Monastic Training in Fourteen Points | Āyasmā Ariyadhammika Q&A

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Āyasmā Ariyadhammika, spiritual director of Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS), on the broad topic of monastic training in its various expressions in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and their synthesis in Malaysia at SBS. Specifically, the conversation delves into the fourteen courses of monk trainings at SBS (See https://sasanarakkha.org/monastery/):

(1) Meditation theory and practice, which includes experimenting with and gaining proficiency in different meditation techniques which can then be skillfully applied for different purposes, times & situations

(2) Dhamma knowledge and proper attitude towards the scriptures

(3) Vinaya knowledge and proper attitude towards the Vinaya

(4) Abhidhamma knowledge and its scrutiny in the light of Early Buddhism

(5) Knowledge of important Chants (in Pāli & English)

(6) Development of practical skills (sewing robes, making brooms, living under a tree, going on thudong)

(7) Development of research skills with the use of modern technology and specialised software

(8) The mastery of basic level Pāli, sufficient for research purposes (Advanced Pāli too, in case of individual interest)

(9) Development of right speech and conversation skills that go beyond mere noble silence (e.g. “Non Violent Communication” workshops)

(10) Development of verbal & digital presentation skills for giving Dhamma talks

(11) Development of writing skills for DhammaVinaya essays

(12) Development of Dhamma sharing skills on a Buddhist blog, newsletter, chatgroup, monastery or personal website

(13) Development of administrative and leadership skills

(14) Development in other areas depending on demand and interest of the resident monastics.

- Note: Access to the training/courses mentioned from point ten to thirteen is dependent on vassa age and a sufficient foundation in points one to nine.

Āyasmā Ariyadhammika's Biography

Ven. Ariyadhammika is an Austrian Buddhist monk who ordained in 2005 in Myanmar with Pa-Auk Sayadaw as his preceptor and meditation teacher. He maintained a very simple lifestyle, living out in the open and under trees, dedicating himself to mindfulness of breathing and later also to many other meditation subjects. He was initiated into the meditation techniques of Mogok, Mahasi, Shwe Oo Min/U Tejaniya and Sunlun.

He went to Thailand in 2010, where he stayed for 3 years at Wat Pah Nanachat, undergoing the traditional training of a Thai forest monk of the Ajahn Chah lineage. He stayed in Malaysia from 2013 to 2015, studying Pāli, Suttanta and the Vinaya under the guidance of Ven. Aggacitta Mahāthera. From 2015 to 2018 he stayed in Sri Lanka and returned to Malaysia in Jan. 2018 where he was appointed Saṅghanāyaka of SBS Monk Training Centre, dedicated to guiding and supporting fellow monastics.

You can find out more about Āyasmā Ariyadhammika and Sāsanārakkha at the links below:

- https://sasanarakkha.org

- @ariyadhammikabhikkhu5385

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