Bhante Suddhāso regularly gives Dhamma talks on a variety of topics related to meditation, contemplation, and self-development. A few selected talks are available here; more can be found on YouTube.
The Mood of the Mind (11-17-2016) Download: mp3
Human beings are emotional beings: we are subject to shifting moods which can substantially influence our actions. In this talk Bhante Suddhāso talks about how to relate to our moods and attitudes in a beneficial way, conducive to our ultimate goal of unconditional happiness. This talk was given at the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan on November 17, 2016.
Premises of Buddhist Practice (10-27-2016) Download: mp3
There are a few basic underlying premises that one needs to start with in order to successfully undertake Buddhist practice. Here Bhante Suddhāso explains three premises of Buddhist practice and explains how they serve as a basis for our self-development. This talk was given at the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan on October 27, 2016.
The Scope of Saṁsāra (10-20-2016) Download: mp3
When we consider the nature of non-zero probabilities in the context of the enormous scope of saṁsāra, one inevitably arrives at a series of conclusions that directly support our pursuit of enlightenment. In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso explains this process of contemplation and how it relates to our practice. A period of Q&A is recorded at the end of the talk. This talk was given at the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan on October 20, 2016.
Seven Factors of Enlightenment (9-15-2016) Download: mp3
There are seven mental qualities that help one attain enlightenment. In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso explains what these seven qualities are and how they can support our practice. A period of Q&A is recorded at the end of the talk. This talk was given at the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan on September 15, 2016.
Three Kinds of Happiness (9-1-2016) Download: mp3
The Buddha spoke about three kinds of happiness – sensual happiness, spiritual happiness, and enlightenment. Bhante Suddhāso describes all three kinds and explains what is necessary to attain each one. A period of Q&A is recorded at the end of the talk. This talk was given at the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan on September 1, 2016.
Nirvana (8-25-2016) Download: mp3
The final goal of Buddhist practice is called Nibbāna (Skt: Nirvāna). So what is Nirvāna? Here Bhante Suddhāso describes the nature of the goal and what we can do to get there. His talk is followed by a session of Q&A where he answers several questions related to the subject. This talk was given at the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan on August 25, 2016.
Relationships (8-12-2016) Download: mp3
Relationships provide us with an invaluable opportunity to develop beneficial mindstates that support our spiritual practice. In this talk Bhante Suddhāso explains the benefits of developing wholesome attitudes in our relationships, as well as some potential pitfalls to be avoided. This talk was given at Kula Yoga in Brooklyn on August 12, 2016.
Introduction to Buddhist Cosmology (5-29-2016) Download: mp3
The Buddha described many different states of existence and planes of reality. In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso gives an overview of the Buddha’s description, and explains how it relates to our daily practice. His 30-minute lecture is followed by group discussion of the topic. This talk was given at the Chrystie Street studio on May 29, 2016.
Liberation through Loving-Kindness (5-21-2016) Download: mp3
Mettā (Loving-Kindness or Loving-Friendliness) is a very important mental quality to develop in our spiritual practice. Here Bhante Suddhāso explains how cultivating mettā is conducive to attaining the highest goal of spiritual life: enlightenment. This talk was given at the Mettā Daylong with Melissa McKay on May 21, 2016.
Karma: How Our Choices Shape Our Lives (5-15-2016) Download: mp3
Every choice we make produces a corresponding result; this is Karma – the law of cause and effect. Here Bhante Suddhāso explains the Buddhist perspective on causality, and the implications it has for how we live our lives. This talk was given at the Chrystie Street studio on May 15, 2016.
Dealing with Emotional Turmoil (5-13-2016) Download: mp3
As humans, it is normal to undergo a wide range of emotional experiences – some of which can be quite turbulent. Buddhist practice offers some practical pointers for how to handle such experiences in a beneficial way. This talk was given at Kula Yoga in Brooklyn on May 13, 2016.
Three Universal Characteristics (4-30-2016) Download: mp3
In Buddhist philosophy, it is said that all phenomena have three characteristics: they are all temporary, unsatisfying, and impersonal. Here Bhante Suddhāso describes these three universal characteristics in detail and explains how they relate to our contemplative practice. This talk was given at Yoga on the Rocks on April 30, 2016.
Concentration and Insight (4-9-2016) Download: mp3
During a weekend retreat, Bhante Suddhāso gave an overview of how concentration and mindfulness practice forms the basis for the development of insight. This talk was given at the “Getting Grounded” Weekend Retreat on April 9, 2016.
Dealing With Guilt (4-3-2016) Download: mp3
Feelings of guilt, shame, and self-criticism are common ailments of the mind. Buddhism offers a variety of effective methods for overcoming such issues, and here Bhante Suddhāso speaks about how to practice with them. This talk was given at the Chrystie Street studio on April 3, 2016.
Restructuring our Thought Processes (4-1-2016) Download: mp3
All things are experienced through the mind; therefore gaining control of our own mind is of paramount importance. Bhante Suddhāso discusses how we can restructure our thought processes so we can be happy, peaceful, and wise. This talk was given in Sunset Park on April 1, 2016.
Sexuality and Gender (3-25-2016) Download: mp3
One of the most highly charged topics of conversation is sexuality. On this occasion, Bhante Suddhāso explains the Buddhist perspective on sexuality, gender, and related issues, after which he answers a variety of questions about the subject. This talk was given at Kula Yoga in Brooklyn on March 21, 2016.
A Variety of Meditation Techniques (3-21-2016) Download: mp3
There are a wide variety of different meditation techniques in Theravāda Buddhism. Although mindfulness meditation is the most well-known, there are many other meditation methods that are equally important. In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso explains how to practice several different kinds of Buddhist meditation. This talk was given at Lite Brite Neon on March 21, 2016.
Dealing with Obstacles in Meditation (3-19-2016) Download: mp3
When we practice meditation, there are five obstacles that we commonly face. In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso describes each of the five and recommends methods for overcoming them. This talk was given at Yoga on the Rocks on March 19, 2016.
Tranquility (3-12-2016) Download: mp3
The development of tranquility is an extremely valuable aspect of our meditation practice. Here Bhante Suddhāso explains its benefits and how to develop it. At the end of the talk, Bhante Suddhāso answers several questions. This talk was given at the Manhattan Buddhist Meditation Group on March 10, 2016.
Anxiety and Fear (3-10-2016) Download: mp3
Most of us experience anxiety or fear at times in our life. In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso speaks about how we can use our practice to develop an imperturbable mind in the face of such circumstances. At the end of the talk, Bhante Suddhāso answers questions related to the topic. This talk was given at Dharma Punx NYC on March 10, 2016.
Solitude (2-21-2016) Download: mp3
Bhante Suddhāso describes two different kinds of solitude: physical and mental. He then explains how developing these two kinds of solitude supports our practice, and what we can do to foster a sense of self-reliance. There is also a discussion period at the end of the talk, when Bhante Suddhāso answers a variety of questions about spiritual practice. This talk was given at Dharma Punx NYC on Feb. 21, 2016.
Loving-Kindness (2-21-2016) Download: mp3
Here Bhante Suddhāso speaks about how we can develop an attitude of unconditional friendliness, compassion, and consideration, and why it is beneficial for our spiritual development. This talk was given in Belle Harbor on Feb. 21, 2016.
Physical, Mental, and Emotional Experiences (2-11-2016) Download: mp3
In this talk, Bhante Suddhāso divides our experience of the world into three categories – physical, mental, and emotional – and speaks about how to apply tranquility and insight meditation to each. This talk was given at Dharma Punx NYC on Feb. 11, 2016.