From ideas of cosmic cycles of expansion and contraction to descriptions of the solar system, the model of the universe put forward in the suttas corresponds to a surprising degree with modern understanding. In his essay, Ajahn Brahmali investigates the implications of these unlikely parallels.
From ideas of cosmic cycles of expansion and contraction to descriptions of the solar system, the model of the universe put forward in the suttas corresponds to a surprising degree with modern understandings. In his essay, Ajahn Brahmali investigates the implications of these unlikely parallels.
Ranging from the fantastic to the natural, twenty-five years of Ajahn Thitadhammo’s drawings reveal the hidden abundance of a life of renunciation.
Ajahn Sona is a first-wave Western Theravada ordained monk and the Abbot of Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery (‘Birken’). More information and monastic teachings may be found at https://www.fourthmessenger.org.
“Psychastic! The Charming Adventures of an Atheo-psychiatrist Father and his Buddho-monastic Son” is a series of cartoons written by Ajahn Kovilo for his cartoon-loving but not-so-fully-Buddhist father.
Ven. Thubten Chodron, abbess of Sravasti Abbey, reflects on the blessings she’s seen in her over forty years as a monastic, both for herself and the world.
Ven. Thubten Chodron, abbess of Sravasti Abbey in Newport, WA, went forth over forty years ago. Here she reflects on the eight “worldly winds” described by the Buddha and elaborated on by her teacher, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. More information and monastic teachings may be found at https://www.fourthmessenger.org.
In 2015, after seven years in various monasteries, ‘Tahn’ Pamutto began a period of ascetic wandering practice and came to the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. Over the next three years, he often dwelt in the forest and ate almsfood placed in his bowl, living up to some of the most rigorous forest monk practices. He traveled constantly by foot, seeking new ways to develop his practice and delighting in the community and support he found along the way. He is currently looking to found a community in Massachusetts (https://www.upavana.org/). More information and monastic teachings may be found at https://www.fourthmessenger.org.
Styled after medieval illuminated manuscripts, Ajahn Sucitto’s illustrations frame the Buddha’s foundational teaching with the sensitivity and wisdom of one who has given their life to the path it expounds.
Ordained for over forty years, Ajahn Amaro trained under Ven. Ajahn Sumedho in the lineage of the Thai forest master, Ven. Ajahn Chah. He helped found Abhayagiri Monastery in California and is the current abbot of Amaravati Monastery in the UK. More information and monastic teachings may be found at https://www.fourthmessenger.org.
Featuring the sayings of various elders, these concise reminders of the Dhamma invite us back to the path.