Speaker: Ven Pandit Cittasamvaro (Joining online from Thailand)

Cost: By Donation

Ven. Pandit will speak to the reasons to start a meditation practice, how it provides insights, and some of the altered states of perception that can be experienced when advancing in ability.

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.

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