References – DN 2: The Fruits of Recluseship 
Sutta / Dīgha Nikāya / DN 2: Sāmaññaphalasutta (5)

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“How to reach the state of peace and serenity when we’re just human beings and we strive to be good people?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Tranquility] [Equanimity] [Human] [Virtue] // [Happiness] [Generosity] [Association with people of integrity] [Hearing the true Dhamma] [Hindrances]

Sutta: DN 2: Sāmaññaphala Sutta - Fruits of the Holy Life

Quote: When asked about his attainments as a monk, “I’m just really happy about all the things I didn’t do.” — Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Stages of awakening] [Monastic life] [Sense restraint]

Tea Time Q&A with Ajahn Pasanno [2021], Excerpt 5


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Comment: The general formula for Right Livelihood seems to be addressed to laypeople, not bhikkhus. [Right Livelihood] [Lay life] [Monastic life] // [Vinaya]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Karuṇadhammo.

Suttas about wrong livelihood: AN 5.177 (lay), DN 2.56 (monastic).

Follow-up: “Why is acting as a medical doctor wrong livelihood for a bhikkhu?” [Health care] [Culture/Thailand]

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 26, Excerpt 5


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Meditation instruction: Be present with the physical experience of the breath. Bring a sense of ease into the body. Ground awareness in the body. Offered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Mindfulness of breathing] [Mindfulness of body]

Quote: Keeping the breath in mind is like getting the spoon into the mouth and the mouth onto the spoon. — Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo. [Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo] [Similes]

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Story: “The body understands!” [Direct experience] [Zen] [Koan] [Ajahn Pasanno]

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Body and mind are not separate things. [Body/form] [Heart/mind] [Aggregates ] [Dependent origination] [Consciousness]

Water similes for the mind with and without hindrances. (SN 46.55) [Hindrances] [Sensual desire] [Ill-will] [Sloth and torpor] [Restlessness and worry] [Doubt]

Sutta: DN 2.98: “These are shoals of fish …”

Quote: “You can get a lot of wisdom from walking meditation.” — Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Chah] [Posture/Walking] [Discernment]

Ānāpānasati: Mindfulness of In-and-Out Breathing [2005], Session 8, Excerpt 1


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Readings by Ajahn Pasanno:

The Island by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, Chapter 16, pp. 289-291:

A 6.98 & .101 (combined).

Suttas: SN 12.67; AN 5.260; MN 6.2-3 & .11; DN 2.101-2.

Suttas: AN 6.98-101; SN 17.5.

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 56


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“Could you repeat the five types of stinginess (AN 5.260)?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro. [Greed ] // [Family] [Corruption] [Lodging] [Gain and loss] [Fame and disrepute] [Teaching Dhamma]

Story: Ajahn Mahā Prasert gets sent to Nebraska. [Ajahn Mahā Prasert] [Jealousy]

Suttas: SN 17: Connected Discourses on Gain, Honor, and Fame.

Reading: SN 17.5: The Dung Beetle. [Humor] [Similes]

Reflections on the kammic effects of King Ajātasattu killing his father (DN 2.101). [Kamma] [Killing] [Parents] [Stream entry]

Vinaya: Khandhaka 21.1.3: The First Council occurred at Rājagha, King Ajātasattu’s capital city.

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 56, Excerpt 5