Monday July 28th
Dhamma Talk at
Monteray Place
At the Shambhala meeting room, Monteray Place (see map below)
7pm – 8:30 (ish)
Short Dhamma Talk and meditation
Searching for the Inner Guru
with British Bhikkhu Phra Cittasamvaro
***
Developing meditation and other qualities seems to be impossible. No matter what kind of self you invent or seek to become, it always floods from your grasp at the first obstacle. Whoever it is you try to become, it takes no time at all for that new ‘self’ to disappear, and you are back to the old you; monkey mind, impatient, and full fo desires.
The Christian mystics say that you cannot approach God by your own efforts, only grace can do that for you. Is this compatible with the Buddhist outlook? Can you become a new self, by your own efforts?
The inner guru is there for all people. It cannot be created, it cannot be planned, and it is not governed by your self or desires. It is what emerges when ‘you’ get out of the way. Your character remains, but it changes the more you train the mind to step outside of the self.
The Shambhala group meet every Monday evening, and all are welcome. It is free of charge, and meditation instruction is offered in the Shambhala method. If you have your own method of meditation, you are always welcome to attend, and meditate silently together. Monday 28th is a good chance for all of us to go along and acquaint ourselves with the location and group.
Shambhala meditation, every Monday
Address:
Monterey Place Condominium Building
On the 7th Floor
398 Soi Phai Sing To, Rama 4 Rd.,
Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Directions:
Take the subway to the Queen Sirikit Station, exit #4 to Soi Phai Sing To. You’ll see the building, “Monterey Place”, on the right as you’re coming up the escalator out of the subway.
Turn left to get to the soi, and follow the road around to the left, then right, to the front entrance of the building. Take the elevator to the 7th floor, exit to the left. The meditation room is next to the exercise equipment.
A limited amount of secure parking is available on site. These parking spaces must be reserved in advance via telephone or e-mail.
Contact
Phone: 086-788-7408 (Jamie) or 02-663-8477 (Andy)
LittleBang 
Could somebody (including Phra Cittasamvaro himself) provide a profile of Phra Cittasamvaro? I would like to know details such as which monastery he is based, how long has he been a monk, his educational and professional background.
Sure.
It’s always a bit humbling writing about oneself.
Born 1969, Manchester, England.
Monastic background in Luang Phor Chah lineage, UK
Ordained Rajaburi Province 1996
Now living in Wat Pak Nam, Thonburi
Degree (and enduring interest) in Psychology, MC University Thailand
Teacher and MA Student in Buddhist studies MCU
I have tried not to focus on personal details as many of the events and activities listed here are not arranged by myself or our group. Also our own events are not associated with any particular temple or organisation. For example the next series of talks and meditations will be hosted by Wat Yannawa, in late August.
Personally I try to focus on Dhamma rather than meditation methods, as many people have their own way of meditating already. Dhamma is common to all schools of meditation. My own approach to meditating is based around using thought and silence as the meditation object, but this is not for everyone. We have members experienced in all kinds of different approaches.
I also tend to reference psychology where it has something to add, or there is an interesting contrast with dhamma. However, I am not a fan of trying to merge dhamma and psychology, preferring to leave each in their own field. I also have an enduring interest in the Christian and Hindu mystics, but am no expert in these.
I don’t have any professional background, as I was pretty much dedicated to Monasticism since the age of 22.
Hope that’s of help.
Thank you for your reply which is very helpful. Your comments regarding dhamma and psychology and keeping them separate stoked my interest in a dhamma talk entitled ‘Buddhism and Psychology’ given by Ajahm Brahm. I have just downloaded it and will be listening to it after I finish writing this message. If you are interested in the dhamma talk, it can be found at http://www.bswa.org/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=4&orderby=titleA