In a meditation session, renowned meditation teacher and bhikkhu, Ajahn Brahmavamso, shared valuable insights on how to maintain focus during meditation, even in the presence of distractions. His advice, centered around the power of mindful awareness and the ‘screen simile,’ offers a refreshing approach to overcoming common obstacles like noise, physical discomfort, or distracting thoughts during meditation.
Speaking to attendees at a Buddhist wedding ceremony, Ajahn Brahm emphasized the importance of daily meditation for couples, noting how it fosters greater sensitivity, selflessness, and calmness in relationships. “Meditating every day calms you down and makes you more sensitive to one another,” he said. “It helps you realise that, in relationships, you often need to sacrifice your own desires and focus on what’s needed for harmony.”
Ajahn Brahm then segued into the meditation technique known as the ‘screen simile’ to illustrate how to manage distractions effectively. He compared the mind to a screen, where the meditation object should be placed at the center, while distractions—such as sounds, physical sensations, or thoughts—remain at the edges. “What you focus on becomes the center of your awareness,” he said. “If you focus on distractions, they consume your attention. But when you place your meditation object at the centre, everything else naturally fades to the background.”
Ajahn Brahm shared a personal story of meditating amidst the noise of mosquitoes in Thailand, illustrating how focusing on the breath can help eliminate the perception of discomfort or annoyance. “By focusing on the breath, the mosquitoes’ presence seemed to disappear, even though they were still there,” he said.
In addition to practical advice on overcoming distractions, Ajahn Brahm encouraged meditators to add meaning and joy to their practice by associating their breath with positive qualities, such as peace, healing, or fulfillment. “When we give importance to something, it naturally takes centre stage,” he stated. As the session progressed, Ajahn Brahm emphasised that meditation is not about using force or willpower, but rather applying wisdom. “Meditate smartly, not with force,” he said. “Use the strategies that have been developed over centuries to ensure a peaceful and successful meditation.”
Attendees left the session with a renewed sense of clarity and peace, armed with practical tools to enhance their meditation practice and overcome distractions.
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 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.
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.
