Phramaha Piya Jundadal, who has dedicated most of his life to the monkhood, often shares his observations from his travels to India. He reflects on how even the most poverty-stricken areas can foster profound joy and hope through the strength of community. Looking ahead to 2026, he aims to expand this mission through his temple and global livestreams. This past summer, the monks focused on the temple grounds, planting trees and cultivating a serene garden complete with a flowing stream. Beyond the temple walls, they remain committed to outreach, visiting those in need of blessings and providing support whenever tragedy strikes the world.

In the second installment of our series, Phramaha Piya Jundadal and I dive into the mental landscape of the modern world. Drawing from his travels and years of meditation, Piya observes that 99.9% of people—regardless of their background—are in a constant struggle with their own thoughts. We discuss the "monkey mind" and how our modern habits of high consumption have fractured our attention spans, making a well-trained mind more essential than ever for happiness. Piya explains why "cutting off" from society in intentional doses is a vital act of mental hygiene and offers a blunt look at how laziness can become a primary obstacle to a meaningful life. This is a deep dive into making inner peace a daily priority, moving beyond theory into the practical discipline required to master one’s own consciousness.

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and spiritual teacher, Phramaha Piya Jundadal of Wat Prodketchettharam of America, to record a conversation years in the making. Piya offers a rare look into the life of a forest monk, from the discipline of 4:00 AM wake-up calls and rigorous training to the humbling tradition of the alms round, where monks depend entirely on the community for their single daily meal. We explore the process of ordination and the sanctuary they’ve built in Niagara Falls—a place defined by open doors and radical compassion. Ultimately, Piya reminds us that despite the monastic "uniform," we all face the same human struggles, proving that the path to peace is accessible to everyone regardless of the robes they wear.

In our premiere episode, we are joined by Marla Pelletier—founder, mindfulness expert, and yoga instructor—for an immersive dive into the transformative power of Kirtan as a vital coping strategy for the modern world. Marla shares her profound perspective on the musician’s role as an act of Seva, or selfless service, illustrating how sound transcends performance to become a shared offering of healing. We explore the "heart-opening" magic of the Kirtan Community Jam, a space where the isolation of loneliness is dissolved through the pure physical power of vibration. Marla explains how establishing a Daily Sadhana, or spiritual practice, can ground us, leading into a beautiful discussion on the collective energy generated when we raise our voices together. This communal experience creates a high-vibrational energy that lifts everyone up, proving that when we share our voices, we don't lose ourselves—we actually become more energized and connected to the whole.

linktr.ee/theartofstayingsharp