After a 15-minute meditation, Ajahn Brahmali gives a talk on working with the inner critic by progressing through the stages of non-judgment of others, self-acceptance, self-compassion, and understanding our thoughts as conditioned and not personal, culminating in the elimination of the critic altogether. He encourages the listener to depersonalise their relationship with their own undesired qualities by recognizing the influence of factors such as the people around us and how the choices we make are conditioned by our pasts, making room for us to practice accepting and letting go of our perceived shortcomings to make space for compassion and recognition of our wholesome qualities. In the last 45 minutes, Ajahn Brahmali answers audience questions, covering topics such as judging the qualities of others, working with one’s own shortcomings skilfully, how conditionality and self-compassion relate to medical conditions like ADHD, and how Right View helps us let go of unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

[0:00] Introduction
[3:40] Guided meditation
[17:45] Non-judgment and hanging out with good people
[26:22] Self-acceptance, non-self and free will
[40:18] Self-compassion
[53:42] The elimination of the inner critic
[1:02:40] Q1: Isn’t it judgmental to decide people are good or bad?
[1:08:20] Q2: The difference between justification and self-compassion
[1:12:20] Q3: Reconditioning, lack of choice, and what it means for medical conditions
[1:22:23] Q4: The benefits of hanging out with bad people
[1:24:32] Q5: Tips to avoid dwelling on problems and getting angry
[1:37:02] Q6: The Buddha’s teachings on compassion and finding good spiritual friends
[1:41:08] Closing and information about Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery

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Is there a little voice inside you, telling you that you are not good enough or that you got it wrong again? This voice of the “inner critic” can torment us, reminding us of our insignificant flaws and making us blind to all our wonderful qualities and strengths.

In this talk, Ajahn Brahmali will help us learn how to recognise the voice of the inner critic and undermine its power to sap our joy. Through the skillful use of perception and thought, we will learn to make peace with ourselves and nurture our potential for Awakening.

ABOUT US:

Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project is a charity that aims to spread the Buddha's teachings and give women the opportunity to train toward full bhikkhuni ordination for the very first time in the UK. Over the years we have developed a diverse and dedicated spiritual community around these aims and recently found a property! Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery, in Boar's Hill, Oxford, is surrounded by peaceful woodland. We moved there only on March 22nd, 2024. In this exciting phase we welcome your support to enable us to cover the significant running costs, make essential renovations and adaptations to the property, and welcome visitors and aspiring monastic trainees as soon as we can!

Donations of any amount are very gratefully received, either as one-off gifts or standing orders. UK tax payers can claim gift aid, increasing your donation by 25%. International bank transfers can be made via Wise.

Please visit

https://www.anukampaproject.org/donate or write to [email protected] for further information.