Accepting Advice to Overcome Delusion (Pavarana Ceremony) | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Talk at Dhammagiri Monastery

Author: Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage
Published: Tue 11 Oct 2022
Episode Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dhammagiri/episodes/Accepting-Advice-to-Overcome-Delusion-Pavarana-Ceremony--Ajahn-Dhammasiha--Buddhist-Talk-at-Dhammagiri-Monastery-e1p3587

On occasion of Pavāraṇā Full Moon, Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about the meaning and purpose of the 'Invitation Ceremony' ('pavāraṇā') the monks have to do at the end of the rains retreat.

All members of the sangha that have spent the retreat together invite each other for admonishment in case that any unsuitable behaviour has been seen, heard or suspected by their fellow monks. Although normally nothing is brought up at the ceremony itself, as any real issues are better sorted out beforehand, the ritual still serves as a powerful reminder that we should always welcome and constructive criticism.

The faculty of delusion hides our own mistakes from ourselves, we just can't see them objectively. Feedback from well meaning, wise friends is an excellent way to counter that delusion and correct oneself.

Ajahn also talks more generally about delusion, the conditioned nature of our views & opinions, and skillfull means to escape the 'catch 22' situation when dealing with delusion: