Portland Friends of the Dhamma PfODcast
Portland Friends of the Dhamma PfODcast
Episodes
Ayya Santussika | The Four Brahmaviharas | 10/19/25
Ayya Santussika and Ayya Cittananda offer a daylong of teachings and practice centered on the Four Brahmaviharas.
Ayya Santussika | Noble Eightfold Path and Right Effort | 10/18/25
Ayya Santussika offered a practice daylong in right effort and looking at views and opinions through the lens of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Jessica Swanson | Forgiveness is Letting Go of Grudges | 10/05/25
Jessica reflects on finding doorways into the Dhamma, and how to hold forgiveness as a practice.
Jessica Swanson | Developing the 10 Parami | 10/12/25
Jessica reads from Ajahn Sucitto's book Parami, and encourages people to start practicing with any one of the characteristics worthy of perfecting.
Ayya Suvijjana & Ayya Niyyanika | Vedana/Feeling | 9/28/25 | ep. 290
Ayya Suvijjana offers a reflection on Vedana/Feeling and the Bhikkhunis answer questions during Sunday Sila on the first visit to Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
Sakula | Birth, Aging, Illness and Death | 8/31/25
Sakula returns to the Portland Friends of the Dhamma after a 15-month sabbatical, offering a Dhamma talk and examples from her experience of the Buddha's teachings on birth, aging, illness, and death.
Ajahn Sudanto | Chanting Workshop | 7/6/25
A chanting seminar offered by Ajahn Sudanto to the newly started chanting circle at Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
Luang Por Khoon and Luang Por Damrong 7/2/25 | ep. 288
Luang Por Khoon and Luang Por Damrong at Portland Friends of the Dhamma, July 2, 2025.
Ajahn Sudanto | Enjoy Your Buddhist Life | 062025
Ajahn Sudanto and Tan Jino join Portland Friends of the Dhamma for an evening of meditation, Dhamma reflections and questions. Ajahn stresses the importance of enjoying one's meditation practice and relaxing into the stillness.
Jessica Swanson | Let Suffering Cease Where it Arises | 2/23/2025
Jessica reflects on noticing what is arising in the mind, and which intentions to act upon and which to let die quickly. Jessica Swanson | Let Suffering Cease Where it Arises | 2/23/2025 | ep. 286
Jessica Swanson | Always a Place to Turn | 2/16/2025
Jessica reflects on the importance of reliability in community, while building independence on oneself. Guided meditation included. Jessica Swanson | Always a Place to Turn | 2/16/2025 | ep. 285
Jessica Swanson | The Unscrupulous King | 2/2/2025 | ep. 284
Jessica reflects on the Tittha Sutta, the Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant, a teaching on seeing things as they truly are and an illustration of how one unscrupulous king can bring a kingdom into violence by exploiting people's differing views.
Jessica Swanson | Others Will, But We Will Not | 1/26/2025
Jessica reflects on MN 8, the discourse on Self-Effacement. Here is the section read aloud in the talk: The Exposition of Self-Effacement Now, Cunda, you should work on self-effacement in each of the following ways. ‘Others will be cruel, but here we will not be cruel.’ ‘Others will kill living creatures, but here we will not kill living creatures.’ ‘Others will steal, but here we will not steal.’ ‘Others will be unchaste, but here we will not be unchaste.’ ‘Others will lie, but here we will not lie.’ ‘Others will speak divisively, but here we will not speak divisively.’ ‘Others will speak harshly, but here we will not speak harshly.’ ‘Others will talk nonsense, but here we will not talk nonsense.’ ‘Others will be covetous, but here we will not be covetous.’ ‘Others will have ill will, but here we will not have ill will.’ ‘Others will have wrong view, but here we will have right view.’ ‘Others will have wrong thought, but here we will have right thought.’ ‘Others will have wrong speech, but here we will have right speech.’ ‘Others will have wrong action, but here we will have right action.’ ‘Others will have wrong livelihood, but here we will have right livelihood.’ ‘Others will have wrong effort, but here we will have right effort.’ ‘Others will have wrong mindfulness, but here we will have right mindfulness.’ ‘Others will have wrong immersion, but here we will have right immersion.’ ‘Others will have wrong knowledge, but here we will have right knowledge.’ ‘Others will have wrong freedom, but here we will have right freedom.’ ‘Others will be overcome with dullness and drowsiness, but here we will be rid of dullness and drowsiness.’ ‘Others will be restless, but here we will not be restless.’ ‘Others will have doubts, but here we will have gone beyond doubt.’ ‘Others will be irritable, but here we will be without anger.’ ‘Others will be acrimonious, but here we will be without acrimony.’ ‘Others will be offensive, but here we will be inoffensive.’ ‘Others will be contemptuous, but here we will be without contempt.’ ‘Others will be jealous, but here we will be without jealousy.’ ‘Others will be stingy, but here we will be without stinginess.’ ‘Others will be devious, but here we will not be devious.’ ‘Others will be deceitful, but here we will not be deceitful.’ ‘Others will be pompous, but here we will not be pompous.’ ‘Others will be arrogant, but here we will not be arrogant.’ ‘Others will be hard to admonish, but here we will not be hard to admonish.’ ‘Others will have bad friends, but here we will have good friends.’ ‘Others will be negligent, but here we will be diligent.’ ‘Others will be faithless, but here we will have faith.’ ‘Others will be conscienceless, but here we will have a sense of conscience.’ ‘Others will be imprudent, but here we will be prudent.’ ‘Others will be unlearned, but here we will be well learned.’ ‘Others will be lazy, but here we will be energetic.’ ‘Others will be unmindful, but here we will be mindful.’ ‘Others will be witless, but here we will be accomplished in wisdom.’ ‘Others will be attached to their own views, holding them tight, and refusing to let go, but here we will not be attached to our own views, not holding them tight, but will let them go easily.’
Jessica Swanson | When Tik Tok Goes Down | 1/19/2025
Jessica reflects on the anicca, anatta and dukkha, the three characteristics of things and what leads to feelings of loss. Includes guided mediation and Q&A.
Jessica Swanson | The Four Right Efforts | 1/5/2025
Jessica Reflects on the Four Right Efforts and ways to let go of what stinks. Includes guided meditation.
Jessica Swanson | What To Do When a Bird Flies In | 12/29/2024
Jessica reflects on the six sense bases. Includes guided meditation and Q&A.
Ayya Medhanandi | Radiant Heart Guided Meditation | 1/4/2025
Ayya Medhanandi offers a guided meditation to Portland Friends of the Dhamma and online participants.
Ayya Medhanandi | Small Flame, Vast Light | 1/4/25
Ayya Medhanandi reflects on questions from practitioners at Portland Friends of the Dhamma and online.
Jessica Swanson | Happy Merry Secret Snowball | 12/22/24 ep. 277
Jessica reflects on the power of true generosity to transform Grinch into gratitude. Includes guided meditation.
Ajahns Kovilo & Nisabho | Watering the Wholesome Roots | 12/15/24
28:40Portland Friends of the Dhamma is joined by Clear Mountain Monastery monks Ajahn Kovilo and Nisabho, in addition to Bhante Budisaro, formerly a lay practitioner at Portland Friends of the Dhamma. The monks reflected on watering the three wholesome roots generosity, goodwill and clear seeing rather than three unwholesome roots of greed, anger, and delusion, and Tan Budhisaro offered sincere gratitude for his time at PFOD before ordaining. The community also helped bless a member's new child. 00:00 Requesting the Five Precepts 6:45 Welcome and guided meditation 28:40 Dhamma reflection from Ajahns Kovilo and Nisabho 1:08:25 Reflection from Bhante Budisaro 1:15:48 Q&A 1:28:10 Baby Blessing
Ajahn Kovilo & Nisabho | These Four Noble Moves | 12/14/24
Clear Mountain Monastery monks Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho reflect on the Four Noble Truths using apt analogies, personal experience and the Buddha teachings. Includes chanting, guided meditation and Q&A 00:00 Welcome and Chanting 06:51 Guided Meditation 34:50 Dhamma Reflections 1:19:03 Q&A, Dedication of Merit, Chanting
Jessica Swanson | Just Some Reflections on How Lovely It Is | 12/1/24 | ep. 174
Jessica reflects on the resilience of Portland Friends of the Dhamma and how to meet life's challenges with an open heart. Includes guided meditation and Q&A.
Jessica Swanson | What We're Doing Here is Making Ourselves Happy | 11/24/24 | ep. 173
Jessica reflects on understanding what good results look like so one can confidently try new things in practice. Includes a guided meditation and Q&A.
Beth Steff | We Have So Much in Common, and We Need Each Other | 11/17/24 | ep. 172
Long-term Abhayagiri resident and dedicated practitioner Beth Steff reflects on her life in the Dhamma, the cascade of well-being, and the importance of being together.
Jessica Swanson | Lessons from Abhayagiri Kathina | 11/10/24 | ep. 171
Jessica reflects on lessons and observations from a recent trip to Abhayagiri for its Kathina celebration. Includes guided meditation and participant sharing.
Kristen Saxton | With a Joyful Heart | 11/03/24 | ep. 170
Kristen reads aloud and reflects on the Metta Sutta (The Buddha's Words on Loving Kindness) and how she uses it to influence her day-to-day life.
Ajahn Geoff | Skillful Desires pt. 3 | 10/27/24 | Ep. 169
Ajahn Geoff (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) offered three days of practice and teachings on the topic of skillful desires in this practice. This video is the third day. It includes a guided meditation, Dhamma reflections and Q&A periods. 00:00 Taking the precepts 05:52 Guided Meditation 28:44 Dhamma Reflection (Taking responsibility in the practice) 01:05:25 Q&A 01:48:36 Dhamma Reflection (Teaching on self and not-self) 02:13:06 Q&A (Plus two possession stories!)
Ajahn Geoff | Skillful Desires pt. 2 | 10/26/24 | Ep. 268
Ajahn Geoff (Thanisarro Bhikkhu) offered three days of practice and teachings on the topic of skillful desires in this practice. This video is the second day. It includes a guided meditation, Dhamma reflections and Q&A periods. 00:00 Guided Meditation 49:30 Walking Meditation Instructions 50:35 Dhamma Reflection (Right Concentration and guardian meditations) 01:01:45 Dhamma Reflection (Nature of desire and the four determinations) 01:39:02 Q&A 02:24:56 Dhamma Reflection (Four determinations as related to the brahmaviharas) 02:55:39 Q&A
Ajahn Geoff | Skillful Desires pt. 1 | 10/25/24 | ep. 267
Ajahn Geoff (Thanisarro Bhikkhu) offered three days of practice and teachings on the topic of skillful desires in this practice. This video is the first evening. It includes a guided meditation, Dhamma reflection and Q&A period. 00:00 Guided Meditation 00:34:30 Dhamma Reflection 01:10:51 Q&A
Jessica Swanson | Refuges and Rituals, Explained | 10/20/24 | ep. 266
Jessica reflects on the meaning of the three Refuges and the rituals used at Portland Friends of the Dhamma. Includes short guided meditation.
Jessica Swanson | Thank You for Not Listening to My Complaints | 09/29/24 | ep. 265
Jessica reflects on recognizing the causes of suffering and stress and resolving them without making a problem for oneself and others. Includes short guided meditation.
Jessica Swanson | Pyramid Scheme of Goodness | 09/22/24 | ep. 264
Jessica reflects on the abundance of goodness and helping at the previous weekend's Pah Bah, and talk about ways we can look after our and others' things. Includes short guided meditation.
Luang Por Pasanno | Recognizing the Dhamma | 09/13/24 | ep. 263
Luang Por Pasanno (joined by Ajahn Kovilo) expounds on the eight quality of Dhamma and Vinaya that the Buddha taught his newly ordained stepmother, Mahapajapati Gotami, when she asked him for a short Dhamma instruction that would guide her in her solitary practice. Begins with a short guided meditation and includes participant questions.
Jessica Swanson | Keeping Our Integrity Intact | 09/08/24 | ep. 262
Jessica reflects on the value of looking for our part in any conflict rather than pointing fingers or finding fault in others. Begins with a short guided meditation.
Ryan and Kristen Bring Your Life Into the Practice 08 18 24 ep 258
Ryan and Kristen reflect on bringing your life into the practice and why equanimity is essential to daily life practice. Short meditation guidance.
Jessica Swanson | Dhamma as Crucible | 09/01/24 | ep. 260
Jessica reflects on meeting hardship with patient endurance and using the Dhamma to hold the conditions as the heart transforms. Includes a guided meditation.
Jessica Swanson | Making Harmony the Theme | 08/25/24 | ep. 259
Jessica reflects on looking back at a recent visit with family and friends and discovering the theme was harmony. Includes a guided meditation and Q&A
Jessica Swanson | Jhana is One Part of the Picture | 08/11/24 | ep. 257
In this video, Jessica talks about the new popular interest in jhana and how to balance the cultivation of meditation practice with other important parts of the Buddha's path. Includes guided meditation.
Jessica Swanson | Dana, Sila, Bhavana is the Strength of a Community | 8/4/24 | ep. 256
In this video, Jessica reflects that looking after our individual Dhamma practice creates a strong foundation for the community. Includes guided meditation.
The Five Hindrances: Sunday Sila and Daylong with Ajahn Karunadhammo | 7/28/24 | ep. 255
In this video, Ajahn Karunadhammo explores the Five Hindrances and their Opposites, offering instruction and guided meditations. Use the chapters to follow along with the day. 00:00:00 Introduction to the Five Hindrances and their Similes 00:33:25 Guided Meditation 01:06:24 Q&A 01:22:08 How to Denourish the Five Hindrances and Nourish their Opposites 01:41:04 Guided Meditation 02:26:10 Q&A
Jessica Swanson | Karma is an Inside Job | 7/21/24 | ep. 257
In this video Jessica reflects on the importance of looking at our part of stress and suffering, recognizing that karma is the building of habits, and receiving criticism as a precious gift. Begins with a guided meditation.
"Developing Calm and Insight Together" with Ajahn Karunadhammo | 7/27/24 | eps 254
Ajahn Karunadhammo offers a day of meditation practice and teachings called "Developing Calm and Insight Together: Mindfulness Immersed in the Body." Please use the chapters to move through the day's teachings. 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Mindfulness Immersed in the Body 00:20:20 Silent and Guided Meditation: Ground, Space and Rhythm 00:49:55 Urban Walking Instructions 00:51:46 Instruction and Guided Meditation: 32 Parts of the Body 01:32:46 Overview of Afternoon and Q&A 02:12:56 Guided Meditation 03:03:12 Walking Meditation 03:04:19 Instruction and Guided Meditation: Developing Insight into the Not-Self Aspect of the Body 03:46:35 Q&A and "Reflections on the Unconditioned" Chant Please learn more about Ajahn Karunadhammo and Abhayagiri Monastery here: https://www.abhayagiri.org/community
Jessica Swanson | The Shoe Situation | 07/14/24 | eps 253
In this video, Jessica talks about how the community holds etiquette and conventions keeping in harmony with the Ajahn Chah lineage and framework. Begins with a guided meditation. A personal story using friends' names was cut from the original recording.
Jessica Swanson -The Miracle of This Practice 7/7/24 ep. 252
Jessica describes how to notice when we've made progress in the practice -- when suffering moves through quickly and without making a problem for ourselves and others.
Jessica Swanson | Do the Thing, Remove the Self | 06/30/24 | eps 251
In this video, Jessica reads from the introduction to a collection of Ajahn Chah teachings and talks about getting work done despite the inclination to insert one's thoughts, opinions, and self-view.
Luang Por Pasanno | Pointing out a Possibility of Refuge | 06/23/24
Luang Por Pasanno speaks about the change in leadership at Portland Friends of the Dhamma, then explores and explains taking refuge in Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
Counting Our Blessings June 22, 2024
The community commemorates Sakula's 24 years of service as founder and Spiritual Director of Portland Friends of the Dhamma. Jessica Swanson is appointed the new Spiritual Director and commissioned as a Lay Minister. Later, community members speak on the importance of giving and service for PFOD's benefit. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome, Paying Respects, Requesting Precepts, Meditation Guidance 13:30 Monastic Reflections Commemorating Sakula, Highest Blessings Chant 56:43 Sakula's Remarks, Remarks from Alistair, Stephanie, Matthew, Joan and Scott, Forgiveness Ceremony 1:33:30 Sakula's Remarks Congratulating Jessica, Remarks and Paying Pespects from Jim, Hayley, Margaret and Matt, Jessica's Remarks 1:53:44 Monastic Reflections Encouraging and Supporting Jessica, Jessica's Official Commissioning (SURPRISE!) 2:31:51 Remarks from the board on programming and project priorities in this year's benefit season.