Ready to begin or deepen your meditation practice? Join Dan Harris and world-class meditation teachers on the 10% with Dan Harris app here: https://app.danharris.com/membership What if monks — people who live in close quarters with strangers they didn't choose, follow hundreds of rules, and have no phone to retreat to — have actually figured out something the rest of us haven't about how to get along with people? Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho are Theravada Buddhist monks and teachers at Clear Mountain Monastery in Seattle. They trained in the Ajahn Chah lineage in Thailand, a tradition known for its emphasis on community, simplicity, and rigorous practice. In this conversation, they share: -The ancient confession practice (āvikaroti, or "opening") that monks do every two weeks — and how to adapt it for your own relationships - The Buddha's checklist for giving feedback skillfully — including the BAGEL acronym (Beneficial, Accurate, Gentle, Expedient, Loving-kindness) - What makes someone easy to speak to — and the 16 ways the Buddha said we make ourselves hard to speak to - How to receive criticism without counter-attacking, changing the subject, or vibrating with anger - A three-part framework for navigating troubled times: sila (virtue), samadhi (concentration), and panya (wisdom) - The Saraniya practice of giving before consuming — and why it's one of the most powerful antidotes to despair about the state of the world - What Buddhist "faith" actually means — and why it has nothing to do with blind belief Subscribe to watch more 10% Happier videos: https://www.youtube.com/tenpercenthappier Follow Dan Harris on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/danharris/ https://www.tiktok.com/@danbharris https://www.facebook.com/DanHarrisABC https://twitter.com/danbharris https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-harris-91ba5716b/ #meditation #Buddhism #mindfulness This episode is sponsored by: *LinkedIn Ads*: Reach the right professionals with precision targeting. Spend $250 and get a $250 credit at http://www.linkedin.com/happier *Fast Growing Trees*: America's largest online nursery, with plants guaranteed to arrive healthy. Get 20% off your first purchase with code HAPPIER at https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com *Tonal*: Smart home strength training with real-time coaching. Get $200 off with promo code HAPPIER at https://www.tonal.com *Northwest Registered Agent*: LLC formation, registered agent service, and free business resources at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/Happier-free