Clear Mountain Monastery Project
Dharma talks from monastics at Clear Mountain, an aspiring Buddhist Forest monastery in the greater Seattle area. The Forest Tradition represents a return to the simple way of life taught by the Buddha. Monastics aspire to live as the early disciples did: dwelling in the forest, studying the teachings, and devoting themselves to meditation. To learn more, visit https://wwww.clearmountainmonastery.org.
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 51 minutes
- Episodes
- 110
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Chanting for Uplifting Disenchantment: A Chant-idote to a Boring Dhamma Life | Ajahn Kovilo
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about the value of chanting as a way to give rise to wholesome mental states.
The main chant referenced is the "Suffusion with the Divine Abidings", featured h…
From Suffering to Safety: Trauma-Informed Dhamma | Amma Thanasanti Q&A
In this compelling dialogue, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Amma Thanasanti about what’s missing from traditional Dharma when it comes to trauma, attachment, and nervous system regulation.…
Sister Rabbi, Brother Monk: An Interfaith Family Dialogue | Ajahn Cunda & Rabbi Sydney Mintz Q&A
In this session, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo interview brother and sister Ajahn Cunda and Rabbi Sydney Mintz.
Bio of Ajahn Cunda:
Ajahn Cunda was raised in a warm and loving family in the Nor…
Five Faculties: The Indriyā as Probiotics for Practice | Ayyā Suvijjānā & Ayya Niyyānika
Ayyā Suvijjānā & Ayya Niyyānika of Passaddhi Vihara (https://passaddhivihara.org/) speak about developing the Five Indriyā, or Mental Faculties in our practice. The five, including saddhā (faith), vi…
The Recollections: Six Songs of Sanctuary | Ajahn Nisabho
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho talks about the Mahānāma Sutta (AN 11:12) (https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN11_12.html), and the six recollections recommended by the Buddha as ways of tuning to th…
The Craving Mind and the Default Mode’s Addiction to Self | Dr. Judson Brewer MD PhD
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer MD PhD about the confluence between neuroscience and Theravāda Buddhism.
For more information about Dr. Jud…
The Dhamma of Dying: 20 Years of Hospice & Living Non-Separation | Rodney Smith Q&A
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Rodney Smith, author and founder or the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, about resting in an ever-present silence, his work in hospice, ho…
”There’s Much to Be Said for Wordless Silence... But This Is a Dhamma Talk” | Ajahn Kaccāna
In this talk, Ajahn Kaccāna, ordained at Abhayagiri Monastery but currently residing at Chithurst Monastery in England, speaks about finding refuge in the quality of knowing rather than the objects o…
Swipe Left on Saṃsāra — Jhānas, Emptiness, & Leaving Your Cellphone Behind | Shaila Catherine Q&A
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview renowned meditation teacher Shaila Catherine about the practice of jhāna, the breath nimitta, digital hygiene on retreat, and more.
To lea…
Monk Jumped Downtown: Post-Traumatic Growth From a Dark Street in Seattle | Ajahn Kovilo
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo relates his experience being assaulted in downtown Seattle on March 30th, 2025.
Suttas Referenced:
- Dhammapada vv 3-5:
Livin’ La Vida Āloka! Building an Inner Haven Outside Havana | Ayyā Mārajinā Q&A
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Venerable Ayyā Mārajinā about her experience creating Saṅgha in Cuba. Learn more at https://www.theravadacuba.org or at the links below.
A…
The Self in Pieces: Seeing through the Five Aggregates | Ajahn Nisabho
In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho describes the 5 khandhas, or "aggregates" onto which we posit a self: 1) form (rūpa) 2) feelings (vedanā) 3) perception (sañña) 4) mental formations (sankhara) and 5) cons…
Q&A: Bone Contemplation, Apolitical Monasticism, & Letting Go of the World | Ajahn Nisabho
In this Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about body contemplation, monastics' apolitical stance, dispassion (virāga), benefits of the holy life, and more.
The link to the 6:45-7:30 pm Zoom sessio…
Compost Yourself: You’re Just Earth Eating Earth | Ayyā Santacittā
In this session, Ayyā Santacittā of the Āloka Earth Room visits and shares reflections on the hummus-ness of humans.
Ayyā Santacitta's Biography:
Santacitta Bhikkhuni was born in Austria and did …
Metta Masterclass: The Brahmavihāras With a Side of Eggs, Carrots, & Coffee Beans | Ajahn Jotipālo
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Jotipālo about the practice of loving-kindness, "Sauntering Into Silence", and a mention of Buddhist iconography.
- Visit Ajahn Jotipā…
Your Inner Government: Māra-tocracy or Dhamma-cracy? | Ajahn Kovilo
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo asks the question: What is your inner governing-principle (ādhipateyya)? Is it a "Dhamma-cracy" (based on a solid foundation of truth, morality, and wisdom) or a "Māra-t…
What is a Maechee? Beyond Dhamma Fantasy! | Maechee Paññāsirī
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview the Chinese-born, Thai Forest Maechee Paññāsirī about her life and practice.
Maechee Paññāsirī's Biography:
Sister Maechee Paññāsirī is a…
Heavens & Hells: Buddhist Cosmology & Psychology | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditat…
Arahants, AI, and the Field of Citta | Ajahn Dhammasīha Q&A
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Ajahn Dhammasīha, abbot of Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in Brisbane, Australia. To learn more about Ajahn Dhammasīha and Dhammagiri Forest Her…
Satipaṭṭhāna: A Theravāda Heart Sutta – Stop Frontin’! Come Back to the Back | Ajahn Kovilo
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo examines the refrain from the Foundations of Mindfulness Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/dn22/en/sujato?lang=en) in light of the slang-based meditation instructions: "St…