The End of the World

Speaker: Bhante Pandit (In person, visiting from Bangkok, Thailand)

Wed 1 May | 7-8.30pm AEST

Location: In person at Western Sydney University (74 Rickard Rd, Bankstown City Campus), Room 1.4.34 on level 4 or Online (Zoom link below)

Cost: Free

Monkey, in the Chinese classic Journey to the West, after causing Chaos in heaven, is challenged by Buddha to fly to the end of the world, but fails to escape Buddha’s hand. This story is renowned in Asia, but what does it mean? We’ll go through the story and how it leads to advanced meditation states.

About the speaker: Pandit Bhikkhu, while searching aimlessly for something to read in a rural New Zealand library, came across a book on Buddhism. Inspired to investigate further he devoured whatever books on the topic he could find, and then embarked on some monastery stays and short retreats. He also took some longer retreats, including 10 days at Te Moata retreat centre with Steven Smith teaching Mahasi-style meditation. Following the Forest temples in the lineage of Luang Phor Chah for a few years, Pandit eventually entered Ratanagiri Monastery in Newcastle, UK in 1994 as an Anagarika (novice). Six months there, and six months further in Amaravati while Ajahn Sumedho was abbot, convinced him to ordain as a monk. He ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand in late 1996 at Wat Luang Phor Sodh in Rajaburi Province. Four years later he moved to Wat Paknam, Bhasicharoen to attend the monastic university, gaining a degree in psychology.

Having had experience in meditation styles of Mahasi Sayadaw, Ajahn Chah, Dhammakaya, and some Tibetan, Pandit Bhikkhu claims no lineage other than Buddhism. His own approach uses reflection on the six senses to hold the mind in empty alert awareness. But there are various techniques that are useful for people at different times in their practice. Just so long as you keep making an effort, with the right goal in mind, progress will be made.

His interests include nuclear power, vertical axis wind turbines, Electric Universe theory, psychology, faerie tales, and other mystic religious traditions.

Hybrid event: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive session in person at the Metta Centre or online by clicking 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