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Ajahn Sucitto's Dharma Talks

Ajahn Sucitto

Ajahn Sucitto's Website

As a monk, I bring a strong commitment, along with the renunciate flavor, to the classic Buddhist teachings. I play with ideas, with humor and a current way of expressing the teachings, but I don't dilute them.

Sitting in a field of fifty to eighty people really starts my mind sparking. Since I don't prepare my talks ahead of time, I find myself listening to what I'm saying along with everyone else. This leaves a lot of room for the Dhamma to come up. Just having eighty people listening to me is enough to engage me, stimulate me, and create a nice flow of energy. The actual process of teaching evokes ideas that even I did not realize were being held somewhere in my mind.

Different teaching situations offer their own unique value. In retreat, you are able to build a cohesive and comprehensive body of the teachings. When people are not on retreat and come for one session, it opens a different window. They are more spontaneous and I'm given the chance to contact them in ways that are closer to their "daily-life mind." This brings up surprises and interesting opportunities for me to learn even more.

I'm continually struck by how important it is to establish a foundation of morality, commitment, and a sense of personal values for the Vipassana teachings to rest upon. Personal values have to be more than ideas. They have to actually work for us, to be genuinely felt in our lives. We can't bluff our way into insight. The investigative path is an intimate experience that empowers our individuality in a way that is not egocentric. Vipassana encourages transpersonal individuality rather than ego enhancement. It allow for a spacious authenticity to replace a defended personality.

I normally incorporate Qi Gong instruction in my retreats. They are not suitable as audio files but you can watch the nine videos here: https://tinyurl.com/Sucitto-qigong

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2017-12-29 Morning Puja (with 30 min meditation) 54:17	Download Listen
The beauty of chanting is you feel it in your heart and body, giving words another dimension. It’s not just the abstract chattering of an isolated head that doesn’t feel what it’s talking about.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-28 Evening Talk Bhavana 33:15	Download Listen
Bhāvanā is a cultivation of heart and mind, right motivation and right view. It’s understanding the process of dhammas, not getting involved in content, knowing what’s taking me into my habits. This brings a sense of strength, groundedness and self-respect.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-28 Morning Instructions- Unification 54:11	Download Listen
Agitation is a result of favoring and opposing experience. Meditation is about bringing body, heart and mind together to meet experience without favoring or opposing. Hindrances can be cleared from this unified place.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-27 Evening Talk with Sharing and Aspirations Chant: Purification is the aim 1:10:02	Download Listen
Energy is affected by intention. If we approach meditation with an intense need to calm and find a focus, we probably won’t be able to. This very aim affects our breathing and sense of ease. Make the aim about purification, letting things be how they are without getting intense about it.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-27 Standing Meditation: Awaken the body’s intelligence 25:21	Download Listen
The body can self-reference. It knows when it’s in balance, what upright is, and can relax what’s not needed. When the physical form becomes comfortable, bring attention to the bodily mood. Mind can pick up tones of firm, open, confident from the body.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-27 Morning Instructions - Using the Day for Cultivation 45:42	Download Listen
Formal meditation is helpful, but we need to cultivate careful attention throughout the day. Use mind skilfully to bond attention in the body. Notice the body’s own intelligence. Attention becomes less like a scientist, more like a healer – the good friend.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-27 Morning Puja - Finding and Using Our Inner Temple 20:21	Download Listen
Puja gives the occasion for meaningful ritual. We can lift up and direct recollections to brighten and soothe the dull, agitated heart. That good heart becomes your refuge and guide.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-26 Morning Instructions: Awakening to Reality 49:37	Download Listen
Reality is the witnessing and getting perspective on the changeability and relativity of existence. Begin to recognize kamma (causes and effects) and where it goes, and the “me” package.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-25 Revisiting Walking Instructions: Inner dialogue of the body 7:57	Download Listen
The soles of the feet are incredibly sensitive, like receptors. Notice when the foot comes to the ground, the sole wakes up: this is firm, this is reliable, space around me. Walking like this is agreeable. (file edit 2023)
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat
In collection: A Moving Balance

2017-12-25 The Khandha, me and Existence 60:22	Download Listen
The Buddha’s teaching is aimed at liberation from suffering – the way out is through complete abandonment of clinging. Basic remedy is to pause – this is just an organic system operating, there’s nothing wrong with you. It’s not personal. Don’t follow the message of mind consciousness, follow the direct experience of the body.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-25 Standing Meditation Instruction: Feeling the body in the body 21:39	Download Listen
Experience the body as a unity rather than parts.. Find balance and release tension into that steady space.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-24 Skilful Use of Puja 29:53	Download Listen
Open the heart, connect to the field of practice started by the Buddha 2500 years ago. Tune in to the sense of lineage and connection. This gives rise to inspiration, faith, gratitude.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-24 Morning Puja (English) 13:08	Download Listen
Ajahn leads the group chanting
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-23 Suitable Themes - Crystalizing the 1st Noble Truth 39:57	Download Listen
Most of the time you might realize that you can’t meditate! This is why we have to go back to the beginning, not just once but repeatedly. Maintaining the field of awareness without getting involved with content is the beginning. Acceptance without adopting.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-23 Standing Instructions: Listening to the earth with the soles of the feet 13:02	Download Listen
Listening to the earth through the soles of the feet asks attention to be more attentive, receptive.. [6:35] Walking Instructions: Notice the intention to move first. How is the body going to walk?
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-23 Nourishment and Natural Repose 59:57	Download Listen
Shifting gears from the fast paced speed of the world we’re invited to take up nutriment for careful attention – yoniso manasikara – to dispel hindrances. Widening the focus of attention and mindfulness of the whole body allows mindfulness and concentration to naturally develop.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-22 Meditation Instructions: 3 languages of Dhamma – mind, heart & body 40:39	Download Listen
Learn to tune into these 3 languages that are happening all the time, but we don’t hear them. Mind language (thought) overwhelms and corrupts; learn the language of the heart and body.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-22 Respect to the Shrine and 8 Precepts 13:25	Download Listen
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-12-22 Introduction: Orientation that takes us through birth, aging & death 21:09	Download Listen
Finding true orientation often begins with disorientation from the known. We look for orientation that can take us through birth, aging and death when everything is always changing. It’s Dhamma, the unconditioned, no need to hold on. That’s the ultimate security.
Phu Tara Faa : December 2017 Retreat

2017-09-17 08 Relational Experience I Am 43:25	Download Listen
The sense of 'the other' is always a part of our experience, it's what consciousness does. Rather than giving attention to the other, practice with recognizing what the other signifies and what it activates in me.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-17 07 Guided Meditation – Sensing the Body in Layers 40:29	Download Listen
In standing posture, begin with sensing the whole form – what’s around that and what’s in that. Body can be sensed in layers, starting with a basic sense of presence to the most primary level of “I am”, the sense of being a distinct object.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-17 06 Staying in Touch with the “I” before the “Am” 52:07	Download Listen
Many of us are susceptible to certain perceptual signals that communicate codes of obligation and pressure. Citta becomes secondary to these signals and we lose our sense of wholeness, balance and presence. The advice is to pause and check in with the subjective sense, the “I” before the “am”. As you come into wholeness its energies can change, and we can stop going back to our “I am” habits.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-16 05 Guided Meditation – Ground as a Reference Point 26:34	Download Listen
Beginning with standing position, take time to sense the space around that is non-intrusive, safe. Strengthening from the ground up, through the arch of the foot, and sending signals down, rooting. When you do feel centered you can maintain a center – that’s the most important thing.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-16 04 Sense of Self 19:39	Download Listen
The sense of orientation is a requirement, and it brings up the sense of self. It generates relationally, in response to objects, others, memories, etc. Generally that “me” sense is a set of mental impressions, not something fixed or solid. In relational context, the theme then is to maintain a sense of presence, establish primary reference, and use the body to get a feeling for that.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-16 03 Standing Meditation – Whole Presence & Balance 23:11	Download Listen
Standing posture is in between sitting and walking. Standing immediately asks for whole presence and balance. These are great reference points – losing these throws us into structures of identification. [Walking instructions begin 18:37] Sustain sense of embodied presence. Notice tendencies to engage with eyes, pull with head, lose parts of the body. The whole body walks as space opens around your body.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-16 02 Guided Meditation – 3 Reference Points: Presence, Whole, Balance 29:32	Download Listen
Guidance to sense into the 3 reference points, something the body knows but mind doesn’t. Amplify the sense of here-ness, lessen the sense of place and time. A here that’s always here, lessening engagement with what’s not always here. Best done in the experience of body.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-09-16 01 Self Is an Addition to What’s Already Here 21:36	Download Listen
The fundamental unit of existence is “me” and we try to fill in this existence, “myself”, the center that orients my actions. The mind creates entities, fixed objects. In meditation we can see they’re not fixed at all, just resonances.
London Insight Meditation : "I" without "Am" … the Open Field of Mind

2017-07-30 18: Closing Talk – You Never Go Back, You Always Go Forward 4:27	Download Listen
The time to close retreat also means time to open boundaries. Retreat ends, but your awareness doesn’t. Always move forward in a way that keeps you alive and progressing.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-30 17: Qigong Exercises 2 32:33	Download Listen
Sensing space around; waterfall; standing like a tree; string puppet; separating earth and sky; standing in the ocean
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-30 16: An Embodied Truth 21:27	Download Listen
Bodily feeling is an accurate read out of mental formations. It helps us detect kammic effects that arise and move us to action. Embodiment gives a way of discharging. The mind jumps over things that the body doesn’t.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 13: The Aim of One-pointedness 28:01	Download Listen
One-pointedness, ekaggata, is a later development. The first aim is to get settled, to meet and dispel crankiness, negativity, craving. One-pointedness arrives after these are dispelled.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 12: Mind Doesn’t Know How to Discharge – Body Does 68:55	Download Listen
In embodiment exercises there are two qualities to emphasize: energy and the body. The basis of energy is this body. Embodiment exercises can help us cultivate the ability to redirect energy from the thinking mind by referring to the body.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 11: Walking Meditation 4:14	Download Listen
First establish bodily presence. Notice how the leg lifts and moves. Keep the eyes soft. Experience the wave-like motion - it feels good! Allow what’s been difficult or closed to arise and walk it out.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 10: Standing Meditation 2: You Can’t Let Go Without Support 8:22	Download Listen
Establish support through feet and legs. Process of letting go can seep upwards through the body. Breathing acts as stabilizing quality.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 09: Q&A: Am I Wasting My Opportunity Staying As a Lay Person? 45:09	Download Listen
Ajahn Sucitto responds to this question by first reframing it – rather than thinking: here’s the real world, how can I fit my practice into that? Consider: here’s the real practice, what kind of world can I operate in from that place? The reality that’s available to us all, regardless of place or position as monastic or lay person, is refuge. And the real refuge is in your presence. Be a refuge unto yourself.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 15: The Root Perception of Change 35:31	Download Listen
There are many things one can cultivate in meditation. There is craft, what can be learned. And there is art, what can’t be taught. Follow your nose, where’s your interest? Notice the difference between awareness and consciousness. Place an object in space, experience the object with dispassion.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 08: Return, Return, Return 8:35	Download Listen
The energy body is a particular fullness of being – this is citta. As it’s more completed, it becomes less obstructed. Take time to gather and center in the completed citta, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Meditation means to return time and time again.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-29 14: It’s Just a Movement 7:22	Download Listen
Puja is a time for offering, for being received into a quality of blessedness and welcome, just as you are. The mind searches for directions – all reasonable, but don’t follow it. Notice the energy of the movement that’s occurring now – no future, no past.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 07: Standing Meditation 1: Balance – the Place of Least Stress & Most Harmony 6:30	Download Listen
The single most important quality of standing meditation is balance. This is the place of least stress, of most harmony. Guidance is provided to sense into this balance where it’s just the muscular alignment that’s holding you up. Locking places can then relax and release.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 06: A Quality of Deep Attention 52:40	Download Listen
The key to the Buddha’s awakening was his use of appropriate attention. Attention is either grounded in the right place or the wrong place, it’s one or the other. The lens of attention and the attitudes we bring to it are extremely significant. It matters how we are seeing things. Our attention is very potent. Whatever you attend to – doubt or confidence, aversion or goodwill – you’ll get more of it. Attention is an amplifier.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 05: Put Aside What’s Unnecessary 13:16	Download Listen
The contemplative process is one where you bring to mind simple things and put aside what’s unnecessary, obstructive and irrelevant. Not with aversion, but just noticing that in most of our life we’re moving forward into qualities of pressure, important business, people – but they’re only there because your mind put them there. There doesn’t have to be the drive forward, doesn’t have to be a next. Take time to stop and notice what’s not needed, notice what’s already here.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 04: Walking without Headism 12:43	Download Listen
Ajahn Sucitto addresses a form of bodily discrimiation called “headism.” It says, “I’m on top, everything is secondary to me,” and it drags everything underneath it around. Headism can be overcome by operating through the body rather than through the head. It can be practiced in walking meditation.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 03: Feeling the Body 4:13	Download Listen
Guidance to settle into the seated posture, relaxing the body, sensing ground and space.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 02: Standing meditation - Elements and Directions 13:35	Download Listen
What tells you you have a body? Guidance provided to sense the particular signals that tell us we have a body in the forms of elements and directions.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-07-28 01: A Harmony of Body and Mind 27:27	Download Listen
Meditation is where the body and mind interact. Physical form creates the boundary within which to dwell. No third party is needed, no abstractor, no one to do anything. Just allow body and mind to come into harmony autonomously.
Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery : Retreat with Ajahn Sucitto

2017-06-17 End of Retreat Reflections: Four Reference Points 32:33	Download Listen
Ajahn Sucitto leaves the group with four reference points to continue relating to as we leave retreat: relating to embodiment, to people, to earth and to the sacred. Themes of pausing, subjectivity and respect run through.
Meditationszentrum Beatenberg : The Wisdom of Embodiment

2017-06-17 Early Morning Reflections: Don’t Go into Automatic – What’s Beautiful Now? 12:27	Download Listen
An automatic quality can take over as we practice. It happens when we retain the past: I am this, I had this experience, I want to have another experience… Instead we can arise and awaken into this body even when it’s not so comfortable and bright. Receive everything as a gift, as something new. Access what’s beautiful now.
Meditationszentrum Beatenberg : The Wisdom of Embodiment

2017-06-16 I Teach Pleasure 62:57	Download Listen
The Buddha taught pleasure. When the mind feels safe and comforted, it doesn’t crave. It loses its fear and regret. This is pleasant. Sila helps us practice this skill of turning things to the subtle pleasure of releasing stress and pressure. We stop creating the boundary of self and other that prevents unification. To others as to myself.
Meditationszentrum Beatenberg : The Wisdom of Embodiment

2017-06-16 Qigong Instructions: Cow, Crane & Dragon 47:56	Download Listen
Warming up feet, legs, hips, arms; kwa squats; drawing the thread (shoulder opening); cow gazing at the moon; crane spreads its wings; punching the dragon; neutral position
Meditationszentrum Beatenberg : The Wisdom of Embodiment

2017-06-16 Teaching on Embodiment and Guided Meditation – Descending from the Top of Your Brain to the Basin of Your Heart 61:10	Download Listen
As we meditate, we might find ourselves dropping through layers of experience. Bits that are stuck and not yet resolved keep getting triggered. What we thought was past keeps coming in – people, places, events – and it’s happening now. But there is something that doesn’t move forward in time, a foundational experience of just being present. From this place of primary embodiment, where citta meets the body, we can begin to release the layers of construction that bind us.
Meditationszentrum Beatenberg : The Wisdom of Embodiment

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