Ep20: Supra-Mundane Dhamma - Dhammarato
In this episode, I talk with Dhammarato – a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition who has gained an enthusiastic internet following for his unique, 1-1 teaching style conducted over Skype.
We discuss Dhammarato’s adventures throughout India studying in search of magic and meditation; his encounters with gurus such as Muktananda, Sai Baba, and Osho; why meeting famed meditation master Buddhadasa turned his search for magic upside down and saw him ordain as a Buddhist monk in the Thai Tradition.
We discuss what Dhammarato calls the ‘supra-mundane Dhamma’; hear his take on the failings of Western Buddhism; learn why he believes Visuddhimagga author Buddhaghosa was either a charlatan or a fool; and discover Dhammarato’s surprisingly simple advice on correct practice.
Topics include:
00:50 – Dhammarato’s professional background and search for magic in India
04:42 – A challenging 10-day retreat with U Upandita
05:47 – Time with Muktananda and the practices of Siddha Yoga
07:55 – Buddha magical vs Buddha reality
09:50 – The Magicians of India
12:48 – Meeting the meditation master Buddhadasa
17:32 – The story of Bikkhu Buddhadasa
19:24 – The real teachings of the Buddha
24:06 – The trial of Bikkhu Buddhadasa
29:09 – Life at the monastery
31:14 – What is correct practice?
33:12 – How to be free of the five hindrances
36:25 – Gathering the jhana factors
37:59 – The flaws of the Visuddhimagga and critique of Buddhaghosa
52:48 – What is an arhat?
57:52 – The Pragmatic Dharma movement, the 4 Path Model, and Stream Entry
1:02:22 – Why students need teachers and not just books
1:03:41 – Teaching on Skype and Dhammarato’s internet popularity
1:06:35 – The results of Dhammarato’s personal practice
1:10:07 – The problem with words like ‘arhat’ and ‘enlightenment’
1:15:10 – How to find Dhammarato
To find out more about Dhammarato, visit:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James