Best Monastery Live Podcasts (2025)

1
2025 Year-End Review: A 38 Highest Blessings Brief - What Is Your ”Vihāra-Dhamma”? | Ajahn Kovilo 11:07

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3h ago11:07

11:07

In this short session, Ajahn Kovilo introduces the concept of a "vihāra-dhamma," a tool for sustaining the heart, asking: What is your "Vihāra Dhamma"? Your way to home? Your abiding principle? Also highlighted is the Sutta on the Highest Blessings (https://www.abhayagiri.org/reflections/131-mangala-sutta) as a wise checklist for evaluating one's 2…

1
Blood for Blood | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 10 Part 1 2:01:51

3d ago2:01:51

2:01:51

Part 1 Deep in the hidden dungeon of Castle Delawney, the Soldiers must fight for their lives against the cruel allies of House Tachonis... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership!…

1
The Monastery Begins: A 3-Month Countdown to Potential Land! | Clear Mountain Monks & Friends Board 53:25

11h ago53:25

53:25

https://www.friendsofclearmountain.org/land/ 00:00 - Beginning 2:00 - Thai Forest Tradition (Roots) 4:46 - Clear Mountain's goals 7:10 - Clear Mountain's phased plan 13:31 - Introducing Friends of Clear Mountain Board 18:35 - The story of Clear Mountain 29:00 - Searching for land 33:25 - Potential land in North Bend! 38:05 - Team, Due Diligence pro…

1
To the Hounds! | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 9 Part 2 1:32:57

5d ago1:32:57

1:32:57

Part 2 The search for Teor's brother Cyd continues as the Soldiers are guided by the Hounds of the King down a mysterious fey shortcut... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership! G…

1
Love Actually: Liberating the Heart Through the Brahmavihārās | Ajahn Nisabho 52:09

5d ago52:09

52:09

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the power of developing the four brahmavihārā (divine abodes), of mettā (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (rejoicing), and upekkhā (equipoise). By constantly invoking these skillful emotions, we create a breadth of heart which can hold all beings and lead to liberation. ---- Tune in with fellow …

1
The Long Rest | The Winters Feast & Himmelsschloss: The Castle in the Sky 51:34

9d ago51:34

51:34

Tonight's festive feature tells two tales of winter wonder: "The Winters Feast" A story of two young fey-giant children and their attempt to provide a Winter's Crest feast to their parents in a tale of holiday magic. Also, we have "Himmelsschloss: The Castle in the Sky" where Little Sparrow loses her way but finds Himmelsschloss. Read by Sam Riegel…

1
To the Hounds! | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 9 Part 1 2:30:49

10d ago2:30:49

2:30:49

Part 1 The search for Teor's brother Cyd continues as the Soldiers are guided by the Hounds of the King down a mysterious fey shortcut... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership! G…

1
Pick-Ax Dhamma: Deep Mining the Four Foundations of Mindfulness | Joseph Goldstein Q&A 1:16:14

7d ago1:16:14

1:16:14

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Joseph Goldstein about his perspectives on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta (https://suttacentral.net/mn10/en/sujato?lang=en&) and elaborated upon in his book "Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening." The conversation touches on Joseph's personal r…

1
Fanged Revenge | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 8 Part 2 1:26:47

12d ago1:26:47

1:26:47

Part 2 A battle for vengeance ensues in Castle Sloke as the Soldiers face the traitorous Baron Casimir Gavendale and his new knights... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership! Get…

1
#314 - Qing 45: The Big Squeeze 37:23

13d ago37:23

37:23

The Qing Empire did not collapse because it stopped working. It collapsed because it kept working — just barely — under pressures that compounded faster than reform could relieve them... Time Period Covered: ~1790s-1840s CE Major Works Cited: Jones, Susan Mann and Philip A. Kuhn. “Dynastic Decline and the Roots of Rebellion.” The Cambridge History …

1
Sloth & Torture & Four Aspects of Clear Knowing | Ayya Suvijjānā & Ayya Niyyānika 57:15

12d ago57:15

57:15

In this talk, Ayya Suvijjana and Ayya Niyyanika speak about the 4 aspects of sati-sampajañña, or mindfulness and clear comprehension, outlined in the commentarial teachings. By considering actions in terms of purpose, suitability, domain, and non-confusion, we can see reality more clearly, and let go of ignorance. To learn more about Ayya Suvijjānā…

1
Sri Lanka’s Meditation Renaissance: Forest Practice & the Magic of the Mind | Ven. Chandaratana Q&A 1:01:58

14d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Venerable Chandaratana about Ven. Matara Srī Ñāṇārāma Maha Thero, the way of practice at Na Uyana and Nissarana Vanaya Forest Monasteries, the practice of the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness, finding joy in meditation, the benefits of memorizing Pāḷi, and more. Learn more about Ven. Chandaratan…

1
Fanged Revenge | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 8 Part 1 2:47:03

17d ago2:47:03

2:47:03

Part 1 A battle for vengeance ensues in Castle Sloke as the Soldiers face the traitorous Baron Casimir Gavendale and his new knights... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership! Get…

1
Triangulate Your Problem: Can’t Sit Quietly? Can’t Walk Boldly? Or Just Can’t Let Go? | Ajahn Kovilo 46:56

19d ago46:56

46:56

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks about several Buddhist triads: - 1) radical introversion; 2) radical extroversion; and 3) the Middle Way - 1) interoception; 2) proprioception/kinesthesia; 3) exteroception - 1) Buddha; 2) Dhamma; and 3) Saṅgha.d And proposes a "Nine Breath Challenge" - taking one minute to recite the 3-fold refuge: Breaths #1-3…

1
#313 - Qing 44: Frontiers, Pt. 2: The Vastness Devours Us - Mountain Monasteries & Money Pits 57:42

24d ago57:42

57:42

From the koan chants of monasteries tucked between Himalayan peaks, to wending caravan paths stretching endlessly across the arid expanses of the Taklamakan & trackless steppes of Dzungaria, we finish out our look at the four primary frontier regions of the Qing Empire as of 1800, where they'd come from, how they were operated, & the imperial tonna…

1
Deathless Zen: Sati, Satori, & the Koan of Cessation | Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi Q&A 56:16

22d ago56:16

56:16

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Zen meditation teacher and founder of Awakening Dharma, Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi. Subjects discussed include the Pau Auk meditation system, techniques for deepening jhāna, and the concepts of Cessation, Awakening, and the Deathless across Zen and Theravāda traditions. To learn more about …

1
On the Scent | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 7 Part 2 1:37:05

26d ago1:37:05

1:37:05

Part 2 The Soldiers arrive in the Kingdom of Timmony, where local customs are bending against the religious influence of the Candescent Creed... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon member…

1
Travelogue: Gil Fronsdal and the Insight Meditation Center 28:25

24d ago28:25

28:25

Gil Fronsdal talks about studying in Buddhist monasteries from Big Sur to Bangkok, founding the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, and creating an integrated Buddhist world culture through the practice of vipassana meditation. Gil Fronsdal is the founding teacher and a co-guiding teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, Cal…

1
Bitter Truths from a “Sweet Little Nun”: The Enemy of the Self-Centered Mind | Thubten Chodron 1:12:18

26d ago1:12:18

1:12:18

In this session, Ven. Thubten Chodron, founder of Sravasti Abbey, visits Clear Mountain's Saturday gathering and shares insights into the self-centered mind and how not to fall for its tricks. Sharing insights from nearly 50 years in robes, she speaks about how we can learn to consider others' wellbeing as of equal importance to our own, and cultiv…

1
Critical Role: Jester and Fjord’s Wedding: Live from Radio City Music Hall Part 2 1:46:43

1M ago1:46:43

1:46:43

Part 2 Join us for an unforgettable evening of love and peril at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City, as two of our Mighty Nein lovebirds, Jester and Fjord, embark on their greatest adventure yet: marriage! Captured live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on October 7, 2025 CREDITS Set design by Shaun Ellis Set fabricated …

1
On the Scent | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 7 Part 1 2:13:33

1M ago2:13:33

2:13:33

Part 1 The Soldiers arrive in the Kingdom of Timmony, where local customs are bending against the religious influence of the Candescent Creed... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon member…

1
#312 - Qing 42: Frontiers, Pt. 1: The Vastness Devours Us - Of Willow Palisades & Reincarnation Permits 51:26

1M ago51:26

51:26

The world is coming to Qing's doorstep, but it has a whole other set of problems along its own frontiers... Less chronologically tied-down than most of our episodes, today we look at two of the Qing Empire's four major "inner frontier zones" and how they - in spite of often getting upstaged by the "flashier" elements of the 1800s & Qings clashes wi…

1
The (Buddhist) Moral Landscape & Sam’s Path to Not-Self: Drop Out, Tune In, Point Out | Sam Harris 1:05:07

29d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

This is PART TWO of Clear Mountain's interview with Sam Harris. Watch PART ONE here: https://youtu.be/cYamzDDJR8w?si=v5O0YrlBS0zT7g9r 00:00:07 Introduction 00:01:30 The Details of Sam's spiritual biography & the paradox of meaning? 00:19:49 Who else was on the trip with Sam to see Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche? 00:26:22 What preliminaries enabled the Dzogc…

1
Critical Role: Jester and Fjord’s Wedding: Live from Radio City Music Hall Part 1 2:15:49

1M ago2:15:49

2:15:49

Part 1 Join us for an unforgettable evening of love and peril at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City, as two of our Mighty Nein lovebirds, Jester and Fjord, embark on their greatest adventure yet: marriage! Captured live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on October 7, 2025 CREDITS Set design by Shaun Ellis Set fabricated …

1
Knives and Thorns | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 6 Part 2 2:30:01

1M ago2:30:01

2:30:01

Part 2 Tyranny struggles with her crueler instincts as the Soldiers discover a safe haven for fairies that may hold clues about Cyd's whereabouts... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon me…

1
The Aṅgulimāla Method: How to Forgive a Killer, Die a Saint, & Love like a Mother | Bhante Sumitta 58:31

1M ago58:31

58:31

In this talk, Bhante Sumitta, joining Clear Mountain on a special occasion with 13 other monastics, speaks about the power of mettā, or loving-kindness, in developing the 11 benefits described by the Buddha in the Mettā Sutta (AN 11.15 - https://suttacentral.net/an11.15/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&sc…

1
Knives and Thorns | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 6 Part 1 1:53:08

1M ago1:53:08

1:53:08

Part 1 Tyranny struggles with her crueler instincts as the Soldiers discover a safe haven for fairies that may hold clues about Cyd's whereabouts... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon me…

1
Letter to a Buddhist Nation: Rebirth, Refuge, & the Limits of Skepticism | Sam Harris Q&A 1:39:32

1M ago1:39:32

1:39:32

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Sam Harris. Watch PART TWO on Wednesday, Nov. 26th. 00:00:07 Introduction 00:01:50 Is it okay to choose what one takes from Buddhism? 00:12:25 Is Sam a Buddhist? What is Sam's relationship to faith in the Triple Gem? 00:30:03 Faith in the Sangha? Is there value in living a monastic life? 00:43:02 …

1
Branching Paths | Critical Role Campaign 4, Episode 5 Part 2 1:50:44

1M ago1:50:44

1:50:44

Part 2 Decisions are made about how to keep Occtis safe from his family while the Soldiers embark on a hunt for friend and foe alike... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership! Get…

1
The Horror, the Drama, & the Dhamma: Awakening from Samsara’s Theatre | Ayya Ānandabodhī 34:36

1M ago34:36

34:36

In this talk, Ayya Ānandabodhī speaks about Bio Ayya Ānandabodhī was born and raised in Wales, UK. Ayya first encountered the Buddha’s teaching in her early teens while reading about the Four Noble Truths. This was life-changing and from that moment she experienced a deep confidence in the Buddha’s insight and a wish to understand his teachings mor…

1
Branching Paths | Critical Role Campaign 4, Episode 5 Part 1 1:39:15

2M ago1:39:15

1:39:15

Part 1 Decisions are made about how to keep Occtis safe from his family while the Soldiers embark on a hunt for friend and foe alike... New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campaign4/ GET MORE CAMPAIGN 4 WITH BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE Campaign 4 with a Beacon membership! Get…

1
Hippie to Happy: A Born-Again Buddhist’s Path from Prison to Peace | Bhante Y. Rāhula Q&A 59:18

1M ago59:18

59:18

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with revered Buddhist monk and longtime yogi Bhante Yogavacara Rāhula of Lion of Wisdom Meditation Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland about his wild journey from the hippie trail into Buddhist monastic life. Topics discussed include details about his early hippie days, glimpses into his book "On…

1
#311 - Qing 42: Charting the Collision Course 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

The 19th Century is going to be exceedingly rough on Qing China. So, before we venture down into the chasm that is the "Chinese Century of Humuliation's" opening salvos, let's assess where we - and the Empire - sit as of 1810... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

1
The Upāsakā Code: How to Be More Than Just a Weekend Buddhist | Ajahn Kovilo & Ajahn Nisabho 54:54

2M ago54:54

54:54

Clear Mountain Upāsakā Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GtgmYKj-XrBaqLDhTeHP32TZe4PpHkLHSajrZyrgVj8/edit?usp=sharing In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho describe the Upāsakā lay Buddhist form in 13 (optional but awesome) moves: Introduction to the Upāsaka form (1) Take Refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha (The Esse…

1
Dispatch One-Shot 4:00:50

2M ago4:00:50

4:00:50

It’s just a regular Monday at the Burbank branch of the SDN until the efficiency experts show up. Game Master Jasmine Bhullar leads players Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Matthew Mercer, and Erin Yvette as they fight to stay employed in this Dispatch inspired one-shot using Daggerheart! CAST Jasmine Bhullar - Game Master || @thatbronzegirl Laura …

1
Confessions of a Buddhist Scholar: Esotericism, Alchemy, & the Limits of Academia | Sarah Shaw Q&A 58:09

2M ago58:09

58:09

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview scholar and practitioner Dr. Sarah Shaw about Buddhism in academia in general and about breathing mindfulness in particular. Dr. Shaw's biography: Dr. Sarah Shaw is a faculty member and tutor at the University of Oxford, a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, and a visiting cont…

1
Buddhism: Unitarianism Without the You – A UU Dharma Bum Biopic | Ajahn Kovilo 45:06

2M ago45:06

45:06

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo speaks at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto (his mother's home congregation) about his own history being raised in the Unitarian Church and its effect on the trajectory of his life. Topics explored include Henry David Thoreau's essay "Life Without Principle", the intersection of Buddhism and Unitarian Univ…

1
Stone-Faced | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 4 | Part 2 2:07:28

2M ago2:07:28

2:07:28

Part 2 The Houses of Royce and Davinos are attacked by the focused might and undead horror of House Tachonis, while the secrets Bolaire has kept for years tumble into the light... Use Code OVERTURE for one month free on Beacon! https://beacon.tv/join New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campa…

1
An Arahant & Chat-GPT Discuss Nibbāna... Risks & Possibilities of AI Dhamma | Ajahn Sādaro 56:18

2M ago56:18

56:18

In this talk, Ajahn Sādaro, visiting from Melbourne, Australia, speaks about the benefits and risks of using Large Language Models (LLMs) for Dhamma guidance. We may use these tools with wisdom, but knowing their limitations is essential. Bio Ajahn Sādaro ordained in the forest tradition in Thailand in 2005. After practicing throughout SE Asia, he …

1
James Gentry: The Bodhisattva’s Body in a Pill 42:08

2M ago42:08

42:08

James Gentry talks about the thousand-year history of the Tibetan maṇi pill, back to its medieval origins in an age of Mongol invasions and epidemics, through an infusion of psychoactive fungi for experimental meditation in the 13th century, and as a shared token for today’s global Tibetan Buddhist diaspora. James Gentry is Assistant Professor of R…

1
Stone-Faced | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 4 | Part 1 2:48:05

2M ago2:48:05

2:48:05

Part 1 The Houses of Royce and Davinos are attacked by the focused might and undead horror of House Tachonis, while the secrets Bolaire has kept for years tumble into the light... Use Code OVERTURE for one month free on Beacon! https://beacon.tv/join New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/campa…

1
#310 - Strange Tales X.2: An Unseen Balance 44:34

2M ago44:34

44:34

Back with pt. 2 of autumnal fictions of the spine-tingling variety. This time largely from (where else) Pu Songling, as well as several shorter entries from the Zibuyu. 00:01:15 - Friendship Beyond the Grave 00:10:25 - Karmic Debts 00:12:30 - Spiritual Man Luo Catches the Wrong Demon 00:16:39 - The Human Prawn 00:18:37 - The Hairy People of Qin 00:…

1
Devas, Māras, & Elephant Stories, Lay Stream Entry, & Wearing White in Buddhism | Ajahn Nisabho Q&A 52:52

2M ago52:52

52:52

In this Q&A session, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about how he personally cultivates compassion (karuṇā), means of counteracting smartphone and internet addiction, the upāsakā form and wearing white in Buddhist spaces, the protective power of loving-kindness (mettā), stories of demons, devas, and elephants, how to practice seclusion and renunciation, and l…

1
The Snipping of Shears | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 3 | Part 2 2:54:21

2M ago2:54:21

2:54:21

Part 2 With the true source of the Candescent Creed's magic revealed and the search for Occtis pressing in from all sides, lines of trust must quickly be drawn amongst the allies... Use Code OVERTURE for one month free on Beacon! https://beacon.tv/join New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/cam…

1
Breaking the Clock: Dependent Origination & the Timeless Citta | Ajahn Nisabho 57:18

2M ago57:18

57:18

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the relationship between dukkha (suffering, or stress) and time. Invoking the Christian concepts of chronos (choronological time) and kairos (sacred time), and orienting by the Buddha's description of a liberated state outside of time, we can navigate towards a greater spaciousness. Of special import is the …

1
The Snipping of Shears | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 3 | Part 1 1:49:06

2M ago1:49:06

1:49:06

Part 1 With the true source of the Candescent Creed's magic revealed and the search for Occtis pressing in from all sides, lines of trust must quickly be drawn amongst the allies... Use Code OVERTURE for one month free on Beacon! https://beacon.tv/join New Episodes Release Weekly on Thursdays. Learn more about Campaign 4 at https://critrole.com/cam…

1
Beyond Matter: The Observer Effect, Timelessness, & the Primacy of Consciousness | Bogdan Staszewski 1:05:27

2M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Prof. R. Bogdan Staszewski about the intersection between Buddhist thought and quantum mechanics, focusing on the observer effect and the primacy of consciousness in shaping reality. Two other lectures by Prof. Bogdan on the subject: - "Is Consciousness in the Universe or Is the Universe i…

1
309 - Strange Tales X.1: Fateful Encounters 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

00:02:09 - "The Scholar & the Headless Ghost" True music fans come in all types. 00:05:37 - "Magical Arts" Let the buyer beware... but sometimes the non-buyer, too! 00:12:37 - "Ruby Jade" Nobody knows you when you're down & out... 00:27:00 - "Examination for the Post of Guardian Angel" The job offer of a lifetime! Learn more about your ad choices. …

1
Broken Wing | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 2 | Part 2 1:59:49

2M ago1:59:49

1:59:49

Part 2 This episode is sponsored by Hit Point Press. Spooky Season is here! Get 30% off your order on tarot, oracle, and spooky items at http://hitpointpress.com/critter - Use code “CRITTER” This episode is sponsored by Aether & Iron. Wishlist Aether & Iron on Steam! Play the demo available now for this decopunk narrative RPG! Coming Soon to Steam …

1
Bhikkhunis, Butlers, & Card-Carrying Sotāpannas: A Non-PC Tour of Dhamma Diversity | Ajahn Munissara 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

In this talk, Ajahn Munissara describes the power of diversity in Dhamma communities and teachers, particularly in elevating female articulations which have been absent for so much of Buddhist history. She speaks about the fragility of unawakened views, the power of remaining open to other articulations of truth, the history of the bhikkhuni order,…