Oh! what lovely surprise to get a RU-vid notification about this documentary 🙏 This is our usual time listening to dhamma talks by venerables from BI 😊 Many thanks.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu. Thank you. I really enjoy these glimpses into the history of the viharas established in the West by Ajahn Chah's followers. Over the last 40 years, Westerners have become more familiar with Buddhist teachings and ideas, and the sight of a Buddhist monk in robes is less of a surprise. At least, when someone wants to become a monk or nun, their parents and friends have heard of Buddhism, and don't automatically envision their child being swallowed up in a horrible cult. And the would-be monastics have had opportunities to study and meditate. But back in the days when Ajahn Sumedho was helping the new monastic groups to establish themselves, the fledgeling monks had little in the way of books, classes or meditation experience as a foundation for their new way of life. They just knew there was something about the Buddha, and the peacefulness of the monks they'd met, that drew them onward. So in these interviews, you can hear how they're still feeling their way. It is quite touching, and I'm grateful for the work and dedication of the Forest Tradition Sangha. They remained devoted to the Buddha, and to their commitment to sharing the Dhamma with those who (let's face it) had a LOT of dust in their eyes.
