Universal Mindfulness Village

Ranga Jayawardena
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The Universal Mindfulness Village (UMV) English podcast is a platform for radical reflections born of mindfulness. Mindfulness, or present moment awareness, brings the mind back home–to the level of zero, where everything is null and void. That freedom is our birthright; all of us are endowed with mindfulness, whether we realize it or not. As one drills deeper into the freedom of the original mind, radical insights, or vipassana, come into light. This podcast is a forum for our mindful family to share such insights. UMV was founded by Most Venerable Dhammajiva Maha Thero, a Sri Lankan forest monk who has practiced mindfulness for 40+ years. Through this podcast, UMV is opening a discussion about the micro and macro causes, symptoms and cures for the ailments of the modern world. Try to be mindful here and now. You will experience firsthand how the mind has a fear of freedom. Seeking pleasure, fearing pain and overlooking neutrality, the mind runs from the utter peace of the present moment. That escape from freedom itself may be the root of all humanity’s troubles. Knowing this, and being accordingly prepared, may be the start of the journey back home, in this very life. This podcast series will cover how the civilized, modern world has developed into its current manifestation, the role of human psychology in westernization, and how humanity can find its way back home. Join our host, Ranga Jayawardena, as he stumbles his way through an attempt to understand the ancient wisdom brought to life by Most Venerable (“Bhante”) Dhammajiva. Along the way, we hope to catalyze our listeners, so they too may find the turning point to journey back home.

Episodes

  1. Sep 29

    #01 - Enlightenment is for Risk Lovers

    In our inaugural episode, Most Venerable Dhammajiva engages in a conversation with Ranga in New Jersey regarding the transcendental potential of mindfulness. The Maha Thero characterizes mindfulness as a “minister without portfolio,” a broader perspective, and a mental quality that fosters flexibility rather than rigidity—allowing one to avoid predetermined decisions or plans. Bhante Dhammajiva also addresses topics such as marriage, parenthood, and the intersection of worldly and spiritual life. He discusses the lineage of the Sangha, likening the integration of the newcomer to truth and the true person (kalyana mitta) to an infant nursing from its mother. Bhante Dhammajiva further examines the duality of the mind: one aspect harbors a fear of freedom, while the other is inherently liberated. He elaborates on preparedness—Appamada in Pali—describing it as vigilance and readiness for any circumstance. A substantial segment of the episode explores what Bhante terms the “risk lover” archetype. Enlightenment, he suggests, is suited to risk lovers—individuals willing to challenge convention and practice renunciation in three distinct ways.

    #01 - Enlightenment is for Risk Lovers
  • 1 Episode

About

The Universal Mindfulness Village (UMV) English podcast is a platform for radical reflections born of mindfulness. Mindfulness, or present moment awareness, brings the mind back home–to the level of zero, where everything is null and void. That freedom is our birthright; all of us are endowed with mindfulness, whether we realize it or not. As one drills deeper into the freedom of the original mind, radical insights, or vipassana, come into light. This podcast is a forum for our mindful family to share such insights. UMV was founded by Most Venerable Dhammajiva Maha Thero, a Sri Lankan forest monk who has practiced mindfulness for 40+ years. Through this podcast, UMV is opening a discussion about the micro and macro causes, symptoms and cures for the ailments of the modern world. Try to be mindful here and now. You will experience firsthand how the mind has a fear of freedom. Seeking pleasure, fearing pain and overlooking neutrality, the mind runs from the utter peace of the present moment. That escape from freedom itself may be the root of all humanity’s troubles. Knowing this, and being accordingly prepared, may be the start of the journey back home, in this very life. This podcast series will cover how the civilized, modern world has developed into its current manifestation, the role of human psychology in westernization, and how humanity can find its way back home. Join our host, Ranga Jayawardena, as he stumbles his way through an attempt to understand the ancient wisdom brought to life by Most Venerable (“Bhante”) Dhammajiva. Along the way, we hope to catalyze our listeners, so they too may find the turning point to journey back home.

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