We often hear things like this in his talks:
As a bhikkhu and meditation teacher, I have often spoken about the challenges of training the mind. One of my favourite metaphors for meditation is this: Meditating is like walking through a jungle full of snakes. Just as a jungle traveller must remain vigilant, watching carefully for hidden dangers, we must also be mindful of the obstacles that arise in our own minds during meditation.
Many people approach meditation expecting instant peace and tranquility, but the reality is quite different. The mind, much like the jungle, is filled with distractions, fears, and ingrained habits. When we meditate, thoughts creep in like snakes slithering across our path. Some of these thoughts are harmless, while others can be toxic, filling us with negativity, doubt, or restlessness.
The key is not to panic or react impulsively. If you were to encounter a snake in the jungle, you wouldn’t scream and run—you would observe it carefully and navigate your way around it. Likewise, in meditation, when difficult emotions or troubling thoughts arise, we must acknowledge them with awareness and patience, neither suppressing nor indulging them. By doing so, we develop a deeper understanding of the mind and cultivate inner stillness.
This simple but powerful shift in perspective transforms meditation from a battle with the mind into an exploration of it. Instead of seeing obstacles as threats, we begin to see them as opportunities for growth and insight. This approach aligns with the Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion—qualities that are essential not only in meditation but in everyday life.
I invite all those seeking peace and clarity to join me in exploring these teachings further. Through careful observation and practice, we can navigate the jungle of the mind with wisdom, skill, and a deep sense of inner freedom. Follow us on YouTube with this https://youtu.be/ZqMYKpbSE-g
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. Visit www.abssl.lk to reserve your seat.
