In a recent session, renowned meditation teacher Ajahn Brahm shared transformative insights on how to harness the power of programming the mind for a deeper meditation experience. With his practical approach, he emphasised the importance of quickly entering a peaceful state, especially in our fast-paced lives.
Ajahn Brahm underscored that learning to meditate efficiently is a vital skill. “There are times in your life when you need to be peaceful very quickly,” he said, encouraging participants to close their eyes and focus intently. “You tell the mind, no thinking about the past or future; this time is for meditation.”
A key aspect of Ajahn Brahm’s teachings is what he calls “programming mindfulness.” Before beginning meditation, he recommends giving the mind clear instructions. “When your body is calm, set your intentions clearly. Tell yourself, ‘During this meditation, I will not think,’ and repeat it until it resonates within you.” This practice helps create a subconscious imprint, making it easier to stay focused and resist distractions.
Letting go of distractions
Ajahn Brahm encourages practitioners to shift their effort from doing to letting go. “It’s not about achieving something; it’s about silencing the mind and enjoying the stillness.” He illustrated this point by sharing his own experiences, where he learned to meditate quickly and effectively, even in challenging environments.
“When you face intense situations, such as back-to-back meetings, the ability to focus your mind can make all the difference,” he said. This approach is not just beneficial for meditation but also for navigating everyday challenges.
Ajahn Brahm also highlighted the importance of the environment in meditation. “When you enter a sacred space, like a temple, it influences your mindset,” he said. He urged meditators to leverage this feeling of reverence to cultivate a peaceful mind. “Allow the holiness of the space to remind you: this is not the time for planning or remembering. This is a time for peace.”
The journey to bliss
As participants settle into their meditation, Ajahn Brahm reassured them that once they reach a state of stillness, the meditation will become increasingly delightful. “Once you hit that tipping point, where the meditation becomes joyful, you won’t need to hold onto instructions. The stillness will naturally grow deeper,” he affirmed.
Listen to this dhamma talk on Youtube https://youtu.be/rds7NQre1AY
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Join Ajahn Brahm in Sri Lanka – May 2025
Ajahn Brahm will visit Sri Lanka in May 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.
