A Deep Dive into Buddhism & Spirituality! Feat. Bhikkhu Jayasāra

“If breaths are boring, you're doing it wrong!”

The Dystopian Renaissance is a show designed to help you become the best version of yourself during challenging times by raising consciousness, increasing health, exploring spirituality, and spreading the truth. This podcast is your ticket to a journey to explore what humans are capable of! 

In this episode of The Dystopian Renaissance Podcast, we welcome Bhikkhu Jayasāra, a.k.a “Bhante J” as our guest. He is an American-born Buddhist monastic who resides at Bhavana Society of West Virginia. He was born in 1978 and raised Catholic. He came to Buddhism in his late 20s and officially took refuge and precepts to become a practicing Buddhist lay disciple on Vesak in 2008. In 2011, he took the Eight Lifetime Precepts with Bhante Gunaratana and was named Jayantha.

During our conversation, Bhante J explained how the Theravada tradition ignited his interest in Buddhism. We also talk about the impact of negative thoughts in our minds and finally explain why meditation seems very hard for the first time. Bhante divulges his techniques to keep meditation fresh and exciting every day. We then turn over to the spiritual side and ponder the question, “Is Buddhism the right path for everyone?”

Conversation Highlights:

[00:33] Meet Bhikkhu Jayasara (Bhante J), an American Buddhist of Theravadic tradition.

[00:43] How did Bhante J get into Buddhism?

[03:06] Theravadic tradition was the beginning of Bhante J's Buddhism journey.

● Ajahn Brahm, a monastic, helped Bhante in his breakthroughs and assisted him in diving deeper into Buddhism.

[05:55] Is it normal to have negative thoughts in our minds? 

● Investigation of your perception is critical in Buddhism.

[09:40] Why is it hard to practice meditation when you explore it for the first time?

● When we want to control a thing that can't be controlled, it causes suffering.

[11:46] How does Bhikkhu keep meditation fresh every day?

[15:46] It is essential not to expect what will happen in your meditation.

● Meditation is not good or bad; it’s just meditation.

● It's good to have a variety of meditations like walking meditation, death meditation, and Metta meditation instead of just a classic one.

[22:26] How did Bhikkhu find a perfect home for Buddhism?

● What made Bhikkhu monastic?

[30:11] Is Buddhism the right path for everyone?

● Each person should go down their path to figure out where it ends.

● Everybody can learn something from Buddhism.

[34:13] Does everyone have some potential for spiritual practices?

● There is a part of us that is very kind and spiritual.

[37:00] What was Bhikkhu's biggest surprise in the metamorphosis from a layperson to becoming a monastic?

[39:09] Are you considering being a monk? Here's some advice for you…

[42:48] What's the best part of being a monk?

● The feeling of gratitude helps you develop yourself.

[46:38] Where and how to connect with Bhikkhu Jayasara? (links below) 

[47:56] What is Student of the Path? 

[49:35] Don't be too quick to discount any desire of your spiritual path. 

Memorable Quotes:

“Our perceptions are completely untrustworthy!”

“If breaths are boring, you're doing it wrong."

“When you help others and see them grow, it is the greatest feeling in the world.”

“An avatar is something that personifies virtue and humility.”

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