References – AN 6.55: With Soṇa 
Sutta / Aṅguttara Nikāya / AN 6: Chakkanipāta / AN 6.55: Soṇasutta

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“What is your take on satisfaction, being in tune, and stagnation?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Contentment ] [Energy] [Ardency ] // [Skillful qualities] [Discernment] [Buddha/Biography] [Spiritual search] [Right Effort]

Sutta: AN 2.5: Effort and noncontentment with wholesome states.

Story: The Thai government made it illegal for monks to teach contentment. [History/Thai Buddhism] [Monastic life] [Teaching Dhamma]

Comment about the simile of the lute. [Middle Path] [Similes]

Sutta: AN 6.55: Soṇa Sutta

Right Livelihood [2013], Session 2, Excerpt 5


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“Regarding the lute simile (AN 6.55), I notice that even properly tuned instruments gradually creep out of tune. Is finding the balance a lifelong effort?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Middle Path] [Right Effort] [Similes] [Long-term practice]

Comment about the need to put work into perspective. [Work] [Culture/West]

Right Livelihood [2013], Session 2, Excerpt 6


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Readings from The Island by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, Chapter 1, pp. 30-35. Read by Ajahn Amaro:

Nyanatiloka Bhikkhu, “Nibbāna,” Buddhist Dictionary, p. 105.

The Mind Like Fire Unbound by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro, p. 2.

Suttas: MN 26.13; SN 38.1; AN 10.60; Ud 3.10; AN 3.55; AN 6.55; SN 43.1-44.

Vinaya: Mahāvagga 1.5 (also occurs at SN 6.1 and MN 26.19).

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 3