In a world increasingly defined by stress and distraction, finding a path to inner peace can seem elusive. However, Ajahn Brahm, the renowned meditation teacher, offers a refreshing approach to meditation that emphasises relaxation, joy, and delight. His teachings are not about forcefully quieting the mind but about cultivating stillness and kindness through mindful relaxation.
Ajahn Brahm begins his meditation guidance by debunking the myth that meditation requires rigorous effort to eliminate distractions. He teaches that the essence of meditation lies in achieving stillness and peace by relaxing the mind, much like how one relaxes the body. “You can’t relax your body through movement,” Ajahn said, “and the same goes for the mind.” This gentle approach allows participants to sit comfortably in any posture that feels natural, creating an atmosphere of ease for deeper relaxation.
Cultivating mindfulness through body awareness
One of the key principles of Ajahn Brahm’s meditation practice is cultivating mindfulness through body awareness. As practitioners focus on their body, they gradually become more attuned to areas of tension or discomfort. This awareness serves as a feedback mechanism, much like a car’s speedometer, guiding practitioners to relax those tense areas with kindness rather than resistance. Ajahn highlights the importance of delighting in the pleasant sensations that accompany this relaxation—a joy that many often seek through vacations and spa retreats but can find within themselves through mindful meditation.
Embracing the joy of relaxation
Ajahn Brahm believes that delight and joy are natural byproducts of relaxation. He encourages participants to appreciate the happiness that arises from simply relaxing the body and mind, showing that joy doesn’t require external stimuli but can be found within. The more one recognises this delight, the more the mind seeks to prolong these pleasurable experiences, leading to deeper relaxation and a more profound sense of peace.
Nurturing the mind with kindness
When it comes to dealing with thoughts, Ajahn Brahm’s approach is refreshingly compassionate. Instead of struggling against past grievances or future anxieties, he encourages a mindful acceptance of thoughts, treating them with kindness, much like how one would soothe physical aches. By acknowledging their presence without judgment and gently softening their grip, practitioners can release mental tension. This approach allows the past to fade and future worries to dissolve, cultivating a peaceful relationship with the present moment.
Compassionate connection
Ajahn Brahm’s teachings emphasize the importance of building a compassionate connection with the mind, rather than attempting to control or dominate it. He likens this relationship to nurturing a long-time friend, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust with one’s mental landscape. As practitioners deepen their mindfulness, it illuminates their mind like turning on a light in a dark room. The result is a state of happiness that naturally arises from the relaxation and joy that meditation brings.
Ajahn Brahm invites everyone to embark on the journey of meditation with an open and relaxed mind. His approach reassures participants that it’s okay to adjust their posture for comfort during meditation, as physical ease is a gateway to mental relaxation. This gentle process unfolds naturally, guiding participants toward profound states of bliss, peace, and delight in their meditation practice. Follow this video on https://youtu.be/FvIaNxMKx90
Join Ajahn Brahm in Sri Lanka – May 2025
Ajahn Brahm will visit Sri Lanka in May 2025, bringing his wisdom and humour to a wider audience. He will deliver a public sermon at the BMICH on May 18. This is a rare opportunity to experience his teachings first hand and deepen your meditation practice under his guidance.
