Q&A: Perceiving Nibbāna, Bodhisattvas vs. Arahants, & Can Laypeople Attain Jhāna? | CM Monks

A conversation with Venerable Robina Courtin (https://robinacourtin.com/):00:00:00 Introduction00:02:13 Meaning of the saying "Everything exists on the tip of a wish."00:03:08 Wish that brought Venerable Robina into robes00:05:52 Inspirations that sparked faith in Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa00:08:10 Concept of the guru as a fourth jewel in Tibetan Buddhism00:08:52 Reasons for feeling safe with two male Tibetan teachers00:12:08 Evolution and deepening of the relationship with teachers over decades00:17:15 Origins and physical experience of prostration practice00:21:55 Recitations/commitments accompanying prostrations in different traditions00:22:54 Working with inmates through the Liberation Prison Project00:28:48 Parallels between incarcerated individuals and the four heavenly messengers00:30:42 Transitioning from feminism into a male-dominated monastic hierarchy00:31:09 Navigating monasticism and advice for women entering spiritual traditions00:36:20 Differences between ordination and lay life across Buddhist schools00:40:09 Central role of karma and addressing concerns about victim blaming00:43:34 Explaining karma in relation to innocent suffering and everyday good fortune00:45:40 "Hinayāna"?00:46:24 Comparing the scope and levels of different Buddhist Vehicles00:52:14 Nature and reality of deities, Bodhisattvas, and Green Tara00:57:11 Relating to diverse, wrathful, and peaceful deity manifestations00:59:24 Meaning, mechanics, and karmic benefits behind water bowl offerings01:02:29 Applying Dharma to world news without falling into depression or panic01:05:25 Practical morning intentions and simple daily vows for lay practitionersBiography of Venerable Robina Courtin:Ordained since the late 1970s, Ven. Robina has worked full time since then for Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Over the years she has served as editorial director of Wisdom Publications, editor of Mandala Magazine, executive director of Liberation Prison Project, and as a touring teacher of Buddhism. Her life and work with prisoners have been featured in the documentary films Chasing Buddha and Key to Freedom. -----The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

In this talk, Bhante Rāhula, visiting from Paññabhumi Monastery in Jalisco, Mexico, speaks about the danger of expectation, and how attachment to our desires inevitably leads to suffering. By seeing this dynamic with wisdom, replacing expectation with aspiration, and cultivating gratitude, we can escape from the vicious cycle. Sadhu! Visit https://www.bhanterahula.com/ or https://dhamma-pb.org/en to learn more.BioBhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. He underwent monastic Vinaya training for 2 years in Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary in Malaysia under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika, where he also led retreats and Dhamma activities for the local community. Currently, Bhante is constructing the Mexican Buddhist Center (Paññābhūmi) to introduce and propagate the Buddha’s teaching in South America. He is also actively involved in diverse programs to aid parts of the society in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational campaigns for children and teens to prevent such problem in this region. Visit bhanterahula.com or https://dhamma-pb.org/en to learn more.-----Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

A conversation with Ajahn Pavaro, senior monastic and teacher at Tisarana Buddhist Monastery in Perth, Ontario (https://tisarana.ca/) and sometimes Anandagiri Monastery, Thailand (https://www.peacebeyondsuffering.org/anandagiri.html) 00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:01:51 Early Faith and Path to Ordination00:09:44 Philosophy Studies and Existential Wonder00:15:07 Creative Outlets and Joy in Monastic Life00:20:49 Woodworking and Crafting at the Monastery00:24:28 Jungle Practice, Metta, and the Viper00:36:14 The Decision to Ordain00:49:44 Daily Intentions and Unseen Agencies00:53:43 Practical Intentions and Chants for Lay Practitioners01:00:06 Living in the World of Devas and Other Realms01:15:33 Final Benediction and Words of EncouragementAjahn Pavaro's Biography:Ajahn Pavaro is a Canadian-born bhikkhu who brings with him a wealth of experience and wisdom from both his academic and monastic journeys. Before entering monastic life, he was a university lecturer in Calgary, Alberta, teaching comparative religion—a field that deeply reflects his lifelong interest in understanding the spiritual paths of humanity. Ajahn Pavaro began his monastic training in 2001 under the guidance of his teacher, Ajahn Sona, at Birken Forest Monastery in British Columbia. Over the years, his practice and training have taken him across the globe. He spent his seventh year as a monk with his preceptor, Luang Por Pasanno, at Abhayagiri Monastery in California. Later, he moved to Thailand, where he spent nearly a decade at Anandagiri Forest Monastery with Ajahn Achalo, benefitting from the teachings of renowned elders of the Wat Nong Pah Pong Sangha, including Luang Por Liam and Ajahn Anan. Several years ago, Ajahn Pavaro returned to Canada to reside at Tisarana Monastery in Perth, Ontario. This Rains Retreat, however, Ajahn is back in Thailand at Anandagiri.Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

https://www.clearmountain.org/https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monasteryhttps://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land-development/CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction & Setting the Intention02:15 Day 1: Beginning the Pilgrimage Journey05:30 Day 2: Reflections, Community, and the Trail09:45 Day 3: Arrival and The Vision Lands12:10 Conclusion & Reflections on the MountainVISIONClear Mountain Monastery is a Buddhist forest monastery. In Theravāda Buddhism and within the Early Buddhist Texts, the forest tradition represents a return to the simple way of life taught by the Buddha. Monastics aspire to live as the early disciples did: dwelling in the forest, studying the teachings, and devoting themselves to meditation. Monastics and laity exist in a relationship of mutual generosity, in which they support one another on the Buddha’s path towards complete liberation of the heart—Nibbāna.From 2021 to 2026, Clear Mountain’s first monastics, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo, generally lived on the quiet periphery of Seattle, going for alms most mornings at Pike Place Market. On Saturday mornings, those interested gathered at Amistad School next to Saint Mark’s Cathedral for meditation and teaching, and a community based on mutual generosity took root.In mid-2026, after years of searching, Clear Mountain acquired 90 acres of forested land in North Bend, Washington, only 40 minutes from Seattle. The property, both close enough to remain accessible to those in the city and secluded enough to allow monastic retreat, represents an ideal location for the monastery to grow.Clear Mountain envisions a flourishing home for up to 20 monastics—a sanctuary rooted in nature, quiet simplicity, and traditional monastic discipline (Vinaya). From this peaceful foundation, the monastery will warmly welcome the lay community to join in a rich variety of shared spiritual activities, including: daily meal offerings; chanting and meditation (pūjas); Sutta and Pāli scriptural study; online and public teachings; observance of the Buddhist holy days; visits from guest monastics; and retreats. Apart from a large temple able to hold several hundred people on celebration days, the monastery vision includes a multi-purpose hall, residence for visiting bhikkhunis, gardens, and forest paths—a refuge of peace for generations.To learn more about or support the vision, visit https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land-development/VIDEO CREDITS *Clear Mountain rejoices in the generosity of the wonderful volunteers who gave their time and expertise to create this video. Sadhu!*Producer & Editor: Kyle Seago Videography: Jen McGowan, Michele Gomes, & Jenny Ting Audio Editing: Tyler Dennis

In this talk, Bhante Rahula, visiting from Paññabhumi Monastery in Jalisco, Mexico, speaks about joy as an essential spiritual tool which we may access by appreciating all the good we've done. To pause now, and appreciate the great care that's gone into finding Clear Mountain a home, can serves a cause for great wellbeing, and a happiness that outlasts the world. Sadhu! Visit bhanterahula.com or https://dhamma-pb.org/en to learn more.BioBhante Rāhula, born in Mexico, has spent the last 22 years in Asia in various periods, where he has practiced and studied the Dhamma.He was ordained in Myanmar by Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, who is his preceptor. Since 2004 he has received meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya. For 6 years, Bhante studied Suttas and Abhidhamma with Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara in Macau. In 2019, he completed a course on Buddhist scriptures from Harvard University. He underwent monastic Vinaya training for 2 years in Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary in Malaysia under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika, where he also led retreats and Dhamma activities for the local community. Currently, Bhante is constructing the Mexican Buddhist Center (Paññābhūmi) to introduce and propagate the Buddha’s teaching in South America. He is also actively involved in diverse programs to aid parts of the society in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational campaigns for children and teens to prevent such problem in this region. Visit bhanterahula.com or https://dhamma-pb.org/en to learn more.---Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!