Ep12: Meeting A Wandering Ascetic - Bhante Jason

37-year old Bhante Jason is an Australian monk who left a career in law to wander the countryside as an ascetic Buddhist monk. Ordained in the Theravanda tradition in Sri Lanka over eight years ago, he lives outdoors without possessions except for his robes and begging bowl.
Seeing hypocrisy in much of modern Buddhism's approach, Bhante Jason describes his approach to Buddhist practice as 'Classic' and chooses to live as closely as he can to the strict monastic rules of the historical Buddha.
I travel out to his rain season retreat cave in the Blue Mountains to meet this unusual and charismatic wanderer.
A tour of Bhante Jason's meditation caves
The 8 Precepts that allow lay people to temporarily practice as a monk
Bhante Jason's early interest in Buddhism and his teenage preoccupation with the problem of suffering
Disillusionment with Zen practice in New York
The influence Bikkhu Bodhi's translations of the early Suttas
How reconnecting with the historical Buddha ignited Bhante's inspiration to become a homeless monk
Travelling to Sri Lanka for ordination and training
The hypocrisy of later Buddhist doctrinal developments
Abuse of authority by Buddhist leaders
The safety mechanism of asceticism
The moral authority of purity
Bhante's first experiences in Sri Lanka and his love for the culture
Novice initiation, monastic camaraderie, and getting painted in tumeric
Bhante's monastic vows
Going beyond the monastic training to become a wandering monk
Early lessons in surviving outdoors, finding water, and avoiding mosquitos
Bhante's training in meditation and his unique personal approach
Meditation vs walking your dog
Bhante's 2-step meditation instruction
Training your body to become stronger in the face of negative emotion
Using posture, breath, and thoughts to train the body
The dangers of Darth Vader meditation
Living as a homeless monk in Australia
Surviving long journeys through the bush
Choosing his meditation cave
Bhante's daily practice routine
Sexuality and celibacy on the monastic path
Bhante's poem about sexual energy
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Music 'Deva Dasi' by Guru Viking

[@moonmissy]

I met a hermit monk in Vietnam who left his traditional medicine doctor career to become a wandering monk for twenty years before the government forced his order to stop wandering as a lifestyle. He then lived in the mountains for over 10 years. There is a medicant order in Vietnam that does this, living the life like how monks used to live during the time of the Buddha. This medicant order was founded in 1960’s by monk Minh Dang Quang. It integrates Theravada monk rules, teachings and living style with Mahayana teachings. The order ate vegetarian food, own or keeps no money, ate once a day and travel by foot daily sleeping at different places each day except during rain retreat.

[@alexandredetaunayvoloch118]

This is incredible. What an inspiring person.

[@jeremyc4893]

A very inspirational monk. A true Gem/Jewel.

[@juswind]

Here's the poem recited at the end. Please comment with any clarifications. Last chance to see cosmic drama and dance Relax, you already hold the tickets In your breath is the deeper amends (immense?, amounts?) In your heart the rhythm In your mind the holy trance In your spine the lands of heaven This video moved me to tears.

[@Daili88]

In your breath is the deep romance

[@isidorregenfu9632]

I think it's "in your spine the Lance of heaven"

[@giulias.5104]

*In your breath is the deeper amends (I heard that too).

[@Zen_Techniques]

☸☸☸📿📿📿🙏🙏🙏 move over Milapera

[@learningnochoice]

Dear Jason, thank u so much for this interview 🙏

[@LuisGonzalez-pj2xz]

The best interview I have seen in this channel. Thank you again, dear Guru Viking,

[@YouthfulYogi91]

A diamond-like radiant clarity.

[@ginamin]

thank you for this interview! i am taking a Buddhism class right now and i am researching upon different topics, this video was extremely enlightening. i might take on the lens of Buddhist ascetic practices, such as homelessness.

[@hughiedavies6069]

I was thinking he's got great posture while listening, I don't think all sadhus smell or are crazy, some are incredibly disciplined but there's so many different kinds of sadhus, some practice what we might think of as crazy but its their practice, interesting conversation, it's always good to see a young man prepared to give everything worldly up to be a monk , thank you 😔

[@johninman7545]

The commenting on wants and desires is very meaningful. We are literally boiling the world for stuff. It's a war on life itself. Why we have so much war. Buddhas those who dwell in Peace.

[@WaterSeesWater]

Very interesting interview . The place is also very interesting . Yeah, Bhikkhu Bodhi's translation works have had a lot of influence on people .

[@VisualDrone12]

Very precious document. Thank you.

[@dawaj3715]

Great interview!

[@GuruViking]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@wordscapes5690]

One of your best

[@Klara-1366]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Namo Buddhay

[@manbunnmcfanypakjustacoolg4965]

Don't let fear hold you back

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, Thank you for your hard work in making the video. I enjoyed the good video. Have a happy day.

[@Schizopantheist]

"Something like that happened every day, all the way to Townsville" (1500 mls away) When he said that, after describing his interaction with the girl at the supermarket my jaw dropped open and I had to pause the video. That is actually astonishing to me and tells me that the world is perhaps not as I think it is. Or maybe Australians are just more friendly haha

[@avinashpawar51]

wonderful and insightful

[@sugarfree1894]

Loved this, thank you and Thank You to Bhante Jason

[@DizzyCsango]

I really wish I had the means to travel to Japan; India; Sri Lanka; and New York to find a guru who could teach me how to become a homeless ascetic who doesn't 'touch'' money...

[@MrAlexFriends]

Wonderful interview

[@faithfully5951]

May three gems(Buddha Dharma Shanga) last long and long. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

[@infiniteTimeSoul.siddharth]

Are you do Vipassana practice ?

[@rheagonsalves]

@@infiniteTimeSoul.siddharth i think Bante Jason does, as he is from Theraveda & he mentions observing the body very clearly.

[@Deeeepsea-j5m]

Beautiful!🙏❤️

[@bimbram]

Great interview as always. Thank you for this 🙏

[@michaelmanningly8984]

This guy has got a LONG LONG LONG way to go !

[@Mandrew99]

That poem!

[@felixmercury99]

can someone explain the meaning on the last poem? sorry english isnt my first language

[@ishowinertia]

The poem is hinting at semen retention being a path to heaven. It is an extremely powerful practice.

[@horseheadnebula89]

I wonder which one of Bhikkhu Bodhi's books was the one that inspired him so much.

[@GuruViking]

I'm not sure actually :-)

[@petiyakanda7393]

'In the Buddha's Words'

[@salvijus9]

Wonderful :)

[@aljabuddha7610]

🙏🏻 Super Wow Kul Lepo Buddha Buddhist Love 🧘🏼 👍🏻 🍀 😊 🧸 🌸 Havala SLOVENIJA

[@learningtolearn4190]

Oh man what a place

[@johninman7545]

Sadhus can be very peaceful and virtuous and beneficial. There was one who lived for a hundred years plus and was a student of Ramana Maharshi..He lived in the Himalayas.

[@justahumanbeing.709]

yes, true, he says 'all' sadhus are crazy smelly hash addicts. an extremely judgemental view.

[@dee556]

@@justahumanbeing.709very judgemental. I’ve met plenty of sadhus and they were clean and the ones I’ve met didn’t smoke at all.

[@ashmin3636]

That ending tho... Oof, great interview! Thanks, Guru Viking!

[@FihasiaTshirtStore]

A lot of good thoughts but so much bitterness and presence of “I”, I wish compassion, wisdom(open mindedness)and love for this being 🙏

[@BohnDe95]

At no point did I get the feeling this monk was bitter. He was honest about his experience, not bitter. Any monk that isn't an Arhant will have a trace of "I" in their thinking.

[@JT-jy2sy]

Does anyone know where Bhante Jason Is now?

[@brycewilson212]

He is currently in sri Lanka wandering and wearing a face mask (covid time period)

[@ACGT95448]

"In your spine the lands of heaven" !? Has this anything to do with the fact that the spine is composed of 33 vertebrae ?? I'm wondering. With the number 33 having such spiritual significance.

[@rm-pc3544]

Thanks for uploading. I wonder does he ever have a day where he has some sweets and watchs movies? Like once or twice a year.

[@felixmercury99]

he cant watch any entertainment, it is one of the basic 10 precepts of a novice monks

[@thewealthconnoisseur9952]

The transition from one stage of life to any higher stage of life Is always full of sacrifice

[@learningtolearn4190]

Yeah

[@danzacjones]

I first saw this interview of yours and with your accent I thought you were from here. Next time you're here, let me know if you want to do some long hikes and sitting :)

[@GuruViking]

Thanks! Not going to be up in the Blue Mountains in 2020 but I'll definitely announce it if that changes.

[@chiefchimp4377]

You referring to the monk’s accent or the host’s accent? Because the host’s accent is clearly British.

[@danzacjones]

​​@@chiefchimp4377the host. I am from sydney and he does sound kinda like some people do here sometimes. Especially like around Mosman or something. Look at former PM malcolm fraser for instance (wouldn't have voted for him though 😅)

[@Killereggman]

Nice cave! I'm an introspective weird shape head too

[@simonsays525]

This man seems very very wise.

[@bassmonk2920]

It makes sense from his opinions that he is following his true path.

[@Skatelifefool]

Interesting to think that there are ascetics around the planet.

[@ThatGuy-iv4tc]

🙏 🙏 🙏

[@poikkiki]

Very interesting to get a different perspective. I am watching all of your interviews, enjoying them very much. I am wondering, do you follow a particular school of Buddhism? 🙏🏻

[@broquestwarsneeder7617]

i think he is a Theravada buddhist because he went to Sri Lanka. His robes, his name, and the living homeless, eating 1 meal a day-thing speak to that as well(i think lol)

[@KM-zw9qb]

@@broquestwarsneeder7617 think he was asking about the host

[@firozdang]

thanks, but I didn't understood what he meant by dividends of celibacy

[@christopherjordan9707]

Maybe a sublimination of the libido? I think Carl Jung may even touch on this. But I'm not quite sure myself exactly what he meant.

[@Deeeepsea-j5m]

Listen carefully to his last words on the transformation of sexual energy…in poetic form! He is real ticket!👍

[@onelove7069]

I think he just means that the rewards and benefits of celibacy (true lasting peace, joy, equanimity, enlightenment..) are far greater than the very impermanent small rewards of not keeping celibate

[@Jeepneyko]

Is he still there?

[@mai8881]

🙏🙏🙏🌼🌷🌸💐

[@trancepriest]

Yes JAH... rasta far eye

[@Biggleby]

Is this in australia?

[@Li0nX]

🙏

[@junkjunk2493]

interesting

[@rheagonsalves]

Did Bhante Jason carry any mobile or laptop ?

[@learningtolearn4190]

May bes yes

[@chaththa85]

💐🙏🙏🙏💐

[@davidelliott1123]

💯

[@mariosunitsch3698]

weltklasse

[@imreallysorry7622]

Hi

[@fingerprint5511]

The Buddha often spoke of the importance of physical seclusion (kaya-viveka) and simplicity as a foundation for liberation of the mind in samadhi (citta-viveka) and liberation from mental defilements (upadhi-viveka) the practice dhutanga, or Tudong is one of 13 aesthetic practices recommended hy the Buddha. The Thai Forest Tradition are still doing this and is the branch I practice because the teachings, Dhamma, is so clear. For anyone interested look into Ajahn Chah. Not sure what this person really is, those robes are not Saffron, Theravada robes. He should go to Wat Pah Nanachat. This is not how an authentic Buddhist monk behaves, he's very, very attached to his own created delusion (Anatta)

[@batchas]

When you write "one of 13 aesthetic practices", I think you mean "one of 13 ascetic practices".

[@kylecoker6670]

Attachment, aversion, and confusion

[@justahumanbeing.709]

He's very judgemental about Sadhus, they are not all crazy, smelly, hash addicts. Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Yogananda, Ramana Maharshi just a few well known examples.

[@tr7b410]

For a brilliant breakdown of the different types of samadhi see on internet Ramana Maharshi-Be as you are Chapter 12 Experience and Samadhi...Sahaja samadhi-the unified field of awareness or Born Again when the ego is destroyed along with its subconscious mind-unconscious mind revealing the superconscious mind. Don't forget NEEM KAROLI BABA...NAMASTE

[@DaviiidS937]

I agree.

[@eshingansho]

I actually found in a decade of study that Mahayana predated Theravada by a few hundred years and Theravada came about at around the third Buddhist council. Not only that, Pali is based on Sanskrit and the oldest Sutras found to date are all Sanskrit predating the first Pali by a few hundred years as well. I studied Historiology in order to better understand the flow of history and in Historiology you learn to dig back as far as you can in order to get as close to the original message or spirit of a teaching. The Theravada argument has been debunked now since the 1930's as more and more evidence mounted showing the true origins (by Scientists who are not Buddhists thus removing confirmation bias). I did originally subscribe to Theravada for awhile after I got started as a Jodo Shinshu Mahayana Buddhist, but neither of those seemed right after my deep studies of the origins of Buddhism. There is enough evidence now (though very scattered and hard to assemble) to show that not only was Mahayana, Vajrayana, and Theravada all were not to accurate to the original Buddha-dharma as they all claim (typical of group based systems such as traditions) but there were at least two or three traditions prior to all of those. This Monk through his studies in Sociology and Psychology (prior to becoming a Buddhist) found that tradition is a form of strong attachment and should be avoided, just like the Buddha said to do so in some of the earliest Sutras from before the three traditions of the modern era. In order to truly experience the Buddha-dharma one must be free from all attachments especially group based traditions such as worshiping at Temples and/or Monasteries. The Rhinoceros Sutra is a text found in all three of the modern traditions but the earliest found version is in Sanskrit and dates back to 150 or so years after the Buddha passed and is one of the core Sutras this Monk follows. You can not find truth in groups because you will always follow a leader figure and that leader will say which texts are to be followed and which to be considered apocryphal, the Buddha said to not outright reject a Sutra one has not read first as it may contain good Dharma even if it contains some unwholesome qualities. This is why this Monk has made it a mission to find research and history from non-Buddhist sources as anyone who was Buddhist in a particular tradition is going to have cognitive bias and confirm their own tradition to be "closest to the Buddha-dharma" when in the very act of doing so they are defending a collective ego (group based ego) as well as reinforcing self ego, thus it is important to find outside materials study those and form ones practice based around the findings.

[@wheelbarrowfriend2035]

It’s opposite, friend. Theravada is path of the elders so it came first. It is first.

[@thesunman]

Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven