Dhamma Nature and Uncertainty: Ajahn Chah's Teachings Read by Ajahn Amaro

Ajahn Amaro marks 17 June, the anniversary of Ajahn Chah’s birth in 1918, with a reading from The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah, delivered in the 2020 lockdown. The first talk, “Dhamma Nature”, begins with fruit and blossom falling from a tree at different stages as an image of uncertainty. It tells of King Mahajanaka, who ordained after seeing a mango tree with no fruit left undamaged. Ajahn Chah then teaches that trees, thoughts and feelings all show impermanence, that the Buddha is found in the Dhamma, and that the Dhamma is present here and now.

A second talk repeats the refrain that all things are uncertain, and urges monks to keep awareness in the mind. Amaro closes with thanks to the teacher before the meal offering.