Namaste from Ajahn Buddhisaro
Presence Awareness as an insight meditation theme in itself is often called the ‘pointing out’ or ‘direct discovery’ path. Through direct self inquiry we are essentially attempting to discover, or to evoke the recognition of an ever present dimension of our pure being and knowing nature, which is inherently loving and free. We discover we are always already present and aware in any and every experience. We discover that our heart’s longing for liberating happiness and freedom from suffering is the unconditional loving compassionate nature of the sentient being itself. So through exploring these more fundamental dimensions of our being in meditation and direct experience, we realize a deeper understanding of our reality and identity, of who and what we really are. This fact of knowing, or pure awareness. This fact of being, of pure presence. The fact of unconditional love and compassion inherent in the heart of a sentient being.
My Story
Ajahn Buddhisaro was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 2002, in the Thai Forest tradition. He first became interested in meditation while completing degrees in neuroscience and philosophy at UC Berkeley in California. Upon graduating he travelled extensively throughout Asia, studying and practicing eastern spirituality and meditation in places such as India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Meeting renowned spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh inspired him to enter extended monastic retreat as a Buddhist monk. After living in Asia for many years, Ajahn Buddhisaro returned to America and is currently on research sabbatical at Dharma Treasure in Arizona, USA, occasionally teaching or leading retreats.