Where Is Your Joy? Curing the Dry Heart in Modern Buddhism | Ajahn Nisabho

In this talk, Ajahn Nisabho speaks about the critical imbalance underlying many Western and modern practitioners' approach to practice. When we lean into a narrow, ascetic vision of practice without understanding the Buddha's emphasis on joy, we risk the heart's withering. To nourish the mind, the Buddha provided us powerful teachings on generosity, faith, community, and even creativity. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: The Dry Heart in Modern Practice 01:16 - Self-Criticism, the Super-Ego, and Spiritual Violence 05:43 - The Pitfall of Spiritual Barrenness (Chila Sutta) 08:49 - Prioritizing Joy: Happiness as a Foundation for Calm 10:13 - The Precision of Apophatic Dhamma vs. Soft Beauty 12:31 - Translating Practice Across Cultures & Temperaments 18:09 - Chanda & Muditā: Reclaiming Wholesome Enthusiasm 20:33 - A Holistic Ecosystem: Generosity & Devotional Tools 24:45 - The Role of Art, Poetry, and Beauty on the Path 37:25 - Q&A: Overcoming Cultural Conditioning & Personal Stories -------- Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!