In our fast-paced world, finding joy and relaxation is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, Ajahn Brahm, a world-renowned meditation teacher, brings to light the simple yet profound joy that can be found through meditation. The Buddha himself taught that meditation is a path to happiness and inner peace – a path that leads to joy, simply by sitting down and practicing mindfulness.
“I often say to my students, imagine when you sit down for meditation, your mind instantly becomes like a dog wagging its tail, ready for a walk,” Ajahn Brahm said. “It knows what is happening and finds joy in it, just as the body should learn to find delight in the stillness of meditation.”
In his teachings, Ajahn Brahm emphasizes that meditation isn’t just about calming the mind; it’s about noticing the joy that is inherently present when the mind and body relax. The first step in this process is developing an appreciation for the relaxation that meditation offers. “When you sit comfortably, let your body rest, and take a break from the demands of life, it’s like stepping into a holiday. It’s a simple pleasure, yet it is deeply profound,” he says.
Ajahn Brahm’s unique approach to meditation revolves around the concept of “kindfulness,” a combination of mindfulness and kindness. “When you sit down to meditate, be kind to your body,” he suggests. “Learn to relax each part of your body, noticing the tension and softening it with kindness. Through this practice, you begin to deeply relax, which creates a sense of joy that you will come to seek every time you meditate.”
This practice of relaxation in meditation, Ajahn Brahm explains, isn’t just about the body – it extends to the mind. “Just as we learn to relax the body, we can learn to soften the mind,” he said. “The same mindfulness and kindness can be applied to the mental world – to thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. With awareness, we begin to soften the hardness of our past and future anxieties. In this way, we can begin to let go of these mental burdens.”
He explains that relaxation in both body and mind creates the foundation for experiencing deep joy and peace. “Once you begin to soften the mind, you naturally move into a place of stillness and joy. This is where true meditation lies – in the silent awareness of the present moment, free of distractions.”
The joy of meditation, according to Ajahn Brahm, is not to be taken for granted. It is essential to appreciate it fully. “When you find that inner peace, do not rush ahead with thoughts of ‘What comes next?’ or ‘What am I supposed to be doing now?’ Just rest in the joy of this moment. Let the delight of stillness keep you rooted in the present.”
Ajahn Brahm’s approach encourages people to notice the beauty of their meditation experiences – even the simple breath. “In meditation, it’s not about finding the ‘right’ object of focus; it’s about cultivating delight in the simple things. Every breath can be a moment of joy if you learn to appreciate it,” he said.
His teachings often feature the simple yet profound words of a Thai meditation monk he holds dear: “Breathe in, sabai – nice, easy, beautiful. Breathe out, sabai – even better.” These words encapsulate the essence of Ajahn Brahm’s meditation philosophy: to appreciate each breath, each moment, and allow them to guide you into deeper states of peace and joy.
Through his teachings, Ajahn Brahm inspires people to slow down, soften their bodies and minds, and learn to embrace the joy inherent in the practice of meditation. His message is clear: when we stop running through life, we begin to notice the joy that was always waiting for us. Meditation becomes a delightful journey, a path to inner peace and happiness. To listen to this talk visit https://youtu.be/K-1XmGxbcQM
Ajahn Braham’s visit to Sri Lanka-May 2025
For those interested in experiencing Ajahn Brahm’s teachings firsthand, he will be visiting Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025 for a public sermon at the BMICH. This will be a rare opportunity for individuals to learn from one of the world’s foremost meditation teachers and to connect with the transformative power of mindfulness and kindness.
For the first time, he will also address teens and young adults, offering guidance on meaningful living, navigating life transitions, and managing emotional challenges,
At a time when stress and distractions dominate daily life, Ajahn Brahm’s teachings offer a path to true inner peace. His sermon will explore the power of mindfulness, kindness, and resilience in coping with modern challenges, helping individuals of all ages find balance and clarity. This event is an invitation to pause, reflect, and cultivate a deeper understanding of inner freedom. Seating is limited, and early reservations are recommended. Visit www.abssl.lk to reserve your seat.
