This episode explores Ajahn Amaro's upcoming sabbatical and his reflections on renunciation, mindfulness, and the nature of self. Against the backdrop of his gratitude for the support received during the Winter Retreat, Ajahn Amaro details his plans for a year of solitude, emphasizing the importance of kaya viveka (physical seclusion) for cultivating a Dhamma-centered perspective. More significantly, he delves into the concept of renunciation, contrasting the English understanding with the Pali term Nikamma, highlighting contentment and simplicity over deprivation. For instance, he discusses the impermanence of possessions and roles, using the metaphor of swans abandoning lakes to illustrate the detachment from worldly attachments. Ajahn Amaro further shares a personal anecdote about choosing duty over a chance encounter with a rock star, underscoring his commitment to keeping promises and returning to his responsibilities. The episode concludes with reflections on fear and moral sensitivity (hiri-ottappa), emphasizing their roles as protective mechanisms, and the importance of skillful engagement with discomfort in the path of Dhamma practice.
