Mindfulness or a Mind Full of Things?

Presenter: Ven Olande Ananda Thera

Wed 27 Apr| 7-8.30pm

Online: links provided below

Cost: Free

Mindfulness has become popularised and the word is used so much in all sorts of contexts that your head may be full of ideas about what mindfulness is. In this talk, Venerable Olande Ananda Thera will explain the Buddha’s definition of mindfulness (sati/smrti), awareness. We will also explore Satipatthana Bhavana, the development of mindfulness on body, feelings, mind and mind object/characteristics of existence. Sati (mindfulness) leads to Vipassana (insight), and insight leads to wisdom, wisdom leads to liberation from suffering and the round of rebirth (samsara). With mindfulness of body (kayanussati), we observe the postures (such as sitting, standing, walking, lying down) and daily activities. With mindfulness of feelings vedananussati) we observe physical and mental, pleasant, unpleasant and neutral feelings. With mindfulness of mind (cittanussati), we are aware of one’s thoughts and state of mind (being narrow or expanded, calm or excited etc). With mindfulness of states of mind (dhammanussati), we notice the characteristics of change (aniccata), unsatisfactoriness (dukkhata) and non-self nature (anatta). We will also have an opportunity to just sit with this, and let go of the information and words, to realise what lies beyond.

About the speaker

Born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Jan. 1948

Studied Economic Sociology at the University of Amsterdam, Holland

Ordained in Sri Lanka in 1975 at Pagoda, Nugegoda,

Practised meditation at Kanduboda Meditation Centre, 1975 and 1976

Higher Ordination received in 1977

Stayed at Sri Vidya Vijaya Aramaya, Pagoda from 1975 onwards.

1979-1984: Resident teacher at Rockhill International Meditation Centre.

1982- now: Buddhist Delegate to Inter-religious living Dialogue, held in Germany, Sri Lanka, India, Bali, Japan, Pakistan, France etc.

1985-1997: Rain Forest Hermitage near Galle, Sri Lanka

1989-90: Vipassana Meditation Retreats held in South Africa

1991-1996: Conducted yearly meditation sessions in Ladakh, Himalayas

1993 and 1995: Conducted Meditation Seminars at Borobudur, Indonesia, around Wesak Festival.

Since 1997, connected to Pagode Vanh Hanh, Vietnamese Temple in HollandTeaching meditation around Europe.

Since 1997 Resident meditation teacher at Pagoda Meditation Centre, Pagoda, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Login details: If you would like to join our session, just click on this link to access the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83506489824?pwd=cmpNQ1ljSmFVYURLWVN1dWllYUN1dz09

Alternatively, you can dial in from your telephone (call charges apply): +61 2 8015 6011 Meeting ID: 835 0648 9824| Passcode: 718905