In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Ajahn Mahā Dam (https://www.facebook.com/buddhakhanti/), who was handicapped during the Walk For Peace.

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:27 – Early Faith and Becoming a Novice

00:03:24 – Moving to Thailand at Age 14

00:04:03 – Ajahn's "Second Birth" as a Buddhist

00:05:41 – Challenges of Language and Adaptation

00:07:07 – Sustaining Monastic Life as a Youth

00:09:34 – Transitioning to Pāli Studies in Bangkok

00:11:38 – The Technique of Pain Meditation

00:14:03 – Recollections of the Accident

00:17:00 – Duration of the Peace Walk

00:21:27 – Breath Meditation vs. Mantras

00:22:25 – The Importance of Mindfulness at Death

00:25:11 – Advice on Loss and Mindfulness Without the Breath

00:26:38 – Sensations Immediately After Impact

00:30:17 – Processing the News of Amputation

00:33:08 – Offering the Leg as Buddha Pūja

00:37:31 – Hopes for Future Service to the Dhamma

00:39:36 – Experiences with Racism and Being a Stranger

00:41:10 – Favorite Teachers of the Thai Forest Tradition

00:42:38 – Listening to Ajahn Chah in Isaan/Lao Language

00:44:01 – Hopes for Pilgrimage in India and Nepal

00:44:36 – The Core Purpose of the Walk for Peace

00:48:07 – Practicing with Loss and Avoiding Resentment

00:50:55 – Forgiveness and the "Second Arrow" of Anger

00:54:13 – Reflections on the Community’s Support

00:56:37 – Current Recovery and Future Hopes

00:58:54 – A New Companion: The Peace Dog

Ajahn Mahā Dam's Biography:

Ajahn Mahā Dam Prommasan (พระอาจารย์มหาดำ พรหมสาร) was born in Savannakhet, Laos and ordained as a novice monk at age nine. At age fourteen, he traveled to Ubon, Thailand to further his studies at Wat Phitsopārām (วัดพิชโสภาราม), later continuing his studies in Bangkok where he would complete the eighth of nine levels of Pāli Proficiency. In 2016, he moved to Wat Lao Buddha Khanti in Snellville, Georgia, where he now serves as head monk. At the end of last year, Ajahn Maha Dam joined Bhante Paññākāra's Walk for Peace tudong. While on this walking pilgrimage near Houston, Texas, he was struck by a vehicle, resulting in injuries so severe that his leg had to be amputated. Despite the profound physical trauma and the loss of his limb, he continues his life as a monk with a heart free of grievance, embodying the very peace he set out to share with the world.

To learn more about Ajahn Mahā Dam, visit: https://www.watlaobuddhakhanti.org/ OR https://www.facebook.com/buddhakhanti/

- Interview with the Walk for Peace leader, Bhante Paññākāra here: https://youtu.be/vgo0mhBAotM

- And Part Two of that interview here: https://youtu.be/r_AhRfLJJNw

#walkforpeace #alokathepeacedog #buddhistmonks

----

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 - 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11:00 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6:00 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!