Kindness to Yourself | Ajahn Hasapanna | 3 April 2026

Ajahn Hasapanna delivers a profound meditation on self-compassion and the dangers of losing oneself in the pursuit of pleasing others. Drawing from personal experiences in Thai monasteries and reflections on human psychology, he illustrates how our suffering often stems from an over-identification with the self—whether through fear of disappointing others, excessive sensitivity to criticism, or the compulsion to always be helpful. He recounts a pivotal moment during his early monastic practice when he realized that his discomfort with slow chanting was not due to the environment, but his own complaining mind draining his energy. This insight led him to shift his perception, finding joy and peace by focusing on the kindness of others and cultivating inner freedom. The talk emphasizes that true kindness includes self-kindness: setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and processing emotions instead of suppressing them. He warns that unprocessed anger and resentment can lead to explosive outbursts, and stresses the importance of creating space for emotional release. Ultimately, Ajahn Hasapanna teaches that we are not living for others, but for ourselves—our own well-being is essential not only for our happiness but also for our ability to genuinely help others without becoming a burden. The talk concludes with practical wisdom on mindfulness, right view, and the transformative power of reflecting on impermanence and death to cultivate urgency and gratitude in daily practice.