dedicated spiritual community around these aims and recently found a property! Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery, in Boar's Hill, Oxford, is surrounded by peaceful woodland. We moved there only on March 22nd, 2024. In this exciting phase we welcome your support to enable us to cover the significant running costs, make essential renovations and adaptations to the property, and welcome visitors and aspiring monastic trainees as soon as we can!

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