Since equanimity is central in the 4th Jhāna, would it be correct to assume that focusing mostly on equanimity as a meditation subject may not be fruitful before that stage?
https://youtu.be/eCiVxcOCrtE?t=39s
After the first Jhāna talk, I meditated and went into Jhāna but I doubted it. Yesterday you said someone can go into Jhāna after hearing a talk, how amazing is that!
https://youtu.be/eCiVxcOCrtE?t=234s
During Jhāna practice, how can one cultivate joy from memory but release sense attachment to memory, leaving just joy? And, what is the relationship of gratitude to joy?
https://youtu.be/eCiVxcOCrtE?t=812s
I've been practicing the "kneading" bath powder / bread method and been finding it highly effective. Would Ajahn be able to offer additional encouragement / reflections about this practice?
https://youtu.be/eCiVxcOCrtE?t=1618s
I find that when lights appear in meditation it is much easier and more joyful to use visual image of the lights to concentrate rather than the breath. Is it okay to change the subject of concentration to the lights that appear?
https://youtu.be/eCiVxcOCrtE?t=2830s
Hello Ajahn, you point out that restraint of senses is the process to glimpse Samādhi. You suggest letting go of preoccupations including family and friends. How to skillfully relate?
https://youtu.be/VBmgrGFoiKQ?t=367s
Can one access Jhāna through loving kindness meditation? If so, can one also dwell in the Jhāna using loving kindness meditation? The Four Sublime States http://www.bps.lk/olib/wh/wh006_Nyanaponika_The-Four-Sublime-States.pdf
https://youtu.be/VBmgrGFoiKQ?t=704s
"concern for future self". I see rebirth as habit energy. Could Ajahn speak a bit beyond reaching Samādhi and how this concern influences rebirth in the next moment and the next lifetime?
https://youtu.be/VBmgrGFoiKQ?t=1148s
When you reach Jhāna, why would it end? Is it possible to stay in Jhāna state forever? I am new to Buddhism, so apologies if this is dumb question!
https://youtu.be/VBmgrGFoiKQ?t=1712s
What is the key for moving from a lower to a higher Jhāna (eg from first to second). I have heard "reflection on drawbacks of the lower Jhāna" but any other tips, tricks, or mechanisms?
https://youtu.be/VBmgrGFoiKQ?t=2280s
I want to ask about entering Jhāna. Ajahn has mentioned that entering them with metta or loving kindness, I also understand that they are to be entered with single pointed concentration. In this case, would the point of concentration be metta etc. Would metta, an inducing sensation be the focus? How would this work? What about using the breath on the lip or stomach? Would this suffice as a single point to induce Jhāna?
https://youtu.be/gv_3ScNHd0A?t=216s
Ajahn Brahm tells about a man in Jhāna who was taken to the morgue by his family because they thought he was dead. Makes it sound like a pleasure to be feared. Could you comment?
https://youtu.be/gv_3ScNHd0A?t=1203s
Why are there Jhānas? What is the goal of attaining them? Should we strive to reach all of them? I had no idea that they even existed until a few months ago.
https://youtu.be/gv_3ScNHd0A?t=1278s
Can Ajahn point to the sutta that say Samādhi is better in walking compared to sitting Samādhi? Walking Meditation (AN 5.29) https://suttacentral.net/an5.29/en/sujato "....and immersion gained while walking lasts long...."
https://youtu.be/gv_3ScNHd0A?t=2420s
The sleepiness totally gone away. I was filled with energy. happiness, and pleasure. The posture suddenly became very erect and straight without effort. It was like a switch has suddenly flipped. When the session ended after three hours, there were no aches or pressure point pains on the legs. Is this a Jhāna? If so, is it the 1st or 2nd?
https://youtu.be/gv_3ScNHd0A?t=3030s
What Sutta's and books does Ajahn recommend for essential or further study on Jhāna's and breath meditation? ** Suttas - Vimuttimagga http://urbandharma.org/pdf1/Path_of_Freedom_Vimuttimagga.pdf - The Mystery of the Breath Nimitta - Ajahn Sona https://birken.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ajahn-Sona-The-Mystery-of-the-Breath-Nimitta.pdf
https://youtu.be/3_FA0Ct7xWA?t=155s
In the past, Ajahn used the phrase "Unstimulated Silence". What does Ajahn mean by this phrase? is this the silence that arises with Jhāna?
https://youtu.be/3_FA0Ct7xWA?t=445s
After reaching sustained sukha for a time, then, sloth and torpor arise. Not aware it has entered. How not to fall in to sloth and torpor at this point?
https://youtu.be/3_FA0Ct7xWA?t=856s
After strong joy, I lose connection to the breath. Going back to the breath feels like I am pushing my hand into a glass of water and the water pushes back. Direction, please _/\_
https://youtu.be/3_FA0Ct7xWA?t=1331s
This icon of the lines circling the moon. Reminded me of a talk of Luang Ta Maha Boowa where he talked about mindfulness circling objects out on alms round. Is it like this?
https://youtu.be/3_FA0Ct7xWA?t=1860s
Anapanasati pre-requisite for to Right Mindfulness practice? Can Samādhi and Vipassana be practiced at the same time? Worldly activities give more conditions for Vipassana ?
https://youtu.be/3_FA0Ct7xWA?t=2220s
Is right understanding of liberation that the heart is being liberated from the 'I'? And that rather than my realising the Dhamma, it is the Dhamma realising me?
https://youtu.be/7oFty1Fg6gM?t=1558s
Would you talk a bit about some of the changes you've seen in stream enterers and how a lay person might continue the progression toward sakadagami.
https://youtu.be/7oFty1Fg6gM?t=1783s
Inspired by your talk of the same name, I decided to devote myself to a "Year of Metta". 10 months in I haven't yet been able to find a source of metta within, a "heart" so to speak. I go through words and mechanical steps, try to smile and so forth, stare at a photo of a very sweet dog I had 50 years ago...it's probably helping in some ways, but I'm still looking for the source, the "heart". Any suggestions on how to push through this impasse?
https://youtu.be/7oFty1Fg6gM?t=2283s
I live alone and I often seek the "false company" of the media; this has gradually become almost an addiction; does Ajahn have any advice to wean off from these distractions?
https://youtu.be/7oFty1Fg6gM?t=2605s
I've noticed that in meditation my mind is often very obsessed or paranoid with catching and eliminating hindrances which may or may not have arisen. This often gives rise to a lot of tension, rigidity, and discomfort. Do you have any advice?
https://youtu.be/7oFty1Fg6gM?t=2910s
What’s the difference in results between experiencing the breath throughout the body vs single pointed at the nose or is it advisable to choose just one technique?
https://youtu.be/zayx6ynfCHY?t=2786s
In your video about Right View, you mentioned it is about a selection of views, not about waiting for evidence. How does this fit in with the Dhamma being ehipassiko?
https://youtu.be/GyA1FkQDxhc?t=3232s
I have grief over the loss of species on the planet. It seems helpful to let these feelings flow through, cry, and let go. Is there a place for tears?
https://youtu.be/GyA1FkQDxhc?t=3909s
In your talk “Buddhist vs Western Psychology”, you said “we don’t deal with childhood as such.” Couldn’t it be said that childhood issues are present kamma?
https://youtu.be/GyA1FkQDxhc?t=4148s
I have trouble understanding what the fourth application of satipatthana (phenomena) refers to and how to interact with it. Some pointers would be appreciated.
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=305s
I feel a slight cognitive dissonance about doing things such as playing piano or furthering my career. I've listened to your talks where you described feeling a disenchantment with music and other worldly things, which helped you commit entirely to the spiritual life. I feel like it would be "forcing it" to suddenly drop everything and try to live as a monk, and that instead I should focus on allowing my practice to grow until the renunciation comes willingly and naturally. What are your thoughts on this?
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=748s
I have a question about music replaying in my mind for days. Are there skillful ways to stop this from happening? When I'm in deep concentration it stops but when I stop meditating it returns almost immediately.
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=1050s
Could Ajahn please speak to the apparent conflict between the concepts of karma and anatta? How can one inherit the results of one's actions when there is no abiding self or essence?
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=1429s
Some have the view that the 1st jhana is a state in which all sensory input is switched off, for example one cannot feel being touched or cannot even hear sounds. However, from what I've read the Buddha never mentioned this in regards to the 1st jhana and this possibly sounds like the formless jhanas. What are your thoughts on this? Is this right or wrong view?
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=1754s
What can you do when experiencing emotions that seem to come naturally such as sexual desire? Do you in a way ignore it? It seems taboo but sexual desire can affect me as much if I were to experience fear.
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=2317s
Can you provide guidance on engaging in the practice of celibacy for lay people as part of the gradual training (beyond Uposatha days and while on retreat)? There seem to be many examples of married couples engaging in this practice, but it is rarely taught by modern teachers.
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=2510s
As a lay practitioner juggling between work and family on a daily basis, I have noticed that it is quite challenging to still the mind at the beginning of a meditation session. Is it alright to begin the sitting with mindfulness of breath to calm the body and mind before transitioning to metta? The challenge is, sometimes it could take 20-30 minutes to calm both body and mind with no time left to transition to a more formal metta meditation.
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=2794s
I am asked to look at Buddha's image when doing the 9 attributes of Buddha meditation. I can't think that is the Buddha's image. How can I do this meditation?
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=2961s
There are times of deep sadness, deeply unmotivated mood, when we see no pleasure and contentment in life. What is the best way to face all these challenges?
https://youtu.be/Hf0Z0ShvSVU?t=3351s
As I am having some trouble fully grasping this concept, would you shine some light on the subject of memory and its way of functioning? Is it a discrete faculty, or is it a synergy of multiple khandhas? Or is it simply sati? “Where” is it “stored” and how is it carried from one “life” to another and how can it be accessed from the subsequent “life,” as if it was a memory of yesterday?
https://youtu.be/PLrnAnS8IxY?t=25s
Today I tried to explain the difference between the fetters (samyojanas) and the outflows (asavas), but quickly realized I didn't really have a good grasp of it. Please enlighten me!
https://youtu.be/PLrnAnS8IxY?t=657s
If I become aware of thinking, and the thought is an opinion how do I know if I truly believe the opinion? Are only some thoughts true? How do we know what we really think and feel?
https://youtu.be/PLrnAnS8IxY?t=871s
You mentioned in a video on breath meditation that I should be taking no more than four breaths per minute. This concerned me greatly, as it seems impossible. My breaths tend to be shallow and frequent, even in deep meditation. How can I shorten my breaths?
https://youtu.be/PLrnAnS8IxY?t=1208s
I've been getting good pitti and sukka, and a very peaceful mind with few thoughts in my meditations. However, there remains a lingering frustration: I never go any deeper. Any tips?
https://youtu.be/PLrnAnS8IxY?t=1742s
Could you comment on Buddhist perspectives on anxiety disorders? What advice do you have for practitioners who suffer from such problems? Professional medical help-aside, which is certainly important, I wonder if Buddhist practice itself can play a supplementary role in healing such problems?
https://youtu.be/PLrnAnS8IxY?t=3141s
Stream entry is described as an instantaneous realization of insight - do the successive achievements on the stream, (once returner, non returner, arahant) have a similar "moment" of realization?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=24s
Venerable Sir, Please, How am I to relate to the present individual and group protestations that I experience from the non-vaxers, anti-vaxers, freedom of rights and anarchists among us? And further, how to understand that thoughts and actions cause both individual and collective kamma?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=163s
Is there actually “good” or “bad” or are these just labels we give to objects dependent on our feelings? For example, we can eat an apple fruit, it nourishes us and tastes pleasant to us, therefore we call it “good” so planting an apple tree would lead to a “good” result. Similarly, planting a tree with poisonous fruits that results in our illness and suffering would be considered a negative action. But both are just trees and neither are inherently good or bad. Is this false labeling what ignorance is?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=808s
Can you expound on working with fear of future physical suffering- i.e. the specter of the pain associated with a physical ailment? Even if one is comfortable with the idea of death, there remains the challenge of dealing with the aversion to the possibility of a slow, painful death and all the myriad challenges for yourself and the loved one who might be caring for you or witnessing your passing.
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=1159s
In the Chiggala Sutta, there is the metaphor of turtle and climate crisis vs gradual path and relax to the max. How to be gradual and cool knowing about the uniqueness of living in a Dhamma world and that there may not be much time left?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=1478s
Would Ajahn please share some words on creating art inspired by the Dhamma - with deep sincerity and much respect, but are these enough? How to go about it skilfully?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=2037s
Could you talk a little about Cittanupassana please? Can it be used as a formal practice or should it form part of your general awareness during meditation?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=2222s
Dear Ajahn Sona, a few years ago my 20+ years of marriage fell apart and my teenage children were alienated from me for reasons I am unable to comprehend. I tried in every possible way to get in touch with my kids but nothing worked. Now, they are adults and I am just accepting that this is the way they want it. But I still yearn for some word from them. Is it delusion? Am I not accepting reality?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=2454s
I hear the word “contemplation” on breath, on feeling, on thoughts, and so on. I’m having challenges to understand the true meaning. Please, do you have another word I can try?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=2722s
Can the mastery of Samatha and Jhanas overcome my doubts about Buddhism? If I only practice the 5 precepts and intensify my Samatha, where will I eventually reach?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=2854s
I am a manic depressive and have been so all of my life. Luckily for me I respond readily to medication and have heard much from the wise. This thing is 80% genetic…explained to me as "if you have the gene, but not the stimulus, you go nowhere. If you have the stimulus but not the gene, you go nowhere. But, if you have the stimulus and the gene??? We're off to the races !!!" What does the Buddha have to say about mental illness?
https://youtu.be/BmVrIpFXfac?t=3156s
As a Christian I used to pray for help from heavenly beings when the kilesas were threatening to overwhelm me. As I understand it the Buddhist way is to induce strength by aspirational chanting and metta rather than asking other beings for help. But are there no beings we can call for help and protection when the defense is low? Or will I have to rely exclusively on establishing my own strength and resolve?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=21s
I have so appreciated your teaching of karuna as simply a subset of metta, but wonder if you can elaborate. How does karuna feel different than metta? And how do we practice it differently?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=471s
Dear Ajahn, I am feeling too much hurt and unable to deal with separation. It was a marriage of 33 years that needed to be ended. But I was hurting before and I am still hurting. I meditate daily and follow Dhamma. I am feeling so stuck and helpless at this point. Can I ever feel happiness?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=793s
When a family member says something unskillful to me, my wish is to meet it skillfully, without aversion. But sometimes hurt and aversion arise quickly.
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=1121s
I’ve been having feelings of wanting out of the world. Not depressed or suicidal, I just don’t want to do this anymore - the endless, fruitless search for a romantic partner, the yearning to belong to social groups only to then worry about being excluded, the constant striving to advance professionally, etc. Is this a step forward on the path or just anxiety? What would be a skillful way of addressing these feelings of ‘Gahhh let me out!’?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=1852s
In the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, there is a verse "This noble truth of the cessation of suffering is to be realized." Does "realized" mean reaching the goal of final liberation?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=2094s
Early in my meditation practice, I took bodhisattva vows on many occasions, following the custom of a local Mahayana temple I was frequenting. Having since committed to Theravada Buddhism, is some disavowal of the bodhisattva vow needed? (The issue surfaces in Acariya Mun's biography, without details of his solution.)
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=2167s
What are the clearest such indicators we have attained true jhana and/or samadhi? Different respected teachers and suttas seem to have very different opinions on this!
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=2360s
While practicing meditation intensely, I've felt disconnected from my personality structure and experienced a significant disconnect or shift. However, I lose my practice and fall into the same harmful personality traits in my relationships when I have normal life interactions. I am wondering to what degree a person’s core traits can change, my wife is unimpressed with my experience of non-self when I still get angry over our finances. Help!
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=2631s
What are practical ways to let go of seeking happiness & comfort in the sense world so we can experience a greater happiness found in deeper states of meditation?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=2855s
As I understand Mara is in one of the highest heavens which is a different from the Catholic Devil. What did Mara do well to be in heaven? And what did he do wrong to become Mara?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=3089s
Sometimes I feel overly responsible for other people's feelings. For example, it is hard for me to say "no" and I often feel I have to respond immediately. Any advice on how to know the difference between lack of compassion or ill will and simply not knowing an appropriate response to the situation?
https://youtu.be/XG6m6XNsagQ?t=3375s
The term "mind" seems a bit vaguely defined. It seems to transcend the five aggregates. Is the purified, unconditioned mind the same as Nibbana?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=44s
I've been practicing and studying for quite some and have seen significant positive changes in my "conscious" life. However, I seem to have dreams that are dark and even evil, completely unrelated to my everyday thoughts and current life. Perhaps past-life kamma or memories. How does one tackle something so deep-rooted since it still surfaces with everyday practice & sila?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=683s
In a recent livestream, you described death as a transition when we are booted out of the body without anything. In this transition from body to body, what carries over (is it the unfinished habits, programmes & patterns...sankharas) ?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=1135s
What do you think an optimum weekly meditation schedual would be for a single lay practitioner who after 20 years of practice has suddenly started to get some deep peace and a little bliss from meditation?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=1479s
I'm reading “The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah” and enjoy learning about vinaya. How has it been adapted to western monasteries? Are robes still made using jackfruit wood as dye?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=1723s
My husband and I have a 4 year old daughter. He is interested in having another kid; I feel less sure. I love my daughter, but worry about how another child will impact meditation practice. Over the past year I also have enjoyed celibacy as a practice. In a talk you once encouraged mothers to “Get into it!”, which I have found to be helpful. How can we make such a big decision in line with our Dhamma practice and current householder life?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=2307s
In the sutta in which "the seeing is just seeing, hearing just hearing" etc, can you give details on the meaning of "the cognizing is just cognizing"? How does this differ from ordinary knowing?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=2633s
It seems like every time I read the suttas feelings of anxiety and pressure arise in me, always feeling not good enough for the standard the Buddha sets. How can I approach them in a way that they lead to the development of metta?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=2880s
Can I drink a glass of wine per week and keep following the precepts and meditation? Why can some monks indulge in eating or smoking and lay people are not allowed one occasional drink?
https://youtu.be/AL-nmCUQ28s?t=3457s
What is rebirthed? I am having a hard time consolidating the teachings on rebirth and those of anatta or emptiness. What is born again 7 times for a sotapanna? What becomes a hungry ghost? Is that my essential nature? Does it continue?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=571s
I hear you frequently express how becoming aware of phenomena from a point of nonreactivity is not enough, especially in regards to the hindrances. However, I have found, especially when concentration is good, that the mere ability to be aware and not react is enough for emotions like anxiety to dissipate. It seems that oftentimes mere recognition is enough. Would you agree?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=1019s
Dear Ajahn, I have this tendency to be overwhelmed in crowded places. I’ve noticed that since COVID this tendency became stronger, and my fight-or-flight mode is triggered more rapidly. To reduce this, should I expose myself to crowds more often? Or should I meditate more (as you've mentioned this resolves restlessness?) Or perhaps both?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=1617s
Is the notion that "everything is mind" a Mahayana view? Is belief in an underlying objective reality a useful distinction for practice, or is this one of those questions the Buddha might have thought better left unanswered?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=1812s
What is a good goal to aspire to? I love to sing and hopefully make a career out of it. Many say I should go further for money and fame. What is the core goal I should aspire to in the aspect of the dhamma and in lay life?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=2124s
When dealing with chronic pain during meditation (or, in my case now, neuropathy -- a side effect of chemotherapy) -- how does one focus during meditation without becoming “absorbed" in pain?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=2595s
I understand that when the Buddha spoke about kamma, he meant not just any action, but volitional action. When it comes to mental kamma, do all our thoughts bear kamma?
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=3072s
How to deal with a loved one who's difficult throughout life and even more difficult and toxic as she declines with addictions, dementia, along with limited personal mobility but a lot of irritability Well.
https://youtu.be/-LXJX8tbVNM?t=3191s
Is there such a thing as emotional debt? Such as when the Buddha said you wouldn't be able to repay your parents/caretakers from when you were little. Is it a form of karma?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=23s
Dear Ajahn, life is unsatisfactory or we can't make it satisfactory (aging, illness, death, loss, kamma and also dukkha). We can't escape these unsatisfactory conditions, but we can change our view to one of non-suffering over them through the Eightfold Path, right? Can we still live in an unsatisfactory world and its conditions, only without suffering over it?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=392s
Through very high tech means, there are constant breakthroughs of how scientists understand the mind, feelings, trauma, etc. When I hear these things, no matter how advanced, it seems that form, feeling, perception, volitional formation, and consciousness are at the bottom of it. Does this make sense?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=810s
Dear Ajahn, what drew you to Theravada Buddhism? Was there anything in particular that called you to Theravada over Mahayana or Vajrayana/Tibetan traditions?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=1045s
Jhana is usually the replacement for sense desires & entertainment. How does someone who is not yet skilled at jhana deal with sense desires & the craving for constant entertainment?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=1697s
I would like to know more about the Buddha's advice for laypeople or specific Suttas to read on the subject. Also, I do not get much time to meditate, though I am reflecting throughout the day. Could you talk about how to bring meditation to activity and how to bring more joy into life?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=2067s
I come from a family of hunters. They argue that to hunt an animal that was free until the day it died is more humane than to kill an animal that lived in captivity its whole life. They also point to a better death for an animal intended for food - one that is sudden and unexpected, rather than one that follows a procession into a slaughterhouse. Should they not hunt even though their reasons for doing so have a moral aspect?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=2727s
I have heard ‘guarding the senses’ described as a practice in relaxing the “doing something" in regards to the senses - grasping/ pushing away. Would you agree, or elaborate on this practice?
https://youtu.be/C82LTgCtE4M?t=3180s
I was wondering how to work with a nimitta once it fully arises. Do we let it pass like normal phenomena, or investigate into its nature? Annica, dukka, anatta?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=17s
In the Channasutta it is said that venerable Channa, after suffering with chronic pain, ended his life. Later in the sutta, it is revealed that Channa slit his wrists “blamelessly”, because he laid down this body without taking up another. Does this imply that Channa was an Arahant, and if so, why would he feel compelled to end his life in the midst of great physical pain?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=458s
To what extent could dementia undo one’s hard-won progress on the path? It seems that Dhamma would be forgotten and delusion would proliferate, but surely one’s good kamma would remain intact?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=943s
During my last metta session of the day, my mind was completely taken away by the great love generated. At its climax, I felt like soaring to the skies and beyond, completely drenched in piti. But this sensation stopped and I found myself in a vast room, full of equanimity. It was very difficult to get back to the metta, so I stayed there. It was an imperturbable state of balance that lasted for a few hours. Does this sound like the first, second & third Jhana? If so, should I continue striving with metta beyond that point of equanimity or simply try to deepen the calm?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=1251s
Dear Ajahn Sona, it is often discussed if human beings are free in their decisions or if there is something like a "free will". How much freedom do we have according to Buddhism in our choices? What role does kamma play? And does the degree of freedom change as we develop on the path?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=1542s
I am curious about the relationship between antidepressants and kamma. My understanding is that they can be beneficial but limited as they leave one's underlying tendencies untouched. Thoughts?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=1885s
Ajahn Sona, how do I work with heart-felt romantic feelings I have for a friend and still remain friends? Is that possible? And is there a lot of ego or self in this dynamic?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=2029s
Once someone implements a meditation routine, is it ever necessary to take a break to avoid meditating "too much," or do breaks defeat what we are trying to accomplish?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=2162s
Dear Ajahn, I am wondering if you are familiar with the book "Focused and Fearless" by Shaila Catherine? If so, what is your sense of this book as a guide in developing samadhi practice?
https://youtu.be/sRW7DcYnbE0?t=2422s
Dear Ajahn Sona, it is my practice to sit and watch my different thoughts, etc. with mindfulness. Not following negative thoughts in any way, but not forcing them away and just sitting until my mind rests peacefully. Is this okay, or when a negative thought arises should I instantly replace it with a positive thought? Please help.
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=21s
Ajahn, my biggest problem when it comes to meditation isn't racing thoughts, but a sense of dullness that I can't break through with mindfulness, effort and concentration. What do you suggest?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=541s
Whenever I do a lot of metta, and given that I have cultivated a strong samadhi foundation, the excitement often creates unwanted results. For example, sometimes after the session, my mind is still one pointed at the lips area, ignoring the surroundings. Other times it becomes hard to think, read or simply watch the landscape, for my mind returns to concentration. Is this normal? How can I develop a more panoramic sense of awareness?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=728s
I have a cousin who says she often offends other people, yet my impression is that others don't see it that dramatically. I rather have the impression that she feels helpless in these situations and has probably been for years. What could she do to make herself feel better in these situations?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=884s
Is there an Abhidhammic elaborate explanation on the reason our memories are “wiped” or rather forgotten after each rebirth? How does forgetting work in general?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=1014s
Greetings Ajahn, what is voidness - emptiness (sunnata)?" And what is the Theravada response to the Heidegger et al question "why is there something rather than nothing?" Or does this come under imponderable and is best left alone?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=1511s
That question here was referring to the Heidegger question, why is there something rather than nothing or does this come under the imponderables? It was a question about voidness, emptiness, and Sunata.
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=1694s
As all the residents of the monastery have taken the five precepts, why is meat bought and eaten? I understand that all food is accepted from the lay community outside the monastery.
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=2147s
I tend to withdraw from the external world but still participate in social life because I feel like disappointing friends and family. How to deal with this dilemma?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=2536s
Venerable, could you differentiate between violence and skillful use of physical force? On a recent livestream someone asked about defending children and I'm not sure I understood your answer. I've never had children but suspect I would fight (dirty) if I had to defend one.
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=2711s
I stopped drinking or taking intoxicants about a year ago. However, I find it the hardest to say no when I am a guest at someone's house. Almost akin to being offered meat for dinner and saying "Oh sorry I am a vegetarian." Any advice?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=3053s
In the anapanasati sutta we're advised to keep the awareness on the breath as the object of meditation from the beginning to the end. Does that mean that we stay in first jhana all the time?
https://youtu.be/xej1Qkht9Ic?t=3221s
What advice would you give to someone who is attached to helping others and being needed? In my work I am expected to assist others and their emotional lives, yet sometimes a tiny flash of anger appears when I discover my help is not really needed. I’ve discovered that my ego seems tied up in how well I can help even though the situation is not about myself. Help?
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=20s
Dear Ajahn, some Dhamma teachers use the idea of feeding seeds for cultivating wholesome qualities and not feeding the unwholesome seeds. Are these seeds or wholesome qualities and unwholesome qualities in each of us? Is Buddha nature available within each of us? How do you recommend looking at this, please? I don't believe you align with the concept of store consciousness.
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=527s
I've felt stuck and weighted down for so long, and I can't help but live without thoughts or actions just so I don't think about the negativity that plagues me. Every time I do something different, I feel myself resisting change. I feel helpless. What exercises can I do to progress?
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=1328s
What did the Buddha mean when he said the quality of dhamma will decay over time? What is your opinion on the quality of dhamma today? How about compared to 100, 500 or 1000 years ago?
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=1635s
Would Ajahn please share some words on the 1st of the Seven Factors of Awakening? Especially about recollecting the teachings to steady the flow of consciousness and help focus awareness.
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=2454s
Dearest Luang por, what advice would you give a 9-year-old boy with Autism who is being bullied on the bus and at school? How would you discuss equanimity in a way he will understand?
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=2714s
Could you elaborate on the sound of silence in-between two thoughts, subjectivity, the knower, perceiver of the experience. What is aware and what is awareness?
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=2949s
Dear Ajahn Sona, I have a question about the animal realm: why is it considered inferior to the human one? When I observe wild animals, particularly the birds, I see creatures who suffer ageing, illness, loss and death but who do not display greed, anger and delusion. What did the Buddha say about this?
https://youtu.be/IHfOakYVIfU?t=3170s
Would you elaborate on making amends? Is this something the Buddha suggests is of importance for lay people? Or simply to acknowledge my action and move on?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=22s
A quote from “The Noble Eightfold Path”: “An entire society may be predicated upon a confusion of correct moral values, and even though everyone within that society may applaud one particular kind of action as right and condemn another kind as wrong, this does not make them validly right and wrong.” When making decisions, how can one be confident that one's view is the right view of the Dhamma, the Buddha's teachings?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=334s
If I understand correctly, the Buddha taught there was no moment of original divine creation. Is there a way to talk about this with a 5 year old who asked me, "how did this all begin?"
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=652s
You have said that “death is not the problem. Killing is the problem.” What do you say about an old person, in pain, sick, and tired of life who refuses to eat with the clear intention of fasting to death? Is this just another form of suicide? Does one break sila to refuse medicine or food in such circumstances?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=1421s
Can you expound on the next steps once a practitioner reaches the stage beyond neither perception nor non perception, nirodha? Does one just practice returning to this stage as often as possible?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=1609s
Dear Ajahn, I have been trying to wrap my head around the basics (the very basics!) of dependent origination. A question that keeps coming up is from where did the ignorance that set the whole chain in motion arise in the first place? In an earlier livestream you were saying that the biblical 'devil' may be a metaphor for either ignorance itself or whatever gave rise to that original ignorance? Am I overthinking this?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=1705s
I've been working on moving between 1st & 2nd Jhana and recently had an energizing experience of entering into Jhana while dreaming. Is this expected to happen as a result of practice?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=1852s
I feel that I start to get a feeling for "anatta". At the same time, I feel that it is necessary to "create" a person so that others can relate to me, although to me it feels like lying. Any advice?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=2059s
In the samadhi sutta there's this unclear bit about attending to the perception of light. what does it mean to "attend to the perception of light"?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=2342s
Dear Ajahn Sona, recently in my country, two sisters got into a fight over a pair of pants. Then, one sister stabbed the other to death. She also stabbed her dog eight times. She streamed her actions on social media (just like this livestream) which I found very sickening. Reading about this makes me not want to live in this world anymore. It seems that society is getting sicker and sicker. Do you have any thoughts on this?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=2637s
Dear Ajahn Sona, since death is universal and an inescapable condition to humans and all living things, I would like to ask you what is the Theravada attitude towards the body immediately after death? For example, does Theravada also avoid any unnecessary movement and disturbance of the body for 3 days like Tibetans do? Does Theravada recognize Bardo states or what kind of states can the newly departed expect?
https://youtu.be/-_paE6BHpKA?t=3093s
Is it ever ethically justified in Buddhism to disregard socially conventional norms or laws for the sake of relieving another being of mental or physical pain, or is a Buddhist follower meant to abide by these social conventions at all times? What would be the proper course of action and at what point does it become the Buddhist's responsibility to help another being?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=27s
I recently heard a teaching on the Dantabhūmi Sutta (MN 125). Could you please speak to taming the senses and 5 hindrances rather than controlling. Our culture is saturated with the idea of control.
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=414s
I was diagnosed with kidney failure last year at 31 and I am on dialysis. I am really struggling with the pain. This level of suffering is intense and almost unbearable. May I ask Ajahn Sona for some advice based on the Dhamma to deal with this level of pain?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=841s
If Metta is the wish for the safety and well-being of beings, how does one navigate the sense of lack knowing that all beings will never be safe, similar to the sense of lack that arises from sensual desire?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=1191s
My 8-year-old nephew, who loves to meditate and hear about the Dhamma, is now facing violence at school. His parents are working on moving him to another school, but until that happens, I would like to offer him some advice on how to emotionally deal with the situation.
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=1383s
I cannot understand how it is that the name of the next Buddha is already known, despite the fact that Buddhism rejects determinism. Only in a deterministic world would it be possible to accurately see into future events and describe them with impeccable precision, wouldn’t it?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=1607s
How does the understanding of Nibbana change from one path to another? In other words, what more is seen about the nature of things that allows those further fetters to drop off?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=2081s
What is the significance of the full moon (& other lunar days) in Buddhism and in spiritual practice in general. How do these days affect our meditation practice?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=2522s
Dear Ajahn, I was asked to give an interview on education and employment for youth for a local magazine in Russia, Republic of Tuva. One of the questions asked is "What is Happiness?" I want to use this opportunity to provide an answer for them from wise people at Birken Monastery. Could you please share an answer for thousands of lay people who will read this magazine, what is happiness and how they can gradually strive for it in a right way?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=2668s
I know that disciplines should be viewed as an aid. But I have trouble internalizing this perspective. How can I overcome this and naturally feel that disciplines are my aid?
https://youtu.be/NFs-2x9WfeQ?t=2985s
Does the Buddha say anything about the wisdom of laughter and playfulness? Even in times of illness and other difficult times. At any age.
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=24s
Greetings Ajahn Sona and friends at Birken. I intend on pursuing ordination as an anagārika in the coming months. To what extent should I "tie up loose ends" with those from my past before moving into the monastic life? Is it recommended to right past wrongs, misdeeds of body/ speech/mind, past transgressions? Or is this unnecessarily digging up past karma?
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=235s
Are all monks expected to become teacher/speaker figures? This seems like an impossible task for some. If not,how do these monks spend the latter part of their monastic life?
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=517s
When I notice delight developing in my breath meditation, a fear and dread reflex tends to ruin it. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly why. I have feared hurting myself through meditation, and I have feared that fear itself will forever taint my practice, but this is a senseless reflex. How to navigate past this? I am hoping that by repeatedly getting to the point where this happens, I will believe it less and find a way to move forward.
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=784s
Dear Ajahn, my mind’s major hindrance seems to be restlessness. I can see how ridiculous it is. It is a persistent ‘why’. The why comes up first, and then it tries to find something to attach to, just to keep my mind churning. I get brief respite through serenity/samadhi meditation, but the why’s are just camped outside the castle gates, looking for any cracks in the walls. Will the invaders eventually go away if I keep practicing samadhi?
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=1287s
The amount of time we can spend on practice and learning the Dhamma is limited in this life. (I have kids). I realize I need to make some choices with what I can integrate from the Dhamma and set some priorities. There are the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the five aggregates, the five hindrances, sila (5 precepts), Metta sutta, the seven aids to awakening. From all these topics, what would be the priority order and the "must keep"?
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=2143s
Could you please explain if there is a difference between reincarnation and rebirth? There's a lot of confusion about this amongst my lay Buddhist peers.
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=2408s
What advice would you give someone who had samadhi experiences early in their practice, but who is having a lot of difficulty getting them back?
https://youtu.be/2n16sy_6-ao?t=2760s
At times I am dissatisfied with my home. What is the proper balance of caring for/maintaining/updating a home versus being content with basic living conditions?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=29s
How can I say no to people asking me to do things without aversion arising? I notice aversion, let it go and then say yes to things I normally wouldn’t. Any advice?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=472s
How can I overcome the shock of trauma and extreme betrayal? I can see it has a purpose. Yes I grow. But the loneliness and grief is sometimes hard to deal with. I always felt different.
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=1143s
Dear Ajahn, the biography of Ajahn Chah, “Stillness Flowing”, speaks of how asking for forgiveness was a ritual practiced in Ajahn Chah's monasteries. It is a way "... of erasing bad things from the mind." On page (282) there is a note referring to 'defunct' kamma. I am considering asking forgiveness from a brother for the harms I caused while he was very young. Whether he forgives isn't as important as self-forgiveness. Any advice?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=1540s
Should one practice mudita for those who are finding happiness in unskillful ways? When I try to share their happiness I feel as if I’m complicit or encouraging the unskillful actions. Is it advisable to instead feel compassion for the future suffering of these individuals?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=1763s
Can an arahant (with or without psychic abilities) tell if another monastic or lay person has obtained Arahantship or any of the other levels of enlightenment?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=1959s
What are the benefits of the communal duties lifestyle of Ajahn Chah's tradition compared to other traditions that emphasize that less? Why would one choose and benefit from that?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=2234s
It's hard finding a good teacher in person and finding like-minded people. Would it be advised to go alone on the path? Or will this hinder my progress?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=2953s
Can you please tell us more regarding the forthcoming retreat you will be leading? Why are kasinas so rarely talked about, and what are the benefits of kasina meditation?
https://youtu.be/24F7-iqaVHU?t=3082s
I have been keeping the 5 precepts, and want to live as the Arahants do and take up the 8 precepts as written in the Aṅguttara Nikāya 8.41. Any guidance? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=24s
I am currently working to pay off student loans to eventually be eligible to become a bhikkhu. Involuntarily remaining a householder is a deep source of dhukkha for me, and is compounded by an intense hatred for existence itself. I feel incapable to address this mass of suffering because it is intricately interwoven with my samvega and motivation for living the holy life: vibhava-tanha is the primary fuel of my spiritual efforts. Any advice?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=377s
When dealing with decisions of the future and applying right view and right effort, should one take a riskier path to see a better future? Or the safe path then end up regretting not risking it?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=759s
To shift from Anāgāmi to Arahant, what needs to be refined in one's practice? Are the instructions the same? An identity can form even in the way one is discerning. Is it, in the end, a matter of synchronicity and inquiry as well as right effort and samadhi?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=920s
I struggle with the concept of rebirth and Buddhist cosmology. Is there a way to better conceptualize them for a western audience? Or is understanding/belief necessary before embracing Buddhism?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=1240s
There’s a quote in the manual of the Abhidhamma by Bhikkhu Bodhi which states “Great seers who are free from craving declare that Nibbana is an objective state which is deathless, absolutely endless […]”. Is Parinibbana therefore objective and felt? Why didn’t they articulate more like the Abhidhamma talks about the mind and mental analysis despite being very hard to put into words?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=1726s
If one is fortunate to have 4 hours a day freed exclusively for the practice, and is no spring chicken, could Ajahn please share some advice on how to use this time skillfully, e.g. chanting, meditating, reading the Suttas, studying Pali, etc?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=2184s
How to practice honesty with discretion, as sometimes being truthful and providing more details than needed can turn things against us in this world?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=2930s
I am a mother to two young girls and I've noticed that my ability to maintain loving-kindness every day seems impossible. Do you have any suggestions for sustaining patience/kindness?
https://youtu.be/SKqfQkl8_4o?t=3296s
I tend to get stuck in the highly energetic states of the early Jhanas. Can you offer any tips to making a smooth and steady transition toward equanimity?
https://youtu.be/BmoQAcC1Q4s?t=657s
After developing metta in morning meditation, I seem to lose it when I begin to engage with thinking about the day and checking the news online etc. Any tips on maintaining metta throughout the day?
https://youtu.be/BmoQAcC1Q4s?t=1148s
Dear Ajahn: When I get depressed, I constantly compare myself (unfavorably) to others. This comparison would seem to stem from the eighth of the ten fetters, ego conceit, or “I am” conceit, which, I understand, does not fall away until Arahantship. How can I learn to stop comparing myself to others at an earlier stage on the path? Is there any hope of *some* relief well before the final goal?
https://youtu.be/BmoQAcC1Q4s?t=1645s
What is the purpose of life in Buddhism? Is it about developing insights so that we can live wisely? Is it about reducing sufferings and living a happy life?
https://youtu.be/BmoQAcC1Q4s?t=2407s
I notice defilements have a chance to arise when I am exhausted and lack the energy to be mindful. Any advice on how to handle this situation wisely?
https://youtu.be/Rs-euj5Idyw?t=36s
Are there specific and appropriate things on the Buddhist path that we can and should look forward to? Or is the concept an expression of self to be released?
https://youtu.be/Rs-euj5Idyw?t=1240s
Last week you spoke about about how to live a lay life inspired by monasticism and finding the necessary balance between the two. Can you give more specifics?
https://youtu.be/Rs-euj5Idyw?t=2787s
I feel so busy a lot of the time and sense that doing less would serve me well, but I am not sure how to get there. Any guidance is welcome. Ajahn Sona Podcast: Apple - http://bit.ly/AppleAjSona Spotify - http://bit.ly/SpotifyAjSona Podbean - http://bit.ly/PodbeanAjSona
https://youtu.be/Rs-euj5Idyw?t=3338s
What should one do if an animal is badly injured or so ill that a veterinarian recommends euthanasia to end its suffering? Would doing so violate the Precepts?
https://youtu.be/x8q0Ub0W390?t=2574s
How can you balance work that makes you learn in the process and benefits others? Meanwhile, not doing a job that is pointless work for low pay and takes a large majority of time. Is it greedy to think in that way for work?
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=36s
Is the stream entry and full enlightenment attained through Anapanasati samadhi practice the same as that which is attained through other practices, such as non-dual pointing, Mahasi noting, and Goenka body scanning etcetra?
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=926s
Could you give concrete criteria for during meditation, when it is beneficial to let a subtle defilement, such as ill will, go and when it might be appropriate to investigate it?
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=1418s
How do we interpret suttas that appear to contradict modern scientific understandings, such as when the Buddha states in the Samyutta Nikaya that rain gods cause rain?
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=1822s
How does one overcome extreme aversion when trying to practice a skill or work when i sit down to study or craft things, usually art, relentless waves of sensations burn my body and obscure my mind as if it would rather be anywhere else. But here my focus dissipates, and i find myself wasting time on unproductive distractions. I do meditation almost daily, which seems to calm the feeling down, yet once I pick the practice up again, the calming effect doesn't carry over and the burning returns. I suspect that expectations of myself to perform at a high level beyond my ability play a large role in this. Do you have any advice for me?
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=2193s
Are the four jhanas connected with the four brahma viharas, i.e metta - first jhana, compassion - second jhana, sympathetic joy - third jhana, equanimity - fourth jhana?
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=2792s
I am fascinated with the Buddhist cosmology and feel strangely and almost passionately drawn to those beings. I have heard the venerable Bhante Gunaratana say that we should not forget the devas, and remember to invite them to listen to Dhamma. In his recorded talks i heard him chant the 'invitation to the devas' and started to do the same chant myself. Then i discovered the invitation includes nagas and yakkas and all kinds of devas and this made me a little anxious. Is it really wise for an ordinary person to summon these beings
https://youtu.be/GGSRBashbOQ?t=3193s
I read suttas from the Nikayas and often I stumble on a sutta that is very hard to believe, like the sutta on the 32 marks of a great man. I tend to try and register the feelings or intent behind the words instead of the literal meanings of the words. I realize this could lead me astray without proper insight. Is this a correct interpretation?
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=121s
I underwent an intense meditation retreat, where I practiced samadhi for about 12 hours a day for three months. As I have come back to a normal setting I find that my mind is immensely attached to the breath without my putting in any effort. My mind stays there and it becomes almost impossible to shift my focus of attention. This makes operating in a normal life a difficult task, for example, i sometimes have trouble understanding people in conversation or i become absorbed into the breath when performing tasks that require very low concentration. If I do not feed my mind with objects of concentration, anxiety comes up. If I give in and become absorbed the anxiety immediately disappears but I become completely oblivious to everything around me. There seems to be no way out of this trap. In fact, after a few hours of samadhi practice it seems that the concentration generated can be used by the hindrances. Is this a normal effect of such intense practice? Should I expect it to wear off? What do you suggest I do to lead a normal life?
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=836s
It seems when I do a lot of breath meditation, especially after an online retreat, that I suffer more from the hindrances during non-meditation times. Often I will switch to metta as when I do that it doesn't happen so intensely. Why does this happen and is it common?
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=1367s
My question is in regard to your book Bloom. In the chapter on abandoning the world you emphasize how motivations of anger or craving for worldly experiences shut the door to higher consciousness. Later you speak of positive voices and passing the threshold of consciousness. Can you comment further on crossing that threshold? What factors are essential to entering the higher states of mind?
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=1838s
Even though I experience great benefit from meditation on some days it seems I will do almost anything to avoid it. Any guidance on why I do this and how to overcome this hindrance?
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=2128s
We have very successfully used your advice 'don't think' when we go to bed. But during these times of isolation and reduced social interaction we feel the urge to escape just to get the focus of our attention to somewhere or something else, like coffee shop hangouts. How do we get out of that feeling? Mindfulness is being aware. Although we are very much aware of this feeling, we seldom can overcome it.
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=2387s
Pertaining to the four elements as so much of our lives are determined by testosterone, estrogen, serotonin and dopamine, can metta be used to balance them?
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=2767s
How should one approach the generation of metta when the body is not cooperating? I have Parkinson's disease, and when I experience periods when my medication is not working, it seems impossible to generate deeply felt friendliness. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=3164s
I am currently going through a breakup. We have children, so it's complicated and needing tact. I know I wish to practice metta with this and use this painful opportunity as fuel, but I am overcome by my emotions of sadness and anger sometimes, and memories of other losses. How can this situation be handled skillfully
https://youtu.be/NmS7Iaicg8g?t=3349s
What is the Buddha's view of life after death. What happens after death? Is violence justified to protect oneself and one's children from people who want to do bodily harm to you or your children?
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=84s
How can I approach meditation with a positive mindset? Too often it's perceived and approached, as a chore obligation and checklist item to be completed as soon as possible, rather than as something to be looked forward to as refreshing, delightful and renewing.
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=718s
At times in my meta practice i feel as if i go into ever deeper more beautiful caverns of metta, but it does not necessarily feel expansive. Is expansiveness important? How do I cultivate it?
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=1001s
How can a stream enterer find a teacher to guide her when all the insights were gained on one's own without the benefit of a hands-on teacher or sangha? My main concern is that buddhist teachers seem to be flooded with students right now and may be skeptical about a student's claims.
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=1282s
How can you encourage someone who has good in their heart but is surrounded by bad influences such as their friends? How can one motivate their friends and the person, such as motivating them not to be used sexually by other people or encouraging them not to take intoxicating drugs? It makes things harder that I have moved away, a hard issue that has been bothering me lately.
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=1823s
An old thai monk recommended to me to include a forgiveness statement in my daily practice in order to relieve problems resulting from past and present karma. Would you consider that helpful?
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=2224s
Can you expound on working with fear of future physical suffering, i.e the specter of the pain associated with a physical ailment even if one is comfortable with the idea of death there remains the challenge of dealing with the aversion to the possibility of a slow painful death and all the myriad challenges for yourself and the loved one who might be caring for you or witnessing your passing?
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=2368s
If two people from a positive or negative consciousness perform the same action is the objective impact on their body the exact same regardless of what their subjective mind is perceiving because of their different conditioning?
https://youtu.be/3GELj4YkmEU?t=2679s
Which are the two unskillful qualities are more harmful avija, ignorance, or tanha, craving? Also what is the most effective antidote to tanha?
https://youtu.be/bxzTjmmGzqY?t=457s
What is the difference between equanimity as a balanced engaged response within daily life compared to equanimity as an exalted state, e.g the seventh factor of awakening, the fourth Brahmavihara, etcetera?
https://youtu.be/bxzTjmmGzqY?t=877s
Please advise me how to explain to a four-year-old why his beloved great-grandfather will not be coming back from the hospital to his usual chair?
https://youtu.be/bxzTjmmGzqY?t=1205s
There are decisions i have made in my life, which i had a strong intuition that i should be doing something different. One such decision was leaving a city i really loved to look for similar experiences elsewhere which i did not find. I sometimes find myself ruminating on whether my life may have been happier different if i had made different decisions. During our Metta retreat this winter you encouraged us to think of our past selves as "characters in a story" and more as dominoes knocking into each other then a little pinball moving through time. This has helped but i sometimes still catch myself in painful ruminating. Is there a specific meditation technique i should rely on during these times or any other advice or thoughts you may have on this?
https://youtu.be/bxzTjmmGzqY?t=1741s
I find the chant "om mani padme hum" makes me stay mindful longer than watching the breath or listening to a sound. Is that as good as the chant for mindfulness?
https://youtu.be/bxzTjmmGzqY?t=2302s
My question is regarding renunciation. I live a semi-monastery life where i don't participate a lot in social gatherings, but try to study buddhism and do my practice instead. The hardest thing for me right now is the feeling of isolation. How was it for you in those years in the cottage to be alone for such a long time and how did you deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation if you had these?
https://youtu.be/bxzTjmmGzqY?t=2616s
How can you sustain a life with the Dhamma? Being only 18 i notice i can easily go back into either doing bad decisions or going back into fear easily. What should i do? Find others who are older?
https://youtu.be/LGFW89k03pM?t=117s
I have read in some Buddhist circles that psychedelics such as DMT and magic mushrooms are acceptable as a tool for spiritual development. What would you like to say about this topic?
https://youtu.be/LGFW89k03pM?t=501s
Could you please talk about vedana translated as sensations in the body during meditation equanimous observation of the arising and passing of body sensations are of great importance in the Goenka tradition. It would be wonderful to hear your take on this subject.
https://youtu.be/LGFW89k03pM?t=1020s
The Mangala suta that speaks to helping one's relatives and to be blameless in action. I get very tangled in this as the only living parent of adult children facing difficulties. It seems it may be that the current life of mine is to be in service to their needs and care. Am I misreading the message here?
https://youtu.be/LGFW89k03pM?t=1559s
I am an aspiring monk currently working with Tisarana monastery on the process of ordination. I currently live with my family and try to follow as much of the vinaya and complete monk precepts as is possible in my daily life. Is there any advice you could give me on how to go about my practice as i wait for this avenue to open up due to Covid delays. Anything that is particularly important or pitfalls i should especially watch out for? I practice formally on a regular basis using your methods.
https://youtu.be/LGFW89k03pM?t=2189s
How do you deal with a family member who turns aggressive and uses abusive language towards other family members such as parents due to their conflicts and differences?
https://youtu.be/LGFW89k03pM?t=2454s
When I'm in the first jhana and visualizing the Buddha, in my expression of deep gratitude and love for him my mind gets very bright and my heart literally races in my chest. I'm still sitting there in posture with a big smile and sometimes even tears of joy and gratitude but then my heart races so fast. Is this okay, is this piti overdrive and how does one handle it well?
https://youtu.be/BdPau8in0vw?t=27s
I had a question about overcoming the feelings of loss and separation. How would you contemplate that while the ones you are afraid of losing are still alive, for example a child being abandoned?
https://youtu.be/BdPau8in0vw?t=431s
It seems to me that right mindfulness and right concentration are the opposite of one another. Right mindfulness requires awareness of one's feelings thoughts etc this requires a 'panoramic view' of one's mind. Right concentration requires one to be fully concentrated on a single meditation object, e.g. the breath. This requires a single minded focus how can one remain mindful if one is concentrated? This misunderstanding is causing a lot of agitation and doubt in my practice. Please advise.
https://youtu.be/BdPau8in0vw?t=946s
How does one practice resilience, especially if one wants to commit to the holy life? It seems like with my generation we lack the enduring capacities to go through hard times as we've had such easy lives compared to earlier generations.
https://youtu.be/BdPau8in0vw?t=1593s
In the Dhammayut Thai forest tradition they speak of the citta as the knowing essence of the mind that lies beyond the five khandas. Does this not go against the Buddha's anatta?
https://youtu.be/BdPau8in0vw?t=2726s
I'm not able to manage overthinking something that happened in the past, and it is leading to anxiety. Whenever the anxiety hits the feeling of regret, guilt, shame fills my heart. How should i overcome this?
https://youtu.be/BdPau8in0vw?t=3200s
What are your thoughts around esoteric Buddhism such as the Yamabushi ascetic mountain monks of Japan? Do you think initiation/rituals are important for enlightenment?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=41s
How does one know for certain about one's stage of enlightenment? Could the absence of corresponding fetters and a glimpse of the deathless count as a reliable measure to ensure that there will no longer be taking any lower rebirth?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=617s
In a previous talk you mentioned that music can help open the heart. I find this true but i'm weary of music being fundamentally a sense pleasure. What are your thoughts?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=1119s
I am intent on becoming an ordained Buddhist monk in the near future but I don't know where to start. How should one go about becoming a Buddhist monk?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=1321s
My question is about the startle reflex when hearing a loud sound during meditation. I can be watching my breath continuously and then a car backfires outside my window which jolts me out of my meditation. Any advice on how to dampen this reflex?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=1512s
In case I'm lucky and find myself conscious at time at the time of my death, which do you advise me to do: Enjoy the company of my loved ones or meditate mindfulness meditation?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=2119s
Can you describe a day in the life of the community while the monastery is closed to visitors? Do you continue to meet as a group for morning and evening Pujas and or practice on your own? Are there any projects of note that are happening or being planned?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=2228s
How does one's sila protect you? How does the dhamma protect you, especially if one hasn't developed enough emotional development yet, and still gets entangled in emotional upheaval?
https://youtu.be/tSyy6ExFWGI?t=2927s
I've heard that the hindrances can be 'shaved down' but aren't uprooted necessarily. We just get better at shaving. Is it realistic to think the hindrances can actually be uprooted?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=192s
Is insight, or the realization of the nature of how things are, itself an object of mine, a sankhara that is to be abandoned? Or, is it an ultimate reality to be held on to while insight is not to be abandoned?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=404s
Is it unskillful to switch meditation objects during a sit? For instance, from the breath, death, to dissolving a pain then back to the breath, or from the breath to metta?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=658s
I find it beneficial to follow the seventh precept and mainly watch dhamma on youtube, but not action movies, sports, news, etcetra. Is it useful to also watch documentaries and other 'meaningful content' for variation, or is it better to stick to just dhamma and meditation?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=968s
How can you limit sensual pleasure when we are surrounded by it? I easily fall back into it. Can you replace it with something more beneficial? Due to this i become less aware and dull.
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=1132s
The Buddha listed four types of arahant paths: 1. tranquility before insight, 2. insight before tranquility, 3. in tandem, 4. by destroying perplexity. Does number two, meaning insight before tranquility, mean deep jhana first and then insight?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=1507s
Much gratitude for your teachings, particularly those on metta. Would you consider giving a series of talks on mudita? I haven't found a lot of talks on this brahmavihara, thank you.
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=1883s
I want to memorize and study the Dhamma in depth, i.e. Pali texts, and concepts like the eightfold path. And, my first instinct is to take intense notes, and regularly review flashcards, like my University days. However, this strikes me as neurotic. What is a skillful way of studying, memorizing and internalizing the dhamma?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=2104s
A member of the Sangha has decided to disrobe. They have been like a Dhamma compass to me. I know it's not about me and i am being selfish, but why does it feel as if my own dhamma journey will lose its meaning?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=2284s
I feel at a loss for a sense of monastic supports and community since the pandemic. How can i create ideal circumstances to practice in light of this loss of sangha and community?
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=2554s
To make peace with a parent where there has been hatred on both sides, is it enough to begin wishing that parent well, or must one meet this parent
https://youtu.be/JJgNiZusL3U?t=3272s
What is your view on paths that emphasize sudden realization and plunging straight into 'non-dual awareness' versus paths of gradual cultivation?
https://youtu.be/m-frUtdbbx0?t=352s
I am practicing being mindful from the moment. I lay in bed to the moment my body surrenders to sleep. I am not practicing mindfulness of breath, because I don't want to associate it with the wakefulness i cultivate in meditation. Still I worry that mindfulness is stimulating and keeping me awake. Do you have any alternatives you would suggest? How do you practice while falling asleep?
https://youtu.be/m-frUtdbbx0?t=739s
How does one achieve breakthrough to seeing dukkha, anicca, anatta? Is it okay to fake it until you make it, intellectually trying to see before actual realization?
https://youtu.be/m-frUtdbbx0?t=961s
An image the Buddha uses in the metta sutta 'even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child' is problematic and a stumbling block for me in this beautiful reflection. I am aware of my attachment in my love as a mother. Why did the buddha use this image? Am i twisting his intention when i feel stuck reading this?
https://youtu.be/m-frUtdbbx0?t=1180s
How can one deal skillfully with people who are curious about Buddhism but disrespectful and insulting towards the Buddha and his disciples, i.e. as if possessed by mara?
https://youtu.be/m-frUtdbbx0?t=2760s
In some meditation styles one goes very deep into jhana before exiting for vipassana, especially the nimitta styles. Does this fulfill 'sammata preceding vipassana' or is this miccha samadhi
https://youtu.be/m-frUtdbbx0?t=3196s
In raising the wholesome factors in right effort, how do we cultivate and hold the brahma viharas without turning it into grasping? What does a skillful response look like?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=850s
You have said that a benefit of practicing metta is that your dreams will be sweeter. I have been experiencing this with super abundant wild or mild dreams every night, wonderfully absent of anxiety or threat, and have been writing down images and stories. Is there guidance in the dhamma or monastic practice on how to work with dreams?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=1210s
I am caring for several elders who are declining in health. Because they don't have a spiritual practice they are very uncomfortable with illness and death. What could I do or say to help them?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=1663s
During your Vesak talk you said to imitate the arahant. Is there any way you can tell which of the four stages of enlightenment a monk has attained? You don't have merit badges, wink. I know you have said that a monk may speak to a superior about his experience for guidance. My guess is that as a lay person i don't really have to know: Pick a monk, any monk, imitate?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=1979s
How to differentiate between indifference and disenchantment? Sometimes i feel disenchanted with the world but wonder if it may be indifference.
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=2205s
If a being attains one of the four stages of enlightenment, what will happen to the people who helped this being either by showing the path or teaching? Will they get positive kamma?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=2409s
How do we maintain strong faith and resolve in our practice of the Buddha's path without clinging to fixed views and without being in conflict with other's beliefs?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=2631s
Could you please help a lay Buddhist understand how to navigate the precept of the non-taking of life as it relates to home ownership and insect control? What should one do if there is a home infestation of some sort of insect or animal?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=2797s
I would like to be reborn as a human being and listen to the Buddha's teachings in person. What kind of merits should one do in order to be reborn as a human during the time of the next Buddha?
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=3035s
Metta is core to Buddhism which makes for a better way of living. The Dalai Lama has spoken too of 'stupid compassion'. I would be grateful if you could please explain how as a Buddhist these two should be
https://youtu.be/neY9_tGhhHQ?t=3181s
MISINFORMATION & DISINFORMATION: There is so much good in the world, yet human negativity bias has been used by all channels of communication including writers of great repute who most often highlight tragedy, aggression and violence. What does it take to change this around based on Buddhist ethics so our future generations could have more hope & clarity?
https://youtu.be/lNSsU7OJGOI?t=1131s
NIBBANA: Conditioned dhamma; all things are impermanent, subject to dependent arising. The Unconditioned certainly is not impermanent, but is it permanent? Or is such a question speculative and therefore not especially useful on the Path?
https://youtu.be/lNSsU7OJGOI?t=2127s
KARMA: I know everyone is responsible for their actions but would it be possible for me to carry other's negative karma so their load is lightened?
https://youtu.be/lNSsU7OJGOI?t=2403s
DHAMMA VIDEOS: Your generous teachings are one gem after another. Will you be continuing the series on Buddhist Psychology vs. Modern Psychology?
https://youtu.be/lNSsU7OJGOI?t=2627s
Would you elaborate on how to "put aside thoughts of greed and distress with reference to the world?" Is it greedy to want physical comfort and not suffer?
https://youtu.be/lNSsU7OJGOI?t=2885s
RIGHT VIEW: Would you kindly advise on embodiment of supramundane Right View once non-self is realized, but it hasn't yet taken root completely? What is the practice advised at this point?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=24s
METTA: I recall in your talks that for Metta we can even make a Metta catalogue for all the different things to spark Metta and start the fire. In all your years of practice, what have been your personal favourite Metta objects for starting the spark?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=283s
SOTAPANNA: The Buddha tells us a sotapanna cannot transgress the five precepts. In terms of right speech, are they unable to engage in all forms of wrong speech or only false speech?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=545s
THE REMOVAL OF DISTRACTING THOUGHTS: Can you explain a little bit about the five ways to deal with distracting thoughts as taught by the Buddha?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=692s
MUSIC: I find myself humming, singing or whistling music involuntarily almost all the time throughout the day. Any comments on this condition and/or guidance to stop it?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=1653s
CHANTING: Can one chant taking the three refuges and five precepts by oneself every morning? If so, who am I requesting this from, and can I change the wording in English & Pali to make this work?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=2170s
LOOKING AT ONES PROGRESS: I've been looking at my practice's progress (or not) and I'm thinking so much that I'm confusing myself. Can I bring these thoughts to my heart instead, or does that awareness happen in my mind?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=2813s
PRECEPTS & RELATIONSHIPS: Regarding the precepts and romantic relationships: what about 'emotional misconduct'? Why only sexual? Isn't emotional betrayal even more of a misconduct?
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=3071s
THOREAU & JHANA: In some of your talks/interviews you mentioned Thoreau and that it is discussed if he attained jhana. Is it possible, and how could it be explained that people have experiences like the jhanas or 'supernormal' insights, although they seem not to be Buddhists or follow the teachings
https://youtu.be/re-ArDIHIz8?t=3265s
PLANNING MIND: I just completed a 10-day retreat and I noticed that the mind is almost constantly creating scenarios for the future to find resolution for them. These scenarios rarely materialize so it seems like wasted effort. How does one deal with these during meditation sessions and in daily life?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=24s
MEDITATION POSTURES: I've practiced in a half lotus position for decades and now age and injury is making that painful. I can still do it, but would it be better to just bow to the inevitable and find a new sitting position for practice?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=452s
BREATHING TECHNIQUES: I recently learned a belly breathing technique that seems to focus more on exhaling first and inhaling automatically. Do you teach any specific breathing techniques like this?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=588s
CHRONIC ILLNESS & SLEEP: Because of a chronic illness I experience constant fatigue and need much more sleep than others. How one can skillfully deal with this increased need for sleep, and integrate it into Dhamma practice?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=797s
FEAR: How to deal with the fear that comes when dealing with authority figures such as people in power like immigration officers? Even though I'm telling the truth, I feel fearful and my mind keeps on ruminating about it afterwards.
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=1069s
ENLIGHTENED BEINGS: I've heard it said that there are no Enlightened "persons" in the world, and in fact, never has been. It is the One Reality that wakes up to Itself. Could you please comment on this concept?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=1226s
MONKEY MIND: Reflecting on how ‘monkey mind’ describes scattered, restless, rampant thinking, might ‘eagle mind’ be a way to view focused, panoramically aware, cohesive thinking—or a mind of samadhi?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=1864s
TRAUMA: Regarding "on being a lay follower", could one who is himself NOT accomplished in faith, but DOES encourage others to accomplish faith, be dealing with trauma, codependency etc? How can this be healed?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=2267s
MARKS OF A MONK: As a layperson is it acceptable for me to shave my head and eyebrows in renunciation? This will attract a lot of attention, which I do not desire.
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=2503s
TRAVELLING WITH MONASTICS: Ajahn Jotipālo and I will be traveling together in May. I consider it an honor. Can you advise me on how to prepare and then be a good steward?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=2885s
KARMA: As a person who has done an action which led to broad unintentional damage, what can i do to negate the after effects and is it possible to remove karma in any way?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=3110s
PARENTING: My children are between 17-24 years of age. I keep getting fearful thoughts for their safety entering my mind. Have you worked with mothers on this?
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=3207s
DEVAS: I have heard you say something close to that devas do not spend their time near humans to help them. Could you comment on 40 year+ monks claiming to communicate with devas
https://youtu.be/521QlbCsOWM?t=3380s
BREATH MEDITATION: There is a breathing technique called "Method 2". The authors of this method state that in the Anapanasati Sutta, the Buddha has not provided an explanation of what 'sabbakaya' is, therefore this method takes 'sabbakaya' as whole body - being mindful of the breath through the whole body. Please explain what 'sabbakaya' is and how to follow the Anapanasati instructions towards liberation. Please explain pros and cons of a practice method that manipulates the breath instead of practicing Anapanasati as the Buddha taught..
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=28s
METTA PRACTICE: I have been able to sustain loving-kindness for hours, but lately have been experiencing a headache-like tension in my forehead. This issue has only started recently. Do you know what the cause of this could be?
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=1519s
FOOD: How does a monk bear the hunger of only eating one meal a day? On the other hand, should lay people take up the practice of abstaining from food after a certain time in the day?
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=1720s
CELIBACY: How should a lay person approach sexual relationships? I struggle to understand why it's ok for a layperson to engage in the desire that's involved when doing so seems to go against the teachings of Right Effort. Is it that other aspects of the Path are more important to master before one is ready to abandon sexuality?
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=2026s
SANGHA: My question is on the definition of the Sangha. When recollecting the Sangha, the four pairs, the eight kinds of noble beings, etc, is this a recollection of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis only, or does it also include lay disciples who are worthy of such recollection? Can lay disciples be part of the Sangha?
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=2525s
KARMA: I ask this on behalf of my 68 year old father who is new to the Dhamma. How can I heal the pain, death, and bad karma created by hunting and killing animals all my life? I regret hurting other beings.
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=2824s
NON-HARMING: I have given anti parasite skin medicine in Bali to 500 dogs to cure mange. I have no intention of killing tiny parasites but it does. How can I mitigate the bad kamma?
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=3002s
MENTAL ILLNESS: I'd like to ask about how to guide someone like me, mentally ill with treatment resistant severe depression and depersonalization.
https://youtu.be/W0t4pNrIKYc?t=3189s
MEDITATIVE EXPERIENCES: In other religions or spiritual movements people also practice meditation. Can some of the experiences of the mystics be compared to the Jhanas or other achievements of Buddhist practice?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=28s
HUMILITY: After keeping at the Dhamma for more than a year, I have seen many fruits, but I've developed a bit of conceit towards those not familiar with the path. How may I practice towards reducing spiritual conceit and develop unshakeable humility?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=559s
PEAK EXPERIENCES: I don’t feel that I experience peak positive emotional states. Is this a problem? Is developing and encouraging this higher range part of the Buddhist path, and if so, how to develop this?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=985s
CONSCIOUSNESS: My current understanding is that consciousness arises and ceases every moment at one of the 6 sense doors. But sometimes I hear Dhamma talks in the Thai Forest Tradition that indicate a consciousness outside of this, pointing to a type of higher awareness. Is this term just being used to refer to Nibbana or have I misunderstood?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=1193s
SENSE PLEASURES: How can one relate skillfully to others delighting in sense pleasures? Some people share delightful sensual experiences and seem to want/expect mudita, but I’m not sure its the appropriate response and struggle to respond in a beneficial way. Do you have any advice?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=1457s
TRAUMA: I would like Ajahn Sona's guidance for dealing with physical and emotional trauma. A car hit me when I was walking and I am out of hospital with many injuries. He left the scene.
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=1668s
STARTING A MEDITATION CENTRE: I'm intending to start a meditation centre in a non Buddhist land. Can you give me any advice? How hard is it to get a monk to visit a new Dhamma sprout community? What is the process to invite one and what are the requirements?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=1948s
IMPERMANENCE & ENLIGHTENMENT: Everything I bring to mind, I can distinguish as made up of smaller components - impermanent - thus imperfect and disappointing. I see that associating with these impermanent phenomena brings about suffering, so I suffer less if I’m being mindful. Is this realization some basic level of enlightenment?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=2202s
REHEARSING FAILURE: You mentioned that the first thing taught in judo is how to fall without hurting oneself as a metaphor for something we also must learn in the Path. How is this done?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=2343s
NATURE IN PRACTICE Do you think that appreciation of nature is a form of "unwise attention to the beautiful"? I see this practice in the teaching of the late Thich Nhat Hanh as as a form of constant mindfulness practice. Is this a Mahayana Theravada doctrinal split? The idea of having to renounce the world vs practicing in one's daily life?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=2548s
"THE ONE WHO KNOWS": Is "the one who knows" the same as the Atman to Hindus? I know anatta is no separate self. But doesn’t the witness always remain unchanging? My sense of witnessing?
https://youtu.be/3DVxn2nPCRg?t=2848s
SUFFERING/HINDERANCES: After old age, sickness & death, the Buddha describes suffering as sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief & despair. Why do these not make a direct appearance as one of the hindrances?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=68s
'DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL': Do you have any advice to people who may be going through a 'dark night' in their Buddhist practise? What is going on with the mind during a dark night? Is it part of spiritual growth? Is it a side effect of Buddhist insight? What can be done to bring relief? Especially when it is hard to practise right effort, generate joy, or feel much interest in anything worldly or unworldly.
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=385s
WHO EXERTS?: When Right Effort is exerted, what is doing the exerting? Not a self, I assume. Is it the Dhamma or citta? From the Buddhist point of view, are there no Subjects, only verbs or predicates?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=662s
STAGES OF ENLIGHTENMENT: Can a stream-enterer or once-returner experience severe grief in future lives? Is it necessary that the future lives proceeding from these stages be difficult in order to progress further on the path?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=840s
WISDOM & COMPASSION: Please speak on the cultivation of the parami of wisdom and the virtue of compassion in an ever-evolving fast-paced technological world?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=1212s
MATERIAL ATTACHMENT: There is a commentary about a monk named Tusita who liked his robes so much that when he died, he was reborn as a louse on his robes. If a renunciate in search of wisdom can fall so deep so easily, what's the hope for the average householder and their so many attachments despite how good and moral they try to be?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=1478s
SUFFERING: There is a common instruction to "turn towards" suffering, rather than using distraction or denial. How does this reconcile with instructions for removing distracting thoughts?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=1660s
BREATHING: Who's breathing in my body? Sometimes when meditating/swimming, I feel confused and can't breathe normally. This non-self is tough to grasp. Other times it's quite easy to just accept it.
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=1879s
WHY HIDE FROM SUFFERING?: Is suffering underrated? It motivates us, encourages betterment, and in some ways, it can even be enjoyable. Why hide from suffering?
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=2653s
LIVELIHOOD: Do you have advice for a 40yr old who tried 20 different jobs in 20 years? I'm categorized as lazy but I find it hard to do something that "isn't me", the problem is I don't know what that would be.
https://youtu.be/BPZzPm-cxbo?t=2871s
TRAUMA & ANGER: Thank you for your insight into healing from trauma of being hit by a car. Would you provide more wisdom regarding coping with body contemplation when feeling disgust for it? I have gashes on my face and bruising on broken bones and sometimes feel like I should have died rather than face this pain. I am also angry to have bills coming in caused by a hit-and-run driver.
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=738s
ABSENCE OF HINDERANCES: In your talk on equanimity you said the ancient yogis found without the hindrances, humans are in a state of joy. How is the Buddhist path different from that yogic path?
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=952s
CHAKRAS/VIBRATIONAL ENERGY: Is it useful for a Theravadin Buddhist to learn about vibrational frequencies, energy, and chakras? Did the Buddha ever mention these terms or anything similar in the suttas?
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=1196s
JHANAS & LAY PRACTICE: Sometimes I wonder if the Buddha taught jhanas to lay people. Jhana practice seems to be in fundamental opposition to the role of a householder in life. How can we aim towards jhanas without creating tension/cognitive dissonance around it?
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=1391s
IMPEDIMENTS IN MEDITATION: During the first months of my practice, it seemed that the mind already knew the way to go deep. Now, after nearly 12 years, the impediments are subtle. There is certainly disappointment at not understanding how to re-enter that door. Any advice and encouragements?
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=1843s
DESIRE FOR NON-EXISTENCE: Does vibhava-tanha apply strictly to an individual’s desire for their own non-becoming of a certain identity, or can the desire for the non-arising of an imagined future scenario or situation also be categorized as vibhava-tanha?
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=2161s
ENTERTAINMENT & LIVELIHOOD: As a layperson, can one enjoy entertainment such as listening to music, watching reality tv etc? Regarding Right Livelihood, what about those who make theatre, tv, etc? Didn’t Buddha give a Dhamma talk advising against this? Should one change careers to be able to walk the 8 fold path “better”?
https://youtu.be/hgM7eLdowrY?t=2741s
JHANA PRACTICE: I suffer from obsessive rumination which results in a strong “fight or flight” response and insomnia. I have taken up a formal meditation practice on the breath, and, after diligent efforts, I believe that I have been able to experience the piti and sukha of the first, second and third jhanas. Even though I am able to reach these very refined states of joy and peace in meditation, they are not carrying over to ease my mental suffering in daily life. Do you have any other strategies from a Buddhist perspective that might help?
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=124s
PATIENCE: In the Ovada Patimokkha Gatha it says "Patient Forbearance is the Ultimate Austerity" Is that the correct attitude to take towards a steady and often peaceful meditation practice, but that is not particularly lively, meaning lack of access to jhana?
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=584s
FOOD: Referring to the Precept of not eating food at untimely hours, why are sporadic eating times and snacking sometimes bad for our development in the path?
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=782s
SUTTA STUDY: Do you have advice for a lay person interested in starting to read the Pali Canon in English? After 10 years of listening to Dharma talks and reading books based on the original words of the Buddha, I'm now interested to spend some time going through the original translated words but want to take a skilful approach.
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=1007s
EXISTENCE & NON-EXISTENCE: I've often heard you say "The problem is existence itself." This logically implies that the solution is non-existence. I don’t understand what this means. In my mind, existence is a prerequisite to any experience, be it Nibbana or samsara. What does it even mean to ‘not exist’?
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=1827s
DESIRE: Thanks to asubha meditation, it was very easy for me to completely withdraw from all physical sexual activity. However, some patterns of imagination and fantasies still remain.How do I proceed?
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=2153s
REBIRTH EAST & WEST: It seems that the fate of Sisyphus as described in Homer's Odyssey would be a good simile for the endless round of rebirths and deaths in which all beings are bound to wander. Building up merits for higher rebirths, only to fall back down into lower realms, with no end in sight except for Nibbana. Since you are also interested in the links between Buddhism and Western philosophies, what are your thoughts, please?
https://youtu.be/TMv-PG4p3IM?t=2359s
I feel quite connected to fellow practitioners and sangha virtually, but have a longing for this to be more of my day to day community. Nevertheless, moving and looking for "the next best thing" is a habit of mine and I don't want to get caught in it once again. How to distinguish between a wholesome desire for spiritual friendship and the unwholesome tendency towards dissatisfaction?
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=112s
Could you describe in detail the relationship between cessation experiences and awakening? Is it necessary to have cessation experience to realise stream entry or other levels of awakening? How to achieve these? Is it equivalent to 9th jhana?
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=1011s
If one is on retreat and has a vision, how does one make the leap from I saw something to that used to be me or that was a past memory of a former life?
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=1213s
In the Verses of Sharing and Aspiration, we include the Lord of Death when sharing our blessings. Would this represent a compassionate act to one who has taken an unfortunate birth (or would rebirth as the Lord of Death actually be somehow meritorious)? I'm curious if the Buddha discusses what kind of kamma would result in rebirth as the Lord of Death and if (s)he experiences job satisfaction.
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=1434s
I have tried several approaches to anapanasati, including yours. They all bring good results, but the samadhi is distinctly different in each case.Is it OK to switch methods, or should I just stick with one?
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=1882s
I suffer from a speech disorder known as a stutter. When I focus on the breath in deep meditation, for three hours, and then interact with people soon after, I find that I can speak much more fluently during the day. But then soon afterwards my speech disorder returns. Could you please explain if there is any correlation between breath meditation and stuttering?
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=2170s
I am resolute on being an Eight Precepter but my 2 best friends, 7 year long friendships are always asking me to join them for entertainments and unwholesome discussion.I have progressed on the path and a sense of renunciation motivates me to leave them. I stopped keeping in touch for 3 weeks and were angry because they said I was neglecting them which was true.How do I deal with this, as I have a strong motivation and understanding of the higher life yet my close friends believe I'm wronging them?
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=2433s
I'm disturbed by the fact that women can't be ordained in the Theravada tradition. I've read that according to Bhikkhu Bodhi, the Vinaya actually permits ordaining women and that we could start the bhikkhuni sangha off again. What are your thoughts on this issue
https://youtu.be/fVmQ_kSDrV4?t=3103s
How can one deal with chronic pessimism, for example in a situation of professional and financial adversity where doors are slammed and one's face over and over again?
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=398s
My question remains the same as I first asked 20 years ago: How do I bring this back to my life in the city? The city being wherever we may be living.
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=718s
Dear Ajahn, you mentioned at some point that Venerable Moggalana died a violent death from being beaten. What is the experience of pain like for an Arahant like him? Could he detach from the experience?
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=1000s
If consciousness is a process, how am I able to change its direction? Is controlling the mental emotional structure part of the process, or does the understanding of consciousness itself direct it?
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=1370s
My meditation goes well on days when my time is limited and goes poorly on days when I have plenty of time. Do you have any advice for this situation: It goes well when you don't have time, and it goes badly when you do have lots of time?
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=1585s
It is stated that a monk may only meet with a female in the presence of another male I understand the reason for this but would it not be more appropriate for the monk to meet the lay woman in the presence of another woman rather than a man?
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=1764s
One of the factors of stream entry is associating with admirable people. If someone never encounters an Arya disciple in his life, does it mean he won't treat achieve stream entry regardless of his own effort?
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=2453s
I find when keeping the eight precepts sexual energies will come up and I have a habit of suppressing them which later leads me to transgressing the third precept can you speak to how to work with sexual energies of the body in meditation without acting on them? I recognize the value in maintaining celibacy on one level, yet I question how to do this sustainably.
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=2619s
Aspects of caring for my husband are difficult. Mental hills and valleys. He has chronic pain from various maladies and takes medication, and is a two-tour Vietnam combat veteran. PTSD with sprinkles on top. Kindly offer guidance and sutta references if possible.
https://youtu.be/YvT1vqk8CpI?t=2970s
CULTIVATING JOY: How much should we focus on cultivating joy versus allowing that to be a natural byproduct of practice? What are the best ways to do that?
https://youtu.be/MY_ky9qrJM4?t=76s
HEART BURSTING WIDE OPEN: After having a profound profound meditation experience, for example heart bursting wide open, how do you proceed gently without grasping for the experience again?
https://youtu.be/MY_ky9qrJM4?t=992s
HEART CONNECTION TO HISTORICAL BUDDHA: I don't feel a heart connection to the historical Buddha what specific suttas can help me know his kindness and compassion?
https://youtu.be/MY_ky9qrJM4?t=1201s
TALENT AND INTUITION: Is what people call talent a fruit of four powers? What about intuition, and what do you think about manifesting what you want or need into your life?
https://youtu.be/MY_ky9qrJM4?t=1533s
DISAPPEARING OF BUDDHISM: If there was no Theravada Buddhism what do you think would be the next best path to practice to have a chance at Awakening? Bonus: Buddhadhamma is gone from the world but all current paths remain. What leads to the most wholesome unfolding shy of Awakening?
https://youtu.be/MY_ky9qrJM4?t=1946s
From a practical standpoint, how should I approach something as big and broad in scope as the 37 factors? Secondarily, would you answer this differently for different types of people, for example, people with different primary hindrances and tendencies?
https://youtu.be/WrYBn6_imSw?t=68s
If the human realm is the most beneficial for the realization of enlightenment, are Devas or beings in the lower Realms able to attain enlightenment?
https://youtu.be/WrYBn6_imSw?t=716s
SICKNESS & AGING: Ajahn Sona, What are skillful means when worsening impairments due to chronic illness & getting older impact our lives & practice? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=797s
SENSORY STIMULATION: During the Seven Factors of Enlightenment retreat, you mentioned that moving from a high sensory world to a low sensory world can cause difficulties. Going from a low sensory world into a high sensory world can sometimes also be very challenging-especially after a retreat. Any advice on how to deal with such a situation?
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=976s
OTHER RELIGIONS: What are your thoughts on the value of studies in Comparative Religion? I'm interested in the opening of dialogue with Christian friends as well as better understanding other world views.
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=1440s
METTA: I was wondering whether sending Mettā to loved ones leads to creating more attachment to them? Moreover, does having very ecstatic Mettā sessions lead to becoming addicted?
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=1794s
FAMILY OBLIGATIONS: Reading about Right View in the Suttas, we hear “there is mother and father” and you have so brilliantly addressed that in previous talks. But, are there obligations for a father and mother towards their adult children and grandchildren? Or is it OK to seek separation in order to “selfishly” practice the Buddhist path?
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=2044s
DROWSINESS: How can I regularly meditate without expecting a future benefit? I always get drowsy when I try to practice breath meditation and feel discouraged.
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=2222s
TYPES OF CRAVING: Is a craving for non-existence (vibhava tanha) essentially a craving for existence; namely, the craving for the existence of non-existence? Is a wiser approach to practice for the non-arising of becoming (bhava nirodha)? Your guidance, please.
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=2451s
GENEROSITY: My Mom and I often visit the monks to offer necessities to the Sangha. It is very rewarding and helps to bring us peace. Why do we feel happiness when we are generous?
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=3065s
APPROACHES TO MEDITATION: How can we reconcile the no-goal oriented practice approach (eg. Ajahn Sumedo), with the goal oriented (i.e. Ajahn Brahm). How do these differ
https://youtu.be/8P3j642prog?t=3277s
WORLDLY ENTERTAINMENT & BUDDHISM: Any advice please on firstly the dilemma between enjoying popular culture versus Buddhism? And secondly any advice around faith when one is struggling with overwhelm and complex trauma?
https://youtu.be/pbZFMx1y7oU?t=495s
BUDDHIST VS MODERN PSYCHOLOGY: Can you say a little bit about the overlap and differences between Buddhist and psychoanalytic theories of consciousness, and what those implications mean?
https://youtu.be/pbZFMx1y7oU?t=1145s
JHANA: What degree of importance to you place on jhana practice and what so called 'depth' do you think is accurate? The Buddha seemed to define right samadhi as jhana. Ayya Khema or Pa-Auk depth for example.
https://youtu.be/pbZFMx1y7oU?t=1585s
NIBBANA: Since (from your talk on the Four Noble Truths), embodiment in existence ends with Nibbana, it sounds something like nihilism. Does that mean that consciousness or awareness end as well, or is there a continuation of awareness following Nibbana?
https://youtu.be/pbZFMx1y7oU?t=2302s
ENLIGHTENMENT: What does it mean if one thinks they experienced an enlightenment and their view on life has changed to a peaceful one, yet it doesn't feel like the development has fully completed. How to proceed?
https://youtu.be/pbZFMx1y7oU?t=2847s
THE JUDGING MIND: I often find that I keep judging people on the street for how they look or what they do, automatically, and it is almost impossible to avoid. Can this even be fixed
https://youtu.be/pbZFMx1y7oU?t=3285s
ENLIGHTENMENT: Is it of any benefit to ponder over what stage of enlightenment I may be in, if I am in any? Or should I just ignore that and keep practicing?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=500s
BOREDOM/KINDS OF FEELINGS: Life can become very peaceful or neutral without any particularly pleasant or unpleasant occurrences. Long stretches of neutrality can sometimes lead to boredom (or vedana?) How can we use boredom as a teacher?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=636s
MEDITATION: Ajahn Sona, With lay people who don't have accss to local teachers or sangha, what are the best ways to learn about our practice of deeper meditation experiences?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=1101s
REBIRTH: David, Perth, Australia: When the Buddha speaks of rebirth does he also refer to mental rebirth as well as physical rebirth? For example, could someone with major depression having been physically reborn as a human and mentally be in a lower or hell realm?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=1369s
TRANSFER OF MERIT: How does dedicating merits of our wholesome deeds to others help them especially when their own kamma in their refuge? It seems paradoxical at times despite being there in chanting?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=1633s
JATAKA TALES: Dear Ajahn Sona, I recently discovered the rich genre of Jataka Tales by watching your Youtube Channel. I particularly enjoyed Margo McLaughlin telling 'The Weaver's Daughter'. Do you have a favorite Jataka story? If so, which one?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=2081s
SPACE IN MIND: My quesion is about the space in the mind that mediation gives you. i have the feeling that i cannot be touched by the happenings of this world... untill i get triggered and am back to anger..
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=2411s
DETERMINED APPLICATION: Dear Luang Por, thank you for your teachings. Could you please discuss determined application as it applies to "Introspective enquiry is most supportive for making effort... Determined application is most supportive for introspective enquiry" (in M. N. 95.22-24)?
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=2636s
FORMLESS STATES: Why are the formless states not nibbana? I read that they are conditioned. Vedanta says you can view phenomena from the vantage point of unconditioned infinite consciousness, sounds similar to nibbana
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=3124s
EATING: When eating, I try to keep the taste at the tongue and remind myself that the food is made of elements and will pass through the body, transformed into something else made of mere elements. Do you have any other suggestions for practicing as one eats
https://youtu.be/xzoQpsJmDYs?t=3372s
JHANA & THE SOTAPANNA: I saw your video on the Stages of Enlightenment and I left with an idea that Sotapatti does not require Jhana to achieve it because only fetters of View are broken. On the contrary, Ajahn Brahmali in a talk said that Jhana is required for Sotapatti, and Sotapannas can easily enter Jhanas. What are your thoughts?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=2s
THE NEED TO BE RIGHT: Do you have any guidance on how one can let go of the need to be right? I've realized that I have trained myself to have a hypercritical mindset over the years, and it makes it impossible to get out of the old, unbeneficial habits.
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=1365s
WORRY: How does one deal with worry? Can it be described as over-preparing emotionally to face negative outcomes? Are some people born to worry & others less so? How can "incessant worriers", find strength of mind?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=1531s
INFORMATION OVERLOAD: Im having difficulty balancing the seemingly endless amount of information in Buddhism to the reality of present moment practice. It seems impossible to remember all of these lists and concepts and apply them in real time. Ajahn Sumedho has a talk titled "right effort is no effort". I know this is slightly in jest, but but I find the mid point between trying to hard and not enough to be challenging, and frequently I find trying to "do" Buddhism "correctly" feels unattainable and overly idealistic. Any advice?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=1851s
DEFILEMENTS: What's the relationship between dosa/lobha and kamacchanda/byāpāda, and why aren't dosa/lobha used as words for the hindrances? Is it because dosa/lobha are described as underlying characteristics, similar to the fetters?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=2115s
SOCIAL JUSTICE: I would like to know Buddha's thoughts on social justice. If someone has wronged the other, is it important to seek justice in courts or s/he should let it go according to law of nature and karma?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=2418s
CONSCIOUSNESS: Will you please say a little about if we are our perceiving consciousness? We're not our thoughts, but are we the consciousness witnessing them?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=2543s
MEDITATION PRACTICE: I'm struggling in the Summer to practice. There's something very activating about long days and sunlight. In the rainy winter, I was much more able to be mindful and meditate deeply. Is this normal or is there something I can do to regain my practice.
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=2641s
I'm having a hard time accepting the Therevada unspoken rule/angle about me euthanasia. I truly believe it's an individual choice as is abortion. The kindest choice is best imo. Perhaps I'm wrong?
https://youtu.be/wvznC9aDeYA?t=2759s
Do you have any comments on when the Buddha said: "There is no evil that cannot be done by a person who deliberately lies." How can I stop sprinkling small lies in my speech?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=21s
Tough week in Samsara, everything hurts. How does one get a good meditation in? Dealing with tons of interruptions. Distractions. You name it...
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=424s
Dear Ajahn Sona, I assume I'll need more lifetimes than the Buddha to awaken. How can I account for millions of them? Is this because the entire Universe expands/grows and contracts/dissolves over and over? How much time does it take for that process, roughly? Do we have any idea where we are in the current process; expanding or contracting? This would explain why we won't see evidence of prior civilization.
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=659s
Could you provide advice from the Buddha or yourself on starting and ending each day? I usually listen to dharma talks just before bedtime. Is this a wise practice? Or should this time be left for setting the mind?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=1073s
Today I am thinking of blessing and how to dispel negative energies from my son's home. Someone broke in this past week taking a lot of things, including an important gift from his dead father.
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=1482s
Christopher, Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, United States: Should we have unlimited compassion and patience for those who disrespect and belittle us?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=1600s
Can you please comment on Lord Buddha's views on humor and laughter. Are there prescribed guidelines? My loved ones get irritated when I laugh!
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=1763s
In the Adittapariyaya Sutta (The Fire Sermon) the Buddha advises experiencing revulsion to become dispassionate towards objects of craving. How does one experience revulsion without aversion?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=1895s
Upasaka Dogukan, Istanbul, Turkey: It is often stated that Buddhist practice often leads to a kind of dispassion towards the world, bodily pleasures, and worldly pursuits. It is also described in the texts that sort of dispassion provides the practitioner with pleasure. But how can we differentiate this kind of dispassion from ordinary laziness? We can sometimes neglect even our strongest desires out of laziness, since it creates such a powerful habit energy.
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=2024s
If a layperson became an arahant, would they immediately give up family and work? If so, why is full enlightenment incompatible with worldly life?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=2450s
Dear Ajahn, artificial intelligence shows that machines are capable of learning, like humans. Could a new realm of rebirth arise from advancement of machines, not foreseen by the Buddha? May some beings get reborn into machines and live the long lifespan of devas?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=2684s
Is emptiness just "essencelessness" or there is more to it? If I understand that no phenomena is "something" by itself and identities are merely a thoughts, does it mean I realised emptiness?
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=3028s
I'd like to get some help with a situation where I'm still living with my partner who is seeing another guy. I'm Dealing with the emotional damage and a way out of the relationship, splitting home up.
https://youtu.be/rtIXpoICNAY?t=3236s
It seems like there's two camps in Buddhist meditation. On one side, commentary proponents speak of jhana in terms of nimittas and one-pointed absorption, while Sutta proponents argue for an open, whole body jhana, with vitakka-vicara meaning thinking & evaluating instead of connecting & sustaining. Do you see the difference in these two meditation systems? What is your opinion?
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=27s
I have read that Lay people should address Ordained monks with less than 10 years as "Venerable" and more than 10 years Ordained as Ajahn. Would it be an insult to call a greater than 10 years ordained monk as "Venerable". Particularly if accidental. Also how does the Honorific "Bhikkhu" fit into this as in: Bhikkhu Bodhi or Thānissaro Bhikkhu?
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=653s
Many Buddhists profess a belief in Rebirth after physical death. The Buddha states to not believe but instead to investigate. How can one know about rebirth after death since it can only be experienced when one has died?
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=1050s
I am ready to renounce and become a monk, but cannot because I have a dog and there would be no one to care for her if I left. Is this a crazy reason to delay entering the robes?
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=1414s
What must one do to be born again in the human realm and meet with the Buddha's teachings specifically if one does not attain stream entry before death in this life?
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=1532s
Dear Ajahn Sona - Within Samsara there is much beauty, including nature, music, art and people. The fact of their impermanence only increases their beauty. Yet I feel at times that I should not allow myself to engage in such beauty, since the goal of my practice is to escape Samsara. How is beauty to be skillfully dealt with? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=1926s
Upasaka Jagaro, Kamloops, BC, Canada: Dear Luang Por Sona, Can you provide me with a framework with an appropriate methodology to study the Suttas? I find myself jumping around the various texts.
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=2539s
Theo, Markham, Ontario, Canada: I have been struggling to find proof of something; hopefully you can shed light on it. Is the pure land of Amitabha taught by the Buddha or is this something that was made up?
https://youtu.be/6l47WiGrgLY?t=3190s
You spoke a few weeks ago about living in community and how the monastic code, among many other things, teaches how to think of others. I have also heard that the Metta Sutta teaches how to think of others. What are the differences in these teachings on thinking of others?
https://youtu.be/wMkOTmJCkCA?t=1523s
Dear Ajahn, I recently lost my aunt in a terrible road accident. She had a major role in bringing me up and shaping my value system. It has been a very hard couple of months dealing with the sheer pain of this loss which is a first of this kind for me. Is there any particular meditation approach that may help in the grieving process?
https://youtu.be/wMkOTmJCkCA?t=1818s
What is your advice for when one experiences hallucination and vibrations outside of meditation after intense meditation. Is it an indication of bad practice or an imbalance?
https://youtu.be/wMkOTmJCkCA?t=2096s
I've heard of a practice that can be taken up for a period of time where you undertake to give away something (food I think) each day. Could the giving also include what you observe is needed? What is this practice called and can you please talk a little about it?
https://youtu.be/wMkOTmJCkCA?t=2440s
I enjoyed your comments on objectless consciousness in a recent interview. Do you have advice for approaching teachings such as these in popular circles or with teachers?
https://youtu.be/wMkOTmJCkCA?t=2732s
How do I come to terms with my military job where I was indirectly responsible for hundreds of deaths and if history had been different it would have been hundreds of thousands
https://youtu.be/wMkOTmJCkCA?t=3410s
I struggle with smoking marijuana and I haven't gone more than 7 days without smoking in 7 years. Any advice on dealing with withdrawals and ending the habit completely?
https://youtu.be/lJ9wIrXpl7A?t=399s
Luang Por Sona, I am disheartened after hearing your talk on right view. I was not a feral child, but a child emotionally isolated and trained to behave properly. My grief after my mother died was that I had not had a mother. So without that family connection, I feel that I have no chance of progressing. In decades of meditating, I have never settled deeply. I can just keep on keeping on, but I am discouraged. Any advice?
https://youtu.be/lJ9wIrXpl7A?t=1348s
Dear Ajahn, I've recently developed an intense social anxiety that triggers attacks when I am with groups of people (family, colleagues), and they last 20-30 minutes. I am generally quite social and friendly, but these attacks make me want to just leave and be alone. I feel overwhelming fear and sadness and I don't know how to deal with it. I am trying to find the answer in Buddhism, but haven't succeeded yet. Do you have any guidance?
https://youtu.be/lJ9wIrXpl7A?t=2403s
Dear Ajahn Sona, Does the third factor of enlightenment, 'energy' also mean 'determination,' i.e. as when one rouses energy to accomplish something, as in right effort?
https://youtu.be/lJ9wIrXpl7A?t=2735s
Doing the five subjects for frequent recollection, I sometimes skip over the reflection on separation. My intuition is that there is work to do here. How should I proceed
https://youtu.be/lJ9wIrXpl7A?t=3111s
The Buddha says in MN 19, the Dvedhavitakkka Sutta, that he divided up his thinking into two sorts, but then there are subcategories related to intention. How to go about this type of labeling in a beneficial way?
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=1410s
Greetings and gratitude, dear Ajahn Sona... and blessings to all at Birken. Our meditation group would like to study the 5 aggregates as they relate to the 3 characteristics. Where should we begin in the Buddha's teachings?
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=1698s
Would a stream-enterer or once-returner intentionally get into a marriage? How would their attainment affect their marriage and relationships with normal householders?
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=2369s
How does one practice the renunciation of owning so much stuff? How does one let go quickly on a very large scale? I cling to and crave physical possessions and I need help!
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=2544s
My job requires that I track a lot of information and news daily, in a political environment, and it can be overwhelming. What advice do you have for balancing this?
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=2863s
My father is in hospice right now. I would have to cut short a vacation (1st in 8 years) to go 1000 miles to see him. I am mixed. I saw him 6 weeks ago and had a great visit. Advice?
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=3011s
The Abrahamics have ruined the terms "Right" and "Wrong" for me. But I find that "Skillful" and "Unskillful" resonate deeply. Is this an acceptable way of categorizing speech and behavior?
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=3175s
I've a tendency to chat in an excitable, rambling and discursive manner, easily flying off on tangents; should I rather try to keep my speech always tempered and measured so as to practice right speech
https://youtu.be/hSWptQpAVls?t=3384s
My brother & his family stay with my parents but they are spendthrift & that puts financial strain & stress on my parents. I support my parents financially but I feel exploited in this case that indirectly I'm supporting their luxury needs. If I don't support my parents financially, I feel guilty, however, supporting parents has always been a karmic boon for me. I am going through a dilemma in this case if I should send funds to my parents or not. Mangala sutta says to support parents. So, I get confused as I also don't want to be exploited. What to do in this situation?
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=23s
In your YouTube video on Right View, you discuss how it is important to have a conviction that existence continues after death. As a natural skeptic, my position on the question of what happens when I die is to reserve judgment for now. Is there a way for me to proceed with spiritual development along a Buddhist path while being a skeptic about rebirth?
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=259s
Reflecting on the qualities of the Buddha. Can you please explain how to reflect on araham (arahant) and how this relates to myself and my practice.
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=777s
Regarding your talk last week on hiri ottappa and its effects on societies, it was very familiar. Living in the US where moral decline is visible in regular active shootings, lying in public, greed and competitiveness, one wonders what to do. Besides cleaning one's own garden with meditation, sila, dana, and volunteering to improve life; what suggestions do you have for aiding the external world. Thank you for your teachings.
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=1146s
In all my meditations, I always have a diffused white nimmita, but for the first time ever today I had a distinct dark blue nimmita. What do you think this means, and is this common?
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=1441s
Dear Ajahn. I am fortunate to have a good bit of time to practice and listen to talks at the moment. However, I don't have a teacher or access to a monastery so I wonder how to access my own progress. I am thinking my ego is either portraying it going better or worse than it actually is. I feel its important to see some progress to keep the motivation going. I do breath meditation and Tibetan Dorje (DOOR JAY) Sempa practice.
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=2152s
Can you please speak to how to let go of control? I find myself knowing times when I should let go of craving and the desire to control, but being unable to due to fear and anxiety.
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=2330s
I am curious what you would tell someone who is feeling left out, hurt and angry by an relative that's come into money but does not wish to share.
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=2877s
In response to one question about meditation on elements you said, to stare the fire, to see the water, to feel the air, etc., but in Maharahulavada sutta, Buddha tells Rahula to see the earth element in hair, skin, bones, etc, similarly seeing the other elements inside the body...your answer gave me another perspective but I was wondering if Buddha has said it somewhere
https://youtu.be/rXjCdR-Xvok?t=2989s
Dear Venerable, I now have comparatively less time to meditate and practice the dhamma due to different circumstances, what advice would you give in most effectively using my time for practice?
https://youtu.be/D95mn3t7z1c?t=15s
Dear Ajahn. I am from Northern Norway with a climate similar to Canada. I enjoy hiking and meditating in nature. Do you have any tips on outdoor Dhamma practice?
https://youtu.be/D95mn3t7z1c?t=331s
When a person disrobes, after having gone forth and given away all possessions, is there any type of financial assistance to help with transitioning?
https://youtu.be/D95mn3t7z1c?t=705s
When I read about Arahants like Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Mogallana, it is difficult to make sense of some Mahayana practitioner's claim that Theravada practitioners are selfish. There are Mahayana practitioners in my life, and I would like to better understand this friction.
https://youtu.be/D95mn3t7z1c?t=895s
Dear Ajahn Sona,I hear practice non attachment & aspire to it. Please guide in ways to cultivate? I think I understand yet still struggle. Maybe it's the carnival talk. I don't have time to indulge in worldly path to darkness.
https://youtu.be/D95mn3t7z1c?t=2477s
Sometimes, I find my chronic pain unbearable. In those times, I am only left with anxiety and unable to think. What is your advice for such situations?
https://youtu.be/D95mn3t7z1c?t=2819s
Dear Ajahn, I become very discouraged when I become hooked by powerful negative emotions. It seems like most of the time I'm "doing ok", having neutral, or slight positive or negative emotions but not being swept up by them. When I feel more doom and gloom I'm very disappointed that my practice isn't strong enough to ride through the emotional storm with more detachment and faith and makes me question if my practice is heading in the right direction. Any advice? Is there happiness free of suffering to be had in this life before reaching nibbana?
https://youtu.be/6Uk5mBuaX74?t=17s
Ajahn Sona, Is non-self nothing more than a lack of attachment to identity, since everything we are is by haphazard? What we are born into and conditioning and whatnot?
https://youtu.be/6Uk5mBuaX74?t=614s
It is said that a tadpole only understands properly what water is once it grows up to be a frog and experiences land.The same way, a person only properly understands sensuality once they frequently experience the jhanas. Can you elaborate on how one's outlook on sensuality changes experientially? How do they feel about sensuality, and in what way would they feel repulsed by it?
https://youtu.be/6Uk5mBuaX74?t=1257s
A question about the practice of music and miccha samadhi. As a hopeful meditator, is practicing music counter productive to attaining jhana? (I am a music teacher.)
https://youtu.be/6Uk5mBuaX74?t=1740s
Dear Ajahn Sona, Is there an explanation as to why some people acquire psychic abilities along with their spiritual development? Should they be used?
https://youtu.be/6Uk5mBuaX74?t=2844s
There are many different types of Buddhist meditations described in the suttas. As a lay follower, I don't know how to divide my practice time among these meditations. How can I overcome this problem
https://youtu.be/6Uk5mBuaX74?t=3221s
A term commonly used in the suttas is "dispassion". My previous experiences with this term felt closer to anhedonia (and even listlessness) rather than the equanimity which the Buddha promotes. Because of this, I deeply fear dispassion. I still consider myself a novice on the path, and am certain this aversion stems from my erroneous perception. How should I approach this issue going forward? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=23s
I love the monk lifestyle but am compelled toward household life. I'm planning a small mushroom farm business. Please advise how to design a daily routine so I can progress as far as possible.
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=545s
Is meditation on consciousness itself instead of the breath a valid subject of meditation? I am in doubt, and i keep switching meditation objects between the breath and being aware of being aware. Both have similar qualities as both are always available, both are low sensory. But, after 18 years of sincere practice i can still not come to Jhana, but i feel it is easier for me to stay with awareness than breath.
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=1189s
Is it right action for me to accompany my adult son to his church services? I am his ride. He is finding that community helpful in dealing with chronic pain and addiction.
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=2472s
Is investigation and understanding of the dharma limited to insights already shared 2500 years ago? Or does it support expanding on these insights? How so?
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=2675s
It seems that no matter how peaceful my mind becomes, it's never enough to satisfy me. Can one ever attain enough peace to become truly satisfied while still living?
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=2957s
Music is a discipline that usually takes a lot of mindfulness - is there a way to practice a musical instrument in a meditative manner, outside ego
https://youtu.be/IQeapHELoc8?t=3160s
I sometimes struggle with YouTube binges when stressed at work or elsewhere. Working with the 7th precept I am trying to lessen this. Do you have any advice for addiction to entertainment?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=134s
How does one balance work and other responsibilities. Sometimes it seems that one either doesn't live fully, or one lets others down when unable to fulfill a responsibility.
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=433s
How would one go about introducing the Dhamma to someone? I have a friend whose life I feel is dictated by modern ideas such as hustle culture and I have been unsuccessful in convincing him to look further into the dhamma. For most people I tend to introduce the idea of the Jhanas to show it's something supernormal and not in their current experience to pique interest.
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=693s
In the 4 Establishments of Mindfulness the Buddha teaches how to contemplate the body. I have read and heard this as unattractiveness or loathsomeness of the body. Can you please explain a way to do this type of contemplation? Additionally, why is the development of a mind that views the body as unattractive or loathsome beneficial.
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=905s
I know monks refrain from playing music but with regards to Metta practice, I understand it's recommended to recall good memories of wholesome feeling. You once said, 'make a map'. Is mentally rehearsing the music the same as doing it aloud?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=1685s
Is inner sound included in one of the 5 aggregates? It never seems to begin or end, and when attention is paid, it's always there. I understood that all 5 aggregates are impermanent?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=1829s
I am struggling to overcome the hindrances, while just keeping the five precepts. Would it speed up my progress if I force myself to keep the eight precepts?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=2373s
In 2020-2021 I was happy living a simple life. I'm now finding myself caught up in craving for things and experiences that I really craved before Covid. How can I be happy with a simple life again?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=2549s
In light of the worst predictions for the effects of global warming, where it may come that the human species on earth becomes extinct in perhaps a few generations, what is the Buddhist view on this, considering Buddhist cosmology and that the human realm is optimal for arahantship?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=2730s
Lately my email inbox is flooded with announcements about conferences or series of talks on the future of American Buddhism with the focus on how Buddhism can be open to the wealth of diversity and still tap the need for spiritual depth. What are your thoughts on this heightened interest in the future of Buddhism, both from your personal perspective and that of Theravada Buddhism?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=3040s
I can't be a monastic due to disability, but am giving my life to practicing Dharma and metta. Can a lay buddhist have a dharma name to aspire towards?
https://youtu.be/Q912q7dtJRY?t=3352s
Today I cut down all my entertainment, social media usage, sugar, and all sensual pleasures I could think of and I noticed that I was able to produce metta far more easily. I am currently trying a year-long retreat on metta.
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=101s
I am recovering from a serious physical injury. To avoid pain & re-injury, I am working with mindfulness of the body throughout the day in all postures. How do I elevate this practice from what seems like bare awareness of movement to what the Buddha taught in the Satipatthana Sutta? Many thanks for your wisdom; I hope to use this opportunity to deepen my practice.
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=455s
I remember hearing that people don't come to a monastery because they're too happy. Is suffering the main teacher of peace and can joy eventually teach the same?
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=821s
What metrics should one use to gauge the harmfulness or benefit of their actions? How can one develop their ability to assess the quality of their own actions?
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=1028s
Ever since I fumbled into a few jhanas 8 years ago, my interest in Dhamma has deepened, propelled by a need to understand and repeat those experiences. As a result, I relate less to the conventional world and my sense of self is vague. But I still have not given up ideas of career success and family. I also have student debt, which might prevent ordination. I truly feel out of place and I'm concerned I always will. How to move forward?
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=1395s
I am unsure how to actively cultivate equanimity. Is it done through contemplations such as the 32 parts of a man? Is there an active participation similar to metta? I'm not sure how to gauge how equanimous I am whereas with metta it is far easier, because metta feels more concrete while equanimity feels more abstract.
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=1802s
Is the Theravada goal of liberation different from annihilation? Is the ending of rebirth and attainment of nibbana something to be experienced? Or, is it an end? Could you point to the suttas as a reference?
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=2044s
When I am practicing breath meditation should I be focusing on my emotions, in the form of clearing away the hindrances and trying to cultivate piti and sukha, or should I ignore my emotions and focus on only on my breath, and then have piti and sukha arise as a result?
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=2423s
Many suttas speak about the path beginning with someone "leaving their circle of relatives." As a lay-person is there a teaching for us to take away from this?
https://youtu.be/R0A_qJcMfN8?t=3021s
Can you say something about mental illness, such as hallucination, delirium, deep mental instability ... And the link with states of consciousness "citta" and mental factors "cetasika". And how can meditation help people in crises?
https://youtu.be/W_pqaimr-7M?t=868s
How do I keep a positive attitude? I'm 66 and fighting depression, I can't keep a focus when meditating, and my mind focuses on the negative things happening in life.
https://youtu.be/W_pqaimr-7M?t=1359s
Is it necessary to be mindful of the body always or just being mindful of feelings is enough? Is there any detrimental impact of not being aware of the body?
https://youtu.be/W_pqaimr-7M?t=1710s
I am reading Ajahn Jayasaro's Stillness Flowing and he mentions gratitude and the unique relationship it has in Thai culture. Can you speak to this and to understanding and developing gratitude on the path?
https://youtu.be/W_pqaimr-7M?t=1914s
I'm in very early recovery from a dangerous covid experience and have been crying. I feel gratitude, love of life, a deeper true desire to practice well, to cross the stream and leave the raft, as well as much awareness of the process of dying that I will eventually go through. What is your response: is this covetousness and grief to set aside?
https://youtu.be/W_pqaimr-7M?t=2341s
Reading about the Stoics, I note they were some 200 years after the Buddha. The overlap in central views is profound. Do you feel this may indicate the influence of Buddhism in Greece?
https://youtu.be/W_pqaimr-7M?t=3105s
Why is the Visudhimagga often trusted when it is noticeable that in several places it deviates from the Suttas? Should I read the Visudhimagga?
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=514s
Some think it is possible to bring certain forms of extreme, apophatic Christian mysticism into alignment with some forms of Buddhism. For example, Meister Eckhart's mysticism with Zen Buddhism. Would you agree or disagree?
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=829s
Dear Ajahn, when I'm stressed, etc., I'm unable to generate loving kindness, which sometimes leads to disappointment and anger at myself. In these situations, is it more skillful to shift my attention elsewhere instead of forcing my way through?
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=1170s
When I practice ananapansati, I see some beautiful mental objects, and then very strong piti starts filling in the body, but its very strong like tearing body apart, is it 1st jhana.
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=1473s
Dear Ajahn, to be a person of Right View is it necessary to believe in beings who are reborn spontaneously like devas, gods, maras, and brahmas? In your video about Right View you didn't mention this aspect, and I am curious why.
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=1675s
If a sotapanna goes home for Christmas and his father asks if he has a real job yet, and he loses his temper and shouts in front of grandma and the rest of the family, is he still a sotapanna?
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=1900s
Anonymous, Derbyshire, England: If you come across a webpage that asks you to check the box 'I have read and accept the terms and conditions' and you proceed without reading it, would that be considered as breaking the fourth precept?
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=2153s
I suffer a great deal from lack of self-discipline. I assume is rooted in the hindrance of sloth - and is overcomed by activation, but I hardly muster even weak willpower. Please advise.
https://youtu.be/7yv5YokKqWI?t=2688s
When advised to associate with the wise, can one take advice from someone not wise emotionally, but in some other action? Or is wise in this context more being wise in Dhamma?
https://youtu.be/ddWVz0OKTIA?t=317s
It seems the Mangala Sutta is directed toward humans, although the question, "what is the highest blessing?" was asked by a deva. Are we to understand that the asker is a "lower" deva, still close to the material world? Or that the devas are being reminded that a lower rebirth is possible, and they need to work--despite their bliss--toward complete freedom from suffering?
https://youtu.be/ddWVz0OKTIA?t=458s
I feel a strong passion to help the foolish in whatever guise they take. Can we, and should we, "help" foolish people see the error of their ways, or is it better to only look at ourselves, so that we may become an example of an "unfoolish" way of living that brings much more happiness?
https://youtu.be/ddWVz0OKTIA?t=982s
How do we associate with those we have familial obligations to help - an elderly parent or an adult child - who may not be wise, yet we wish to offer some wisdom or Metta to them.
https://youtu.be/ddWVz0OKTIA?t=1212s
I have been lucky to have many wise teachers, but who have been "wise with an edge", meaning that they came with some not very wise vices. How do I think about this?
https://youtu.be/ddWVz0OKTIA?t=1412s
Regarding keeping company with virtuous people, one 'friend' is a long-time meditator and 'Buddhist', yet can be quite insensitive/judgmental, and demanding of gifts greater than I gift myself. Is this someone that would be considered someone to avoid?
https://youtu.be/Ej1xUSCG6cg?t=50s
A friend who is very important to me as a spiritual teacher suddenly turned against me with anger. This has created a blockage for me in my Metta practice. How can I resolve this blockage and help me with my attitude towards future teachers?
https://youtu.be/Ej1xUSCG6cg?t=1894s
"In honouring those worthy of honour", some might insist that no humans are above them, but a code of high ethics alone is enough. Will you elaborate on this difference?
https://youtu.be/Ej1xUSCG6cg?t=2101s
How does one who is not from a Buddhist background move towards a meaningful Buddhist practice while minimizing the disruption to family and friends who act from a much different operating system (materialism, Christianity, etc...)?
https://youtu.be/Ej1xUSCG6cg?t=2240s
Regarding the precept of not killing, is it considered a violation if one has thoughts hoping for a loved one suffering a prolonged terminal illness to leave their body and no longer suffer
https://youtu.be/Ej1xUSCG6cg?t=2656s
Sometimes I feel like my discipline can be motivated by harshness/an arrogant desire to succeed. How do we maintain right intention with our discipline?
https://youtu.be/KogCTnpaHH0?t=1180s
Regarding not associating with the foolish, how can a mother can maintain associating with a foolish son for the purpose of loving patient forbearance, or with a friend who is kind but tries to engage in gossip?
https://youtu.be/KogCTnpaHH0?t=1516s
it was very fascinating when you talked about the highly disciplined life of a monastic in the forest tradition: why has a highly disciplined person so much energy? The practice and discipline may sometimes lead to frustration or discouragement, what can one do to overcome this?
https://youtu.be/KogCTnpaHH0?t=1817s
My understanding of foolish people in my life was enhanced by learning about modern psychological research into personality disorders. Do you have thoughts on this?
https://youtu.be/KogCTnpaHH0?t=2096s
I have both positive and negative feelings around bowing. Why is it that it is appropriate in Asian culture, but seems strange in Western culture?
https://youtu.be/19PhNUBMLxs?t=2181s
My family does not connect to meditation, but would connect to the greater Buddhist message. What does it mean to celebrate the Buddha in our culture, in this time?
https://youtu.be/19PhNUBMLxs?t=2502s
As a psychotherapist, more of what I offer to my clients is rooted in Dhamma (without necessarily calling it that). I sometimes feel awkward about charging for my services. Is this a violation of Right Livelihood?
https://youtu.be/IyZboaQK5Wg?t=703s
How does one deal with a person who becomes increasingly difficult to reason with as one ages and loses the mental capacity to evaluate the situation properly?
https://youtu.be/IyZboaQK5Wg?t=1091s
I was not the most skilled parent with one of my children. While I care deeply for this now young adult, it is difficult to be with them, as they do not respect me and I find them exhausting to be around. What advice would you have?
https://youtu.be/IyZboaQK5Wg?t=1804s
Due to chronic illness I have to make considerable concessions with things contrary to what Buddhist discipline suggests, e.g. sleep. How can I deal with this so it's not an obstacle on the path?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=39s
How can one be well-caring of one’s parents, if a close relationship is in some ways harmful to one’s own life? Does 'well caring' also refer to the inner relationship to one’s parents, i.e. wishing them well being and a happy life?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=168s
I thank you for yesterday’s talk and Q&A, and, of course I know this is the Buddhist way but I keep wondering how well one can use this mindset in the face of people who really intentionally mean one real harm, or when in situations of horrific violence. Could you say more on the dire situations please?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=879s
My question is about the concept and aim of 'retirement' from employment. When people can retire from their employment should they continue to find other ways to 'work' if they can? Is there any ethical problem with continuing to receive income from a pension or investments they have made?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=1118s
I've been sitting with a lot of strong, persistent anxiety, which is not just vague, but a reaction to some very real issues. Do you have suggestions about how to work with anxiety?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=1317s
You mentioned that a career in the arts can be an example of skillful behaviour because it can energize people's lives. Please elaborate on how this can be helpful and not frivolous? Can oil painting be part of a spiritual practice?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=1696s
You talked about the physics of generosity: does that also include a balance, i.e. if you get a lot, you have to give a lot? What is more important, the quantity or the quality of giving?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=2064s
Can you please elaborate on the effect of thinking of the benefits of generosity while giving a gift. Does that reduce or taint the merit of giving? How can one test for the purity of one’s own motives in giving?
https://youtu.be/vmPdMBEmmnY?t=2400s
THE PERCEPTUAL PROCESS & OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCES: As Theravada Buddhists, we are taught that for the seeing process to take place, there must be eye-consciousness, the eye-organ, the object and an uninterrupted contact between the three present at the same time. But there are people talking about "out of body experiences." Where they "see" their body from outside. How does this "seeing" process happen, while there's at least one broken or missing link, usually the eye-organ? Is this sense of "sight" a mere illusion of perception, a dream, or perhaps we don't need the eye-organ to see?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=493s
DEVOTION: I have basically zero external devotion, even though I think about the Dhamma every day, all day. It is because devotion is a part of the mind-control apparatus of this one large religion. I don't really even know if I'm able. Should I somehow still give it a try?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=899s
FAMILY & RIGHT VIEW: Could you please discuss how the concepts of mother and father fit into Right View? How does one balance family duties with the desire to follow the Eightfold Path?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=1639s
PARENTS & RIGHT ASSOCIATION: How can we deal with or find balance with the contradiction of respecting our parents and "not associating with fools", if we feel they fit that description? Is it OK to cut the ties if we feel the relationship is too overwhelming?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=1955s
RIGHT EFFORT - I have found your emphasis on Right Effort extremely helpful and inspiring, including your recent book "What Comes Before Mindfulness?". I have also recently been inspired by Anguttara Nikaya 10.2 where the Buddha talks about good qualities flowing naturally from each other with no volition needing to be exerted. Can you explain how both of these can work together?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=2250s
PSYCHIC POWERS: When meditating are psychic powers gained spontaneously or must there be an intent in developing them? Just like any other ability?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=2493s
MERIT: Here is a quote I have read: "he who has transcended both merit and demerit ... is called a bhikkhu". But don't we all strive to attain merit? Could you explain why we should transcend it?
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=2905s
HARMLESSNESS: Sometimes I cause pain and suffering to those around me, unintentionally. This causes me great suffering. How do I remove my ignorance in this matter, and become skillful enough to at least cause no harm, (if not do good) with my actions or inactions
https://youtu.be/NtGs6gooqkc?t=3176s
METTA VS COMPASSION: Can you explain the difference between lovingkindness and compassion meditation? Which would be the best to start practicing as a person who just started this journey?
https://youtu.be/nXyT2Swyo9Y?t=29s
EQUANIMITY WITH PHYSICAL PAIN: Recently I had a migraine headache and decided to keep my equanimity. But after an hour, the headache intensified and ended in vomiting, then I decided to take painkillers. Accepting emotional pain or letting go of anger is very easy, but how can one maintain equanimity during physical pain without any suffering?
https://youtu.be/nXyT2Swyo9Y?t=936s
THE MIND-MADE BODY - Is “The body within the body”, a feature of having bodies in general, all the same for humans and all other beings? And does this body also go through birth, aging and death with the physical body and is unique to each body in each lifetime? Does it have its own aggregates or it is a subset of the original five aggregates?
https://youtu.be/nXyT2Swyo9Y?t=1386s
BEYOND SUCCESS & FAILURE: I am alone and most media nowadays involves content that amplifies the ego and a low self-worth especially in terms of friendships, dating and mastering a skill that I have tried to improve but failed. When I try to meditate, my mind tells me a negative story, that I will fail and I am just coping to escape from reality. How can we override this self-tyranny and instil self-confidence in this lonely situation?
https://youtu.be/nXyT2Swyo9Y?t=1727s
LEARNING A SKILL: Can the practice and discipline of playing an instrument serve as a handicap or preliminary practice to full-time meditation eventually?
https://youtu.be/nXyT2Swyo9Y?t=2139s
GENOCIDE - Can the incidents of genocide in Buddhist majority countries like Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka be seen as a failure of Buddhism at some level or just the failure of people in power?
https://youtu.be/nXyT2Swyo9Y?t=2328s
FOOD CRAVINGS: I’m having a problem with overeating. I know my consumption is on the side of indulgence, likely linked to angst. I attempt to counter these cravings with Dhamma or meditation, but sometimes the cravings overpower my attention.
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=24s
RESTLESSNESS IN MEDITATION: I am very happy with my practice, but there is a pattern I can't quite break yet. When the mind is free of gross hindrances and cravings, after some time, it tends to look for troubles in the realm of subtle feelings and perceptions. It almost fabricates these problems out of nothing. There is freedom from coarse obscurations, but at the same time a subtle restlessness. How to work with this?
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=695s
RIGHT VIEW: I've had a few very joyful contemplations of Anatta, feeling as if escaping the ‘jail of the Khandas’ opens for an intimacy, a coming ‘home’, a knowing of and being known by other ‘mental continuums’. Is this right view or wishful thinking? Is the joy that arises from this understanding considered wholesome, even if the view might be somewhat deluded? Is this to be developed?
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=1292s
FEELING & CESSATION: After experiencing the signless or the wishless and by converging with the process by fully seeing and knowing the arising and the cessation, is there anything more to do?
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=1494s
ZEN MEDITATION: I have heard some people like scholars and Mahayana Buddhists say that focusing meditations were not taught by the Buddha, and that an open awareness kind of contemplation of Zen tradition is closer to the original practice, as you stay mindful of the 4 foundations while in it. What are your thoughts on this?
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=2073s
RIGHT EFFORT: I have been practicing your teachings on Right Effort, and had an experience where a close loved one got furious & made accusations. I interacted but wasn’t bothered as I usually would be. I went grocery shopping after and felt happy. Should I be more concerned for my loved ones feelings? Am I doing something wrong, i.e. I don’t want to abandon my loved one. Please advise.
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=2524s
PALI CHANTING: My first language is Punjabi and when I listen to Pali chanting , there are numerous words which I speak everyday that are very similar in Pali. Why do my eyes tear up when I listen to chanting or even in the presence of monks
https://youtu.be/04U-296TSl0?t=3345s
ASUBHA MEDITATION: Is it okay to practice "Asubha·bhāvanā" as the main practice? I'm a little worried because the monks who first practiced that in the past committed suicide. I wanted to ask because I think it helps me get rid of my desires.
https://youtu.be/hMNrAoJjX8o?t=23s
REINVIGORATING PRACTICE: My practice was really good during Covid, due to all the available time, but has since declined. At my peak I was doing 20-45 minutes of sitting twice per day, but now it's merely about 15 minutes of walking meditation per day. Could you provide some suggestions for intensifying and reinvigorating my practice?
https://youtu.be/hMNrAoJjX8o?t=1019s
IMPATIENCE: I have increasing crankiness with my son's mental illness. I have practiced for decades, yet the intention for patience is not holding at this time. In need of the wise voice of one who knows me.
https://youtu.be/hMNrAoJjX8o?t=1816s
RIGHT SPEECH: Would you please give some tips for responding in a skillful way when someone is being unskillful in speech in a 1 on 1 conversation?
https://youtu.be/hMNrAoJjX8o?t=2160s
PRACTICE & FAMILY RESPONSIBLITIES: I am new to Buddhism, I want to know whether I can work on the path to happiness, even while having a family and related aspirations.
https://youtu.be/hMNrAoJjX8o?t=2772s
You have spoken about researching the connections between early Buddhist and Christian societies. Do you have any thoughts on why Jesus was killed and the Buddha was not?
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=19s
I worked hard for many years to become a professional scientist and have had some recent breakthroughs in my work. However, circumstances may force me to move to a place with limited research opportunities to stay with my partner. I don't know how to choose between my passion and my relationship. Do you have any thoughts on this from a Buddhist perspective?
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=783s
When someone rings a meditation bell & says, “Ooh, I LOVE the sound of that, so I’ll ring it again!” & rings it more, isn’t that unwholesome sense desire?
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=1124s
In the suttas it's said that in-and-out breathing ceases upon the 4th jhana, and in his essay "Reading the Natural Mind" Ajahn Chah states that the breath at this stage actually occurs through the pores of the skin. A quick Google search indicates that roughly 1-2% of the oxygen in the average person is indeed absorbed transdermally. I found this fascinating and would like to hear your thoughts on this.
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=1208s
I really liked the idea that you have to practice dancing to learn to dance. Therefore, to overcome dukkha, one must practice overcoming dukkha. So it seems that doing hard painful practices is the only solution to get rid of dukkha. On the other hand, there are ideas such as the Middle Path and Emptiness, which ultimately lead to the fact that Dukkha and Sukha are both empty and one should dwell in equanimity instead. So why should we value the Joy in the practice and not pay attention directly to the equanimity?
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=1706s
Sense restraint & celibacy seem to make me even more sensitive -- at times overwhelmed with intense emotions. It's like a rollercoaster ride. Is this mara struggling to keep me in samsara?
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=2787s
I have 3 kids, the oldest is 4 years old. She started to talk about death and I'm pretty honest with her. About the things I know and about the things I don't know. My wife asked me to check in with a Monk before going too much into details about Buddhist concepts. Some things might not be age appropriate? How would you go about it, Luang Por? Are there places to tiptoe around; not to get my kid in trouble with the other kids at daycare?
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=2990s
In the connected discourses, the Buddha said to make haste with your practice, but to me this contradicts the middle way. Please help me clear up my confusion.
https://youtu.be/iGIl5871nSU?t=3258s
STAGES OF ENLIGHTENMENT: Can one become a Sotāpanna having taken the 5 precepts and cut the first three fetters, yet are uncertain that they won’t kill to defend their family should that unfortunate situation arise.
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=25s
BREATH MEDITATION: In breath meditation, the instruction given is that the in-breath is cool and out-breath is body temperature. But then, I cannot feel the out-breath because it is the same temperature as the body. So, only the in-breath can be focussed on. A similar situation is determining if the breath is short or long. Here, the breath needs to be compared with previous breaths from the past. So again, there is discursive thinking. Please advise.
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=365s
SELF: "I" get that there is no self, at least when I'm reflecting upon this, and sometimes even when acting from a sense of being a self. But still, it does seem absurd that "we" are gifted this precious life for the sole purpose of learning that existence itself is our fundamental problem; thus leaving us with "the game that must be played". What are your thoughts?
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=1001s
HINDRANCE OF WORRY - What are some ways that one can overcome kukkucca? Ruminating over past mistakes seems to be the biggest hurdle I'm facing in my daily practice.
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=1465s
MONKS & LAY COMMUNITY - Is it appropriate for monks to offer blessings and merit making opportunities for lay followers who seek health, wealth, or fame, but not necessarily full liberation?
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=1832s
ORDINATION - After two decades of Vipassana practice in lay life, I have decided to go forth. I will spend this July-November in Thailand and Myanmar. Do you have any guidance for how to go about finding the right teacher and the right community for ordination?
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=2037s
ORDINATION - I’ve wanted to become a monk since 2014, however, at that time I had student loans to pay off. Since then, I have managed to pay off my financial debts, get my parents permission and have enough money saved to give back to my parents when I get ordained. My question is, how do I go about becoming a monk?
https://youtu.be/xsroXVw_X-4?t=2326s
I've seen the Three Poisons described as Greed, Anger, and Ignorance and other times Attachment, Hatred, and Delusion. How would you explain The Three Poisons?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=215s
I have heard several times that "I have reached a period in my meditation practice where I am at a plateau, like I am blocked and I can't move forward". Now I am experiencing it personally... Any advice on how to re-energize the process?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=788s
Dear Ajahn Sona. I see Samsaric existence as a multilevel videogame. Each player is a changing flow of consciousness being reborn again and again in the different levels of the game, depending on its kammic performance. The Buddha cracked the code and made the rules explicit, sharing them as dhamma. Is this a proper simile? Some physicists say we are living in a simulation. Does the Buddha fit in the tradition of the simulation hypothesis?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=1213s
What makes a sankhara karmically active (as in paticcasamuppada, dependent origination), is it ignorance of the 3 characteristics and is karma only made in the mind?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=1541s
My ex-girlfriend took her own life two years before we eventually broke up. During our time apart, I blocked her from contacting me because I still harbored feelings for her, but her bipolar disorder made it difficult for me to consider reconnecting and potentially restarting our toxic relationship. I chose to focus on healing before considering a friendship. Even after three years, I still love deeply and feel immense guilt for blocking her, wondering if I could have prevented her tragic end or reconciled with her. However, I made this decision to safeguard my own mental health from our toxic past. How can I overcome this overwhelming sense of loss, guilt, and longing?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=2346s
I told a Theravada monk about my past. He said 'air meditation is not for you. Meditate on an image of another person while experiencing joy'. It's hard. Should I accept it, how can air not be for me?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=2820s
"I" may get distracted in the day as a layperson with responsibilities, but I always end the day with the understanding that all that has happened is not me, not not mine, not self. Is this skillful enough?
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=2929s
I live in a country where buddhism is not prevalent so when I try to talk about meditation or buddhist practices to my family members they don’t really understand whereI’m coming from or think I’m into culty things, which is understandable to some extent. How should I deal with this correctly to put my family members at ease that I’m not doing anything crazy, because I’m not very good at articulating intellectually what I’ve read and heard about buddhism.
https://youtu.be/MbK6YQzDuPw?t=2979s
Having relinquished the problem of suffering, having completely surpassed ignorance, does a Buddha attain omniscience or omnipotence or both? Does an Arahant? Or are there such states as omniscience and omnipotence at all? Though not being anywhere near the focus of the eightfold path, there are many reports of Bhikkhus exhibiting various supernormal abilities and of course the reported capabilities of the Buddha himself are beyond ordinary comprehension. Thus it leaves an ordinary mind wondering about the possibility of such states of being.
https://youtu.be/KB33o_GWQdI?t=22s
Please explain what one should do next once the mind is completely absorbed with the breath and there is a lot of piti and sukha observed by the mind.
https://youtu.be/KB33o_GWQdI?t=459s
When a sotapanna is reborn, how does one remember that they are a sotapanna? Is it through contacting the teachings? Do the suttas talk about this?
https://youtu.be/KB33o_GWQdI?t=976s
If a person with ADHD (restlessness and inability to focus) can only focus reasonably with the use of Ritalin or Adderall (both are central nervous system stimulants), is that ability to develop samadhi still helpful toward liberation? Or would it be ineffective because the person can only concentrate with the help of a drug? And maybe even more importantly: Does such medication count as intoxication?
https://youtu.be/KB33o_GWQdI?t=1587s
Is time real or is it another delusion? My experience of it passing fluctuates throughout the day leading me to believe it’s another delusion. What’s your experience?
https://youtu.be/KB33o_GWQdI?t=2286s
I heard people consider it a result of bad karma if someone is reborn with a disability. My son has a severe mental disability and I find that hard to believe. What did the Buddha teach on this subject?
https://youtu.be/KB33o_GWQdI?t=2539s
You’ve said that one should not be guilty for past unskillful actions because one is no longer that person. If one takes this stance but continues to do the same unskillful actions after vowing to do better, is that failed right effort?
https://youtu.be/R2K4SvUHLo8?t=1653s
ABUSE & TRAUMA: What would be your advice to someone who has a history of child sexual abuse, along with physical and emotional abuse? For years I have worked on my pain in different ways, being in therapy, sharing with friends, crying, venting, trying to accept that it was not my fault, etc. However when I look at myself, my habit patterns and belief systems, I often come to a place where I feel that years of abuse in different forms has created this needy, angry and desperate person who is also scared to move on and work on oneself.
https://youtu.be/hISNS5H1hL8?t=109s
DEPENDENT ORIGINATION: Would you please explain the process of reversing dependent origination as a practical practice? Would you please consider giving a series of talks on Dependent Origination?
https://youtu.be/hISNS5H1hL8?t=1081s
ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD 'JHANA' : In Indo-European languages, the word 'jhana' is similar to the Persian word 'djan' (like 'john') meaning 'life or spirit'. When said as 'djana', it takes on a meaning of something that is deeply cherished, enjoyable and precious - often referring to God, a loved one, or someone who is emotionally significant. Conceptualizing 'jhana' as 'djana', a treasured, enjoyable experience would resonate with its Buddhist descriptive nature. I'm curious to know your thoughts on this potential conceptual connection between these terms.
https://youtu.be/hISNS5H1hL8?t=1934s
CONDITIONED REALITY: In the Diamond Sutra it says: “All conditioned dharmas are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, like dew drops and a lightning flash. Contemplate them thus.” I can’t seem to find a straightforward answer explaining what “conditioned dharmas” are. Could you please explain?
https://youtu.be/hISNS5H1hL8?t=2478s
VIRTUE: I once heard you pose the rhetorical question, "How long does it take to purify your virtue?" The answer was, "seconds." Have I remembered that rightly and can you explain?
https://youtu.be/hISNS5H1hL8?t=2826s
"THE ONE WHO KNOWS" : I've heard some Ajahns - for example - Ajahn Mun and some modern-day teachers - refer to the citta in ways that sound almost like it's permanent, even going as far to say that it exists outside of the 5 aggregates. This can sometimes seem conflicting with the suttas. Could please elaborate on what is meant by this
https://youtu.be/hISNS5H1hL8?t=3138s
The suggestion to euthanize a sick pet is in conflict with our Buddhist upbringing. Is it a lack of, or abundance of Loving-kindness when a vet gives such advice in a cool manner?
https://youtu.be/Y-h2M9wILTQ?t=1983s
Over the past three years, I've faced significant challenges. Firstly, my ex-partner's suicide deeply affected me. Additionally, I've experienced profound sadness due to my close relatives severing ties with me over a property inheritance issue. Despite never asking for money and always offering assistance, I feel betrayed by their actions. Now, I'm grappling with unemployment after being laid off last year, struggling in a tough job market. I feel lost and isolated. My doctor prescribed antidepressants to help me cope with these overwhelming circumstances, but I am not typically someone who needs medication for depression. While I am hopeful that it could offer some relief from feeling stuck and stressed,I'm wary of their effectiveness due to severe side effects. I seek your guidance and a Buddhist perspective on antidepressants and how to navigate this tough period while shielding myself from the negativity emanating from my family, and increasing depression from applying for many jobs and not getting an offer. Your insights would be very appreciated.
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=19s
Is there any symbolic or poetic component to the content of negative kamma vipaka? For instance, where someone has physical problems, like with their heart or their vision, difficulty in relationships rather than financial problems. I wonder if you have any thoughts about the significance of Beethoven going deaf, or the Michelin-starred chef who had a rare form of tongue cancer where he lost his sense of taste.
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=940s
Dear Ajahn, we hear a lot about bullies and narcissists in society. At the meditation center I attend, another practitioner singles me out and displays passive aggressive behavior -- in the form of disparaging comments about my practice, subtly belittling my questions, and other hurtful behavior. I believe this person knows what they are doing, and addressing them would be unproductive. I'm hesitant to bring it to our Abbot. Can you advise?
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=1375s
I am an adult in my 30's returning to college while still working full-time and acting as a main provider for my partner. How can I remain balanced and focused on my studies, my relationship, and my worldly duties? Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=1816s
I can understand how humans can be reborn into a new life according to their volitional actions i.e. kamma, but what about animals, birds and esp. insects, who are not capable of intentional actions?
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=2164s
Dear Ajahn, I am struggling with the second step of Right Effort in regards to sensuality/sexuality. In applying the steps of removing distracting thoughts I'm often ending up at the fifth one, trying to wrestle them down with clenched teeth! I believe the Buddha said if there'd been another obstacle like sensuality/sexuality to overcome he might not have made it, but I'm not a bodhisattva, just a guy and a layman. What else can I do?
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=2467s
I heard that Dependent Origination is used not only in Rebirth but also in Rising and Falling of Any Experience. But the way of connecting the rings in this relationship is not clear. Please explain how the rings are related in the Rising and Falling of Any Experience. How does karmic formation end with consciousness, or how does consciousness come before contact?
https://youtu.be/_Iqon0MYn-o?t=2855s
When in an urban environment I try to take negative thoughts that arise from sights and sounds and turn them into positive ones. Am I fooling myself?
https://youtu.be/wkldrLc5dHo?t=1541s
I am deeply fascinated by the discussion series you had on Buddhist Cosmology with Ajahn Punnadhammo. It was truly a gem hidden within the channel. Many merits to you.
https://youtu.be/Z6RsXcqHJvE?t=19s
Does it do any good to reflect on what our previous and/or future existences may be? I know that the jhanas have the ability for humans to remember past lives, so does it have any relevance in day-to-day life?
https://youtu.be/Z6RsXcqHJvE?t=943s
The language we speak is perhaps one of our strongest habitual patterns in life, that most of us carry from childhood to death. Even though languages themselves change gradually but slowly, the habitual pattern still remains quite strong over a single lifetime. And death being ultimately nothing but the disintegration of the body, the mind and its habitual constituents carry on, especially the stronger ones. Could it be inferred that the language we utilize to speak and to think and to conceptualize things with, has a major vote on our next geographical destination?
https://youtu.be/Z6RsXcqHJvE?t=1700s
One of the 5 precepts is not to kill, but there is war in my country and some practitioners have to fight and to kill. Can you advise how to practice in this situation? And in general about practicing in a war time?
https://youtu.be/Z6RsXcqHJvE?t=2134s
I have been practicing Kriya Yoga, a breathing technique passed down through a lineage of Hindu Gurus, with its predecessor and teaching in the West being Paramahansa Yogananda. In his book, Yogananda demonstrates how this pranayama technique can mathematically cleanse one's karma and affect their chakras/spiritual centers. Do you know of a similar technique in Buddhism that also cleanses past karma
https://youtu.be/Z6RsXcqHJvE?t=2592s
Please explain how something persisting through many lifetimes, carrying the kamma from many lifetimes, is separate and distinct from an idea of a self?
https://youtu.be/N5742eWRlXQ?t=1621s
MEDITATIONS TAUGHT BY THE BUDDHA: I practice Anapanassati and Metta meditations, and the Buddha mentioned other meditations such as Maranasati, etc., but do we know if he recommended any of them over the others?
https://youtu.be/7iqgmbNIneY?t=352s
BUDDHISM & PSYCHEDELICS: I would like to know if the use of psychedelic drugs can be considered as intoxication within the precepts that Buddha gave us? I’m wondering if Buddha knew about such substances in his time (since most of them existed in different cultures back then) and what is his stand about it. Can these substances be considered intoxicants when consumed in a proper, monitored way and for mind-expanding purposes?
https://youtu.be/7iqgmbNIneY?t=722s
NIBBANA: If there are infinite past and future lifetimes so there are infinite possibilities. It is obvious to me that all streams of consciousness eventually and inevitability will reach Nibbana at the end and since we all have had lifetimes in the hell realms in the past, it seems that this is all just a game. I am struggling to regain my Zeal for enlightenment. I guess metta is the solution but I can't see the relation. Insight please.
https://youtu.be/7iqgmbNIneY?t=2860s
MERITORIOUS ACTS: I work as a care aide and try my best to give care from my heart. My question is do you still accumulate merit when you get paid from your work?
https://youtu.be/7iqgmbNIneY?t=3197s
FINDING A TEACHER: You mention the importance (and difficulty) of finding a teacher, especially for the long-term. Do you have practical advice for a householder in the US to find a teacher
https://youtu.be/7iqgmbNIneY?t=3291s
DETERMINATION IN PRACTICE: You have often described how determined and uncompromising you were in your youth regarding practice. However, in your talks you often recommend a more relaxed approach. I am a young seeker with similar strict tendencies, putting forth enormous amounts of effort to overcome defilements, which is useful to a certain degree. Would you recommend that I lower my exertion? What would you recommend to your younger self? It seems like the Buddha himself encouraged a take-no-prisoners approach to Dhamma practice.
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=26s
BUDDHIST TEACHINGS VS. SCIENCE: Out of the five hindrances, doubt seems to be the most severe one because it blocks us from stream entry. I have no trouble believing the Buddha regarding rebirth, the law of kamma or the five realms of existence. But I really struggle hard when reading the Agganna Sutta. Taking the Buddha seriously I must reject the theory of evolution. A theory which I find to be quite compelling and plausible. Any advice on how to deal with that?
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=610s
BREATH MEDITATION: I sometimes practice slowing down my breathing to 2 long breaths per minute by accepting the dukkha caused by slowing the breath. This quickly calms the mind, but I'm worried that the ego may stop breathing by overcoming dukkha. Is it possible for life faculty to be harmed or be broken by this practice?
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=1192s
HUMAN REBIRTH VS REBIRTH IN HIGHER REALMS: I'm curious about how the jhanas affect one's karma and rebirth. It is said that a human life is favorable for practice, since it's easy to get lost in the pleasures of the higher realms - only to fall down sooner or later. But if you are a sotapanna, then is there any danger in taking rebirth in higher realms?
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=1633s
ADDICTIONS: I’m wondering how long I should extend a helping hand to my son who is struggling with addiction. Sometimes he falls back into his old ways.
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=2115s
"LISTS" IN THE BUDDHA'S TEACHING: Regarding AN 7.71 Bhāvanāsutta: Committed to Development, what are the four kinds of mindfulness meditation, the four bases of psychic power, & the five faculties?
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=2359s
ANIMALS AT THE MONASTERY: My question is: do you allow dogs? What are the specifications? I have written a list of 108 reasons why I should be able to have my dog in the Zendo here… so I’m just looking for inspiration.
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=2523s
WESTERN MONKS VS THAI FOREST MASTERS: The great Thai forest masters were mostly very unorthodox in their views (citta outside the khandas etc.), yet when they speak about the Dhamma, there is a strong flavour of direct realization and deepest insights. Western monks are mostly very orthodox in their views, but their knowledge seems way more theoretical and somewhat lacking in authenticity. What do you make of this paradox?
https://youtu.be/CppnSGkazPk?t=2775s
Are hiri-ottappa wholesome states of mind? I find shame is very unpleasant. Please explain how one can work with shame, without getting lost in feelings of guilt.
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=18s
When practicing breath meditation there's a point that occurs usually where the breath becomes so subtle it's hard to notice. I can feel small vibrations throughout the body. Trying to find the breath too much makes the mind agitated. In this situation what should I focus the mind on?
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=421s
I find that I can be judgmental, which comes from being harshly critical of myself. My attempts at grieving the causes of this have not freed me from it. Do you have any suggestions on how to work towards letting go of this problematic self-conception and finally getting over myself?
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=638s
Two questions: First, if famous devas or spiritual entities (for example, Sakkha or Indra) reveal themselves to you in your practice (and begin influencing you in your day to day life), can a Buddhist work with those entities? What is the proper approach? Second, do you think that the devas have appeared in other religions in different cultures with different names (for example, Prithvi and Gaia)?
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=990s
Is there a part of consciousness outside of us? I mean something we connect to when we wake up after sleeping and allows us to consciously use our senses?
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=1263s
I am a gay woman, and members of my family are unaware of this aspect of my identity. I am not in a relationship, live in another country, and I fear that if I were to reveal this truth, they would likely break the relationship with me and cause unnecessary suffering, particularly for my elderly parent, who may struggle to understand. Would withholding this information constitute a lie and a violation of the precepts? If one lies to conceal something in order to prevent others from experiencing unnecessary suffering, is that also considered breaking the precepts?
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=1812s
You spoke about the beautiful cosmology series on your channel last week. I watched it twice and even bought Ajahn Punnadhammo’ amazing book. I would like to ask if Buddha said anything about Astrology. I know he did not encourage metaphysical studies, but isn’t the belief in past and future lives metaphysical?
https://youtu.be/sIwToTC15c4?t=2833s
TIBETAN BUDDHISM: My friend who studies Tibetan Buddhist texts time after time tells me that The Buddha gave the discourses on Prajnaparamita in the second year of his teaching career. How come?
https://youtu.be/cAyrHJeMpdI?t=1069s
MEDITATION POSTURES: I'm only able to sit upright during meditation for 15 minutes, until back pain forces me to lay down for the rest of the day's meditations. I never fall asleep while lying down to meditate. Are there any other benefits to sitting upright during meditation?
https://youtu.be/cAyrHJeMpdI?t=1659s
REACHING POTENTIAL IN MEDITATION: I’ve been meditating for 20 years, but feel like a beginner each time I sit down. I feel that I can’t reach my full potential with the challenges of lay life. How to make peace with this?
https://youtu.be/cAyrHJeMpdI?t=1925s
ENLIGHTENMENT: Does Theravada claim monopoly on enlightenment? I've had a great time lately reading about different saints & sadhus - some of them seem very advanced - maybe even enlightened.
https://youtu.be/cAyrHJeMpdI?t=2070s
PAIN IN MEDITATION: I feel a constant knot at the solar plexus area and I think it's related to an underlying sense of fear of life, an ancient fear of not coping. Sometimes this sensation stops when I meditate and when I'm laughing over something funny. Do you think that meditation and the Noble Eightfold Path will eventually unroot this painful sensation or is it wise to add other practices aimed at healing the nervous system?
https://youtu.be/cAyrHJeMpdI?t=2415s
VISUALIZATION IN MEDITATION: As someone with aphantasia (mind blindness), I struggle with visualization and kasinas, but wonder if I should just focus on the formless
https://youtu.be/cAyrHJeMpdI?t=3156s
In the fourth jhana, characterized by intense concentration (ekaggata), how can one direct the mind towards the contemplation of the three marks of existence (anicca, dukkha, anatta) if the state is primarily focused on single-pointedness and devoid of distractions?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=20s
In mindfulness of mind, we observe our emotions like anger or sadness. However, I've noticed emotions seem to have two aspects: 1st; a form that is felt in the body (not mind) that distinguishes one emotion from another, and 2nd the Vedana. Both anger and sadness are considered dukkha vedana, but they feel different in the body. It seems like mindfulness of mind might overlap with mindfulness of body and feeling. It is easier for me to consider the 4 foundations of mindfulness not as 4 separate practices, but one whole practice. For example, first a negative emotion forms in me, I look at the body and see that this emotion has a special form, then I notice that this emotion is associated with dukkha. Then I look at Sankhara. I have this desire to do something to avoid this emotion. In the end, I remember the path and what I should do correctly based on metta (and not ill will). Could you offer some guidance?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=614s
I have a question about goodness. I heard in teachings that humility is not taking ownership of our good qualities and that our goodness, when we let go of it, smells sweet. How to begin developing these attitudes?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=1219s
Dear Venerable, In reference to MN 77.13, The Greater Discourse to Sakuludayin, The Mind-Made Body. My question is this: What is the significance of a mind-made body; what is the Buddha trying to tell us? Does it relate to the mind’s influence over feelings in the body? What is this second body he refers to as “pulling a sword from a scabbard”?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=1393s
The Buddhist scriptures are vast in length and number. What - in your view - is the most lucid and concise single-volume compilation of the Suttas in English?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=2135s
I’m wondering what the allowables are after noon each day and how much one can consume? I’m trying to hold to eight precepts, but not eating after noon is difficult for me.
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=2255s
If the world is truly infinite, without beginning and end, according to many commentaries such as the Buddhaghosa’s, then it can be inferred that time is only an illusion, and every possibility that could ever manifest in any shape and form and place and time has already happened, which is ultimately deterministic. What’s your take on this venerable sir?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=2477s
Dear Ajahn, I enjoyed your metaphor of Mindfulness as a sentry and it allowing Samatha and Vipassana to enter. Would you say that each resides more prominently in either hemisphere of the brain? If so, how could we use this knowledge to improve our meditation in accessing these states?
https://youtu.be/AkOZxv69qHo?t=2755s
RELATIONSHIPS: After being betrayed by someone I trusted, I became reluctant to go out with people. I am living almost in isolation. I feel this is better than being hurt. What should I do about relationships?
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=389s
HELPING RELATIVES SEE DHAMMA: Some of my close relatives (old and young) are unnecessarily suffering with limiting beliefs, wasting vast opportunities on little pleasures instead of seeking those that can lead to lasting joy in each moment. How can I get them to see that if we are not fearful for whatever we have at hand now, then it too will be lost. I feel sad and mad. I am worried they may unintentionally hurt and sabotage others under this dim light of living. How can I help?
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=653s
ABORTION: Will you please elaborate on the skillful Buddhist perspective to the polarizing topic of abortion. There are three aspects to my question: (1) How does abortion relate to the first precept, i.e. is it destroying life at any stage of pregnancy? (2) How should we think of the ethical counterargument that it is the lesser evil? (3) How do you recommend engaging (or do you recommend engaging) with those strongly pro choice on this topic, particularly when they are close family members?
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=1452s
HELPING RELATIVES SEE DHAMMA: Regarding accumulation of merits, currently serving my 89 year old mother who had a difficult life. She is saddened as she knows her life is coming closer to the end. How to serve her by sharing the Dhamma? She is a Christian and any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=2334s
GUILT: Do you have any advice on ways to fight guilt when falling short of the first 5 precepts? I notice that I’m still very hard on myself, probably stemming from Catholic roots of original sin.
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=2487s
SELF IN MEDITATION: Even with so much rapture and bliss happening regularly in meditation I still have so much attachment to the sense of Self. Some defilements are still showing. Please provide guidance.
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=2700s
BUDDHIST ECONOMICS: My husband has urged me to invest our cash savings in stocks to grow our assets, instead of having it "sit in the bank doing nothing". We are high earners and have accumulated more than enough for early retirement in our 40s, and I feel no desire to make any investments, but I don't want to "cling to my assets in fear of losing them". Could you advise on a skillful approach to this situation?
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=2895s
WAKING UP: I read that the Buddha said "noted in his mind the time for rising" before sitting to meditate. How do you note a time for rising, and is this preferable to using a timer
https://youtu.be/yL8TIPtn_rc?t=3286s
I have been doing Anapanasati and whenever I put my mind to the breath it seems that the breath is actually induced versus naturally arising. Does the natural breathing happen over time or is there something to be done to practice it?
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=30s
Does consciousness adhere to the principles of cause and effect? Are our choices truly autonomous, or is the notion of free will merely an illusion?
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=513s
Please can you explain how we should understand the 3 aspects of each of the 4 noble truths. Are they progress markers? Do they relate to the Noble Eightfold path and if so how?
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=1554s
I’m starting a new journey with Parkinson’s, being aware that my mind is playing tricks. Any feedback as to staying with the moment of it all? I still have my joy.
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=2231s
What is the Theravada view on the matter of organ donation when brain death has occurred, the point at which the body cannot breath on its own anymore, which is a certain point of no return? Has consciousness ceased in this body at this moment and moved on, or could it be still lingering around with some degree of awareness? What if it witnesses the gruesome scenery of harvesting the organs of its inhabited body, frantically shocked and filled with attachment by this upsetting sight, therefore when the inevitable passing occurs, it results in a lower rebirth, despite doing a great act of generosity, voluntarily, and maybe even saving multiple lives?
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=2409s
I am new on the Buddhist path and I am reading the Dhammapada. One part I’m struggling with is the statement “To his own ruin the fool gains knowledge, for it cleaves his head and destroys his innate goodness.” I’ve had my own thoughts on this, but I wonder if you could help me understand what is meant by this? Instinctively I feel that developing one’s knowledge is not foolish.
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=2906s
Why is it that some people with low intelligence got enlightened in the Buddha's time, while now we drown in information and knowledge, and are mostly highly educated yet cannot awaken despite that
https://youtu.be/ykK4lLB-8qQ?t=3161s
I’m trying to practice mindfulness in daily life as well as metta; how does one balance the two? Is it to be mindful and attentive at certain situations (such as driving or playing a sport) leading to metta in more tranquil situations such as walking? Is it fair to say mindfulness leads to metta and metta leads to mindfulness?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=20s
Is the core concept behind right livelihood refraining from activities that perpetuate attachment, aversion and delusion both in the person and their environment? If that is the case, each and every worldly activity is to some extent affiliated with these root defilements. Even an honorable profession such as a health care provider, which aims to reduce the bodily suffering of beings, could be seen in the light of propelling lust for existence or aversiveness to physical pain or death. Only Samma Ajiva would be the perfect path which the Buddha himself took, the path of absolute renunciation, as all Sankharas are dukkha which lead to further neverending dukkha, and are ultimately trivial and as pointless as curing cancer in a dream.
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=350s
In your deep studies of connecting Buddhism to Greek history, did you perhaps come across a connection of the Greek concept of catharsism meaning purification or cleansing of unwholesome emotions, and the Buddhist concept of purifying sila?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=705s
When I meditate and start to get calmer, I notice indigo and purple coloured round pulsating shapes. They are not still but I find them quite fascinating. Is there any information in the canon or commentaries about the meaning of those colours? Could those be kasinas? If so, how to stabilize them?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=1003s
I had a no fault car accident in 2022 and within a few months I was having chronic nerve pain due to soft tissue injuries which have been hard to diagnose. I often self loathe and blame myself for the accident. How to overcome these mind states, especially when I am in chronic pain and it keeps reminding me of the accident day and scene, especially because it's very close to my home? I also get scared to get behind the wheel again thinking that even though I am in full control and checking my surroundings, someone can still hit me from behind, especially when I am still trying to recover and heal.
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=1204s
I'm curious about Buddhism's perspective on being reborn with relatives, friends, or people with whom you had difficult relationships. Did the Buddha teach that we are reborn with certain individuals to resolve entanglements or issues we created or worked on in a previous life as a way to address our karma? I'm more familiar with Hinduism's teachings, and I believe this concept aligns with their beliefs. Additionally, is it possible to be reborn as a family member with whom you had a good relationship?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=1504s
To our knowledge, altruism according to Buddhist teachings, is to give/ help unconditionally. In lay life, there are instances where one offers help willingly but would like the receiver to reciprocate with an expression of gratitude or acknowledgment. Otherwise, these situations can create negativity. One can feel hurt, and begin to believe the receiver did not care or have been taken advantage of. How do you reconcile such negative feelings?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=1826s
The way you describe the development of breath meditation in the short Youtube series, it sounds like pitisukha would reduce just before 1st jhana, then upswing again - why would that be the case? Then later on, how would its quality or strength change at 2nd jhana?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=2167s
What is the difference between joy in metta and joy in Jhana? If the jhana is cultivated by meditating on the metta-feeling, when the subject of meditation is the metta-feeling and Ekaggata (one-pointedness) is obtained in relation to the metta, is the jhanic joy that arises at this stage the same as the metta-joy that is intensified or is it of a different quality?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=2527s
There is a quote which states: "body knows before mind". Why do some people who are highly sensitive beings recognize another's energy in a flash whether it is aligned or not aligned with the individual's values? Also, there is so much labeling between people, because the knowledge of human behaviours is widely educated on social media. How do adults who have less perception or no perception at all survive in this world?
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=2760s
I am a social worker working with Kids and Teens who live under challenging circumstances. Often they are made an instrument for stealing by their parents or to cover their addiction. What are the karmic results for those young human beings that are manipulated, brainwashed and abused by others to commit bad actions for others
https://youtu.be/1QnHePyp-Sw?t=3055s
Can you please speak on the nature of kamma vipaka as it relates to morally ambiguous or mixed situations that are perceived differently depending on one’s perspective? For example, a doctor who offers care and compassion to thousands of people, while being callous with their own family. In this scenario, the patients will feel gratitude while the family is hurt. The doctor inadvertently caused suffering for those close to them, bringing to mind the image of the Hindu god who builds with one hand and destroys with the other. Is there a hierarchy at play? Is the proverbial road to hell also paved with good kammic intentions?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=20s
I have a question about states of mind and their connection to different realms of existence. It is understood that jhanic states are linked to higher realms. Are lower states of mind, similarly connected to lower realms of existence? In other words, during our human existence, are we already partially experiencing these heavenly or hellish realms or their inhabitants through our thoughts, emotions, or dreams based on our current state of mind?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=325s
I practice shakuhachi and baroque traverso as a means to foster a tranquil lifestyle, and to complement my meditation practice. Would I be remiss to practice in solitude on Uposatha days, seeing how the spirit of my musical practice is to enhance calmness and promote breathing awareness, as opposed to exciting the senses, or performing in a celebratory manner?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=829s
In today's modern world, we lead a very sedentary lifestyle and often have poor posture. The Buddha advised against beautifying the body, but I suspect he did not anticipate people being so inactive, as he has other teachings emphasizing the importance of practices like brushing teeth. So my question is this: is it acceptable to train at the gym not only for the purpose of being healthier?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=962s
I've heard you say we should assist the dying to pass away calmly so their minds can be reborn in good conditions. I also listened to your talk about the case of children recollecting their rebirths. I worry my granny may have passed away afraid and confused. Is there a way to see where our loved ones may have been reborn to help or reunite with them?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=1155s
I was born into a family that avoids the five precepts. I have been able to distance myself from them in this life; will that distance carry on to the next life?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=1557s
An ordinary sensory being, as I understand, is simply a congregation of an experiencing faculty that experiences objects through sense doors, which results in a reaction, and an experience, that is positive, negative, neither or both. Negative experience is always negative, and the positive experience ultimately ends up being a negative experience, because all phenomena are transient. So either the desirable object won’t last, the being won’t last, or the feelings towards that object won’t last, thus leading to loss and dissatisfaction. This leaves the experiencing faculty yearning for more desirable experiences and avoiding painful ones, which to me, makes life as a sensory being very frivolous and is very disenchanting overall. Is this wrong view?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=1726s
Is there a list of the more authentic or agreeable suttas or a list of the not so agreeable suttas? I understand some suttas were added many years after the first ones were recited for the first time after the Buddha’s parinibbana. I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees the discrepancies between some suttas. Ex.: "MN Sutta 115: “He understands: ‘It is impossible, it cannot happen that a woman could be an Accomplished One, a Fully Enlightened One".
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=2230s
Do you have any advice on dealing with loneliness? How should I solve it? I am dealing with a separation and I would appreciate any advice from a Buddhist perspective?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=2642s
I am saddened to see Israelis and Palestinian sufferings. I watch so much news and it causes me to feel frustrated and angry. What should I do? Is there any story from the suttas regarding us bringing our vengeful emotion to the next life? We have so many wars, is it because of our vengeful emotions from previous lives that fuel so many wars?
https://youtu.be/c7mkOZLVmLk?t=2922s
Is each “individual” mind with its specific characteristics and habits completely independent of the mind of another being or is it something more like a branch of a tree, a river or lightning? A subsidiary formation of something that is deeply interconnected and intrinsic to the universe itself and is all pervasive, similar to gravity, that is never actually born or ever really ceases to be. Even when matter such as stellar formations disperse, gravity continues to manifest elsewhere along with energy, thus creating new formations, persistently creating new worlds.
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=28s
The popular online rendering of the Buddha's last words is "Be a light unto yourself ." In discussion with a Dhamma friend on the meaning of this, we engaged in some searches and found many translations. Some suggest, be your own salvation. Some talk only of diligence on the path. I would very much like to hear Ajahn's translation/understanding of the Buddha's last words and how they should guide practitioners.
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=350s
What is the result of the 4th foundation of mindfulness? Right effort? The other foundations seem to produce seeing the nature of reality of mind, feeling, and body seeing that none of it relates to any self and leads to dispassion towards them and wisdom about them, freedom, equanimity from and about them.
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=538s
In physics, it is understood that every action we have taken in the past, whether intentional or habitual, falls within our past light cone and can be considered a cause for our present experiences. However, I am curious as to why the Buddha teaches us that only our intentional actions bear karmic fruits, and not all of our actions?
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=1007s
I am constantly listening to Dhamma talks (both by you and other Venerables) while I am home doing chores on my airpods. I wanted to know the proper etiquette on if I should pause the Dhamma talks when I am using the bathroom. Or am I overthinking things? This is a sincere question and I'm asking because I've struggled with religious OCD ("scrupulosity") in the past and could use your guidance here.
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=1634s
What are the requirements or prerequisites to becoming an Anagarika? Are people with tattoos allowed in? Do all debts need to be paid off beforehand?
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=1974s
I cook weekly for my local temple and often make charitable donations of food and other sustenances. I feel so much joy and happiness and peace when I do this. My family will often ask me for money, thousands of dollars. When I give to them, they always ask for more. I feel angry that they ask all the time, but guilty if I do not give them what they want. Why is it that I do not feel the same joy and happiness when I send money to my family?
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=2250s
Since she learned to speak, my 7 year old daughter has been talking about reincarnating from what seems like the deva realm: a place of light that smelled nice and where she could fly around freely. Could you give some advice on how to raise a former deva? She is very empathic, strong-minded and repulsed by strong tastes and sounds, and people's dirty hearts as she calls them. Thank you
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=2520s
If a person found themselves in a fascist dictatorship, would they be required to disclose their Buddhist faith when asked if it meant incarceration or death?
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=2830s
I remember you said arahants only experience an array of positive emotions. It seems they have a lot of control over their thoughts and emotions. Could this suggest that they, for example, cannot be shocked or surprised by anything, given this degree of control?
https://youtu.be/Pv86d2Kuffg?t=3095s
Is it possible through deep samadhi combined with the attainment of full Enlightenment, or Arahantship, to consciously leave the body at a time of one's choosing? In other words, pass away after arahantship and attain to Parinibbana? Apparently the Buddha was contemplating doing this upon enlightenment, before deciding to teach.
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=308s
When talking about Samsara, it is often described as without beginning and without end itself. But is it possible for an “individual mind” to put an end to it after uprooting all of the fetters? How can the ending of Samsara, even on an individual level, not be in conflict with the laws of causality? How can something without beginning ever come to an end? This would only seem to make sense if Samsara didn’t exist in the first place and is ultimately a fabricated dream-like reality which only exists about as much as our past lives exist now, or as much as this life will exist eons later. May you please shine some light on this dear venerable sir?
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=672s
Outside of equanimity (upekkhā), how are the other 3 immeasurables, (brahmavihārās), not a type of clinging to that which is impermanent and immaterial? Why are Loving-kindness, compassion, and empathetic joy not seen as obstacles? Are they not directed towards that which is impermanent and immaterial, thus a type of clinging? I hope this is not too "philosophical" or naive a question.
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=1163s
On Vesak, I found a meditation led by a Thai monk in the Theravada tradition called "Boran Kammathana". It involved visualization which is new to me. Please speak a little to this technique.
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=1351s
I have read about the moral group - right speech, right action and right livelihood - as a basis for the practice of mindfulness. However, I feel that they are incomplete in relation to the modern world. For example, could idle chatter be considered the watching of TV? What about intoxicants and the like? I could follow what is written and still feel the five hindrances strongly.
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=2038s
Please could you say something about the rarity of the emergence of a Buddha and also of a human rebirth? Also why should we make the most of our time to practice the dhamma in samsara?
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=2341s
Did the Buddha teach that when a person is born, their past kamma determines when they will die? So, basically no matter what you do in the present life, it will not prolong or shorten your life?
https://youtu.be/XhoA_xtxUQI?t=2733s
I will die in roughly 10 years from a terminal disease. I am being kept alive artificially. The last 2 weeks of life will be excruciating. Would euthanasia as a form of mercy from pain be okay? Lastly, is there a way to overcome the fear of the uncertainty of death, or is that only possible as a non-returner or arahant?
https://youtu.be/FJmJRjpMTF4?t=1033s
Some people say it is selfish to "lock" oneself away in a monastery only to work on one's own enlightenment, not actively helping others - is it?
https://youtu.be/FJmJRjpMTF4?t=1520s
My pride has plagued me so much. I used to mistake myself for being humble, but when I had a discussion with people, I always wanted to persuade them with my own opinion, and when someone ignored me, I got angry a lot. I think one of the reasons why my life was painful was because of pride. I suffered from it and I have strong self-esteem that I hate being ignored. This makes me avoid meeting people. How can I fix this when I have a strong ego?
https://youtu.be/FJmJRjpMTF4?t=1792s
There was a Celebration of Life for a Christian man who had everything: faith, love, family, friends, hobbies, joy of life, laughter. He hung himself because he was bipolar and the medicine no longer worked. What is the Buddhist view?
https://youtu.be/FJmJRjpMTF4?t=1970s
Why is Sampajañña part of body contemplation rather than mind contemplation given its role in mindfulness quality control? It seems more related to mind contemplation. Could you clarify this?
https://youtu.be/FJmJRjpMTF4?t=2965s
When one is free of the Hindrances, then oftentimes a light joy arises. However, Passadhi can also arise when the Hindrances are absent. What determines, when the Hindrances are absent, whether we will experience joy or tranquility?
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=31s
Is it possible to get physically sick from old karma coming up after intensive meditation practice? I’m referring to old suppressed memories; the more I practice breath meditation, the more I seem to be able to access unresolved issues and notice previously unconscious motivations for my actions.
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=266s
Nibbana is the end of suffering, but in some suttas it's talked about in a very different manner, like a realm where there is neither this world nor another, an element, cessation of consciousness, etc. What is the connection between all these different things? Why are they all referred to as Nibbana?
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=676s
A Buddhist friend of mine in South America lives in an urban neighbourhood with extreme violence. She can't move to a safer area due to economics. She asked me, "Any suggestions how to practice TRANQUILITY (the 5th factor of enlightenment) when violence is all around?"
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=1260s
For the past few months I’ve been experiencing a blinking like involuntary facial movement during the out breath. I’ve heard these are called kriyas. Are there skillful ways to work with this?
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=1589s
In the Dhamma we learn ethical wholesomeness is the only way to dissolve our attachment to existence. It seems to imply the universe has some kind of ethical foundation. It almost begs us to believe there could be some loving impersonal power in it. Why is it that an ethical consciousness produces such wonderful beings & conditions?
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=1741s
Every time we have an experience of the Deathless, some fetters are cut? Can the fetters be cut "manually" or is the experience of the Deathless what cuts the fetters?
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=2037s
Are there any differences between Theravada Buddhism in the Thai Forest Tradition, Burma and Sri Lanka, and do they treat the ordination of women differently?
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=2351s
My question is, do you believe in ADHD? Or is it a form of ego identity? I have a big problem with laziness around learning the dharma, what are your thoughts? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/nkrI94dN7cs?t=2919s
What is the evidence base for karma? It seams apparent that the outcomes of individuals and groups are poorly correlated with their intentions or levels of virtue (at least in this life)
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=47s
How can you comfort someone when physical suffering like illness arises? I can’t seem to comfort others when they expect me to respond with pain and worry, making me seem plain and simple, like a jerk. How can you respond to people who are worried about other people’s suffering or their own suffering?
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=616s
The Buddha speaks of “disenchantment with feeling”. You talk about emotions of those well developed in the path still changing but being only in the positive. Is there still enchantment with these emotions? How does that connect to what the Buddha said?
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=784s
Could you please give your definitions of the words ego and soul? I’m a little-bit confused, because in many other Theravada Buddhist Dharma talks the terms soul and ego are described as synonyms and used interchangeably. I understand that ego is a self-made concept and dies with the body, but if there is no soul, where does karma then accumulate and what part of the being is reborn?
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=1055s
You said you mostly focus on the suttas because these are closest to what the Buddha probably actually taught. There was an early school called the sautrantika who rejected all abhidharmas and held the suttas as supreme. How close was this school’s teachings to what the Buddha actually taught?
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=1538s
I was wondering why Buddha Gautama has chosen for himself and subjected other monks to the particular lifestyle of collecting food from lay people and nothing else like agriculture, commerce, etc.? I'm sure that Sammāsambuddha does nothing for no reason, so there must be a special reason for this. Could you please clarify this for me?
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=2262s
Complexities and conflicts the world is facing currently “peace by peaceful means,” valued in Buddhist practice seems like an unachievable goal.If we can collectively create a war so quickly why does it take so long to work together to achieve peace? What can we do collectively or individually as Buddhists to promote peaceful coexistence?
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=2597s
In the parayanavagga the lord says to Mogaraja that to not be seen by the lord of death we must be forever mindful, see the world as empty, and abandon all views of a self. Can you explain what it means to see the world as empty and how it differs from having no self view.
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=2926s
I've been struggling with a difference between your breath meditation videos. In one, you go in-depth about filling the whole head, but the other focuses entirely on the in/out at the nose.
https://youtu.be/sQk1XDCObE0?t=3109s
You mention in your breath meditation jhāna videos that at some point we should focus the attention on the whole body, particularly to the experience of joy and pleasure. However, this step is not mentioned in your breath meditation booklet and I’m confused as to when and how to insert this step. Isn’t it troublesome to focus on the whole body once the attention is fully fixed at the tip of the nose? What’s the benefit of moving the attention from the nose to the body?
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=38s
Is there a preferred time to chant? In some cultures, it is considered inauspicious to chant in the evenings as it is said that the spirits are more active in the evenings and we don't want to draw the spirits to ourselves as we chant. Is that true or can we chant at any time we prefer? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=616s
I’ve been meditating for 8-12 hours per day for the last year and I feel that my level of concentration is quite satisfactory. However, my mind has also grown increasingly sensitive to the point where even subtle craving or aversion creates sharp painful feelings in my chest, similar to a needle prick. Is this a normal outcome of extensive meditation or is it a result of wrong practice? Perhaps too laser-like focus?
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=1194s
My partner left me after some manipulation and lies came to the surface. I can see that while they've hurt me greatly, there was a part of them that was going through a difficult time internally and tried to protect me from harm. I've let them out of my life with well wishes, and I know they are a good person that got caught up in a bad situation, but it still hurts. Aside from time, what can I do to move forward and ease some of that pain?
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=1453s
In the place where I live I am almost the only Buddhist. Because of this, in recent days I have received from friends the Dalai's Lama video where he is kissing a child so they ask my point of view and if there will be a punishment for that. I made some comments, but can you give me your wise suggestion on how I can answer in a wholesome way to this topic in order to not misguide people with hatred and with a wrong idea of what Buddhism is?
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=1916s
What role do nondual experiences during meditation play within buddhism, if any? Is it something the Buddha talked about or is it completely unrelated?
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=2095s
I find it is doable to use panna, and sati, and samadhi to overcome suffering from many forms of suffering. They arise and I can see through them and they disappear, but the one exception is attachment to sensual desire, and the loneliness and depression that comes from an inability to find a life partner. I try to remind myself of impermanence, and try to meditate, but the deep pain, and the mental suffering born of that pain is like a fire that can't be put out.
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=2400s
I'm noticing that I have a neurotic response to piti. I begin to feel giddiness in my chest and cannot seem to stick with it. Instead I reflexively question whether it's okay, or what I did to make it happen. In a sense it seems to feel *too good* to simply accept. How to train myself to stop this? I am hoping that repeatedly experiencing some amount of piti will help me accept it calmly.
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=2688s
Dear Ajahn Sona, I try to practice the eightfold path as well as I can and understand that the first truth says there is suffering. Even though I class myself as a Buddhist in times of great sadness and difficulty, I find comfort in a belief of a greater being than us and can get peace from reading the Bible. I can feel a bit of a fake Buddhist practitioner when I turn to the Bible. Could you please give me your opinion
https://youtu.be/T7gu2TM_Db0?t=3316s
Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not using my time in the most perfect way. Learning an instrument, painting, writing poetry, sometimes I think “is this just a waste of my time? How do these kinds of activities align to skill in handicraft being a highest blessing? How might I enjoy these activities without guilt or suffering?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=243s
I hear some teachers say that Buddhists can enjoy good things. I'm having hard time reconciling it with inappropriate attention being the cause of the hindrances, with the right resolve and the renunciation parami. I'm working on deriving my pleasure from generosity, renunciation, virtue, brahmaviharas and samadhi. I don't want to misrepresent the Dhamma. Hearing we can enjoy worldly pleasures as well I wonder if I'm missing something.
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=478s
My question is about kamma and vipaka. As kamma is related to intention and volitional action, how relevant is the age of a person and the ability to judge his or her actions? I.e. It happens that teenagers (age of 12 or 13) kill another teenager of the same age out of revenge. It seems to be different for an adult person, but is that really the case?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=1139s
Recently, I am trying to keep the five precepts of Buddhism, but when I am stressed, I eat a lot of food and regret it. I realized that my desire cannot be satisfied and that I have been doing useless things to satisfy it as I realized that desire is the cause of suffering,
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=1380s
The skin of a young person is beautiful and attractive, but when I look at the skin of an old man, I think that what I thought was good was suffering in the end. Am I right to reflect like this?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=1875s
In MN2, the Buddha says that “I have no self” and “I only perceive a self while having no self” alongside views of a self existing are both wrong views that result from attending unwisely. Doesn’t his contradict no self as a fundamental teaching of the Buddha if he is rejecting all views of a self?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=1908s
In Buddhist texts, consciousness is described as an uninterrupted stream of cittas. I understand that cittas, considered individually, are impermanent and anatta but I can't help thinking about the stream of cittas as something permanent, uninterrupted by death and forming the root of my self. Can you help me to rectify this wrong view?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=2247s
How to get over feelings of worthlessness from being rejected by parents and sent to an orphanage since I was a toddler due to autism, while other siblings were shown love their whole life by my parents?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=2489s
Dear Ajahn, in the Suttas Buddha Gotama often refers to the Buddhas of the past or tells stories of his encounters with them in his previous lives. In our present aeon there are three Buddhas that preceded our recent Buddha. Buddha Kakusandha, Konagamana, and Kassapa. I struggle to put them into a historical context. It seems they must have lived millions or even billions of years ago. How does this fit with our understanding of human evolution?
https://youtu.be/9S31Wrvf7bk?t=2571s
The Buddha attained enlightenment in the 4th jhana, but earlier he gave up on the arupa meditations already. However, later on remembered achieving the first jhana as a child and realized that is the path. Can you explain how he went past the 4th jhana before to the 7th and 8th, but never become enlightened then?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=354s
In the sabba sutta the Buddha calls the 6 kinds of consciousness as the all, and nothing outside of these can be known due to it being outside our domain. However, the Buddha also talks about the 5 aggregates with 4 other things that are not kinds of consciousness. Can you explain this seeming contradiction?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=984s
Dear Ajahn! I’m deeply grateful for your teachings. How can karma be explained in the context of population growth? Are more beings being reborn into the human realm? Is this because of the collective human karma?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=1479s
In the SN 36.21 the Buddha rejects the view that everything we feel, whether pleasant, painful, or neutral is a result of past actions (karma) and says some things are a result of bile, climate, carelessness, assault, etc. How are we to understand karma and its role?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=2008s
Dear Luang Por, I have recently taken up the 32 parts in order to abate the pull of sexual ideation. Apart from that goal, I have also found it quite calming to practice the 32 parts, both on the mat and while walking around outside. Sometimes the mental word even slips away and I find myself merely visualizing/feeling the parts: is this okay? Also, I have never simply chanted the parts aloud -- is that recommended?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=2304s
I have a strong inclination for asubha practice and it works great in terms of insight for me. Can this meditation also be used for deepening my samadhi? Do you have any tips?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=2571s
My question is about what is the kamma associated with playing a video game where you have to kill other people and animals. Is playing such a game breaking the first precept? For context, this has come up in my life as my 9 year old son has becoming very interested in such a game. Not only am I trying to keep the first precept, and also to do right as a father.
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=2669s
Regarding generosity, if someone who has a lot of money gives $10 and someone who has very little gives $10, would the karmic effects be the same for both people?
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=2826s
Are there buddhas in other planetary systems other than ours? The universe is so unimaginably huge the number of habitable planets in our galaxy could number in the billions.
https://youtu.be/yw0oe9F7fzU?t=3000s
In DN 15 the Buddha refutes various ways in which self relates to feelings. One of the views he refutes is “feeling is not my self, but my self is not without experience of feeling”. He refutes it by saying if feeling were to cease without remainder then in the complete absence of feeling with the cessation of feeling, could the idea “I am this” occur there?. Can you explain how this refutes the original claim, cause couldn’t someone argue that sometimes the self feels and sometimes it doesn’t?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=26s
As I learn more about the various schools of Buddhism and other spiritual practices, I am beginning to see differences relating to the kinds of meditations they do. It seems like there are an infinite number of options. Other than anapana and metta, what are the most common meditations done in Theravada? Are there any kinds of meditation Theravada practitioners avoid?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=269s
We are consciously aware of painful and pleasant feelings. Why are these not included in vinnana, since they are directly experienced just like vision, sound, taste, etc?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=475s
My son is very involved with Scouts. This year his troop will do a fishing field trip. He is very excited. Is letting him go breaking the first precept? I want to guide him, but not impose my beliefs.
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=713s
Could you give some thoughts about if there is a relationship between the underlying tendencies and genetics? What were the Buddha's thoughts about the now named sexual orientation?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=932s
In MN49, the Buddha tells Baka Brahma he found consciousness that is signless, boundless, radiant all around, that’s not based on the elements, the gods, brahmas, or the all. What is Buddha praising here and why is it supposed to impress the Mahabrahma?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=1435s
Could you share some reflections on the archetype of the "spiritual warrior"? It's frequently mentioned in the Thai Forest tradition, especially by the kruba ajahns, and seems potentially useful in our "battle" with the kilesa. How do I separate the connotation of war and violence from this image?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=2033s
Oftentimes during silent retreats I will have one or two panic attacks. Sometimes they can last for an hour or more. Have you had students like this?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=2179s
When I was meditating, I saw a twinkling light like a starlight. And it became bright like sunlight. Can I keep meditating like this? I'm curious about the process after this.
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=2498s
A Sotapanna is said to live no more than up to 7 more lifetimes, What are the governing factors that make one reach liberation in a single lifetime and another one 7 more lifetimes?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=2817s
Would you please speak to the actual practice of emptiness, the ways to deepen one's direct knowing of emptiness, such as the Buddha describes in MN121?
https://youtu.be/gEIYIDhe3cw?t=2993s
FEAR: My nervous system is stuck in a freeze response. I have trouble breathing due to a brain that is full of fear. What meditation should I do to relieve this constant stress?
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=25s
ENLIGHTENMENT: Is awakening inevitable for all beings either in this life or some future life? If all things are impermanent, does this necessarily include ignorance itself?
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=363s
MEDITATION PRACTICE: I have a pattern repeating itself: I meditate a lot, things start to go well, the mind gets bright and energetic, I start sleeping less, and then there's a crash, a hard check. The meditation dries up, I get miserable. Some things are not quite right, maybe I'm getting caught up in finally becoming the bright, happy person I've always wanted to be.
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=631s
SELFLESSNESS: Can you talk about what has been referred to as "selflessness" or "egolessness" in Buddhism, and describe how the meditation practices you teach are related to it?
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=873s
SELF: How do you square the idea that there is no self with the following quote by the Buddha: “Ananda, stay as those who have the self as island, as those who have the self as refuge”?
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=1612s
SOCIAL/ECONOMIC INEQUALITY: Did the Buddha have any teachings or thoughts related to social and economic inequality? I know that he questioned caste hierarchy.
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=2107s
POLITICAL ACTION: Is it better to have nothing to do with this world, or fight for justice? For example, stand up for oneself or one’s beliefs? If we aren't interested in preserving ones' own life then is there a problem with suicide instead of enduring physical pain?
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=2336s
COMPLACENCY IN PRACTICE: When I practice the Buddha's teachings as truth, I often think that I should let go of a lot of desire in my heart. At some point, there is a conflict with worldly life. At that time, I choose to become a little complacent rather than devote myself. Please give me words of wisdom.
https://youtu.be/xgbIbZhozeE?t=3392s
I play with the idea of ordaining, but I don’t feel quite up for the challenge of living in a community yet. Due to a mild form of Asperger´s syndrome, I am somewhat shy and socially awkward. Would this be a big hindrance?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=109s
There is a state called the cessation of perception and feelings that is associated with abiding in nibbana according to abhidhamma. However, there is also another state called the arahant phala where an arahant can directly abide in nibbana. Are these concepts supported in the suttas and how do they differ from one another?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=300s
An American author's gravestone reads “Here lies one doubly blessed. “She was happy and she knew it. What does the Buddha say about knowing one’s happiness, knowing one’s goodness? In western culture it seems desirable to have this ability but maybe also smug. I think it would be lovely to know one’s goodness. Can you please provide Buddha's guidance, Ajahn Sona?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=485s
Do you think the experience of nibbana leads everyone to the same conclusions as the Buddha, or do you think people with differing intelligence and cultural background would describe it differently (like neoplatonist as The One, or ultimate reality in Hinduism).
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=756s
Maybe 10+ minutes after meditation, not very intent, I suddenly felt that everything is getting free, nothing to hold onto, everything starts to open, my body is very light, everything is still. I rarely get into the first jhana feeling joy and pleasure, this was different. It was amazing. Was that a nimitta? What is the purpose of it? - I can't read your article, my English is so imperfect, but I’m so grateful that I found your Channel 2 yrs ago.
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=1356s
The abbidhamma breaks down everything into dhammas that are defined by their nature (svabhhava). However, Nagarjuna says that this contrasts the idea of emptiness and is sneaking in a self to these phenomena, and that phenomena do not really have an intrinsic nature. Which idea do you think matches more with the suttas?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=1792s
I listened to your discussion of Greek monks so far. I do appreciate your dedication on this topic. When I research the comparison between Pyrrhonism and Buddhism, some people equate Pyrrho's “No views” and “Non-attachment” in Buddhism. This thought makes me really itchy. Do you agree with this idea? Does the non-attachment really mean having no views at all?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=2120s
While meditating, I realized that my mind, which I didn't know before, lived in deep depression for a very long time. So I was trying to do metta meditation, but it doesn't seem to work well. How should I develop it?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=2440s
I feel like I've suffered from sensory desire and greed, but on the other hand, it's hard to get out of this like drugs. How should I practice?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=2595s
How should one approach apathy? I find myself regularly questioning my motivations while trying to meditate and feel apathy strongly and am unsure how to deal with it.
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=2809s
The third frequent recollection to strive to abandon former habits. Is this both unwholesome and wholesome habits? Is this because it is prudent not to cling to anything?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=2955s
It seems that ill will, anger and hatred are lumped together in the 2nd hindrance, yet ill will & harmfulness are separated in Right Intention. Is this correct?
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=3081s
I realised recently that when my thoughts go towards a negative direction, my mind recoils and shuts the thoughts down. Is this what the Buddha meant by 'two types of thoughts', or am I just 'suppressing' my thoughts
https://youtu.be/WaJDmJ_V3pk?t=3212s
Did the Buddha have anything to say about maintaining physical health? While I understand that detachment needs to be developed, a healthy body seems helpful for a sense of well-being.
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=22s
I am in my mid 30s, happily married and in good health. However, I recently started to fixate on the fact that I will eventually die, and it puts me in a depressive state where anything that I do loses meaning. How can I reconcile and fully accept the idea of death and be at peace with it? I feel like this fear is holding me back in life, and I would like to be free of it. Is there any insight in the Buddhist philosophy?
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=193s
I want to start a Buddhist Society at my University since there is not already one. What should I be wary of in undertaking this task, how should it be structured? What kind of guidance should I seek and what teachers should I find?
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=829s
What advice would you give someone with a daily meditation practice, who makes an honest effort to follow the teachings of the Buddha, but struggles with a sense of purposelessness. Put otherwise: What counts as a well lived lay life?
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=1185s
I wanted to discuss a memorable breath meditation experience I had in the past. While focusing on my breath, after some time I realized my attention had not wandered for several minutes and the sensations of my breathing had become very still and uniform in quality. In that moment, I felt confident in my concentration ability. However, as this positive emotion arose, it ended up disturbing my focus, and I began noticing subtle movements in my breath again. Though concentration faded, the feeling of self-assurance remained with me afterwards for awhile. May you offer some insight?
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=1491s
Should the Suttas be regarded as the utmost truth and authentic words of the Buddha himself, or rather they have to be analyzed for the core meaning and wisdom and be approached with equanimity, logic and allegorical understanding, regardless of who the messenger is. Because they were indeed written quite a few years after the Buddha’s departure and were passed from person to person in those years and some alterations happening to them would not be so unlikely.
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=1727s
Is it necessary to read the suttas or dhamma books etcetra to reach enlightenment? I'm wondering about intellectually impaired people who may not have the capacity?
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=2191s
Can you speak about not taking one’s moods personally, but still taking responsibility for them? I was in a traffic accident, and felt sadness that night. Realizing it was probably caused by the impact, it felt less personal and I could let the feeling go.
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=2318s
I see no indication whatsoever that the law of karma is true. I am not satisfied with the explanations given in the suttas, and I find the self-assuredness with which this topic is discussed in Buddhist circles to be presumptuous. No one fully understands karma, allegedly the Buddha came closest (but not even he fully understood it). In the Kalama Sutta we are urged not to trust scriptures, but only our own experience. So where does this leave us?
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=2864s
Would you please give advice on protection against mental proliferation about the self: What was I in the past, how was I where am I going, etc., like in MN 2.
https://youtu.be/fjPKt7wNFCM?t=3319s
I have been digging into the original Pali of the suttas and there are three Pali words which get translated by the English word “mind”: “citta”, “mano” and “vinnana”. Is it important to know the nuance of which Pali word is being used, or is it sufficient to judge the nuances of the English word from its context?
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=239s
Is charging for your books coherent with Buddhism's generosity and universal access, considering scarce libraries? Might a free Kindle version better represent Dhamma's spirit of sharing?
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=456s
Discussing gratitude for our parents and teachers, Venerable Ajahn Liem said our parents and our teachers "are the true devas illuminating our lives." Thank you so much. You are truly worthy of veneration. Please share a lesson or experience you had with one of your teachers.
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=876s
I recently watched a video about conditions on an 18th century trans-antlantic slave ship. Seeing these hellish quarters was deeply disturbing and left me overwhelmed with grief. I know Karuna is a Brahma-Vihara, and yet when I feel compassion, I also feel immense, even debilitating, grief for the object of this compassion. How can I learn to experience karuna without also succumbing to sympathetic grief?
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=1985s
Ajahn, I've attended 10-day retreats in the past and now am ready to commit to a month-long retreat. There's plenty of vipassana schools to choose from, but I am struggling to find one that focuses on samadhi. Would you recommend training in the Pa-Auk method for this reason?
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=2346s
My question is on dealing with pain. I have a disease and have been dealing with the loss of mobility. I feel unworthy. I want to learn how to not suffer anymore and let go. Please guide me.
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=2639s
My question regards the conditioned nature of gender/sexual identities & bodies. Since discovering that I don't feel an attachment to any particular gender/sex identification, and science doesn't point to any racial or sexual/gender essence in the minds or bodies, would you say that segregating people in lay or monastic spaces is unnecessary, just as racial segregation is unnecessary
https://youtu.be/UGVVmBoZuf8?t=2946s
