Wisdom of the Masters (Samaneri Jayasara)

Mazu Daoyi (709–88) is one of the most eminent of the ancient Chinese Zen masters. Two of the traditionally acknowledged major schools of Zen trace their lineage through this renowned Zen ancient. He was an influential abbot of Chan Buddhism during the Tang dynasty. The earliest recorded use of the term "Chan school" is from his Extensive Records. Master Ma's teaching style of "strange words and extraordinary actions" became paradigmatic Zen lore. In the Transmission of the Lamp, compiled in 1004, Mazu is described as follows: "His appearance was remarkable. He strode along like a bull and glared about him like a tiger. If he stretched out his tongue, it reached up over his nose; on the soles of his feet were imprinted two circular marks."

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A reading of two Saint Kabir poems intended for contemplation and meditation. Translated by Robert Bly.  Though little is known of the life of the 15th-century Indian mystic and poet Kabir, it is believed he was born in or near Benares. He grew up in a family of Muslim weavers before becoming a disciple of the Hindu ascetic Ramananda. Kabir is considered both a Sufi and Brahmin saint. His poetry draws on both Hinduism and Islam, though he was critical of certain aspects of both faiths. Some of his verses are included in the compilation of Sikh scriptures known as the Adi Granth. His mystical poems are grounded in the details and earthly particulars of everyday life.

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A text belonging to the same cycle as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, this instruction on the method of  self-liberation presents the essence of Dzogchen, The Great Perfection, regarded in Tibet as the highest and most esoteric teaching of the Buddha. Teaching the attainment of Buddhahood in a single lifetime, this text was written and concealed by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century and rediscovered six centuries later by Karma Lingpa. Translated by John Reynolds.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

** Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

William Samuel (1924-1996) was born in Alabama to a Jewish father and Christian mother. Samuel taught and wrote from his home at Mountain Brook, Alabama, for over 40 years. He was a spiritual teacher who taught and lectured on the subject of metaphysics based upon the Absolute, or as referred to today, non-duality. Samuel never sought to be well known or venerated himself, and did not embrace the idea of being called a "teacher". However, he has been widely recognized by many as a genuine true Master. Samuel also preferred not to be labeled, categorized or assigned to any religion, particular study, nor tied to any spiritual teaching. William Samuel was the first American student to meet and sit with Ramana Maharshi, and recounts the meeting in a short anecdote: “Some years ago I was honored to be the first American student of a renowned teacher in India. For fourteen days a group of us sat at the feet of this "Master," during which time he spoke not one word—not so much as a grunt—until the final day when he bade us farewell and assured us we had learned much. And to my surprise, I had. It took months before the seeds of those silent days began to sprout one by one, revealing that there are indeed many things for which the uptight, recondite babble of books and teachers is more hindrance than a help.”

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Sri Brahmajna Ma (21 February 1880 – 5 November 1934) was an Indian advaitin saint from East Bengal. What little is known about her reveals her as an illumined soul who was established in non-dual realization. Like Ramana Maharshi, she had no guru, but attained enlightenment through her own efforts at self-inquiry.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A selection of essential pointers from Nisargadatta - taken from the text "Prior to Consciousness" - edited by Jeanne Dunne.  

Music: 'Joy' by Indiajiva

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ajahn Chah  was a Thai Buddhist monk. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

These direct, powerful and humourous verses were spoken by the great Master, Patrul Rinpoche, to wake himself up to the reality of the ever-present Great Perfection.Translation by Constance Wilkinson.The original source can be found here: https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/patrul-rinpoche/advice-from-me-to-myselfDza Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887) — an enlightened master, who, though he lived the life of a vagabond, was one of the most illustrious spiritual teachers of the nineteenth century. Hailing from the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, his principal teacher was Jikmé Gyalwé Nyugu, a great master who was one of the foremost students of Jikmé Lingpa. Music: Malte Marten & Lynxk - 'Whispers from Heaven'(with thanks to Malte for his kind permission to use his music).https://www.youtube.com/@MalteMartenhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6gmfGQKmOr9z7GTYK7ecEj

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

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A selection of Thoreau's verses taken from "Walden" and various Journals written by him.  Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) was an American philosopher, poet,  a leading transcendentalist, and environmental scientist whose major work, Walden, draws upon each of these identities in meditating on the concrete problems of living in the world as a human being. He sought to revive a conception of philosophy as a way of life, not only a mode of reflective thought and discourse. Thoreau’s work was informed by an eclectic variety of sources. He was well-versed in classical Greek and Roman philosophy, ranging from the pre-Socratics through the Hellenistic schools, and was also an avid student of the ancient scriptures and wisdom literature of various Asian traditions.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Readings of the Commentary - the  Fifth Vajra Point : Moon's Reflection from the text - Finding Rest in Illusion by Longchenpa.   Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363), is a great luminary of Tibetan Buddhism. He was highly skilled in all aspects of scholarship from an early age and excelled throughout his life in the practice and accomplishment of the Dharma. Regarded as a great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava  and is recognised as an emanation of Vimalamitra. Longchenpa's prolific writings have made him one of Tibet's most renowned and precious teachers.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon (Commonly known as Madame Guyon - 13 April 1648 – 9 June 1717) is Christianity’s best-known and most influential woman in church history. She was a celebrated French Mystic, and one of the greatest Christian leaders of all time. She was accused of advocating Quietism, which was considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church. Madame Guyon was imprisoned from 1695 to 1703 after publishing the book A Short and Very Easy Method of Prayer. The foundation of her Quietism was laid in her study of St. Francis de Sales, Madame de Chantal, and Thomas a Kempis. At age 16, she married Jacques Guyon, a wealthy man of weak health, 22 years her senior. Her public career as an evangelist of Quietism began soon after her widowhood. These excerpts for meditation/contemplation have been taken from Madame Guyon's autobiography. AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MADAME GUYON - Translated in full from French to English by Thomas Taylor Allen in 1898.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading of selected excerpts from texts and talks given by William Samuel. William Samuel (1924-1996) was born in Alabama to a Jewish father and Christian mother. Samuel taught and wrote from his home at Mountain Brook, Alabama, for over 40 years. He was a spiritual teacher who taught and lectured on the subject of metaphysics based upon the Absolute, or as referred to today, non-duality. Samuel never sought to be well known or venerated himself, and did not embrace the idea of being called a "teacher". However, he has been widely recognized by many as a genuine true Master. Samuel also preferred not to be labeled, categorized or assigned to any religion, particular study, nor tied to any spiritual teaching. William Samuel was the first American student to meet and sit with Ramana Maharshi, and recounts the meeting in a short anecdote: “Some years ago I was honored to be the first American student of a renowned teacher in India. For fourteen days a group of us sat at the feet of this "Master," during which time he spoke not one word—not so much as a grunt—until the final day when he bade us farewell and assured us we had learned much. And to my surprise, I had. It took months before the seeds of those silent days began to sprout one by one, revealing that there are indeed many things for which the uptight, recondite babble of books and teachers is more hindrance than a help.”

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Baba Hari Dass (1923 - 2018) was an Indian yoga master, silent monk, and commentator of Indian scriptural traditions of dharma and moksha. He was classically trained in the Ashtanga of Patanjali (also known as Rāja yoga), as well as Kriya yoga, Ayurveda, Samkhya, Tantra, Vedanta, and Sanskrit.  Baba Hari Dass took a vow of silence in 1952, which he upheld through this life. Although he did not speak, he was able to communicate in several languages through writing. His literary output included scriptural commentaries to Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Samkhya Karika, and Vedanta, yoga training materials, and a range of others writings. Upon his arrival in North America in early 1971, Baba Hari Dass and his teachings inspired the creation of several yoga centers and retreat programs in the United States in Santa Cruz County, California, and in Canada at Salt Spring Island and in Toronto.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Reading from the text - Be As You Are - by Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. I have omitted the questions for ease of flow.

Edited by David Godman.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

A selection of verses taken from various texts from the works of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite.  Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, (flourished c. 500), probably a Syrian monk who, known only by his pseudonym, wrote a series of Greek treatises and letters for the purpose of uniting Neoplatonic philosophy with Christian theology and mystical experience.  In the early sixth century, a series of writings of a mystical nature, known as the Corpus Areopagiticum or Corpus Dionysiacum was ascribed to the Areopagite. They have long been recognized as pseudepigrapha, and their author is now called "Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite". The author pseudepigraphically identifies himself in the corpus as "Dionysius", portraying himself as Dionysius the Areopagite, the Athenian convert of Paul the Apostle mentioned in Acts 17:34  According to Pseudo-Dionysius, God is better characterized and approached by negations than by affirmations. All names and theological representations must be negated. According to pseudo-Dionysius, when all names are negated, "divine silence, darkness, and unknowing" will follow.  The Dionysian corpus was absorbed into Greek and Eastern Christian theologies and also influenced mystics in the Western church, such as Meister Eckhart. Thomas Aquinas was among those who wrote commentaries on the works. There remains for the Christian reader no theologian or scholar quite as enigmatic as Pseudo-Dionysius.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Anandamayi Ma ( 30 April 1896 – 27 August 1982) was a Bengali Saint, described by Sivananda Saraswati (of the Divine Life Society) as "the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced." Precognition, faith healing and miracles were attributed to her by her followers. Paramahansa Yogananda translates the Sanskrit epithet Anandamayi - as "Joy-permeated" in English. This name was given to her by her devotees in the 1920s to describe her perpetual state of divine joy.

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Marguerite Porete (13th century – 1 June 1310) was a French-speaking mystic and the author of The Mirror of Simple Souls, a work of Christian mysticism dealing with the workings of agape (divine love). She was burnt at the stake for heresy in Paris in 1310 after a lengthy trial, refusing to remove her book from circulation or recant her views. It was reported in a chronicle that the crowd was moved to tears by the calmness of how she faced her end.  Porete's life is recorded only in accounts of her trial for heresy, at which she was condemned to be burnt at the stake. Porete's biography is probably biased and certainly incomplete. She was said to come from the County of Hainaut, a French-speaking principality in the Holy Roman Empire, though this is uncertain. Her high level of education means she is likely to have had upper-class origins. She is associated with the beguine movement and was therefore able to travel fairly freely.  

Art image - "Ellipsis Halo " by Dan Hillier used with kind permission of the artist. Please see Dan's incredible art at: https://danhillier.com/

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Selected teachings of Ma's taken from various sources. Anandamayi Ma ( 30 April 1896 – 27 August 1982) was a Bengali Saint, described by Sivananda Saraswati (of the Divine Life Society) as "the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced." Precognition, faith healing and miracles were attributed to her by her followers. Paramahansa Yogananda translates the Sanskrit epithet Anandamayi - as "Joy-permeated" in English. This name was given to her by her devotees in the 1920s to describe her perpetual state of divine joy. Music: "Sleep Music" - Le Code Bandcamp : https://le-code.bandcamp.com/ Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3GN1OGm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGykDEr7ugNVA6QylRuzOPA

With thanks to Alex for his gift of music

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This is an excerpt from the teaching "Descending with the View from Above" from Guru Rinpoche/Padmasambhava  taken from the book "Treasures from Juniper Ridge" - translated by Erik Kunsang and Marcia Schmidt.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This sublime and profound teaching on the nature of reality by the great master, Longchenpa is taken from the Finding Rest in Illusion trilogy . It is suitable for those practitioners who have a in-depth understanding and insight into Dzogchen's concepts and paradigm. Translated by the Padmakara Translation Group.  Longchenpa, also known as Longchen Rabjam , ‘Infinite, Vast Expanse of Space’, or Drimé Özer (1308-1364), was one of the most brilliant teachers of the Nyingma lineage. He systematized the Nyingma teachings in his ‘Seven Treasures’ and wrote extensively on Dzogchen.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

An incredibly beautiful and powerful Vajra Song from the Omniscient Master entitled "Space Without Centre or Edge" - wonderful for meditation. Taken from the text "Quintessential Dzogchen: Confusion Dawns as Wisdom" - translated by Erik Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt.

Music credits: Tonepoet -https://tonepoet.bandcamp.com/

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Chuang Tzu was a Taoist sage, living sometime before 250 B.C. He is credited with writing- in part or in whole - a work known by his name, the Zhuangzi, which is one of the foundational texts of Taoism. The text is ranked among the greatest of literary and philosophical masterpieces that China has produced.  Its style is complex—mythical, poetic, narrative, humorous, indirect, and polysemic.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Selected excerpts of teachings from Sri Siddharameshwar. Taken from the Inner Quest website - https://www.inner-quest.org/Siddharameshwar_Self.htm

Siddharameshwar Maharaj is one of the greatest unknown saints of the age who attained the highest abode of Eternal peace. He was born in August 1888 in the small village of Pathri, in the district Sholapur of India. From 1925 until 1936, he taught many disciples and helped dozens attain Self-realisation. His teachings were further spread around the globe by his most revered disciples, such as Ranjit Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Muppin Kaadsiddheshwar Maharaj and Ganapatrao Maharaj Kannur. His samadhi shrine today is located at Banganga, Walkeshwar in Bombay.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

**Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with this channel is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. This channel is not monetized for profit advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Readings from first section on "Self and Reality". The Avadhuta Gita is attributed to the sage Dattatreya, who spontaneously sang it after purifying himself in meditation and becoming absorbed in the uninterrupted bliss of Reality. It is regarded as one of the greatest treatise on Advaita Vedanta and some scholars date it as far back as 5000 B.C.   The word "avadhut" refers to one who has renounced all worldly attachments and connections and lives in a state beyond body consciousness. They have shaken off all cares and concerns, possessions and positions, along with all concepts and labels that interfere with his direct perception of Reality.  The full teaching can be found here: https://www.inner-quest.org/Avadhuta.htm

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Vimala Thakar (1921- 2009) was born in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. She was a great spiritually enlightened revolutionary and activist; mystic, and a notable Indian figure of the 20th Century who boldly forged a radically independent approach to spirituality and the search for truth. In 1958, Thakar attended talks given by, and met with, the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. This meeting was to change her life. Freed from all religious tradition, she brought the timeless wisdom of the East to the modern egalitarian West without the baggage of religious terminology, endeavoring to awaken people through deep inquiry. Fiercely independent, beholden only to her own burning passion for liberation, she crisscrossed the world for many years, travelling to 35 countries through the sixties, seventies and eighties, exhorting all who would listen to wake up to what she would term the ‘totality of Life.’

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A selection of profound, direct pointers for meditation by Master Hongzhi Zhengjue. Excerpts taken from the text: "Cultivating the Empty Field The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi" - translated by Taigen Dan Leighton. Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091–1157) was one of the most accomplished Chan masters of the Song dynasty who authored or compiled several influential texts. Hongzhi's conception of silent illumination is of particular importance to the Chinese Caodong Chan and Japanese Sōtō Zen schools. Hongzhi's distinctive teachings are well illustrated in the poetic practice instructions he left behind and are beautiful lyrical celebrations of our Buddha Nature and of all existence. However, they are not merely celebrations, but practice instructions and descriptions of meditative experience. Music by Swami Madhuram Puri. With thanks to Swami for his kind offering of his exquisite music for this channel. For more of his wonderful music, please see here: www.timeforpeace.bandcamp.com

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Wu Hsin" (meaning No Mind) was a fictitious character created by Roy Melvyn to create and structure a series of pith teachings and pointers to the Absolute, based on key non-duality teachings. Roy Melvyn (1947- 2017 ) was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Eastern European immigrant parents. It wasn't until the 1980s that his interest in spirituality and religion began to blossom and his investigations into the Western religions began. By the late 90s, he was writing about the more mystical aspects of Eastern meditative pursuits, exploring the writings of Dogen, Jiddu Krishnamurti, both Shunryu and D. T. Suzuki and Ramana Maharshi among others. These pointers were taken from the book: "Solving Yourself". 

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Selected excerpts from the text "Notes on Spiritual Discources" - taken by Nitya Tripta. Śrĩ Atmananda (8 December 1883 – 14 May 1959), also referred as Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, was an Indian sage, guru, and philosopher. He has been described by scholars as a "neo-Hindu". His teachings have become a foundation for a spiritual method called the Direct Path.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a guided meditation on resting and trusting in Awareness - emerging from my retreat. It includes a reading of Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche's famous prayer - Rest in Natural Great Peace.  

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Sri Sarada Devi (22 December 1853 – 21 July 1920), was a nineteenth-century Hindu mystic and saint. She was the wife and spiritual consort of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Sarada Devi is also reverentially addressed as the Holy Mother (Sri Sri Maa) by the followers of the Sri Ramakrishna monastic order. The Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission situated at Dakshineshwar is based on the ideals and life of Sarada Devi. She played an important and central role in the growth of the Ramakrishna Movement. Sri Ramakrishna looked upon Sarada Devi as a special manifestation of Divine Mother of the universe and their marital relationship was purely spiritual. Those who associated with her were overwhelmed by her unconditional love and selfless service. All were her children irrespective of nationality, religious affiliation, or social position. No one was ever turned away. She accepted all.

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This is a reading for meditation of some powerful teachings by Nisargadatta. Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.  The publication in 1973 of I Am That, an English translation of his talks in Marathi by Maurice Frydman, brought him worldwide recognition and followers, especially from North America and Europe.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The Root Verses on the Six Bardos are some of the most famous sections of The Great Liberation Through Hearing in the Bardo (Bardo Tödrol Chenmo), a treasure text revealed by the fourteenth century tertön Karma Lingpa. This text offers instructions on each of the six intermediate states (bardo) and helps us to live a better life while preparing for death and beyond.  The Bardo Thodol , is a text from a larger corpus of teachings, the Profound Dharma of Self-Liberation through the Intention of the Peaceful and Wrathful Ones. It is the best-known work of Nyingma literature, known in the West as the Tibetan Book of the Dead.  Translated by Adam Pearcey

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These powerful and direct instructions for the dying process and navigating the bardo realms were read from the teaching: "The Refined Essence of Oral Instructions" by Padmasambhava. Translated by Eric Pema Kunsang. Taken from the text "Dakini Teachings".

Music: "Horns - Sound Meditation" by Hilmar Hajek 

"Distant Calling" - The Heart is Awake - https://theheartisawake.bandcamp.com
"Finding Stillness" - Chris Collins

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer: 🎧 As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. This channel is not monetized for profit through  advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

The Gospel of Mary is found in the Berlin Gnostic Codex (Papyrus Berolinensis 8502). This very important and well-preserved codex was discovered in the late-nineteenth century somewhere near Akhmim in upper Egypt.  Scholars do not always agree which of the New Testament people named Mary is the central character of the Gospel of Mary. Arguments in favor of Mary Magdalene are based on her status as a known follower of Jesus, the tradition of being the first witness of his resurrection, and her appearance in other early Christian writings.

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The Heart Sūtra is a key sutra in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Its Sanskrit title, Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya, can be translated as "The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom". The sutra famously states, "Form is empty" (śūnyatā). It is a condensed exposé on the Buddhist Mahayana teaching of the Two Truths doctrine, which says that ultimately all phenomena are sunyata, empty of an unchanging essence. This emptiness is a 'characteristic' of all phenomena, and not a transcendent reality, but also "empty" of an essence of its own. Specifically, it is a response to Sarvastivada teachings that "phenomena" or its constituents are real. Music by Maok - Inner Reflections and Infinite Forgiveness

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This famous stotra by Adi Shankaracharya has been formatted for meditation and reflection.  When a young boy of eight (Adi Shankaracharya) while wandering in Himalayas, he encountered a sage who asked him, who are you? The boy answered with these verses, which are known as ‘Nirvana Shatakam’ or ‘Atma Shatakam’   

Music : Deva Premal - "Chidananda" Image: "Shiva" by Apoorva Shettigar

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Sri Aurobindo (born Aurobindo Ghose; 15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950) was an Indian philosopher, yogi, maharishi, poet, mystic, and Indian nationalist. He joined the movement for India's freedom from British rule and for a duration (1905–10), became one of its most important leaders, before turning to developing his own vision and philosophy of human progress and spiritual evolution. At Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo developed a spiritual practice he called Integral Yoga. The central theme of his vision was the evolution of human life into a divine life in a divine body. He believed in a spiritual realisation that not only liberated but transformed human nature, enabling a divine life on earth. In 1926, with the help of his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa (referred to as "The Mother"), Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

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Ātma-bodha (Sanskrit: आत्मबोध) is a short Sanskrit text attributed to Adi Shankara of Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. The text in sixty-eight verses describes the path to Self-knowledge or the awareness of Atman. The Vedanta tradition states that the text was written by Shankara for his disciple, Sanandana, also known as Padmapāda.

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The Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (Pali) or Anātmalakṣaṇa Sūtra (Sanskrit), is traditionally recorded as the second discourse delivered by Gautama Buddha. The title translates to the "Not-Self Characteristic Discourse", but is also known as the Pañcavaggiya Sutta (Pali) or Pañcavargīya Sūtra (Skt.), meaning the "Group of Five" Discourse. In this discourse, the Buddha analyzes the constituents of a person's body and mind (khandha) and demonstrates that they are each impermanent (anicca), subject to suffering (dukkha) and thus unfit for identification with a "self" (attan). Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

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Selected excerpts from the text "Notes on Spiritual Discources" - taken by Nitya Tripta. For PDF and hard copy versions of the 3 Volume teaching see this website of Greg Goodes: https://greg-goode.com/article/notes-on-spiritual-discourses-of-shri-atmananda/ Śrĩ Atmananda (8 December 1883 – 14 May 1959), also referred as Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, was an Indian sage, guru, and philosopher. He has been described by scholars as a "neo-Hindu". His teachings have become a foundation for a spiritual method called the Direct Path.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a selection of clear pointing out instructions taken from the text "Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche (translated by Erik Pema Kunsang).  Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (b. 1951) is a world-renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher and meditation master in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. He is the abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is the author of several books, founder of meditation centers around the world, and an international teacher. He is the eldest son of Kunsang Dechen, a devoted Buddhist practitioner, and Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, who was considered one of the greatest Dzogchen masters of our time.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a reading for meditation of the teaching given by Mipham Rinpoche entitled - "The Instruction on Stillness, Occurrence, and Awareness in Mahamudra'  - taken from the text Perfect Clarity. Translated by Eric Pema Kunsang.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading of the teaching, "The Spontaneous Vajra Manifestation of Awareness and Emptiness' by Mipham Rinpoche.  Jamgön Mipham Gyatso  (1846-1912)  was a great Nyingma master and writer of the last century. He was  a student of Jamgön Kongtrul, Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo and Patrul Rinpoche. Blessed by Manjushri, he became one of the greatest scholars of his time. His collected works fill more than thirty volumes.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a guided meditation to help you recognize your own inherent Awareness and learn how to abide by that. Pure Awareness is our true nature. Only by intuitively realizing and  understanding the depth and profundity of this impersonal Reality, and resting in it, can we begin the journey to transcend suffering and samsara.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Dza Patrul Rinpoche  (1808-1887) — an enlightened master, who, though he lived the life of a vagabond, was one of the most illustrious spiritual teachers of the nineteenth century. His principal teacher was Jikmé Gyalwé Nyugu, a great master who was one of the foremost students of Jikmé Lingpa.  The full text of this reading can be found here: https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/patrul-rinpoche/self-liberating-meditation

Translated by Adam Pearcey  

Music credits: Blank Embrace, Bing Satellites, Mirada, Tonepoet - www.bandcamp.com

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Text reading taken from:  Treasures from Juniper Ridge (Padmasambhava's Advice #3)  by Padmasambhava by Tulku Urgyen, Erik Pema Kunsang (Translator) , Marcia Binder Schmidt (Translator).

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Reading of Thich Nhat Hanh's famous poem - "Please Call Me by My True Names."  Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace.  

Music by Maok -  "Darkness and Light" Please find more of Maok's music at his following sites: https://www.maok.sk/eshop/store.php​ https://maokmusic.bandcamp.com/​ https://maok.sk  With deep thanks to Maok for permission to use his beautiful, divine music.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

** Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with this channel is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. This channel is not monetized for profit advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

This chapter on "The Method of Developing Bhavana" was taken from the text "Atulo" from the notes and memory of Phra Choa Khun Bodhinandamuni (Somsak Pajhdito), Wat Burapharam, Surin. Translated from the original Thai book "Atulo" by Bhikkhu Khemasanto (Douglas Johnson). ** A note on the word 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚 The word "Heart" is not a totally satisfactory rendering of the Pali word "Citta" but it does accord with much of the same meanings and senses as used in English. For those who prefer, the word "Mind" may also be used as a translation for the word "Citta". ** A note on the word 𝐁𝐡ā𝐯𝐚𝐧ā The Pali dictionary suggests that ‘bhāvanā’ refers to 'mental development' (lit. 'calling into existence, producing') in what in English is generally referred to 'meditation'. The Theravada School of Buddhism distinguishes two types of bhāvanā: (1) development of tranquillity (samatha-bhāvanā), i.e. concentration (samādhi), and (2) development of insight (vipassanā-bhāvanā), i.e. wisdom (paññā). Ajahn Dune Atulo (1888-1983) ordained at the age of 22 and after becoming disillusioned with his life as an uneducated town monk, he left to study in Ubon Ratchathani, where he befriended Ajahn Singh Khantiyagamo and reordained in the Dhammayut sect where he became a disciple of Ajahn Mun. After wandering for 19 years through the forests and mountains of Thailand and Cambodia, Ajahn Dune received an order from his ecclesiastical superiors to head a combined study and practice monastery in Surin. It was thus that he took over the abbotship of Wat Burapha, in the middle of the town, in 1934. There he remained until his death in 1983.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a guided meditation based on the famous teaching of Tilopa - the 6 words of Advice. Tilopa is one of the most authoritative and renowned Indian mahasiddhas and masters of mahamudra and tantra. He received various tantric teachings, unified them, and transmitted them to his disciple, Naropa.  Tilopa (988–1069) was born in Bengal in India. He was a tantric practitioner and mahasiddha. He practised Anuttarayoga Tantra, a set of spiritual practices intended to accelerate the process of attaining Buddhahood.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Ryōkan Taigu (1758–1831) was a quiet and unconventional Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived much of his life as a hermit. Ryōkan is remembered for his poetry and calligraphy, which present the essence of Zen life.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a selection of some profound pointers from Nagarjuna, including some verses from the MMK (Mulamadhyamakakarika) for meditation. Nāgārjuna (c.150 – c. 250 CE) was an Indian Mahāyāna Buddhist thinker, scholar-saint and philosopher. He is widely considered one of the most important Buddhist philosophers. He is also considered one of the greatest thinkers in the history of Asian philosophy. Nāgārjuna is widely considered to be the founder of the madhyamaka (centrism, middle-way) school of Buddhist philosophy and a defender of the Mahāyāna movement.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera (Thai: มั่น ภูริทตฺโต,) (1870–1949) was a Thai bhikkhu from Isan region who is credited, along with his mentor, Ajahn Sao Kantasīlo, with establishing the Thai Forest Tradition or "Kammaṭṭhāna tradition" that subsequently spread throughout Thailand and to several countries abroad.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The Abhidharmakośabhāṣya (Treasury of Metaphysics with Self-Commentary) is a pivotal treatise on early Buddhist thought composed around the 4th or 5th century by the Indian Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu. This work is a complete and systematic account of the Abhidharma, and is the peak of scholarship in the Fundamental Vehicle. It elucidates the Buddha’s teachings as synthesized and interpreted by the early Buddhist Sarvāstivāda school. Vasubandhu (4th to 5th century CE) was an influential Buddhist monk and scholar from Gandhara or Central India. He was a philosopher who wrote commentary on the Abhidharma, from the perspectives of the Sarvastivada and Sautrāntika schools. After his conversion to Mahayana Buddhism, along with his half-brother, Asanga, he was also one of the main founders of the Yogacara school. Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakośakārikā ("Commentary on the Treasury of the Abhidharma") is widely used in Tibetan and East Asian Buddhism, as the major source for non-Mahayana Abhidharma philosophy. Vasubandhu is one of the most influential thinkers in the Indian Buddhist philosophical tradition. Because of their association with Nalanda university, Vasubandhu and Asanga are amongst the so-called Seventeen Nalanda Masters. In Jōdo Shinshū, he is considered the Second Patriarch; in Chan Buddhism, he is the 21st Patriarch.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Shitou Xiqian – known as Sekito Kisen in Japanese – was an 8th century Chinese monk, a student of Huineng and Huineng’s successor, Qingyuan Xingsi (Seigen Gyoshi). He is credited with writing two of the most famous Zen poems in China – the Sandokai and this, the Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage. The beauty of this poem lies in its humanity and its emphasis on the simplicity of practice – the grass roof hermitage is not a grand temple building inhabited by clergy, but a small, modest dwelling that could be constructed by anyone, and meditation itself is a matter of turning the light around to shine within and just returning.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a guided Yoga Nidra through the 61 points of the body that is designed for induce deep relaxation and aid in peaceful and deep sleep. 

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Shodoka - Song of Awakening or Enlightenment. This is one of the four essential Zen texts. It was written by Yoka Daishi in the seventh century in China. It is a testimony to his awakening; his writing and spiritual approach is simple in style. The Shodoka has been nicknamed “the Mahayana sutra that solves all problems.”  

Music: 1 Hour Zen Shakuhachi - by Tea Roman

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. This channel is not monetized for profit through advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

This is a guided Yoga Nidra meditation to induce deep relaxation and rejuvenation and to assist with deepening conscious Awareness in the pre-sleep and deep sleep states, with gentle rain sounds to help you relax and let go. Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the "going-to-sleep" stage, typically induced by a guided meditation. Yoga Nidra is a powerful meditation technique, and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain. While the practitioner rests comfortably in savasana (corpse pose) this systematic meditation takes you deep into body/mind relaxation, leaving you with a sense of wholeness, relaxation, clarity and wellness. Yoga Nidra results in conscious awareness of the deep sleep state. It is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Profound pointers on emptiness for meditation taken from the text entitled: "The Mirror of Essential Points" - A letter in praise of Emptiness by Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche.  Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche (1932-1999) was a revered Tibetan meditation master, scholar, and poet, whose extraordinary presence and brilliant teaching style made a deep impact on the current generation of Tibetan lamas and on the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. A principal lineage holder in the Rime (nonsectarian) movement of Tibetan Buddhism, Nyoshul Khenpo counted twenty-five teachers from all of the Tibetan lineages as his masters. Foremost, he was an authority on the teachings of the Nyingma master Longchenpa and the Longchen Nyingthig, a cycle of teachings that focus on revealing the mind’s fundamental nature of luminous purity.   

Text taken from "Quintessential Dzogchen" - edited by Erik Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt.  

Music by: Ethereal Ephemera - Escape to Dreamscape Wings Of An Angel - Farewell Darshan From The Madness Of Rationality And Materialism -  The Spiritual Origins Of Mind-Expanding Throat Singing C.paradisi - Sketches From The Edge Of Silence V.2 - 01 Winds Cease Please find all these musicians and their creations at: www.bandcamp.com

These sublime and profound teachings on the nature of reality by the great master, Longchenpa is taken from the Finding Rest in Illusion trilogy . It is suitable for those practitioners who have an in-depth understanding and insight into Dzogchen's concepts and paradigm. Longchenpa, also known as Longchen Rabjam , ‘Infinite, Vast Expanse of Space’, or Drimé Özer (1308-1364), was one of the most brilliant teachers of the Nyingma lineage. He systematized the Nyingma teachings in his ‘Seven Treasures’ and wrote extensively on Dzogchen.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a selection of key pointers from Nisargadatta formatted for guided meditation, taken from the texts "I am That" and "Seeds of Consciousness" - Edited by Jean Dunn. Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a guided Yoga Nidra of 35 minute duration with bird and nature sounds for relaxation and sleep.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Remarkable teachings intended for meditation and for cutting through delusions! The Words of Old Tcheng first appeared in the French journal, Etre, in 1974.  Where this text first originated and at what time are unknown. It was given by a Buddhist monk in the form of a written document to a Frenchman who was visiting Indochina. Indications of style suggest that it may belong to the school of Zen founded by Hui Neng, the 6th Zen patriarch.  French paraphrase of the original Buddhist text by J. Garillot (1974), translated by Else van den Muyzenberg. 

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

 🎧 As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. This channel is not monetized for profit through  advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

 “All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Selected excerpts of teachings from Sri Siddharameshwar. Taken from the Inner Quest website - https://www.inner-quest.org/Siddharameshwar_Self.htm

Siddharameshwar Maharaj is one of the greatest unknown saints of the age who attained the highest abode of Eternal peace. He was born in August 1888 in the small village of Pathri, in the district Sholapur of India. From 1925 until 1936, he taught many disciples and helped dozens attain Self-realisation. His teachings were further spread around the globe by his most revered disciples, such as Ranjit Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Muppin Kaadsiddheshwar Maharaj and Ganapatrao Maharaj Kannur. His samadhi shrine today is located at Banganga, Walkeshwar in Bombay.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

**Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with this channel is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. This channel is not monetized for profit advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Tilopa's Song to Naropa - Translated by Lex Hixon.  Tilopa (988–1069) was born in Bengal in India. He was a tantric practitioner and mahasiddha. He practised Anuttarayoga Tantra, a set of spiritual practices intended to accelerate the process of attaining Buddhahood. Naropa is considered his main student.  It is believed Tilopa received Mahamudra teachings from primordial Buddha Vajradhara himself – the primordial essence of all things, the absolute Wisdom and Compassion.  

Music: Return to Now - Namaste Music

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

A selection of key points for prayer and meditation from St Teresa of Avila's teachings. Excerpts taken from numerous sources, including: "The Way of Perfection", "Collected Works" and "Interior Castle." St Teresa of Ávila (March 28, 1515 – October 4, 1582) was a prominent Carmelite nun and Spanish mystic. St Teresa had many mystical experiences she tried to reflect in poems. She took an active role in the Carmelite order and was later canonised a saint by the Roman Catholic church.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo (born 1943) is a bhikṣuṇī in the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. She is an author, teacher and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India. She is best known for having spent twelve years living in a remote cave in the Himalayas, three of those years in strict meditation retreat. On 16 February 2008, Tenzin Palmo received the title of Jetsunma (reverend lady) in recognition of her spiritual achievements as a nun and her efforts in promoting the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism by the head of the Drukpa Lineage, the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa. In November 2023, Tenzin Palmo was named to the BBC's 100 Women list.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

These clear and direct pointers by Patrul Rinpoche have been condensed and formatted for the purposes of a Guided Meditation. They are extracted from the full teaching, "Self Liberating -Meditation." Dza Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887) — an enlightened master, who, though he lived the life of a vagabond, was one of the most illustrious spiritual teachers of the nineteenth century. Hailing from the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, his principal teacher was Jikmé Gyalwé Nyugu, a great master who was one of the foremost students of Jikmé Lingpa.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Solitude (Viveka) by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu - A Dhamma lecture given at Suan Mokkh on 8 February 1990.  Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu (Servant of the Buddha) went forth as a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) in 1926, at the age of twenty. After a few years of study in Bangkok, which convinced him “purity is not to be found in the big city,” he was inspired to live intimately with nature in order to investigate Buddha-Dhamma in study and practice. Thus, he established Suan Mokkhabālārama (The Grove of the Power of Liberation) in 1932 near his hometown of Pum Riang (now in Chaiya District).

Interpreted into English by Santikaro 

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A selection of teachings by Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist monk and meditation Master. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was reputed to be an Arahant.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading of the Katha Upanishad translated by Juan Mascaró.  The Katha-Upanishad is probably the most widely known of all the Upanishads. It was early translated into Persian and through this rendering first made its way into Europe. The text presents a dialogue between an aspiring disciple, Nachiketas, and the Ruler of Death regarding the great Hereafter.

Music by Maok - https://www.maok.sk/homepage

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized - an never will be. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Teachings of the Buddha - Bāhiya Sutta - from the Udana 1.10 - translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.  

In this brief teaching, the Buddha taught Bahiya to put aside all views of self arising from confused and deluded thoughts based on clinging and craving. Bahiya was right to understand the immediacy of needing to awaken through the Dhamma. No one can know when sickness, aging and death will arise and this is why the Buddha gave these final instructions moments before he himself passed: “Impermanence and decay are relentless. Strive diligently for your own salvation.”

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Atisha was born in the year 982 AD in East Bengal.  He was one of the major figures in the spread of 11th-century Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism in Asia and inspired Buddhist thought from Tibet to Sumatra. He is recognised as one of the greatest figures of classical Buddhism. Atisha's chief disciple, Dromtön, was the founder of the Kadam school, one of the New Translation schools of Tibetan Buddhism, later supplanted by the Gelug tradition in the 14th century, adopting its teachings and absorbing its monasteries.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Dṛg-Dṛṣya-Viveka : An Inquiry Into The Nature of The ‘Seer’ and The ‘Seen’, Discrimination between the Real and the Unreal Attributed to Adi Śankarācarya and Bāratī Tīrtha - Translation by Richard Miller, PhD The Dṛg-Dṛśya-Viveka contains 46 slokas/verses performing an inquiry into the distinction between the "seer" (Dṛg) and the "seen" (Dṛśya), an overview of samadhi, centering on savikalpa and nirvikalpa, and the reality of Universal Non-Dual Consciousness. Although also attributed to Adi Shankara, the text is most commonly attributed to Bharatī Tīrtha (c. 1350). It is also known as Vakya Suddha, which is attributed to Adi Shankara. Music: Wasteland - Generative Modular Longform Ambient - State Azure https://stateazure.bandcamp.com/ Maok - Across Mountains https://maokmusic.bandcamp.com/

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This sublime and profound teaching on the nature of reality by the great master, Longchenpa is taken from the Finding Rest in Illusion trilogy - commentary . It is suitable for those practitioners who have a in-depth understanding and insight into Dzogchen's concepts and paradigm.  Longchenpa, also known as Longchen Rabjam , ‘Infinite, Vast Expanse of Space’, or Drimé Özer (1308-1364), was one of the most brilliant teachers of the Nyingma lineage. He systematized the Nyingma teachings in his ‘Seven Treasures’ and wrote extensively on Dzogchen.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Evelyn Underhill (6 December 1875 – 15 June 1941) was an English Anglo-Catholic poet and novelist as well as a pacifist and mystic. An only child, she described her early mystical insights as "abrupt experiences of the peaceful, undifferentiated plane of reality—like the 'still desert' of the mystic—in which there was no multiplicity nor need of explanation". The meaning of these experiences became a lifelong quest for understanding and integration and inspired in her much writing and contemplation. This reading is a short selection of pointings taken from the text, 'Mysticism'.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a guided meditation to help us work skillfully with thoughts, to understand their essence, and to be liberated from excessive, neurotic, and obsessive thinking.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings

Following numerous requests, here is a Guided Meditation on Self-Enquiry - spoken spontaneously by Samaneri Jayasara, ending with an {optional} poem for meditation written by Ayya Jitindriya.  

Image: La Scapigliata, 2021, Found Stones, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Original by Leonardo De Vinci). Justin Bateman - Pebble Art https://landminds.weebly.com/

Music: Chinese Twilight by Klaus Schønning  

Poem: "The Mountain Hermitage of Mu" by Ayya Jitindriya

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer: As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

A selection of direct and powerful teachings on Love by Sri Nisargadatta taken from various sources.  Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.  Music: Suni-Ai (Listening Meditation) - Snatam Kaur

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a meditation on the teaching entitled "Pointing the Staff at the Old Man" from the book - Advice from the Lotus Born - A Collection of Padmasambhava's Advice to the Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal and Other Close Disciples. Translated by Eric Pema Kunsang.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading for meditation taken from the text, 'The Peaceful Stillness of the Silent Mind: Buddhism, Mind and Meditation' by Lama Thubten Yeshe. Lama Thubten Yeshe was born in Tibet in 1935. At the age of six, he entered Sera Monastic University in Tibet where he studied until 1959, when as Lama Yeshe himself has said, “In that year the Chinese kindly told us that it was time to leave Tibet and meet the outside world.” Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, together as teacher and disciple since their exile in India, met their first Western students in 1967. By 1971, they settled at Kopan, a small hamlet near Kathmandu in Nepal. In 1974, the Lamas began touring and teaching in the West, which would eventually result in The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. Lama Yeshe followed the Gelug tradition, and was considered unconventional in his teaching style. He died in 1984.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The Maitrayaniya Upanishad is an ancient Sanskrit text that is embedded inside the Yajurveda. It consists of seven lessons, many of which discuss metaphysical questions about the soul (Atman), concluding that humans are the Ultimate Self – the immortal Brahman.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

These profound teachings from Longchenpa have been formatted for guided meditation purposes. Excerpts taken from the text "A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission." Translated by Richard Barron. Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363), is a great luminary of Tibetan Buddhism. He was highly skilled in all aspects of scholarship from an early age and excelled throughout his life in the practice and accomplishment of the Dharma. Regarded as a great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava and is recognised as an emanation of Vimalamitra. Longchenpa's prolific writings have made him one of Tibet's most renowned and precious teacher.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a selection of key pointers from Nisargadatta formatted for guided meditation, taken from various texts. Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Ajahn Chah  was a Thai Buddhist monk. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

This is a selection of key pointers from Siddharameshwar taken from the website Inner Quest. You can find more of his teachings here: https://www.inner-quest.org/Siddharam... Siddharameshwar Maharaj is one of the greatest unknown saints of the age who attained the highest abode of Eternal peace. He was born in August 1888 in the small village of Pathri, in the district Sholapur of India. From 1925 until 1936, he taught many disciples and helped dozens attain Self-realisation. His teachings were further spread around the globe by his most revered disciples, such as Nisargadatta Maharaj, and others.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading for meditation of Garab Dorje's primary teaching, "The Spaciousness of Vajrasattva" (Dorje Sempa Namkha Che) - translated by Yeshe Donden (Roger Calverley). With thanks to Roger for permission to read from this newly published work: "The Gospel of Garab Dorje."

Garab Dorje (c. 665) was the first human to receive the complete direct transmission teachings of Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen from Vajrasattva. Garab Dorje then became the teacher of Dzogchen ("Great Perfection", also called Ati Yoga) teachings according to Tibetan Buddhist and Nyingma school traditions. According to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, Garab Dorje transmitted the complete empowerments of Dzogchen to Manjushrimitra, who was regarded as his chief disciple. Padmasambhava is also known to have received the transmission of the Dzogchen tantras directly from Garab Dorje.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Johannes Eckhart was one of the greatest of Christian mystics. He was born at Hochheim in Thüringen, Germany, in 1260 and died c.1327. He entered the Dominican order when he was 15. Later he became a distinguished professor and taught at different universities. His direct and accessible teachings of a person's closeness to God inspired many people and he became well known throughout Europe. He was later summoned to an inquisition for heretical teachings, at which he vigorously defended himself.

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Jiddu Krishnamurti (12 May 1895 – 17 February 1986) was an Indian philosopher, speaker and writer. In his early life he was groomed to be the new World Teacher but later rejected this mantle and withdrew from the Theosophy organization behind it. He stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and emphasised that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.

🔆 If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading of Bodhidharma's formative teaching "Outline of Practice" which describes the four all-inclusive habits that lead to enlightenment. Translated by Red Pine.  Bodhidharma is considered the founder of Zen Buddhism in China and regarded as its first Chinese patriarch. He brought the Buddha's teachings to China from India in 520 AD. While much of his biography may be the stuff of legend and his historicity is still in question, numerous early records speak of him (or someone by the name of Bodhidharma) as a wise and compassionate monk. Whether or not he was ever a living person, the legend of Bodhidharma has made him as real in the Zen tradition as anyone else.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This sublime and profound teaching by the great master, Longchenpa is taken from the Finding Rest trilogy - "Rest in Illusion". It is suitable for those practitioners who have a in-depth understanding and insight into Dzogchen's concepts and paradigm.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Esther (Etty) Hillesum (15 January 1914 – 30 November 1943) was the Dutch author of confessional letters and diaries which describe both her religious awakening and the persecutions of Jewish people in Amsterdam during the German occupation. In 1943, she was deported and murdered in Auschwitz concentration camp.  Hillesum’s approach to spirituality was not about striving for ecstasy. Rather, she longed to meet the depth of her own interior and life itself. Her spirituality was not confined to her intellectual understanding of a greater power and the depth of her direct insights is reflected in her diaries. In the concentration camp of Westerbork, she had unusual experiences of spiritual awakenings and insight: "Those two months behind barbed wire have been the two richest and most intense months of my life, in which my highest values were so deeply confirmed."  

These excerpts of her writings have been primarily sourced from  the text: An Interrupted Life: The Diaries of Etty Hillesum 1941–1943

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A selection of exquisite Rumi poems and verses for meditation. Designed to get us out of our heads and into our hearts.

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī  (30 September 1207 – 17 December 1273), was a 13th-century Persian poet, faqih, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Greater Iran. Rumi's influence transcends national borders and ethnic divisions.

Music: Snatam Kaur - Jap Man Sat Nam, Suni-Ai, Guru Ram Das Raakho Saranaa-Ee  

Wah - Radhe Savasana

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

This is a re-reading of various key pointers on self-liberation from Sri Ramana Maharshi with no music.  These selections from Bhagavan have come from numerous texts and were sourced from this website: https://www.inner-quest.org

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A reading of a selection of Hafiz's poems translated by Thomas Rain Crowe.  Persian lyric poet Hafiz (born Khwāja Šamsu d-Dīn Muḥammad Hāfez-e Šīrāzī) grew up in Shiraz. Very little is known about his life, but it is thought that he may have memorized the Qur’an after hearing his father recite passages. He is one of the most celebrated of the Persian poets, and his influence can be felt to this day. As the author of numerous ghazals expressing love, spirituality, and protest, he and his work continue to be important to Iranians, and many of his poems are used as proverbs or sayings.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This is a compilation of some key Ramana Maharshi teachings/pointers that have been formatted for guided meditation purposes. They have been extracted from this source and many of the quotes derive from various texts including "Be As You Are."

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Readings from selected chapters from the text "Seeds of Contemplation" by Thomas Merton. New Seeds of Contemplation is one of Thomas Merton's most widely read and best-loved books. Christians and non-Christians alike have joined in praising it as a notable successor in the meditative tradition of St. John of the Cross, The Cloud of Unknowing, and the medieval mystics, while others have compared Merton's reflections with those of Thoreau.   

Music credits: "Joy" by Indiajiva "Lagoon" - David Schombert "Deep Peace" - Bill Douglas 

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Disclaimer:  As a Buddhist nun, my intention with these podcasts is to offer these creative adaptations of spiritual teachings for the purpose of deepening spiritual understanding, contemplation, meditation, healing, devotion and relaxation for listeners. These podcasts are not monetized for profit through YouTube advertising revenue, and never will be. All the videos are strictly for educational purposes, not-for-profit and non-commercial.

“All the words, music, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. This video is posted for educational and spiritual purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

This is a guided meditation focusing on the breath and the first jhana based on the methods and teachings of Ajahn Lee. Translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.  Ajahn Lee (1907–1961) is regarded as one of the greatest teachers and meditation masters of the Thai Forest Tradition of the 20th century. Among the forest monks, he devised the most comprehensive meditation instructions, and composed the most detailed map of the jhānas. He was one of the first teachers to bring the teachings of the Forest Tradition to the mainstream of Thai society. He never spoke of his own meditative attainments, however it was widely discussed among his students that he may have had psychic powers.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The Sutta Nipāta (literally, "Suttas falling down") is a Buddhist scripture, a sutta collection in the Khuddaka Nikaya, part of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. All its suttas, thought to originate from before the Buddha's parinibbana, consist largely of verse, though some also contain some prose. Some scholars believe that it describes the oldest of all Buddhist practices. Others such as Bhikkhu Bodhi and K. R. Norman agree that it contains much early material.  The Chapter on the Way to the Beyond consist largely of questions posed to the Buddha by 16 Brahmin students. Translated by The Ven. Prof. Hammalawa Saddhatissa Maha Thera (1914–1990).

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Selected excerpts from the text, "The Cloud of Unknowing" - formatted for meditation/contemplation. A number of translations have been used but most were taken from Carmen Acevedo Butcher's translation. The Cloud of Unknowing is an anonymous work of Christian mysticism, most likely a Carthusian monk, written in Middle English in the latter half of the 14th century. The text is a spiritual guide on contemplative prayer in the Late Middle Ages. The underlying message of this work suggests that the way to know God is to abandon consideration of God's particular activities and attributes, and be courageous enough to surrender one's mind and ego to the realm of "unknowing", at which point one may begin to glimpse the nature of God. The Cloud of Unknowing draws on the mystical tradition of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and Christian Neoplatonism, which focuses on the via negativa road to discovering God as a pure entity, beyond any capacity of mental conception and so without any definitive image or form.

🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Excerpt read from the chapter "Timeless Freedom:  These  "pointers" from Longchenpa have been formatted for guided meditation purposes.   Taken from  the text  - A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission - A Commentary on the Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena.  Translated by Richard Barron.

Longchenpa, ‘Infinite, Vast Expanse of Space’, or Drimé Özer (1308-1364), was one of the most brilliant teachers of the Nyingma lineage. He systematized the Nyingma teachings in his ‘Seven Treasures’ and wrote extensively on Dzogchen. He transmitted the Longchen Nyingtik cycle of teachings and practice to Jikmé Lingpa, and it has since become one of the most widely practised of traditions.

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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.