This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 01:21 Meditate Together 15:35 I've become very apathetic and tired of my ambitions. Can you please advise on how to deal with disenchantment of worldly pleasures? 19:19 While meditating this week, I started getting waves of euphoria throughout my whole body that lasted about three hours. It felt good, but don't understand why it happened. Do you know what causes this? 22:09 My mind is often focused on the mantra rather than the experience. Instead of my mind being at the stomach, it is actually with the mantra. Is this a sign of wrong practice? 24:15 Has the statement "we have no control" an exception in the present moment? Otherwise, how would it make sense to say "try to see clearly!"? Or in what way can you try something without control? 26:04 Sometimes while I'm meditating, I fall asleep, but somehow I keep meditating while dreaming. I say to myself, "dreaming". Is there somewhere I can read serious texts about this? 26:59 How do we approach thoughts that cause us to react with fear or anxiety? 28:15 There is a colleague at work who saps my positive energy. I'm finding it hard using this as a lesson. Can you offer any advice? 32:02 What about practicing mindfulness as you have taught, but not using any labeling, mantra whilst doing so? So when I'm walking, I'm only aware of that I'm walking, but not thinking "walking" "walking" 35:42 Is there such thing as "the dark night of the soul" in Buddhism? I hear a lot of people talking about this on various forums and it's putting many people off meditation. 38:43 Is noting a form of thought construction, and does this lead to becoming and rebirth because the meditator is trying to control the experience by labeling it, rather than just watching? 43:21 Can you perhaps explain more about the Jhanas? How can one really know that one has entered Jhana stages? 45:15 Is taking valerian root (often used as an herbal sleep aid) breaking the fifth precept? 48:07 How does the virtue gained from meditation compare with virtue from non-meditative practice like Five Precepts? Weren't non-meditative practices responsible for instant realization during time of Buddha? 51:41 Is it normal along the path of a non-practitioner to break the Five Precepts? I try, but I fail to keep them. 54:28 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/YmOqpAaoo9c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 01:21 Meditate Together 15:35 I've become very apathetic and tired of my ambitions. Can you please advise on how to deal with disenchantment of worldly pleasures? 19:19 While meditating this week, I started getting waves of euphoria throughout my whole body that lasted about three hours. It felt good, but don't understand why it happened. Do you know what causes this? 22:09 My mind is often focused on the mantra rather than the experience. Instead of my mind being at the stomach, it is actually with the mantra. Is this a sign of wrong practice? 24:15 Has the statement "we have no control" an exception in the present moment? Otherwise, how would it make sense to say "try to see clearly!"? Or in what way can you try something without control? 26:04 Sometimes while I'm meditating, I fall asleep, but somehow I keep meditating while dreaming. I say to myself, "dreaming". Is there somewhere I can read serious texts about this? 26:59 How do we approach thoughts that cause us to react with fear or anxiety? 28:15 There is a colleague at work who saps my positive energy. I'm finding it hard using this as a lesson. Can you offer any advice? 32:02 What about practicing mindfulness as you have taught, but not using any labeling, mantra whilst doing so? So when I'm walking, I'm only aware of that I'm walking, but not thinking "walking" "walking" 35:42 Is there such thing as "the dark night of the soul" in Buddhism? I hear a lot of people talking about this on various forums and it's putting many people off meditation. 38:43 Is noting a form of thought construction, and does this lead to becoming and rebirth because the meditator is trying to control the experience by labeling it, rather than just watching? 43:21 Can you perhaps explain more about the Jhanas? How can one really know that one has entered Jhana stages? 45:15 Is taking valerian root (often used as an herbal sleep aid) breaking the fifth precept? 48:07 How does the virtue gained from meditation compare with virtue from non-meditative practice like Five Precepts? Weren't non-meditative practices responsible for instant realization during time of Buddha? 51:41 Is it normal along the path of a non-practitioner to break the Five Precepts? I try, but I fail to keep them. 54:28 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - July 9, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 16:01 Are Vipassana 10-day noble silence retreats beneficial and if so, how should one prepare? 17:37 When one has to walk fast or do something quickly, how can you be mindful? Do you note faster, e.g right stepping left stepping. It feels rather chaotic than mindful. 18:49 While meditating, when the mind wanders, is it better to note remembering for past memories and imagining for future expectations, or should one just note thinking? 19:29 I heard a bad memory play out in my mind from when I was a child: my mother shouting nasty names at me whilst drunk. I watched myself block it out. How should I note? 20:52 How does rebirth happen? What is the process from the last moment of this life to the first moment of next life? 23:27 How is believing in rebirth different to believing in a creator god? 26:14 How do the concepts of no self/no living entity/no soul and rebirth/kamma reside together? 28:44 Is only practicing meditation correct Buddhism? Or is chanting Buddha's Lotus Sutra and Diamond Sutra also correct Buddhism? 31:29 I have gotten increasingly sensitive in my bodily sensations through Vipassana practice over a few years. I find my sensitivity being very distracting in my life. How does one manage this? 33:21 While meditating, I often find myself in an unpleasant mind-state, and I try then to reflect on the moments that brought me there. Is there any use for such reflection, perhaps outside of meditation? 34:39 All things are anatta, still one should strive to be mindful. Strive implies control and so is a contradiction. How can this be eliminated? How can it than be that an eradicated fetter cannot arise again? 36:35 Do we have to choose between the meditative mind and the creative mind? 38:13 Since experiences only last for moments, how can impermanence be realized? In my understanding, the realization requires memory of experiences. Memories are concepts. So, is impermanence just a concept? 40:52 What are the differences between the concepts of nibbana and complete extinction? 41:38 Is it unwholesome to listen to music as a layperson? Is it also unwholesome to become a musician? 43:25 Are there any different meditation techniques or practices that you would recommend in addition of the practice of satipattana? 44:50 Is there a benefit to try to see clearly and do noting during daily activity as often as possible? Is it advised to do this as much as possible? 46:20 I struggle to apply Buddhist teachings to my life. For instance, I run a business and a client is refusing to pay for services rendered. I'm being mindful, but should I fight it or let it go? 48:53 Do you have any advice for how to handle when a friend has insulted you? Should one ever set boundaries or even ultimatums, as opposed to just cutting a friend off completely or, on the other hand, being a doormat? 50:06 Would eating meat affect our practice? 50:24 Is all desire bad? Such as the desire to become pure? 51:17 Is thinking concepts like in a job, compatible with awareness of emptiness in principle? From experience, when there is mindfulness of thought, the thought dissolves. How to integrate with daily life? 52:29 How does the practice note "love"? I see it as the mechanic that allows us to notice our existence in our experience and so not just an emotion. 53:46 What is the most difficult challenge in monastic life? 56:14 Is meditating sitting up on the bed due to health conditions acceptable, versus not doing it at all? 59:23 What are your thoughts on meditation on koan and concept of sudden awakening? 1:00:14 I'm in Stoney Creek. How can I meet Buddhist peers so to have some lay friends? I have been &amp; will continue to go to Wat Khmer, but would be nice to find some people from my background and age. 1:02:40 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/DTXnGnnSJXU" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 16:01 Are Vipassana 10-day noble silence retreats beneficial and if so, how should one prepare? 17:37 When one has to walk fast or do something quickly, how can you be mindful? Do you note faster, e.g right stepping left stepping. It feels rather chaotic than mindful. 18:49 While meditating, when the mind wanders, is it better to note remembering for past memories and imagining for future expectations, or should one just note thinking? 19:29 I heard a bad memory play out in my mind from when I was a child: my mother shouting nasty names at me whilst drunk. I watched myself block it out. How should I note? 20:52 How does rebirth happen? What is the process from the last moment of this life to the first moment of next life? 23:27 How is believing in rebirth different to believing in a creator god? 26:14 How do the concepts of no self/no living entity/no soul and rebirth/kamma reside together? 28:44 Is only practicing meditation correct Buddhism? Or is chanting Buddha's Lotus Sutra and Diamond Sutra also correct Buddhism? 31:29 I have gotten increasingly sensitive in my bodily sensations through Vipassana practice over a few years. I find my sensitivity being very distracting in my life. How does one manage this? 33:21 While meditating, I often find myself in an unpleasant mind-state, and I try then to reflect on the moments that brought me there. Is there any use for such reflection, perhaps outside of meditation? 34:39 All things are anatta, still one should strive to be mindful. Strive implies control and so is a contradiction. How can this be eliminated? How can it than be that an eradicated fetter cannot arise again? 36:35 Do we have to choose between the meditative mind and the creative mind? 38:13 Since experiences only last for moments, how can impermanence be realized? In my understanding, the realization requires memory of experiences. Memories are concepts. So, is impermanence just a concept? 40:52 What are the differences between the concepts of nibbana and complete extinction? 41:38 Is it unwholesome to listen to music as a layperson? Is it also unwholesome to become a musician? 43:25 Are there any different meditation techniques or practices that you would recommend in addition of the practice of satipattana? 44:50 Is there a benefit to try to see clearly and do noting during daily activity as often as possible? Is it advised to do this as much as possible? 46:20 I struggle to apply Buddhist teachings to my life. For instance, I run a business and a client is refusing to pay for services rendered. I'm being mindful, but should I fight it or let it go? 48:53 Do you have any advice for how to handle when a friend has insulted you? Should one ever set boundaries or even ultimatums, as opposed to just cutting a friend off completely or, on the other hand, being a doormat? 50:06 Would eating meat affect our practice? 50:24 Is all desire bad? Such as the desire to become pure? 51:17 Is thinking concepts like in a job, compatible with awareness of emptiness in principle? From experience, when there is mindfulness of thought, the thought dissolves. How to integrate with daily life? 52:29 How does the practice note "love"? I see it as the mechanic that allows us to notice our existence in our experience and so not just an emotion. 53:46 What is the most difficult challenge in monastic life? 56:14 Is meditating sitting up on the bed due to health conditions acceptable, versus not doing it at all? 59:23 What are your thoughts on meditation on koan and concept of sudden awakening? 1:00:14 I'm in Stoney Creek. How can I meet Buddhist peers so to have some lay friends? I have been &amp; will continue to go to Wat Khmer, but would be nice to find some people from my background and age. 1:02:40 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - July 2, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 01:09 Meditate Together There will be no audio during meditation. Feel free to post questions in the chat. 16:05 I have observed that when I start doing regular practice, I start to wakeup early in the morning to the point that sometimes I wake in the middle of the night. Do you think this is because of the practice, and how to mitigate this? 23:08 How can you work with anxiety during meditation? 26:14 Mahasi Sayadaw prescribes noting "intending" before any bodily movement. Should we adopt this practice? 27:15 How’s does one cultivate concentration with mindfulness? 29:41 Does "sati" in meditation not mean more like memory in background like in a context, not fixing on momentary experience? 31:28 In sitting, I correct my posture about 10-20 times in 30 minutes. I note these movements as "adjusting". Should I do anything else, like strive to limit these movements or experiment with cushions? 32:26 Is it correct to return to the stomach when there is nothing pressing in one's awareness? There is never close to a perfectly single pointed awareness of the stomach in my experience. 33:36 With mantras, is it helpful to be more specific by using a wider range of words to describe what you're feeling/thinking etc or is it best to keep it simply to "liking", "disliking", etc? 34:34 Is there any utility to simply using meditation to relax if you're overwhelmed? (providing one does not get attached to using it as such)? 36:17 I have recently lost my job and have been feeling anxiety over my next steps. Is there a direction or specific kind of job one should aim for as a Buddhist? 39:49 Iam suffering from stress induced increased inflammation in body which is causing swelling in nerves, which meditation can help me in this situation? 42:24 I have no thoughts, feelings, or sensations, but experience pure unimpeded awareness of emptiness and rest in it. What should I note and why? I find silence is perfect as it is, noting was mind training. 45:27 Is it okay to smoke nicotine free vapes just for aesthetics and cool smoke effects? (it has no intoxication or side effect) 47:13 I meditated almost everyday consistently for about 2 years. However, just recently I have not meditated consistently or practiced formal for days at a time, but stay mindful. Should I worry about this? 49:58 Is having casual sexual intercourse with different people considered breaking the sexual misconduct precept? And are energy exchanges of the people engaging in the act a real thing or concept? 52:07 When one lives around people who are still attached, how can one avoid being exploited or asked too much of? 53:46 Do you have any advice for how to find a balance between being careless about the world's problems and being overly concerned with worldly problems? 54:56 When I drive should I note "driving" or "seeing"? 55:47 I was in relationship with a girl but my relationship ended as I was not good enough, I feel deep regret when I try to meditate or concentrate, I get into same regret. How I can get over it? 57:15 Is joking considered breaking the 'do not lie' precept? Yesterday I made up a joke and told my brother to see his reaction but I was self conscious and worried if this is right, we both had a laugh. 58:36 Can we establish a relation between Buddhism and modern medicine? Do they have more differences or similarities? 1:00:32 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/5YjVBe6s-8k" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 01:09 Meditate Together There will be no audio during meditation. Feel free to post questions in the chat. 16:05 I have observed that when I start doing regular practice, I start to wakeup early in the morning to the point that sometimes I wake in the middle of the night. Do you think this is because of the practice, and how to mitigate this? 23:08 How can you work with anxiety during meditation? 26:14 Mahasi Sayadaw prescribes noting "intending" before any bodily movement. Should we adopt this practice? 27:15 How’s does one cultivate concentration with mindfulness? 29:41 Does "sati" in meditation not mean more like memory in background like in a context, not fixing on momentary experience? 31:28 In sitting, I correct my posture about 10-20 times in 30 minutes. I note these movements as "adjusting". Should I do anything else, like strive to limit these movements or experiment with cushions? 32:26 Is it correct to return to the stomach when there is nothing pressing in one's awareness? There is never close to a perfectly single pointed awareness of the stomach in my experience. 33:36 With mantras, is it helpful to be more specific by using a wider range of words to describe what you're feeling/thinking etc or is it best to keep it simply to "liking", "disliking", etc? 34:34 Is there any utility to simply using meditation to relax if you're overwhelmed? (providing one does not get attached to using it as such)? 36:17 I have recently lost my job and have been feeling anxiety over my next steps. Is there a direction or specific kind of job one should aim for as a Buddhist? 39:49 Iam suffering from stress induced increased inflammation in body which is causing swelling in nerves, which meditation can help me in this situation? 42:24 I have no thoughts, feelings, or sensations, but experience pure unimpeded awareness of emptiness and rest in it. What should I note and why? I find silence is perfect as it is, noting was mind training. 45:27 Is it okay to smoke nicotine free vapes just for aesthetics and cool smoke effects? (it has no intoxication or side effect) 47:13 I meditated almost everyday consistently for about 2 years. However, just recently I have not meditated consistently or practiced formal for days at a time, but stay mindful. Should I worry about this? 49:58 Is having casual sexual intercourse with different people considered breaking the sexual misconduct precept? And are energy exchanges of the people engaging in the act a real thing or concept? 52:07 When one lives around people who are still attached, how can one avoid being exploited or asked too much of? 53:46 Do you have any advice for how to find a balance between being careless about the world's problems and being overly concerned with worldly problems? 54:56 When I drive should I note "driving" or "seeing"? 55:47 I was in relationship with a girl but my relationship ended as I was not good enough, I feel deep regret when I try to meditate or concentrate, I get into same regret. How I can get over it? 57:15 Is joking considered breaking the 'do not lie' precept? Yesterday I made up a joke and told my brother to see his reaction but I was self conscious and worried if this is right, we both had a laugh. 58:36 Can we establish a relation between Buddhism and modern medicine? Do they have more differences or similarities? 1:00:32 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - June 25, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:13 Meditation Q&amp;A 15:42 Does the practice have the potential to lead the practitioner to a point at which he/she no longer needs to consciously interact with hindrances and negative emotions such as bitterness and sorrow? 17:29 Recently I have been happy due to some material success and I am starting to indulge in them. I can feel myself drifting from the path. I feel weak and no discipline. How do I tackle this situation? 18:56 When I feel physical pain it is easy to make it a meditation object for long periods of time. Should I eventually let go of it if I find i have noted it for a long time or can you stay with it? 20:04 Is it beneficial to mediate on love - love for world hardship and one's "enemies"? 20:33 What are the long-term benefits of an intensive meditation course? Is the wisdom gained forgotten once practitioners go back to their ordinary lives? 22:03 Is it alright for someone to meditate overnight if they do not feel tired? Will that be harmful to physical health? 24:30 Is it possible to create philosophical arguments for Buddhism and if so would it be beneficial? 26:01 You've warned against becoming an ignorant practitioner and said we should study. What is meant by studying in this context? Can you recommend any material? 27:59 Is it bad karma to avoid people who you don't trust because you perceive that they don't keep the precepts well? Or is it good karma, because then you have a better environment to practice? 31:46 Why can I meditate much better and feel more relaxed on an empty stomach? My thoughts and concentration are so erratic when I eat food. 33:58 Can you offer any advice on how to maintain my meditation posture when my mind tries to trick me out of it? I find it difficult to keep my back straight and be still. 35:04 How do you practice aniccasanna? Is it just awareness that things change or that they're inconstant? 35:49 Is laying meditation okay? I often spend small amounts of time during the day to center myself and ease down and I do laying mediation. 36:40 How does a Buddhist deal with violent people? Especially when running away or de-escalation is not an option? 37:24 I've recently decided to quit smoking weed and not consume alcohol. Would it be considered breaking the precept if one smokes intoxicated flavours in a vape pen mainly for aesthetic and smoke effects? 41:49 What is your view on practicing the jhanas? 42:02 Is one liability for the influence one has on other people as in a public figure even though one just wants to live their life and is not saying people must engage in what he engages in? 44:40 How can we sit still and meditate for hours on end? the longest I have meditated is about three hours, but I would really like to try and meditate for longer and still retain awareness. 45:34 After starting meditation, I lost contact and cut ties with friends and members of my extended family (uncles, cousins...). Is there any benefit in maintaining a relationship with one’s extended family? 48:25 Why am I so dissatisfied with my practice or lack thereof? 49:56 I feel I've absorbed a lot of heaviness after interacting with people. This hinders any social interaction and meditation practice as well. How can I deal with this situation and find a better way? 53:14 What is a simplified list of the benefits of meditation when the thought “what's the point of this” arises? 53:41 How can we be sure if a memory of a past life is truly a memory, not just something fabricated by the mind? 55:02 Why did the Buddha say that all experiences are preceded by mind? Given people think the brain produces experience. 56:56 How do I practice samadhi meditation? 57:36 Sometimes when listening to guided meditations my mind shuts off. After 30 minutes, I do not recollect everything. I was not sleeping just have no recollection of that time. What is this? 58:22 How do we handle the differing opinions of others in the modern world? Is it appropriate to cut off all sources of this? Would that be avoiding reality? 59:37 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/_Rg7RQNMg4w" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:13 Meditation Q&amp;A 15:42 Does the practice have the potential to lead the practitioner to a point at which he/she no longer needs to consciously interact with hindrances and negative emotions such as bitterness and sorrow? 17:29 Recently I have been happy due to some material success and I am starting to indulge in them. I can feel myself drifting from the path. I feel weak and no discipline. How do I tackle this situation? 18:56 When I feel physical pain it is easy to make it a meditation object for long periods of time. Should I eventually let go of it if I find i have noted it for a long time or can you stay with it? 20:04 Is it beneficial to mediate on love - love for world hardship and one's "enemies"? 20:33 What are the long-term benefits of an intensive meditation course? Is the wisdom gained forgotten once practitioners go back to their ordinary lives? 22:03 Is it alright for someone to meditate overnight if they do not feel tired? Will that be harmful to physical health? 24:30 Is it possible to create philosophical arguments for Buddhism and if so would it be beneficial? 26:01 You've warned against becoming an ignorant practitioner and said we should study. What is meant by studying in this context? Can you recommend any material? 27:59 Is it bad karma to avoid people who you don't trust because you perceive that they don't keep the precepts well? Or is it good karma, because then you have a better environment to practice? 31:46 Why can I meditate much better and feel more relaxed on an empty stomach? My thoughts and concentration are so erratic when I eat food. 33:58 Can you offer any advice on how to maintain my meditation posture when my mind tries to trick me out of it? I find it difficult to keep my back straight and be still. 35:04 How do you practice aniccasanna? Is it just awareness that things change or that they're inconstant? 35:49 Is laying meditation okay? I often spend small amounts of time during the day to center myself and ease down and I do laying mediation. 36:40 How does a Buddhist deal with violent people? Especially when running away or de-escalation is not an option? 37:24 I've recently decided to quit smoking weed and not consume alcohol. Would it be considered breaking the precept if one smokes intoxicated flavours in a vape pen mainly for aesthetic and smoke effects? 41:49 What is your view on practicing the jhanas? 42:02 Is one liability for the influence one has on other people as in a public figure even though one just wants to live their life and is not saying people must engage in what he engages in? 44:40 How can we sit still and meditate for hours on end? the longest I have meditated is about three hours, but I would really like to try and meditate for longer and still retain awareness. 45:34 After starting meditation, I lost contact and cut ties with friends and members of my extended family (uncles, cousins...). Is there any benefit in maintaining a relationship with one’s extended family? 48:25 Why am I so dissatisfied with my practice or lack thereof? 49:56 I feel I've absorbed a lot of heaviness after interacting with people. This hinders any social interaction and meditation practice as well. How can I deal with this situation and find a better way? 53:14 What is a simplified list of the benefits of meditation when the thought “what's the point of this” arises? 53:41 How can we be sure if a memory of a past life is truly a memory, not just something fabricated by the mind? 55:02 Why did the Buddha say that all experiences are preceded by mind? Given people think the brain produces experience. 56:56 How do I practice samadhi meditation? 57:36 Sometimes when listening to guided meditations my mind shuts off. After 30 minutes, I do not recollect everything. I was not sleeping just have no recollection of that time. What is this? 58:22 How do we handle the differing opinions of others in the modern world? Is it appropriate to cut off all sources of this? Would that be avoiding reality? 59:37 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - June 18, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:22 Meditation Q&amp;A 17:16 Sometimes I get surprised, and my mind gets excited a lot - and this comes into meditation. I can observe this state, but why am I not able to contain the excitement at that very moment? 23:33 How do I increase a sense of urgency? I'm depressed, lonely, in a rut, but I just don't feel the fear, the terror, that once had brought me into Buddhism. How to stop this torpor, this nihilistic apathy? 25:55 When a song repeats on loop in our head, should we note singing or listening, because it seems to be both? 26:59 How do sankharas of past life manifest in the present life? How does the practice help in getting rid of sankharas of past life? 32:29 I do the risings and fallings. I also do the body scan. Were they both taught by the Buddha? 36:42 There is a carpet in the middle of my path when doing walking meditation. How should I notice when stepping in the small bump where the carpet begins? 38:13 I've been meditating for a year but I can't meditate for more than 15-20 minutes max. How do I increase the duration of my sessions? 39:10 How important is it to keep the precepts, and how would the practice of someone who keeps the precepts differ from someone who practices without keeping the precepts? 40:58 Now that I meditate I see that I am this conciousness. Am I this conciousness If there is no self? 43:24 In what proportion should time be invested in the practice and study of Buddhism? 44:56 When one gets angry, at that instant, I don't want to be mindful. How does one change this attitude? 46:23 When we leave the primary object to note a distraction, do we finish noting the last rising or falling before the distraction? 47:52 Why do images from movies and online videos come back to my mind constantly? Does it happen to everyone? Is my mind very weak? A strong meditator doesn't have this problem, correct? 50:31 Are dreams directly correlated with a busy mind? 51:23 Life is nothing more important or meaningful than risings and fallings. Is this correct? 53:10 I'm being mindful more and more lately. How do I keep up with daily life and planning while also always being mindful in moment? 1:00:40 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/svglyjn1yqA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:22 Meditation Q&amp;A 17:16 Sometimes I get surprised, and my mind gets excited a lot - and this comes into meditation. I can observe this state, but why am I not able to contain the excitement at that very moment? 23:33 How do I increase a sense of urgency? I'm depressed, lonely, in a rut, but I just don't feel the fear, the terror, that once had brought me into Buddhism. How to stop this torpor, this nihilistic apathy? 25:55 When a song repeats on loop in our head, should we note singing or listening, because it seems to be both? 26:59 How do sankharas of past life manifest in the present life? How does the practice help in getting rid of sankharas of past life? 32:29 I do the risings and fallings. I also do the body scan. Were they both taught by the Buddha? 36:42 There is a carpet in the middle of my path when doing walking meditation. How should I notice when stepping in the small bump where the carpet begins? 38:13 I've been meditating for a year but I can't meditate for more than 15-20 minutes max. How do I increase the duration of my sessions? 39:10 How important is it to keep the precepts, and how would the practice of someone who keeps the precepts differ from someone who practices without keeping the precepts? 40:58 Now that I meditate I see that I am this conciousness. Am I this conciousness If there is no self? 43:24 In what proportion should time be invested in the practice and study of Buddhism? 44:56 When one gets angry, at that instant, I don't want to be mindful. How does one change this attitude? 46:23 When we leave the primary object to note a distraction, do we finish noting the last rising or falling before the distraction? 47:52 Why do images from movies and online videos come back to my mind constantly? Does it happen to everyone? Is my mind very weak? A strong meditator doesn't have this problem, correct? 50:31 Are dreams directly correlated with a busy mind? 51:23 Life is nothing more important or meaningful than risings and fallings. Is this correct? 53:10 I'm being mindful more and more lately. How do I keep up with daily life and planning while also always being mindful in moment? 1:00:40 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - June 11, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 01:01 Meditate Together 15:25 How can meditation help people with severe drug addiction (cocaine, heroin)? 21:22 Does this practice lead to happiness? Is freedom from suffering the same thing as happiness? 23:35 When I get sudden news of surprise or shock, I get happy or dull immediately. Why cannot my mind be still even in that moment? How to develop such an ability of a reactionless mind? 25:19 What is a path to tackling papanca? 26:36 You've said that physical exercise is not to be pursued, but what about stretching of limbs? You are able to sit "cross-legged" as Buddha prescribed. I can't yet. 28:21 What is the right way to meditate to increase short term memory, to increase focus and concentration? 30:03 When I do walking meditation, when stepping right, I don't note experience arising and ceasing. I experience more like the experience goes on. What can I do? Should I be more concentrated? 31:24 Two nights ago my mother passed away in her sleep. Do you have any advice on how to deal with the emotions? I've only slept 3 hours since I found her. I'm struggling with mindfulness. 36:50 Could you please say something about impatience during meditation? Do I note impatience? Should I also note perseverance? 39:59 Should you not sit in a full lotus when meditating? 40:56 I quite often jump from noting one thing onto another. The mind cannot stay noting one thing. Any advice? 41:58 When during meditation, there's a conviction that "I can't do it", "I'd better do something else", or "I can't do it today". Is this torpor? Should I also note believing as these thoughts are very real? 43:40 Can a guarded mind repress emotions? I can catch myself seeing images in the mind and it would stop the abstraction and relation to it. Is there any sense in playing out the abstractions? 44:43 Sloth and Torpor are not leaving my mind. For the last 10 months, this hindrance has been obstructing me to cultivate meditation. Please advise on how to deal with it. 45:46 For an intensive course, I could manage to sleep for six hours and eat one or two times, but I have the idea that I would not stand at all the lust that is usually very intense and unbearable in me. Any tips? 46:33 How does one overcome depression and or the feeling of being trapped when meditating? 47:41 Does the physical world exist independent of experience? 49:25 Does microdosing psychedelics (taking a Sub-perceptual dose) interfere with the 5 precepts? 53:34 Why is it said that Nibbana has no cause? Isn't it seeing things clearly the cause of Nibbana? 55:07 Does microdosing psychedelics (taking a sub-perceptual dose) interfere with the 5 precepts? 57:15 I feel quite stubbornly attatched to beauty and pleasures as a good thing. Is this the famous clinging (upadana)? When I feel "stubborn" like a mule Should I note "clinging"? 58:25 Since the mantra is a thought, is it better to make sure the mind is not too full of other thoughts in order to be mindful? 1:00:32 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/-zjvZ-KxV1A" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 01:01 Meditate Together 15:25 How can meditation help people with severe drug addiction (cocaine, heroin)? 21:22 Does this practice lead to happiness? Is freedom from suffering the same thing as happiness? 23:35 When I get sudden news of surprise or shock, I get happy or dull immediately. Why cannot my mind be still even in that moment? How to develop such an ability of a reactionless mind? 25:19 What is a path to tackling papanca? 26:36 You've said that physical exercise is not to be pursued, but what about stretching of limbs? You are able to sit "cross-legged" as Buddha prescribed. I can't yet. 28:21 What is the right way to meditate to increase short term memory, to increase focus and concentration? 30:03 When I do walking meditation, when stepping right, I don't note experience arising and ceasing. I experience more like the experience goes on. What can I do? Should I be more concentrated? 31:24 Two nights ago my mother passed away in her sleep. Do you have any advice on how to deal with the emotions? I've only slept 3 hours since I found her. I'm struggling with mindfulness. 36:50 Could you please say something about impatience during meditation? Do I note impatience? Should I also note perseverance? 39:59 Should you not sit in a full lotus when meditating? 40:56 I quite often jump from noting one thing onto another. The mind cannot stay noting one thing. Any advice? 41:58 When during meditation, there's a conviction that "I can't do it", "I'd better do something else", or "I can't do it today". Is this torpor? Should I also note believing as these thoughts are very real? 43:40 Can a guarded mind repress emotions? I can catch myself seeing images in the mind and it would stop the abstraction and relation to it. Is there any sense in playing out the abstractions? 44:43 Sloth and Torpor are not leaving my mind. For the last 10 months, this hindrance has been obstructing me to cultivate meditation. Please advise on how to deal with it. 45:46 For an intensive course, I could manage to sleep for six hours and eat one or two times, but I have the idea that I would not stand at all the lust that is usually very intense and unbearable in me. Any tips? 46:33 How does one overcome depression and or the feeling of being trapped when meditating? 47:41 Does the physical world exist independent of experience? 49:25 Does microdosing psychedelics (taking a Sub-perceptual dose) interfere with the 5 precepts? 53:34 Why is it said that Nibbana has no cause? Isn't it seeing things clearly the cause of Nibbana? 55:07 Does microdosing psychedelics (taking a sub-perceptual dose) interfere with the 5 precepts? 57:15 I feel quite stubbornly attatched to beauty and pleasures as a good thing. Is this the famous clinging (upadana)? When I feel "stubborn" like a mule Should I note "clinging"? 58:25 Since the mantra is a thought, is it better to make sure the mind is not too full of other thoughts in order to be mindful? 1:00:32 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - May 28, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 15:50 I try to note the nature of thoughts during meditation, but thoughts about a few problems in my life seem to overpower and make me feel stressed, and I can't seem to simply ignore them. How should I handle it? 19:32 Should I limit how many times I note something in order to go back to the breath? For example, should I note "distracted" three times even when the distraction continues on? 20:00 When I meditate with my eyes half open, the eyelids are twitching, and I can't get them to rest. Are there any advantages to meditating with your eyes closed? I think Buddha said ‘with his eyes closed'. 21:03 Is noting "wanting", the same as noting "craving", and "wishing"? 21:52 I love meditation but most of the time I'm not in the mood to meditate because I feel good. How can I overcome myself and meditate? 24:38 When doing labeling, how do we know if we are doing it right? Does it also eventually lead to concentration of mind? 27:26 I notice that there is a resistance to meditation arises when I want to start it, sometimes preventing me to meditate. Once I'm meditating, this resistance ceases. What can I do about that? 28:23 When noting a distraction like "hearing" because of a car going by, should we Stay with it until that particular car has gone or should we stay with the hearing in general? 29:19 How do you drive out loneliness especially when you see other people having friends and beautiful times while you are not able to do that? 30:45 How do you forgive yourself and overcome guilt? How do you forgive others who have physically hurt you? 33:31 How can we be sure that the habit of meditation will continue in our next lives? 35:34 Should we label the same object multiple times to do repeated contact anupassana? 36:33 I don't kill cockroaches anywhere else, except at my home. When killing cockroaches and mosquitos, I feel very bad. If I don't, they are harming to my health. What should I do? 37:47 How can we lay followers make the most of Buddhist practice, if we are unable to leave to a monastery? 40:44 Is watching a momentary experience not too much fixing on momentary experience, and to completely ignore the context of experience? 43:52 Can I chew nicotine gum while taking the 8 precepts? 45:23 How should one react to confrontational situations where if you don’t defend yourself, you'll probably get injured or killed? Is it fair to engage in conflict in this situation? 46:59 How does one know that you are equanimous? Also, how can one remove reactive thoughts and patterns that relate to monitoring one's meditation, during meditation? 49:35 Can one continue with their daily life as a lay person after “enlightenment” or what should one do? 50:56 Is thinking and imagining the same concept? 51:35 Does a death and a rebirth occur right after each other? Is a rebirth then dependent on conception at the exact time of death? 54:05 We focus on taking care of the mind (meditation) but there is less emphasis if any on training the body (physical exercise) except walking. Why is that? Is Sports a kind of wanting and an issue? 56:53 Can everyone become a Buddhist? 59:52 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/-fchTrBHKUY" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 15:50 I try to note the nature of thoughts during meditation, but thoughts about a few problems in my life seem to overpower and make me feel stressed, and I can't seem to simply ignore them. How should I handle it? 19:32 Should I limit how many times I note something in order to go back to the breath? For example, should I note "distracted" three times even when the distraction continues on? 20:00 When I meditate with my eyes half open, the eyelids are twitching, and I can't get them to rest. Are there any advantages to meditating with your eyes closed? I think Buddha said ‘with his eyes closed'. 21:03 Is noting "wanting", the same as noting "craving", and "wishing"? 21:52 I love meditation but most of the time I'm not in the mood to meditate because I feel good. How can I overcome myself and meditate? 24:38 When doing labeling, how do we know if we are doing it right? Does it also eventually lead to concentration of mind? 27:26 I notice that there is a resistance to meditation arises when I want to start it, sometimes preventing me to meditate. Once I'm meditating, this resistance ceases. What can I do about that? 28:23 When noting a distraction like "hearing" because of a car going by, should we Stay with it until that particular car has gone or should we stay with the hearing in general? 29:19 How do you drive out loneliness especially when you see other people having friends and beautiful times while you are not able to do that? 30:45 How do you forgive yourself and overcome guilt? How do you forgive others who have physically hurt you? 33:31 How can we be sure that the habit of meditation will continue in our next lives? 35:34 Should we label the same object multiple times to do repeated contact anupassana? 36:33 I don't kill cockroaches anywhere else, except at my home. When killing cockroaches and mosquitos, I feel very bad. If I don't, they are harming to my health. What should I do? 37:47 How can we lay followers make the most of Buddhist practice, if we are unable to leave to a monastery? 40:44 Is watching a momentary experience not too much fixing on momentary experience, and to completely ignore the context of experience? 43:52 Can I chew nicotine gum while taking the 8 precepts? 45:23 How should one react to confrontational situations where if you don’t defend yourself, you'll probably get injured or killed? Is it fair to engage in conflict in this situation? 46:59 How does one know that you are equanimous? Also, how can one remove reactive thoughts and patterns that relate to monitoring one's meditation, during meditation? 49:35 Can one continue with their daily life as a lay person after “enlightenment” or what should one do? 50:56 Is thinking and imagining the same concept? 51:35 Does a death and a rebirth occur right after each other? Is a rebirth then dependent on conception at the exact time of death? 54:05 We focus on taking care of the mind (meditation) but there is less emphasis if any on training the body (physical exercise) except walking. Why is that? Is Sports a kind of wanting and an issue? 56:53 Can everyone become a Buddhist? 59:52 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - May 21, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:34 Meditation Q&amp;A 15:20 In walking meditation, can we note a distraction right away, or should we always note stopping and standing before noting the distraction? Is concentration more encouraged than in sitting meditation? 16:10 How much should I let go of control when meditating? Currently I very gently rest my attention on the belly and allow and notice when it is moved to the next object. Is this ok? 17:51 There are some times during the day where I have 15 spare minutes I want to use to meditate. Should I do walking 15 minutes, sitting 15 minutes, or walking 7' 30" and sitting 7' 30"? 19:00 When meditating and noting, I seem to ‘slip away', that's not to say I stop noting or I'm unconscious. I know I've kept noting but it's like being elsewhere or at one with things. What is this? 20:44 Is it correct to note the four elements during walking meditation, or should we always stick with "stepping-right, stepping-left", "standing", "stopping" and "turning"? 22:42 In one of your old videos I think you said we should focus on one point of the stomach whilst noting "rising" and "falling". Should we focus on a specific point, or in the whole sensation? 23:23 I have this unusual fear of evil spirits during meditation, which is not present otherwise. Only during meditation it comes up. Can these beings possess my body in meditation? 28:41 I fear commitments, plans, obligations and daily meditation schedule. They heavily weigh down on me and make me worried and nervous. I feel I'm not free and often overthink and over eat. Any advice? 30:18 Is the physical a product of the mental? Should we understand the world in this way? 31:23 Can you please say something about the pattern: "why does it always happen to me?" What could be the underlying thoughts and emotions? 32:32 How does the at home meditation course work? How long is it, how much time does it require, etc? What benefit does it have over attending these meditation Q&amp;A sessions? 34:40 Why do I get hooked onto songs and movies? It keeps running in my mind when I meditate. How can I handle this? 37:02 How much attention should we pay to dreams? 38:31 Is this technique not too much fixing on single objects? 39:47 Is living in the streets a good lifestyle for a serious meditator? 40:48 My friends suggest it may be good to kill beings, even people, so they move through samsara to a higher form. "Won't killing a spider give them a possible chance as a human?" How should I respond? 44:50 We shouldn't do drugs or drink coffee, but what about sugar? Should I drink only water or also Coca Cola, for example? 46:44 Walking is good, thus we do walking meditation to help the body. Why not use other wise health modalities to aid the body to be able to meditate better, longer reaching? 48:30 I feel motivated for certain tasks and actions and feel resistance when it comes to others. Any suggestions for how being mindful can help with duties, tasks when I'm unmotivated? 49:49 Do new beings enter samsara or has there always been an unquantifiable amount of "us"? Was my being always around or did I enter into the wheel at some time? 51:19 I can't focus on my breath as the main meditation object because it makes me more frustrated and it's too subtle. What other object can I use as the main meditation object? 52:51 I have trouble relaxing. I feel that I am an uptight and rigid person. What meditation can I do to change this? 54:26 Is meditation as important as keeping the precepts? Is there a connection between keeping the precepts and meditation? 56:14 I'm mindfull when I wake up for about an hour then I lose that state for the entire day, can you please advise on what to do? 57:04 I find I am alone in the practice. I think I need a teacher. Should I try the at home course? 58:14 I dissociate often due to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). I've always found meditation challenging, because I end up just dissociating during the practice. Any advice? 59:18 Tomorrow is Buddha’s Birthday! Thinking about the Buddha at all times keeps my mind at presence instead of wandering to the past or future. Is it ok to think about the Buddha at all times? Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/rRPEcE6QfGg" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:34 Meditation Q&amp;A 15:20 In walking meditation, can we note a distraction right away, or should we always note stopping and standing before noting the distraction? Is concentration more encouraged than in sitting meditation? 16:10 How much should I let go of control when meditating? Currently I very gently rest my attention on the belly and allow and notice when it is moved to the next object. Is this ok? 17:51 There are some times during the day where I have 15 spare minutes I want to use to meditate. Should I do walking 15 minutes, sitting 15 minutes, or walking 7' 30" and sitting 7' 30"? 19:00 When meditating and noting, I seem to ‘slip away', that's not to say I stop noting or I'm unconscious. I know I've kept noting but it's like being elsewhere or at one with things. What is this? 20:44 Is it correct to note the four elements during walking meditation, or should we always stick with "stepping-right, stepping-left", "standing", "stopping" and "turning"? 22:42 In one of your old videos I think you said we should focus on one point of the stomach whilst noting "rising" and "falling". Should we focus on a specific point, or in the whole sensation? 23:23 I have this unusual fear of evil spirits during meditation, which is not present otherwise. Only during meditation it comes up. Can these beings possess my body in meditation? 28:41 I fear commitments, plans, obligations and daily meditation schedule. They heavily weigh down on me and make me worried and nervous. I feel I'm not free and often overthink and over eat. Any advice? 30:18 Is the physical a product of the mental? Should we understand the world in this way? 31:23 Can you please say something about the pattern: "why does it always happen to me?" What could be the underlying thoughts and emotions? 32:32 How does the at home meditation course work? How long is it, how much time does it require, etc? What benefit does it have over attending these meditation Q&amp;A sessions? 34:40 Why do I get hooked onto songs and movies? It keeps running in my mind when I meditate. How can I handle this? 37:02 How much attention should we pay to dreams? 38:31 Is this technique not too much fixing on single objects? 39:47 Is living in the streets a good lifestyle for a serious meditator? 40:48 My friends suggest it may be good to kill beings, even people, so they move through samsara to a higher form. "Won't killing a spider give them a possible chance as a human?" How should I respond? 44:50 We shouldn't do drugs or drink coffee, but what about sugar? Should I drink only water or also Coca Cola, for example? 46:44 Walking is good, thus we do walking meditation to help the body. Why not use other wise health modalities to aid the body to be able to meditate better, longer reaching? 48:30 I feel motivated for certain tasks and actions and feel resistance when it comes to others. Any suggestions for how being mindful can help with duties, tasks when I'm unmotivated? 49:49 Do new beings enter samsara or has there always been an unquantifiable amount of "us"? Was my being always around or did I enter into the wheel at some time? 51:19 I can't focus on my breath as the main meditation object because it makes me more frustrated and it's too subtle. What other object can I use as the main meditation object? 52:51 I have trouble relaxing. I feel that I am an uptight and rigid person. What meditation can I do to change this? 54:26 Is meditation as important as keeping the precepts? Is there a connection between keeping the precepts and meditation? 56:14 I'm mindfull when I wake up for about an hour then I lose that state for the entire day, can you please advise on what to do? 57:04 I find I am alone in the practice. I think I need a teacher. Should I try the at home course? 58:14 I dissociate often due to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). I've always found meditation challenging, because I end up just dissociating during the practice. Any advice? 59:18 Tomorrow is Buddha’s Birthday! Thinking about the Buddha at all times keeps my mind at presence instead of wandering to the past or future. Is it ok to think about the Buddha at all times? Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - May 14, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:25 Meditation Q&amp;A 09:58 How do you drop the desire of Samadhi during meditation? 11:44 When travelling there are so many things happening at once. How does one use noting in really distracting environments; or just keep as the meditation course prescribes? 12:49 What are some ways one can go into seclusion with the aim of practicing meditation? 13:59 Is it common for meditation to bring up old buried feelings which can manifest in anger, resentment, Sadness, etc.? 16:40 I have committed to practice two hours of sitting meditation everyday. I have found that some days, I have to stop my other important work to fulfill my commitment. Am I overdoing it? 18:03 What does one exactly do when practicing insight meditation? 19:18 I do not feel a lot of progress in meditation, though I practice it everyday and this drives down my motivation. How to stay motivated on this path and not give up? 20:43 I suppose it is very important to be mindful during death. What experiences can I expect during and after death? Do the near-death experiences agree with the wisdom of Buddhism? 23:20 Can you please clarify the third precept? 27:38 I get lot of past memories, especially with my ex-partner. It's disturbing me a lot and stops me from being truthful to practise. How to subdue such thoughts? 29:23 I find Vipassana can bring about great calm and even long periods of no thoughts or feelings besides the rising and falling. I feel guilty that this is happening because It's pleasant. Any advice? 30:14 Can you please explain the difference between Anapanasati and Satipatthana? Are both Vipassana meditations? Is there a particular cause the Buddha gave both practices to his students? 32:42 I imagine fantasy worlds in my head as a form of escapism, and daydream often. When experiencing escapist thoughts, do I say “imagining”? I’m curious about Buddhist views on imagination. 33:57 Can you see the three universal truths in walking meditation? 36:26 I am considering doing an intensive course. What is the role and purpose of prostration? It would feel fake or forced. Would it be mandatory in the intensive course or is it possible to train without? 37:29 Could you list some tangible benefit in the now of the practice? I'm lacking energy and faith in putting a lot of effort. I wish I could be regular and have more determination and energy. 38:30 What would you recommend for a beginner meditator to do this summer? 39:19 I have tinnitus which is a constant ringing in the ear. Can you give me any advice for living my daily life with having this constant discomfort? 40:27 Sometimes I have emotions or feelings and can't I quite find the right manta to express it. Would "confused" suffice until it becomes more clear upon further meditation? 41:30 Could you say precisely how noting "liking" and "wanting" can break through the craving and lust? How can one eradicate it and lead to abandonment of it? It seems really an impossible goal to me 43:22 What are your thoughts on the concept of the citta as defined in the Thai Forest Tradition, for example, as a pure Observing or Awareness? Is this something that should be considered in the practice? 45:33 If I can't find a teacher, should I still do noting practice? 48:02 I have just pure hatred for every person. No matter how far I investigate myself, others never fail to disappoint. I cannot break this pure hatred. Is there any way? 50:15 I'm finding insects to be a difficult pest to handle. I ask them to leave but this seems futile and not in line with reality. How do I handle pests in my home without killing them? 53:55 How important is a sangha for the development of spirituality? I have no friends who are into spirituality and everyone I know and see thinks I'm strange. 55:35 How does one respond to the atrocities occurring in Ukraine as well as other areas of the world? It can be emotionally overwhelming even when noting sad, sad, etc. 58:02 Is there a meditation center in India which teaches meditation as taught by Mahasi Sayadaw? So far in my research, I have not found one. 59:26 Is "right compassion" just observance of another person's suffering? 1:01:46 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/8YhkNBVEBiE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:25 Meditation Q&amp;A 09:58 How do you drop the desire of Samadhi during meditation? 11:44 When travelling there are so many things happening at once. How does one use noting in really distracting environments; or just keep as the meditation course prescribes? 12:49 What are some ways one can go into seclusion with the aim of practicing meditation? 13:59 Is it common for meditation to bring up old buried feelings which can manifest in anger, resentment, Sadness, etc.? 16:40 I have committed to practice two hours of sitting meditation everyday. I have found that some days, I have to stop my other important work to fulfill my commitment. Am I overdoing it? 18:03 What does one exactly do when practicing insight meditation? 19:18 I do not feel a lot of progress in meditation, though I practice it everyday and this drives down my motivation. How to stay motivated on this path and not give up? 20:43 I suppose it is very important to be mindful during death. What experiences can I expect during and after death? Do the near-death experiences agree with the wisdom of Buddhism? 23:20 Can you please clarify the third precept? 27:38 I get lot of past memories, especially with my ex-partner. It's disturbing me a lot and stops me from being truthful to practise. How to subdue such thoughts? 29:23 I find Vipassana can bring about great calm and even long periods of no thoughts or feelings besides the rising and falling. I feel guilty that this is happening because It's pleasant. Any advice? 30:14 Can you please explain the difference between Anapanasati and Satipatthana? Are both Vipassana meditations? Is there a particular cause the Buddha gave both practices to his students? 32:42 I imagine fantasy worlds in my head as a form of escapism, and daydream often. When experiencing escapist thoughts, do I say “imagining”? I’m curious about Buddhist views on imagination. 33:57 Can you see the three universal truths in walking meditation? 36:26 I am considering doing an intensive course. What is the role and purpose of prostration? It would feel fake or forced. Would it be mandatory in the intensive course or is it possible to train without? 37:29 Could you list some tangible benefit in the now of the practice? I'm lacking energy and faith in putting a lot of effort. I wish I could be regular and have more determination and energy. 38:30 What would you recommend for a beginner meditator to do this summer? 39:19 I have tinnitus which is a constant ringing in the ear. Can you give me any advice for living my daily life with having this constant discomfort? 40:27 Sometimes I have emotions or feelings and can't I quite find the right manta to express it. Would "confused" suffice until it becomes more clear upon further meditation? 41:30 Could you say precisely how noting "liking" and "wanting" can break through the craving and lust? How can one eradicate it and lead to abandonment of it? It seems really an impossible goal to me 43:22 What are your thoughts on the concept of the citta as defined in the Thai Forest Tradition, for example, as a pure Observing or Awareness? Is this something that should be considered in the practice? 45:33 If I can't find a teacher, should I still do noting practice? 48:02 I have just pure hatred for every person. No matter how far I investigate myself, others never fail to disappoint. I cannot break this pure hatred. Is there any way? 50:15 I'm finding insects to be a difficult pest to handle. I ask them to leave but this seems futile and not in line with reality. How do I handle pests in my home without killing them? 53:55 How important is a sangha for the development of spirituality? I have no friends who are into spirituality and everyone I know and see thinks I'm strange. 55:35 How does one respond to the atrocities occurring in Ukraine as well as other areas of the world? It can be emotionally overwhelming even when noting sad, sad, etc. 58:02 Is there a meditation center in India which teaches meditation as taught by Mahasi Sayadaw? So far in my research, I have not found one. 59:26 Is "right compassion" just observance of another person's suffering? 1:01:46 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - May 7, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:28 Meditation Q&amp;A 19:27 In the height of stress and worry is the focus still on the stomach? But what else? 20:35 Should we practice loving-kindness metta meditation? Is this distinct from noting meditation (vipassana)? Is metta (love) a concept? Or is it as ‘real’ as all other objects of experience? 22:29 Is it really necessary to use this technique of mental notation? Is it not possible to cultivate mindfulness without this device? 25:31 Will practicing samatha have any effects on vipassana? 26:01 When one feels nervous, it contains tension in the body, a fast heartbeat, rising and falling of the stomach. Should I pick one of those to note or should I note the feeling nervous as a whole? 27:23 How to practice when facing a non-accidental death? 29:51 Throughout the day, is it better to note consistently, or accurately in an ultimate sense? 31:46 I find it hard to be mindful when thinking. I say to myself "thinking" but the thinking disappears when I do so. Even when hearing, I say “hearing”, but I can't comprehend what the other person is saying. Do you have any advice? 34:02 How do I meditate to deal with living alone? 34:54 Is better to meditate in the belly or nostrils, in the long term? 35:40 How do I meditate with intention to increase my will power and taking actions? 36:48 I am wondering if, when doing Buddho meditation, we are still to focus on the breath and the 4 things to be mindful of due to it, or only focus on the Buddho? 38:54 If I notice I was distracted, but the distracting object has passed, should I dig back to examine whatever distracted me? 40:19 I want to take on the 6th precept. Is it permissable to to eat my one meal in the evening, after 6pm, instead of in the morning? It seems appropriate Since this is our family dinner, a tradition. 42:36 I am beginning to see good results from my noting practice, so I want to help people. Is there a specific amount for how much I should try to engage other people into practice? 45:51 The more one meditates the less one sees entertainment, possessions and modern fast life as satisfactory or as a goal. What life goals are sensible for a meditator to bring purpose? 47:13 Is it unwholesome or even lying to use the "Appear offline" option on Discord or similar websites? I just don't want the pressure of people expecting a timely response, or to Say something, etc. 48:31 How can I bring myself to doing what I Know needs to be done? Procrastination and laziness and resisting work has become a pattern. How do I break this pattern, because it’s made my life stagnant? 49:32 Is it okay for me to eat one meal a day? I'm 14. 50:44 Even as one starts practicing vipassana, one gains confidence about its effectiveness. What doubt is removed as one attains ‘Sotapanna’' stage? 51:46 Once one has entered deep samadhi and comes to have clear, powerful knowing, how does that transfer to permanent Nibbana? It always passes away eventually. 52:46 I recently started suffering from Tinnitus after a panic attack. Can the power of meditation help me in coping with this condition? 53:47 How does samsara and kamma pass onto another being after death if the Buddha taught non-self? 55:25 How do you understand the exact same thought-scenario (repetitive thought) appearing endlessly - coming from a place of anger? I feel like using metta is suppressing it. It just comes back again and again. 57:14 If our aim is to be aware at all times, thus reaching Nibanna, would not the lengthy meditation sessions cultivate the patience, the attention that we need? 58:26 I have a wooden tile from Thailand depicting the Buddha. As I fix my eyes on this tile, I start walking backwards, Am I breaking some rules? I feel I am progressing nicely. 1:00:48 How can I forgive my doctor's past actions, whose cortisol injections gave me Tinnitus? Can meditation help? 1:02:29 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/k3--xwDWnz4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:28 Meditation Q&amp;A 19:27 In the height of stress and worry is the focus still on the stomach? But what else? 20:35 Should we practice loving-kindness metta meditation? Is this distinct from noting meditation (vipassana)? Is metta (love) a concept? Or is it as ‘real’ as all other objects of experience? 22:29 Is it really necessary to use this technique of mental notation? Is it not possible to cultivate mindfulness without this device? 25:31 Will practicing samatha have any effects on vipassana? 26:01 When one feels nervous, it contains tension in the body, a fast heartbeat, rising and falling of the stomach. Should I pick one of those to note or should I note the feeling nervous as a whole? 27:23 How to practice when facing a non-accidental death? 29:51 Throughout the day, is it better to note consistently, or accurately in an ultimate sense? 31:46 I find it hard to be mindful when thinking. I say to myself "thinking" but the thinking disappears when I do so. Even when hearing, I say “hearing”, but I can't comprehend what the other person is saying. Do you have any advice? 34:02 How do I meditate to deal with living alone? 34:54 Is better to meditate in the belly or nostrils, in the long term? 35:40 How do I meditate with intention to increase my will power and taking actions? 36:48 I am wondering if, when doing Buddho meditation, we are still to focus on the breath and the 4 things to be mindful of due to it, or only focus on the Buddho? 38:54 If I notice I was distracted, but the distracting object has passed, should I dig back to examine whatever distracted me? 40:19 I want to take on the 6th precept. Is it permissable to to eat my one meal in the evening, after 6pm, instead of in the morning? It seems appropriate Since this is our family dinner, a tradition. 42:36 I am beginning to see good results from my noting practice, so I want to help people. Is there a specific amount for how much I should try to engage other people into practice? 45:51 The more one meditates the less one sees entertainment, possessions and modern fast life as satisfactory or as a goal. What life goals are sensible for a meditator to bring purpose? 47:13 Is it unwholesome or even lying to use the "Appear offline" option on Discord or similar websites? I just don't want the pressure of people expecting a timely response, or to Say something, etc. 48:31 How can I bring myself to doing what I Know needs to be done? Procrastination and laziness and resisting work has become a pattern. How do I break this pattern, because it’s made my life stagnant? 49:32 Is it okay for me to eat one meal a day? I'm 14. 50:44 Even as one starts practicing vipassana, one gains confidence about its effectiveness. What doubt is removed as one attains ‘Sotapanna’' stage? 51:46 Once one has entered deep samadhi and comes to have clear, powerful knowing, how does that transfer to permanent Nibbana? It always passes away eventually. 52:46 I recently started suffering from Tinnitus after a panic attack. Can the power of meditation help me in coping with this condition? 53:47 How does samsara and kamma pass onto another being after death if the Buddha taught non-self? 55:25 How do you understand the exact same thought-scenario (repetitive thought) appearing endlessly - coming from a place of anger? I feel like using metta is suppressing it. It just comes back again and again. 57:14 If our aim is to be aware at all times, thus reaching Nibanna, would not the lengthy meditation sessions cultivate the patience, the attention that we need? 58:26 I have a wooden tile from Thailand depicting the Buddha. As I fix my eyes on this tile, I start walking backwards, Am I breaking some rules? I feel I am progressing nicely. 1:00:48 How can I forgive my doctor's past actions, whose cortisol injections gave me Tinnitus? Can meditation help? 1:02:29 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Apr 30, 2022

Recordings of live Q&amp;A sessions (including talks in beginning) from 2020 onwards.

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:19 Meditation Q&amp;A 18:41 In terms of some kind of goal or momentum: how often should I be noting outside of sitting/walking? Should it really be moment-to-moment throughout the day? I struggle hard with this. 20:21 When I watch certain actors on TV, my head pings like a pin ball machine. I’ve noticed it’s only certain actors this happens with. Any idea? Should I say "pinging?" 20:57 If someone wants to learn this meditation technique, how important is their religious background? (if they believe in God). 24:03 If we note whatever arises, but also can't possibly note everything, how can we ever gain requisite concentration for mindfulness? Letting some stuff pass without noting feels arbitrary. Is that okay? 25:42 I can't calm my mind with a 15 minute meditation after a stressful day at work. How long do you recommend for meditation after work? 27:38 How do we know if our positive results from this technique are a result of temporary concentration we've built or are from actually seeing clearly? 30:52 I cannot sit because of back problems. Can I continue my noting practice while lying and walking and still get the same results? 32:13 Does "do not kill" apply to plant life? Would it be wrong to kill an insect by removing it from a house plant it was relying on? 33:27 If someone acts rudely, and you start thinking about them negatively, is it ever advisable to introduce countering thoughts, e.g. pitying them or giving benefit of doubt? Or Should we just be mindful? 35:34 I keep falling back on my bad habits. Do you have any advice? 37:49 My practice feels arbitrary -- I sometimes ignore minor things and just keep noting whatever I'm on, sometimes I note absolutely everything that arises. Somehow both ways seem incorrect. Please advise. 38:58 Is there any space in which you should reflect on certain thoughts arising especially if they are repetitive, perhaps trying to show you something you are ignoring or just keep on noting? 41:12 I feel like my antidepressive medication is in the way of going deeper in my meditation. What do you think? 45:03 I'm afraid of public speaking. How do I get rid of the fear? 46:59 Is it correct that, If meditating devotedly and correctly, you will be protected by the law of karma, you will not be hungry or sick, no fear of being outdated, and your physical appearance would improve? 49:48 I am 6'5" tall, and when people look at me, I get nervous sometimes. Any advice? 51:51 I studied music and I have musical instruments. Could I use them to inspire and encourage people, for the benefit of others? Throwing everything away or selling it seems a waste. What would you recommend? 54:59 When I say "thinking thinking" when images pop in, it stops the thinking in its tracks. Is this correct? Should this happen, or is this myself trying to stop thinking even though I'm not actually trying? 56:17 How can one remove addiction from one's life? 57:15 It seems staggering how much we are harming other beings inadvertently. Is there a sutta about this? It seems more prominent than ever with COVID, microplastics, carbon footprint, etc. Any advice? 1:03:06 How can I remove my suicidal thoughts and concentrate on the present? 1:05:31 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/kVCdtwpiJfw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:19 Meditation Q&amp;A 18:41 In terms of some kind of goal or momentum: how often should I be noting outside of sitting/walking? Should it really be moment-to-moment throughout the day? I struggle hard with this. 20:21 When I watch certain actors on TV, my head pings like a pin ball machine. I’ve noticed it’s only certain actors this happens with. Any idea? Should I say "pinging?" 20:57 If someone wants to learn this meditation technique, how important is their religious background? (if they believe in God). 24:03 If we note whatever arises, but also can't possibly note everything, how can we ever gain requisite concentration for mindfulness? Letting some stuff pass without noting feels arbitrary. Is that okay? 25:42 I can't calm my mind with a 15 minute meditation after a stressful day at work. How long do you recommend for meditation after work? 27:38 How do we know if our positive results from this technique are a result of temporary concentration we've built or are from actually seeing clearly? 30:52 I cannot sit because of back problems. Can I continue my noting practice while lying and walking and still get the same results? 32:13 Does "do not kill" apply to plant life? Would it be wrong to kill an insect by removing it from a house plant it was relying on? 33:27 If someone acts rudely, and you start thinking about them negatively, is it ever advisable to introduce countering thoughts, e.g. pitying them or giving benefit of doubt? Or Should we just be mindful? 35:34 I keep falling back on my bad habits. Do you have any advice? 37:49 My practice feels arbitrary -- I sometimes ignore minor things and just keep noting whatever I'm on, sometimes I note absolutely everything that arises. Somehow both ways seem incorrect. Please advise. 38:58 Is there any space in which you should reflect on certain thoughts arising especially if they are repetitive, perhaps trying to show you something you are ignoring or just keep on noting? 41:12 I feel like my antidepressive medication is in the way of going deeper in my meditation. What do you think? 45:03 I'm afraid of public speaking. How do I get rid of the fear? 46:59 Is it correct that, If meditating devotedly and correctly, you will be protected by the law of karma, you will not be hungry or sick, no fear of being outdated, and your physical appearance would improve? 49:48 I am 6'5" tall, and when people look at me, I get nervous sometimes. Any advice? 51:51 I studied music and I have musical instruments. Could I use them to inspire and encourage people, for the benefit of others? Throwing everything away or selling it seems a waste. What would you recommend? 54:59 When I say "thinking thinking" when images pop in, it stops the thinking in its tracks. Is this correct? Should this happen, or is this myself trying to stop thinking even though I'm not actually trying? 56:17 How can one remove addiction from one's life? 57:15 It seems staggering how much we are harming other beings inadvertently. Is there a sutta about this? It seems more prominent than ever with COVID, microplastics, carbon footprint, etc. Any advice? 1:03:06 How can I remove my suicidal thoughts and concentrate on the present? 1:05:31 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Apr 16, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:16 Meditation Q&amp;A 20:26 Is it important to have a meditation teacher, or someone to talk to regularly about your practice? I don't have a teacher to talk to, weekly. Should I try to get one? 21:38 I feel isolated. I stay at home, unsure where to go or who to see. Meditation has left me conflicted. I can accept my situation, but feel Iam deprived of a happy life. Should I look outwards or inwards? 23:52 Will Samatha meditation be easier after practicing Vipassana? 24:41 I was meditating 15-20 minutes, but when the meditation gets longer I'm more hesitant to practise and miss some days. However if I go back to 10 minutes, it seems that I won't miss any. What should I do? 26:10 I have emotional flashbacks, childhood trauma memories, but without images. They are extremely intense, but short, like a flash. Too short to see them clearly. How can I deal with them? 28:17 I feel a general animosity towards all people that mindfulness isn't supposed to help get rid of, but I don't want that. Any suggestions? 29:14 How does one deal with the fear of death? Or rather being killed? 30:13 How do you keep your back straight in sitting posture? Is the body relaxed, or are you holding your back in place? 31:15 Since starting the practice, I have lost interest in pursuing material success. But If I don't pursue material success, I feel like my family will be very unhappy. Any advice? 34:08 When we meditate we say rising falling and we focus on our stomach moving, is that all we are doing? Time goes faster doing that, but after I don't feel anything, not happy or unhappy. Is that right? 35:29 I keep falling back into patterns and habits and all, just because I am doing of all this alone - is it wise to find a community? It's hard in my position. I consider joining a temple. What do you think? 36:42 Lately I've been unable to meditate for any length of time. I have been living in chaos. Is there anything I can do to purify myself to better be able to meditate? 38:12 Should the practice of metta bea regular part of one's meditation practice? 38:47 How long is your at-home online meditation course? Can I talk with you weekly without actually doing the course? Just doing my normal daily practice. 39:31 Why is it said that if one meditates regularly, it is highly likely that they will encounter the technique in future lives? Should we take solace in this? 41:06 I'm not a Buddhist; I don't have a religion. Would meditation still help me in my death? 42:46 Can seeing clearly be attained by being mindful of our daily actions and feelings rather than with meditation? 43:57 Is killing any specific living being worse than another? Do specific living beings have more intrinsic worth than others? 47:09 How can one deal with fear of Nibbana? 48:42 Do meditators always have to look solemn, look formal, not allowed to laugh, to be happy, or get excited? 50:39 Can a non-enlightened person have their sense of self completely vanish? 51:38 If Buddhism is about self liberation, it appears inherently selfish. What is the point of being compassionate, loving or caring instead of being self-centered? 55:17 Is it necessary to dissolve negative feelings associated with those past memories, as they can trigger and affect one's present? And since they will show up anyway in the moment of death? 56:55 Is gratefulness a wholesome state? 57:29 Does anger manifest as violent perceptions only? Are there other sankharas to note for anger? 57:55 What is the root cause of the desire for praise and how does one overcome this wish to be thought well of? 59:34 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/IhLCPUD1SB8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:16 Meditation Q&amp;A 20:26 Is it important to have a meditation teacher, or someone to talk to regularly about your practice? I don't have a teacher to talk to, weekly. Should I try to get one? 21:38 I feel isolated. I stay at home, unsure where to go or who to see. Meditation has left me conflicted. I can accept my situation, but feel Iam deprived of a happy life. Should I look outwards or inwards? 23:52 Will Samatha meditation be easier after practicing Vipassana? 24:41 I was meditating 15-20 minutes, but when the meditation gets longer I'm more hesitant to practise and miss some days. However if I go back to 10 minutes, it seems that I won't miss any. What should I do? 26:10 I have emotional flashbacks, childhood trauma memories, but without images. They are extremely intense, but short, like a flash. Too short to see them clearly. How can I deal with them? 28:17 I feel a general animosity towards all people that mindfulness isn't supposed to help get rid of, but I don't want that. Any suggestions? 29:14 How does one deal with the fear of death? Or rather being killed? 30:13 How do you keep your back straight in sitting posture? Is the body relaxed, or are you holding your back in place? 31:15 Since starting the practice, I have lost interest in pursuing material success. But If I don't pursue material success, I feel like my family will be very unhappy. Any advice? 34:08 When we meditate we say rising falling and we focus on our stomach moving, is that all we are doing? Time goes faster doing that, but after I don't feel anything, not happy or unhappy. Is that right? 35:29 I keep falling back into patterns and habits and all, just because I am doing of all this alone - is it wise to find a community? It's hard in my position. I consider joining a temple. What do you think? 36:42 Lately I've been unable to meditate for any length of time. I have been living in chaos. Is there anything I can do to purify myself to better be able to meditate? 38:12 Should the practice of metta bea regular part of one's meditation practice? 38:47 How long is your at-home online meditation course? Can I talk with you weekly without actually doing the course? Just doing my normal daily practice. 39:31 Why is it said that if one meditates regularly, it is highly likely that they will encounter the technique in future lives? Should we take solace in this? 41:06 I'm not a Buddhist; I don't have a religion. Would meditation still help me in my death? 42:46 Can seeing clearly be attained by being mindful of our daily actions and feelings rather than with meditation? 43:57 Is killing any specific living being worse than another? Do specific living beings have more intrinsic worth than others? 47:09 How can one deal with fear of Nibbana? 48:42 Do meditators always have to look solemn, look formal, not allowed to laugh, to be happy, or get excited? 50:39 Can a non-enlightened person have their sense of self completely vanish? 51:38 If Buddhism is about self liberation, it appears inherently selfish. What is the point of being compassionate, loving or caring instead of being self-centered? 55:17 Is it necessary to dissolve negative feelings associated with those past memories, as they can trigger and affect one's present? And since they will show up anyway in the moment of death? 56:55 Is gratefulness a wholesome state? 57:29 Does anger manifest as violent perceptions only? Are there other sankharas to note for anger? 57:55 What is the root cause of the desire for praise and how does one overcome this wish to be thought well of? 59:34 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Apr 2, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:33 Meditation Q&amp;A 16:30 I'm struggling to find peace and accept issues in my surroundings. There have been children breaking my property and I confronted them but lied and said I was visiting. Was I wrong to lie? 18:15 I want to practice noting all the time, but can I do this with a good conscience, when there is so much suffering in the world? 19:21 Is it necessary to mentally repeat even if we are observing and not reacting or judging in that moment? 21:37 Sometimes I find it hard to find the correct word to label an experience. What should I note? 22:25 I find it useless to note whatever arises at any given moment, never seeing anything through. It just results in flitting around, fickle mindedness, never seeing experiences clearly. Please advise. 24:58 Can we react wholesomely to certain objects during meditation? For example, when we feel unsafe, create the thought "I'm safe"? 27:16 When trying to remain present in daily life, there are so many objects I could pay attention to. What should I choose? Or is it more of a relaxed presence with whatever is arising? 28:39 Being totally aware of my state of mind is mindfulness and/or enlightenment. I know that my mind Is now sad, happy, angry, jealous, or compassionate, etc... Is this understanding correct? 30:36 Some people are torturing me in the most evil and pernicious of ways. What should I do? 31:42 How to meditate and be mindful in sleep? 32:01 Is it better to investigate suspicions that have been eating away at your thoughts, or wait for things to present themselves to you naturally? 33:33 The Internet today is made to be addictive as much as possible, to keep a person's mind occupied all of the time. How to break free from this cycle and the fear of missing out, which comes from trying to avoid it? 35:22 When noting a feeling like fear, I usually imagine the thing that brought it up and i feel the feeling to the end until it dissolves. Is this the right way of practice? 36:24 How many hours of sleep do advanced meditators need? Does deep meditation regenerate the body like sleep? 37:40 How to deal with chronic suicidal thoughts with mindfulness? I find it really hard to stand back and just observe them with kindness. 40:12 When you have a negative thought, and you are aware of it, but the mind keeps generating more negative thoughts... how can you break the cycle? 41:37 How should a lay person approach planning ... since it is experienced that most of the times the day does not go as planned ... is it useful at all? 44:09 Does mindfulness help regulate and process emotions rather than repressing them? 45:24 I'm chanting "Buddha" at all times, in meditation and daily activities. If Ihad an accident and died suddenly, my soul is inclined to go to Buddha’s realm. Is this practice correct? 51:25 Since noting fear and other unwholesome emotions have somewhat dissolved and I'm mostly so happy but I still feel some sadness when someone else is sad, Is compassion taking the suffering of others? 55:57 I have too much anxiety, especially while public-speaking or doing an important task in my life. Yesterday, this happened very strongly, and my heart rate went very high. It felt like I would die or want to die. Do you have any advice? 58:51 Do you have any advice for estrangement / strained relationships with family, etc.? 1:01:57 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/x58zfRw5RX8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:33 Meditation Q&amp;A 16:30 I'm struggling to find peace and accept issues in my surroundings. There have been children breaking my property and I confronted them but lied and said I was visiting. Was I wrong to lie? 18:15 I want to practice noting all the time, but can I do this with a good conscience, when there is so much suffering in the world? 19:21 Is it necessary to mentally repeat even if we are observing and not reacting or judging in that moment? 21:37 Sometimes I find it hard to find the correct word to label an experience. What should I note? 22:25 I find it useless to note whatever arises at any given moment, never seeing anything through. It just results in flitting around, fickle mindedness, never seeing experiences clearly. Please advise. 24:58 Can we react wholesomely to certain objects during meditation? For example, when we feel unsafe, create the thought "I'm safe"? 27:16 When trying to remain present in daily life, there are so many objects I could pay attention to. What should I choose? Or is it more of a relaxed presence with whatever is arising? 28:39 Being totally aware of my state of mind is mindfulness and/or enlightenment. I know that my mind Is now sad, happy, angry, jealous, or compassionate, etc... Is this understanding correct? 30:36 Some people are torturing me in the most evil and pernicious of ways. What should I do? 31:42 How to meditate and be mindful in sleep? 32:01 Is it better to investigate suspicions that have been eating away at your thoughts, or wait for things to present themselves to you naturally? 33:33 The Internet today is made to be addictive as much as possible, to keep a person's mind occupied all of the time. How to break free from this cycle and the fear of missing out, which comes from trying to avoid it? 35:22 When noting a feeling like fear, I usually imagine the thing that brought it up and i feel the feeling to the end until it dissolves. Is this the right way of practice? 36:24 How many hours of sleep do advanced meditators need? Does deep meditation regenerate the body like sleep? 37:40 How to deal with chronic suicidal thoughts with mindfulness? I find it really hard to stand back and just observe them with kindness. 40:12 When you have a negative thought, and you are aware of it, but the mind keeps generating more negative thoughts... how can you break the cycle? 41:37 How should a lay person approach planning ... since it is experienced that most of the times the day does not go as planned ... is it useful at all? 44:09 Does mindfulness help regulate and process emotions rather than repressing them? 45:24 I'm chanting "Buddha" at all times, in meditation and daily activities. If Ihad an accident and died suddenly, my soul is inclined to go to Buddha’s realm. Is this practice correct? 51:25 Since noting fear and other unwholesome emotions have somewhat dissolved and I'm mostly so happy but I still feel some sadness when someone else is sad, Is compassion taking the suffering of others? 55:57 I have too much anxiety, especially while public-speaking or doing an important task in my life. Yesterday, this happened very strongly, and my heart rate went very high. It felt like I would die or want to die. Do you have any advice? 58:51 Do you have any advice for estrangement / strained relationships with family, etc.? 1:01:57 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Mar 26, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:35 Meditation Q&amp;A 19:26 Do I need to look for the three characteristics intentionally during meditation? 23:26 I get very drowsy during evening meditation recently, and I'm not really returning to the breath. I'm just meandering around. When this happens, should I do standing meditation instead of sitting? 24:45 During meditation, I have trouble Separating pain from the disliking of it. They feel one and the same. It’s easier to separate my preference when, for example, eating food. Any guidance? 26:36 What do we actually practice during meditation? 27:30 With Sattipthana meditation do we also see the Four Noble Truths? 30:40 If my senses are fallible, how can I be sure I’m seeing clearly? 35:17 Is it good to note 'Anicca' if pain disappears after we stay with it for some time? 36:45 If I take whatever interrupts rising-falling as a new object, I can never see anything through. Even if I see through an object despite other objects in my awareness, I still can't return to rising-falling much. Please help. 38:12 I quite often catch myself rehearsing conversations with others, constantly talking to people in my mind which I can't stop. I note it but can't find the right label for it. Any suggestions? 40:09 Why doesn't "noting until an object goes away" apply to the rising and falling of the stomach? Is this not different techniques for arbitrarily different objects, such as the rising-falling and distractions from the rising-falling? 41:56 I am constantly hemming and hawing about the practice. Is it better to just be confident in practicing potentially somewhat incorrectly? How much forgiveness is there to the practice? 42:37 Does one note knowing or stay with the Silent mind when achieved? 43:12 When I meditate deeply what I realize is that what I am is awareness, awareness of phenomena rising and falling. Can this be defined as belonging to me and myself? 44:57 Does Mahasi-style noting practice develop both concentration and insight simultaneously? Is this why there is no need to do extensive concentration practice (Samatha)? 46:13 Does "stream entry" or any attainment alter how one senses reality, such as changes in visual perception, or changes in how you hear sounds? 47:55 Are there dangers to “secular” Buddhism given it doesn't believe in rebirth, since escaping Samsara is a reason Buddha taught the Dhamma? 50:44 Are other forms of Buddhism, such as Mahayana and Vajrayana, "wrong view" or just another way of interpreting the truth? 53:19 When the idea of pure awareness arises and I note it as being not real where do I go from there? Is there any goal in meditation? 54:42 Is practicing Tibetan visualization meditation helpful? 56:26 Do you recommend any particular suttas for practitioners to read? 57:26 I want to leave my ADHD medication (Ritalin) and it has been daunting. Should I attempt to stop abruptly and note my symptoms with meditation? I deeply fear not being able to get through work. 1:01:40 During meditation I sometimes have an overwhelming feeling that I am disappearing, to a point where my heart starts to race and I feel a strong rush which makes me stop out of fear. What should I do? 1:04:23 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/3-m0mHXdIsI" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:35 Meditation Q&amp;A 19:26 Do I need to look for the three characteristics intentionally during meditation? 23:26 I get very drowsy during evening meditation recently, and I'm not really returning to the breath. I'm just meandering around. When this happens, should I do standing meditation instead of sitting? 24:45 During meditation, I have trouble Separating pain from the disliking of it. They feel one and the same. It’s easier to separate my preference when, for example, eating food. Any guidance? 26:36 What do we actually practice during meditation? 27:30 With Sattipthana meditation do we also see the Four Noble Truths? 30:40 If my senses are fallible, how can I be sure I’m seeing clearly? 35:17 Is it good to note 'Anicca' if pain disappears after we stay with it for some time? 36:45 If I take whatever interrupts rising-falling as a new object, I can never see anything through. Even if I see through an object despite other objects in my awareness, I still can't return to rising-falling much. Please help. 38:12 I quite often catch myself rehearsing conversations with others, constantly talking to people in my mind which I can't stop. I note it but can't find the right label for it. Any suggestions? 40:09 Why doesn't "noting until an object goes away" apply to the rising and falling of the stomach? Is this not different techniques for arbitrarily different objects, such as the rising-falling and distractions from the rising-falling? 41:56 I am constantly hemming and hawing about the practice. Is it better to just be confident in practicing potentially somewhat incorrectly? How much forgiveness is there to the practice? 42:37 Does one note knowing or stay with the Silent mind when achieved? 43:12 When I meditate deeply what I realize is that what I am is awareness, awareness of phenomena rising and falling. Can this be defined as belonging to me and myself? 44:57 Does Mahasi-style noting practice develop both concentration and insight simultaneously? Is this why there is no need to do extensive concentration practice (Samatha)? 46:13 Does "stream entry" or any attainment alter how one senses reality, such as changes in visual perception, or changes in how you hear sounds? 47:55 Are there dangers to “secular” Buddhism given it doesn't believe in rebirth, since escaping Samsara is a reason Buddha taught the Dhamma? 50:44 Are other forms of Buddhism, such as Mahayana and Vajrayana, "wrong view" or just another way of interpreting the truth? 53:19 When the idea of pure awareness arises and I note it as being not real where do I go from there? Is there any goal in meditation? 54:42 Is practicing Tibetan visualization meditation helpful? 56:26 Do you recommend any particular suttas for practitioners to read? 57:26 I want to leave my ADHD medication (Ritalin) and it has been daunting. Should I attempt to stop abruptly and note my symptoms with meditation? I deeply fear not being able to get through work. 1:01:40 During meditation I sometimes have an overwhelming feeling that I am disappearing, to a point where my heart starts to race and I feel a strong rush which makes me stop out of fear. What should I do? 1:04:23 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Mar 19, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:15 Meditation Q&amp;A 17:27 I occasionally have temper tantrums. It is then very difficult to be mindful. I often regret afterwards. What can I do? 18:21 When I am mindful while indulging in sensuality, I find it unsatisfying. But if I am not mindful, it seems satisfying. This leads to a view that it is mindfulness that makes sensuality ‘unsatisfying’. How to proceed? 19:43 How can we choose one thing to be mindful of and also not ignore anything that arises in our field of awareness? 19:58 When I am mindful while indulging in sensuality, I find it unsatisfying. But if I am not mindful, it seems satisfying. This leads to a view that it is mindfulness that makes sensuality ‘unsatisfying’. How to proceed? 20:21 How can we choose one thing to be mindful of and also not ignore anything that arises in our field of awareness? 20:57 How does taking whatever interrupts you from your current object as your object not conflict with "choosing" (purportedly one of many) objects to be your object? 21:51 How does "note what's most prevalent in my awareness" jibe with "If I'm taken away from an object at all I should note whatever it was that arose"? The latter seems to dictate that I flit from object to object. 22:26 I find that sometimes I'm very neutral and emotions are mostly quiet about most things since this practice. However, it has become apathetic and kinda lifeless and demotivated. Any advice? 23:29 I feel a lot of fear due to the war and all the news. I'm trying to note my fear and just observe it, but I feel I need more guidance. It’s affecting my life on multiple levels now. Please help. 25:07 I have been diagnosed with ADHD but don't wish to take medication for it. I believe mindfulness can help. Any advice to on delaying with resistance work and tasks and not procrastinating everything? 27:08 How important is sense restraint for the practice? 28:26 I recently had an experience while meditating where I lost the ability to note or even know that I couldn't note, and I couldn't remember how/when it happened. Did my mind disappear somewhere? 29:05 I am new to meditation. Some members of my family are becoming open to what I am doing. Can I show others how to meditate? Is there a danger in this? 30:39 When I am outside, lust and related thoughts of fear and anxiety arise with great strength. When I am inside my room or during formal mindfulness meditation they are weak / not frequent. Any advice? 31:51 We don't want to put things in a category to say "this is good" or "this is bad". But when I eat and it tastes good, I'm already putting this in a category. How to avoid this? 33:04 How do I become stronger in Metta practice? 33:40 When I meditate, after some minor trembling in the body my hands begin to tingle with a pleasurable warmth. Is trying to let this feeling spread throughout the body beneficial? 34:37 Is noting "arising and falling" of the stomach a must or can one focus on the "in and out" of the breath in meditation? 36:29 When I'm in a sitting position my body aches too much, it distracts me a lot from the practice... is this part of the practice? Is it OK to shift or shall I keep observing to the point of pain? 37:28 What should I know about Vipassana retreat before jumping into it? 38:45 Comparing myself with others makes me disheartened, like I am so far behind them. This leaves me unmotivated to work towards my goals. Any advice on this? 39:43 My unforced breath cycle when resting is rather long, by years of asthma exercises and woodwinds playing, several seconds between breaths. Should I note "waiting" if nothing clear appears in my senses? 40:17 I find myself having the knowledge that things are unsatisfying, but still desiring something to satisfy. Any advice? 41:59 Is it OK to share the Dharma and personal experiences with a friend? I recall you saying you not allowed to Share personal experiences about the Dharma. 43:09 When you say there is no “cause and effect” and "it's just an experience". Does this mean the arising of these States is spontaneous? 44:29 Is it OK to sacrifice legs and spine during meditation by not moving them, for getting detached and letting them go in irreversible damage? 45:45 Is uttering "Om" encouraged in Buddhism or is there any other singular chant for meditation? 47:00 Is it impossible to have high career goals and be detatched at the same time, especially when it includes high meat intake and an aggressive mindset for completing our goal? 48:21 How to let go of the fear that World War Three has actually started? 48:46 What monasteries would you recommend for a Westener who wants to join the Theravada Buddhist path? 49:37 Are the pure life of a lay person and the pure life of a monk the same or different? How so? Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/UrkjzmDOMt4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:15 Meditation Q&amp;A 17:27 I occasionally have temper tantrums. It is then very difficult to be mindful. I often regret afterwards. What can I do? 18:21 When I am mindful while indulging in sensuality, I find it unsatisfying. But if I am not mindful, it seems satisfying. This leads to a view that it is mindfulness that makes sensuality ‘unsatisfying’. How to proceed? 19:43 How can we choose one thing to be mindful of and also not ignore anything that arises in our field of awareness? 19:58 When I am mindful while indulging in sensuality, I find it unsatisfying. But if I am not mindful, it seems satisfying. This leads to a view that it is mindfulness that makes sensuality ‘unsatisfying’. How to proceed? 20:21 How can we choose one thing to be mindful of and also not ignore anything that arises in our field of awareness? 20:57 How does taking whatever interrupts you from your current object as your object not conflict with "choosing" (purportedly one of many) objects to be your object? 21:51 How does "note what's most prevalent in my awareness" jibe with "If I'm taken away from an object at all I should note whatever it was that arose"? The latter seems to dictate that I flit from object to object. 22:26 I find that sometimes I'm very neutral and emotions are mostly quiet about most things since this practice. However, it has become apathetic and kinda lifeless and demotivated. Any advice? 23:29 I feel a lot of fear due to the war and all the news. I'm trying to note my fear and just observe it, but I feel I need more guidance. It’s affecting my life on multiple levels now. Please help. 25:07 I have been diagnosed with ADHD but don't wish to take medication for it. I believe mindfulness can help. Any advice to on delaying with resistance work and tasks and not procrastinating everything? 27:08 How important is sense restraint for the practice? 28:26 I recently had an experience while meditating where I lost the ability to note or even know that I couldn't note, and I couldn't remember how/when it happened. Did my mind disappear somewhere? 29:05 I am new to meditation. Some members of my family are becoming open to what I am doing. Can I show others how to meditate? Is there a danger in this? 30:39 When I am outside, lust and related thoughts of fear and anxiety arise with great strength. When I am inside my room or during formal mindfulness meditation they are weak / not frequent. Any advice? 31:51 We don't want to put things in a category to say "this is good" or "this is bad". But when I eat and it tastes good, I'm already putting this in a category. How to avoid this? 33:04 How do I become stronger in Metta practice? 33:40 When I meditate, after some minor trembling in the body my hands begin to tingle with a pleasurable warmth. Is trying to let this feeling spread throughout the body beneficial? 34:37 Is noting "arising and falling" of the stomach a must or can one focus on the "in and out" of the breath in meditation? 36:29 When I'm in a sitting position my body aches too much, it distracts me a lot from the practice... is this part of the practice? Is it OK to shift or shall I keep observing to the point of pain? 37:28 What should I know about Vipassana retreat before jumping into it? 38:45 Comparing myself with others makes me disheartened, like I am so far behind them. This leaves me unmotivated to work towards my goals. Any advice on this? 39:43 My unforced breath cycle when resting is rather long, by years of asthma exercises and woodwinds playing, several seconds between breaths. Should I note "waiting" if nothing clear appears in my senses? 40:17 I find myself having the knowledge that things are unsatisfying, but still desiring something to satisfy. Any advice? 41:59 Is it OK to share the Dharma and personal experiences with a friend? I recall you saying you not allowed to Share personal experiences about the Dharma. 43:09 When you say there is no “cause and effect” and "it's just an experience". Does this mean the arising of these States is spontaneous? 44:29 Is it OK to sacrifice legs and spine during meditation by not moving them, for getting detached and letting them go in irreversible damage? 45:45 Is uttering "Om" encouraged in Buddhism or is there any other singular chant for meditation? 47:00 Is it impossible to have high career goals and be detatched at the same time, especially when it includes high meat intake and an aggressive mindset for completing our goal? 48:21 How to let go of the fear that World War Three has actually started? 48:46 What monasteries would you recommend for a Westener who wants to join the Theravada Buddhist path? 49:37 Are the pure life of a lay person and the pure life of a monk the same or different? How so? Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Mar 12, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Meditate Together 00:36 Welcome 00:47 Meditation Q&amp;A 15:18 I feel calmer and less prone to hindrances, yet it's hard to stay with the stomach regularly, too much going on to note whatever arises &amp; also get through prescribed exercises. Can I ignore non-hindrances? 16:58 Can we ignore other objects when noting the rising and falling of the stomach if they don't have a "pull" that takes us away from the stomach? 17:29 Do you have any tips for drifting away from people you know deep down are not good for you, but you're attached to? 19:36 When I have wanting, I see an image in my head and then I feel tension in the body, so I started to note "seeing" and "tension", never "wanting" anymore. Shall I note "wanting" instead? 20:05 When I play a song in my head, for example, shall I note "thinking" or "hearing"? What about when I imagine something? Shall I note "thinking" or "seeing"? 20:37 Is it valuable to mediate while extended fasting? Is it like physical exercise where you need food energy in order to bring positive benefits? 21:49 When I meditate, the experience is mostly pleasant. Is it supposed to be pleasant? 22:29 Can you tell me what "all beings are heir to their karma" means? I'm doing your noting practice, but I suffer from a distracting feeling of responsibility. 25:18 When it comes to informal practice in my non-sitting life, should I make effort in trying to focus on individual sensations or have an open awareness? 26:14 If I watch a sensation - like a thought - until it appears to fall away, and upon returning to the breath it immediately comes back, is that a sign I didn't stay with it long enough? 29:06 I'm a professional musician and almost always I have musical "mental worms" playing, I use the tactic of imagining an ending and it works, but soon the worm starts again, annoying my meditation. Any hints? 31:33 Sometimes when meditating, I don't know how to note a certain sensation or a feeling, and I find myself trying to come up with a word to label it. Should I say something like 'confusing'? 32:53 Every Saturday, practicing meditation with you and the group, I find it more mindful than when I meditate alone every day. Is meditating in a group more effective than alone? 35:04 I sometimes experience health anxiety I scan &amp; check my body. This doesn't happen while meditating, but I can catch this occurring while being mindful, and I feel anxious. How to label this and stop it? 35:52 How do you begin to let go of addiction? 36:35 I get lots of minor distractions during meditation; how do I distinguish the minor from major distractions? I can ignore some but not others. 37:31 I have a lot of resistance to work/duties. What can I do when, with mindfulness, I am still not able to get around to doing it? 39:18 I often get stuck finding a word to describe what I feel, and it is distracting. Should I just notice this? 40:19 I begin walking meditation by remembering walking, but after a while the mind focuses on the sensation of the sole of the foot. Is that OK, or should I return to remembering "walking"? 41:15 Are there any specific teachings, meditations or chants on "letting go of" or renouncing romantic relationships in one's life? 43:21 Since I've begun to practice Vipassana, I don't feel good in daily experiences with people. I only feel comfortable when I meditate. Is this normal? 46:48 Is it possible to be mindful of the effect of a drug? Or is it impossible to be mindful in a situation like that? 47:56 Are there any alternative forms of meditation (including mindfulness) that have the ability to improve digestion issues? 49:30 I'm new to Buddhism. Where should I start? I feel overwhelmed with all the different teachings and terminology. 50:22 Stoicism calls a person "sage". Is this the same as an enlightened person in the Buddha's teaching? 51:14 Any advice if parents discourage one from practicing meditation and want a person to follow their religion without examination? 54:27 Sometimes I come across a dilemma whereby I am not clear about practicing compassion in Buddhism. I find this hard, as my feelings are numb since meditating, and I don't want to look like I don't care. 59:48 What's the distinction between trying to "catch absolutely everything" and "not ignoring anything"? 1:00:47 Having almost no thoughts and realizing the impermanence of being an observer, makes me freak out. No-one to note, nowhere to go. Can you give me advice on how to calm down in such a situation? 1:02:19 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/-649B0ThQs8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Meditate Together 00:36 Welcome 00:47 Meditation Q&amp;A 15:18 I feel calmer and less prone to hindrances, yet it's hard to stay with the stomach regularly, too much going on to note whatever arises &amp; also get through prescribed exercises. Can I ignore non-hindrances? 16:58 Can we ignore other objects when noting the rising and falling of the stomach if they don't have a "pull" that takes us away from the stomach? 17:29 Do you have any tips for drifting away from people you know deep down are not good for you, but you're attached to? 19:36 When I have wanting, I see an image in my head and then I feel tension in the body, so I started to note "seeing" and "tension", never "wanting" anymore. Shall I note "wanting" instead? 20:05 When I play a song in my head, for example, shall I note "thinking" or "hearing"? What about when I imagine something? Shall I note "thinking" or "seeing"? 20:37 Is it valuable to mediate while extended fasting? Is it like physical exercise where you need food energy in order to bring positive benefits? 21:49 When I meditate, the experience is mostly pleasant. Is it supposed to be pleasant? 22:29 Can you tell me what "all beings are heir to their karma" means? I'm doing your noting practice, but I suffer from a distracting feeling of responsibility. 25:18 When it comes to informal practice in my non-sitting life, should I make effort in trying to focus on individual sensations or have an open awareness? 26:14 If I watch a sensation - like a thought - until it appears to fall away, and upon returning to the breath it immediately comes back, is that a sign I didn't stay with it long enough? 29:06 I'm a professional musician and almost always I have musical "mental worms" playing, I use the tactic of imagining an ending and it works, but soon the worm starts again, annoying my meditation. Any hints? 31:33 Sometimes when meditating, I don't know how to note a certain sensation or a feeling, and I find myself trying to come up with a word to label it. Should I say something like 'confusing'? 32:53 Every Saturday, practicing meditation with you and the group, I find it more mindful than when I meditate alone every day. Is meditating in a group more effective than alone? 35:04 I sometimes experience health anxiety I scan &amp; check my body. This doesn't happen while meditating, but I can catch this occurring while being mindful, and I feel anxious. How to label this and stop it? 35:52 How do you begin to let go of addiction? 36:35 I get lots of minor distractions during meditation; how do I distinguish the minor from major distractions? I can ignore some but not others. 37:31 I have a lot of resistance to work/duties. What can I do when, with mindfulness, I am still not able to get around to doing it? 39:18 I often get stuck finding a word to describe what I feel, and it is distracting. Should I just notice this? 40:19 I begin walking meditation by remembering walking, but after a while the mind focuses on the sensation of the sole of the foot. Is that OK, or should I return to remembering "walking"? 41:15 Are there any specific teachings, meditations or chants on "letting go of" or renouncing romantic relationships in one's life? 43:21 Since I've begun to practice Vipassana, I don't feel good in daily experiences with people. I only feel comfortable when I meditate. Is this normal? 46:48 Is it possible to be mindful of the effect of a drug? Or is it impossible to be mindful in a situation like that? 47:56 Are there any alternative forms of meditation (including mindfulness) that have the ability to improve digestion issues? 49:30 I'm new to Buddhism. Where should I start? I feel overwhelmed with all the different teachings and terminology. 50:22 Stoicism calls a person "sage". Is this the same as an enlightened person in the Buddha's teaching? 51:14 Any advice if parents discourage one from practicing meditation and want a person to follow their religion without examination? 54:27 Sometimes I come across a dilemma whereby I am not clear about practicing compassion in Buddhism. I find this hard, as my feelings are numb since meditating, and I don't want to look like I don't care. 59:48 What's the distinction between trying to "catch absolutely everything" and "not ignoring anything"? 1:00:47 Having almost no thoughts and realizing the impermanence of being an observer, makes me freak out. No-one to note, nowhere to go. Can you give me advice on how to calm down in such a situation? 1:02:19 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Mar 5, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:31 Meditation Q&amp;A 21:12 When noting, does the wording matter or is it all about trying to be present, such as when eating, should I note “eating” or “tasting”? 23:21 I usually use your meditation technique everyday. Would combining this with other meditation techniques I did previously potentially hinder progress? 26:52 Should you specify the feeling you experience? For example, if there is anxiety, should I say “anxiety” or should I say “feeling”? Sometimes I’m not even sure what the feeling is. 28:14 A long time ago, I lied. Guilt repeatedly comes up in meditation, and I keep saying to myself "guilt, guilt"... Is it beneficial to tell the truth to the person I lied to, even if this happened long ago? 29:57 Do I break any of the precepts by refusing to give money to a friend in need who has a gambling problem? 34:36 Is noting the end goal, or when one has been noting for a long time and is able to be present without the act of the mind, should this person still note? 35:25 Is noting loneliness counter-productive? 38:03 Sometimes when meditating, a strong feeling arises and I say, "feeling, feeling" but then there occurs a burning sensation by the heart where the feeling is. Should I say "burning sensation" or "feeling"? 38:56 How do I pick the right word for noting? You often advise to be specific, but where do I draw the line for judgement? For example, you instruct to note "pain" but that could also be a type of "feeling". 40:13 In the four foundations of mindfulness there is dhammas. In dhammas there Is the noble eightfold path. How can I note it? There is also the four noble truths. How to note them? 41:31 There are multiple feelings when meditating. My legs feel extreme pain, sounds, stomach is rising and falling. So what should I focus on? Should I just focus on what is most prominent at the moment? 42:18 In walking meditation, should we only be aware of foot movement and ground contact, or can we also be aware of bending the knee or moving the leg forward, for example? 43:48 If I walk listening to a dhamma talk with the phone, would it be better to practice by noting "walking" or by noting "hearing"? 46:07 I find it easier to note in English, because the words are usually shorter than in my native Spanish, for example "thinking..." would be "pensando, pensando". Does it matter to use the native or the second idiom? 47:05 About what percentage of sitting meditation should be spent on the points of the body and what percent on the rising, falling? 48:10 Can I keep saying kaya vedana citta dhamma in my meditation and daily activities? I find it helps me in meditation. Would you please explain more of its benefits? 50:03 In sitting meditation, should we abandon the stomach for every different experience that comes up? Sometimes I only get to note a single rising before something else comes up. 50:35 What is the relationship between impermanence and suffering? 52:27 Do you have advice on how I can incline people that are greatly suffering to meditate in your tradition? My brother has been diagnosed with a very severe form of anxiety, and he could clearly benefit from it. 54:35 Should we have a fixed time for meditation, for example: daily morning 7am, which we should not change often? 56:32 When we are noting, is what we are noting always a mental perception? 56:55 Does seeing clearly mean to clearly see the three characteristics in all experiences? 57:13 I feel by meditating, I draw closer to enlightenment. However, I also feel myself becoming unsure why I wish to leave samsara, is enlightenment worth arriving at? Is practice itself the true purpose? 58:23 Ever since noting my feelings are somewhat numb, a loved one passed away and even though I was crying inside I was quiet. I thought I'd be more sad than I was, does this mean I don't care? 1:00:36 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/bb3Dj_SE5Oc" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:31 Meditation Q&amp;A 21:12 When noting, does the wording matter or is it all about trying to be present, such as when eating, should I note “eating” or “tasting”? 23:21 I usually use your meditation technique everyday. Would combining this with other meditation techniques I did previously potentially hinder progress? 26:52 Should you specify the feeling you experience? For example, if there is anxiety, should I say “anxiety” or should I say “feeling”? Sometimes I’m not even sure what the feeling is. 28:14 A long time ago, I lied. Guilt repeatedly comes up in meditation, and I keep saying to myself "guilt, guilt"... Is it beneficial to tell the truth to the person I lied to, even if this happened long ago? 29:57 Do I break any of the precepts by refusing to give money to a friend in need who has a gambling problem? 34:36 Is noting the end goal, or when one has been noting for a long time and is able to be present without the act of the mind, should this person still note? 35:25 Is noting loneliness counter-productive? 38:03 Sometimes when meditating, a strong feeling arises and I say, "feeling, feeling" but then there occurs a burning sensation by the heart where the feeling is. Should I say "burning sensation" or "feeling"? 38:56 How do I pick the right word for noting? You often advise to be specific, but where do I draw the line for judgement? For example, you instruct to note "pain" but that could also be a type of "feeling". 40:13 In the four foundations of mindfulness there is dhammas. In dhammas there Is the noble eightfold path. How can I note it? There is also the four noble truths. How to note them? 41:31 There are multiple feelings when meditating. My legs feel extreme pain, sounds, stomach is rising and falling. So what should I focus on? Should I just focus on what is most prominent at the moment? 42:18 In walking meditation, should we only be aware of foot movement and ground contact, or can we also be aware of bending the knee or moving the leg forward, for example? 43:48 If I walk listening to a dhamma talk with the phone, would it be better to practice by noting "walking" or by noting "hearing"? 46:07 I find it easier to note in English, because the words are usually shorter than in my native Spanish, for example "thinking..." would be "pensando, pensando". Does it matter to use the native or the second idiom? 47:05 About what percentage of sitting meditation should be spent on the points of the body and what percent on the rising, falling? 48:10 Can I keep saying kaya vedana citta dhamma in my meditation and daily activities? I find it helps me in meditation. Would you please explain more of its benefits? 50:03 In sitting meditation, should we abandon the stomach for every different experience that comes up? Sometimes I only get to note a single rising before something else comes up. 50:35 What is the relationship between impermanence and suffering? 52:27 Do you have advice on how I can incline people that are greatly suffering to meditate in your tradition? My brother has been diagnosed with a very severe form of anxiety, and he could clearly benefit from it. 54:35 Should we have a fixed time for meditation, for example: daily morning 7am, which we should not change often? 56:32 When we are noting, is what we are noting always a mental perception? 56:55 Does seeing clearly mean to clearly see the three characteristics in all experiences? 57:13 I feel by meditating, I draw closer to enlightenment. However, I also feel myself becoming unsure why I wish to leave samsara, is enlightenment worth arriving at? Is practice itself the true purpose? 58:23 Ever since noting my feelings are somewhat numb, a loved one passed away and even though I was crying inside I was quiet. I thought I'd be more sad than I was, does this mean I don't care? 1:00:36 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Feb 26, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 20:15 My mind is so full of fear and anxiety that I can barely perform in my daily lay life. Mindfulness alone is probably not enough for me. Is there any other Dhamma that can be helpful? 23:46 Since I finished the at-home course, I have given up on physical exercise. Now, aches and pains arise in the body, which I simply note. Is this foolish? Earlier, I would have gone to the doctor by now. 25:11 In meditation, I try to think about the Buddha to keep my mind from thinking about the past or the future. In daily activities, I do the same. Is this mindful? Is this correct? 27:29 How can one best approach internet addiction? Is there anything in particular to look out for; to be mindful of? 30:46 When there is a lot going on, i.e. hearing, stray thoughts, bodily feeling, etc. should one note "distracted", "knowing", or either / or? Or is "distracted" more earmarked for a lot of thinking? 31:25 How do I meditate when my heart is pounding? Do I say "heart, heart" or is it stress/anxiety? 32:38 I've been meditating for a while and managed to let go of feelings such as guilt and anger but I sometimes feel lost as in "What now?" What is enlightenment really? It confuses me. I don't know what I'm looking for. 34:23 In daily life, should I stop everything I am doing and say to myself "fear, fear, fear" even if I am in the middle of something? 35:47 I cannot stop masturbating and I can understand it is some compulsive attitude. Could you help me somehow? 39:06 When we don't meditate, do we need to note things all day from the moment we stand up to when we go to sleep? I find this difficult. 40:19 Is it a good or bad habit to meditate if I notice myself getting too distracted or generally don't feel good? 41:34 I have to think about the past in order to love my mom. If I keep my mind at the present, I feel indifferent towards my mom (she died). What can I do? 46:17 Is it bad for the practice if I recorded how many hours I meditated a week? 47:39 Is it under certain conditions possible to do the foundation course at home? 48:36 Is it okay to meditate with music on? 49:31 How will I know if becoming a monk is the right path for me? I feel like I can't take up meditation as a lay-person without going "all in." Is it just more challenging to be mindful in lay life? 53:41 You talk many a times about noting concept and noting reality. While doing daily chores like while brushing, should one note "brushing, brushing" or "friction, friction"? 54:53 Is mindfulness applicable to any activity? Like intense studying, socializing, doing excercise? Could mindfulness interfere? 57:02 Does it matter if I do laying meditation or sitting meditating? I prefer laying. 58:44 During meditation, how do I return to that experience I had that felt like I was launched? Whenever I notice the build up of the event happening something happens and pulls me back down before I go. 1:00:38 If I cannot sleep, or have insomnia, should I meditate to reflect on the feelings of tiredness, fatigue, and so on? 1:02:55 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/BUMCn_733rQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 20:15 My mind is so full of fear and anxiety that I can barely perform in my daily lay life. Mindfulness alone is probably not enough for me. Is there any other Dhamma that can be helpful? 23:46 Since I finished the at-home course, I have given up on physical exercise. Now, aches and pains arise in the body, which I simply note. Is this foolish? Earlier, I would have gone to the doctor by now. 25:11 In meditation, I try to think about the Buddha to keep my mind from thinking about the past or the future. In daily activities, I do the same. Is this mindful? Is this correct? 27:29 How can one best approach internet addiction? Is there anything in particular to look out for; to be mindful of? 30:46 When there is a lot going on, i.e. hearing, stray thoughts, bodily feeling, etc. should one note "distracted", "knowing", or either / or? Or is "distracted" more earmarked for a lot of thinking? 31:25 How do I meditate when my heart is pounding? Do I say "heart, heart" or is it stress/anxiety? 32:38 I've been meditating for a while and managed to let go of feelings such as guilt and anger but I sometimes feel lost as in "What now?" What is enlightenment really? It confuses me. I don't know what I'm looking for. 34:23 In daily life, should I stop everything I am doing and say to myself "fear, fear, fear" even if I am in the middle of something? 35:47 I cannot stop masturbating and I can understand it is some compulsive attitude. Could you help me somehow? 39:06 When we don't meditate, do we need to note things all day from the moment we stand up to when we go to sleep? I find this difficult. 40:19 Is it a good or bad habit to meditate if I notice myself getting too distracted or generally don't feel good? 41:34 I have to think about the past in order to love my mom. If I keep my mind at the present, I feel indifferent towards my mom (she died). What can I do? 46:17 Is it bad for the practice if I recorded how many hours I meditated a week? 47:39 Is it under certain conditions possible to do the foundation course at home? 48:36 Is it okay to meditate with music on? 49:31 How will I know if becoming a monk is the right path for me? I feel like I can't take up meditation as a lay-person without going "all in." Is it just more challenging to be mindful in lay life? 53:41 You talk many a times about noting concept and noting reality. While doing daily chores like while brushing, should one note "brushing, brushing" or "friction, friction"? 54:53 Is mindfulness applicable to any activity? Like intense studying, socializing, doing excercise? Could mindfulness interfere? 57:02 Does it matter if I do laying meditation or sitting meditating? I prefer laying. 58:44 During meditation, how do I return to that experience I had that felt like I was launched? Whenever I notice the build up of the event happening something happens and pulls me back down before I go. 1:00:38 If I cannot sleep, or have insomnia, should I meditate to reflect on the feelings of tiredness, fatigue, and so on? 1:02:55 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A - Feb 19, 2022

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:27 Meditation Q&amp;A 18:21 Advice on letting go of striving for relief when painful sensations arise? 20:00 I've been suffering from a debilitating anxiety and depression, especially recently. What would you recommend I do during practice and beyond to get better? 23:01 You often recommend to meditate in Dhamma talks by noting "hearing", but in this way I can't actually grasp the teaching. Why do you recommend it in Dhamma talks instead of understanding the instructions? 24:27 Is it better to observe the respiration or do the rising-falling? 25:46 How can I motivate and remind myself to meditate daily? I often just procrastinate; noticing a day later, and motivation declines. I still want to integrate meditation into my day. 27:21 When I sit, sometimes "wanting to stop meditating" stays very long; it can stay the whole hour. It becomes a kind of suffering. What should I do? 28:44 Please clarify the differences among concentration, meditation, and mindfulness. In meditation, I have concentration on the risings and fallings too. 30:10 If I'm trying to listen to someone, noting ‘hearing', there are inevitable gaps between sounds. Do I switch to another object or do I continue to note ‘hearing’ in the absence of sound? 33:30 Many times, when I'm meditating, I fall sleep but I continue meditating. I have some dreams, but I'm almost aware during them. Is it good or bad? Should I try to not sleep like that? 34:44 After 2 years of Vipassana, it has become harder for me to meditate. I am tired from it and have litle aversion towards the practice. I did about 2 hours a day. What should I do? Should I do less than 2 hours? 35:47 What's the difference between doing things concentratively and mindfully? 38:23 Is "Sati" like a guard at sense doors; to see what to let in and what not to let in? 39:54 In daily life, I'm more able to practice; for example "lifting" "placing" etc... But I don't know why I expected this to be more "mystical" or "revelating". Is really lifting "just" lifting what we see? 42:39 Are there any dangers associated with meditation? 45:39 Serving alcohol isn't bad, but what if an employer wants an employee to emphasize alcohol to customers? E.g. a sale on some type of alcohol - at what point does it become “business in intoxicants”? 47:07 I have a chronic bloating. Can meditation help? And how? 48:13 What do we do when we are ina continuous loop of feeling like doing nothing and feeling even worse due to maybe lack of discipline? 49:02 Is falling in love with someone unwholesome? Even if you are in a relationship with them? 50:04 Is failing to attain stream-entry in this life a wasted opportunity? Does progress we make in this current life pass over? The idea of failing to reach Sotapanna greatly affects my practice. 52:28 What is the purpose of observing the points around the body? Is it just to stop getting bored with watching the rising-falling, or is there another purpose to it? 54:01 How can I handle feelings of unfairness or injustice? I want to simply note on these but I feel they require action as they directly impact my life. 55:41 What does it mean to contemplate internally and externally? Aren't we observing our experiences just internally? 56:30 What does noting certain emotions and states do; I mean technically? You seem to advise that quite a bit, but I'm not sure how this is working. Please could you explain a bit more? 58:15 How to deal with dogmatic Christian parents who want to enforce their views on their adult children and cannot accept that they have different views? 1:00:38 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/FkVBZvgrhyE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:27 Meditation Q&amp;A 18:21 Advice on letting go of striving for relief when painful sensations arise? 20:00 I've been suffering from a debilitating anxiety and depression, especially recently. What would you recommend I do during practice and beyond to get better? 23:01 You often recommend to meditate in Dhamma talks by noting "hearing", but in this way I can't actually grasp the teaching. Why do you recommend it in Dhamma talks instead of understanding the instructions? 24:27 Is it better to observe the respiration or do the rising-falling? 25:46 How can I motivate and remind myself to meditate daily? I often just procrastinate; noticing a day later, and motivation declines. I still want to integrate meditation into my day. 27:21 When I sit, sometimes "wanting to stop meditating" stays very long; it can stay the whole hour. It becomes a kind of suffering. What should I do? 28:44 Please clarify the differences among concentration, meditation, and mindfulness. In meditation, I have concentration on the risings and fallings too. 30:10 If I'm trying to listen to someone, noting ‘hearing', there are inevitable gaps between sounds. Do I switch to another object or do I continue to note ‘hearing’ in the absence of sound? 33:30 Many times, when I'm meditating, I fall sleep but I continue meditating. I have some dreams, but I'm almost aware during them. Is it good or bad? Should I try to not sleep like that? 34:44 After 2 years of Vipassana, it has become harder for me to meditate. I am tired from it and have litle aversion towards the practice. I did about 2 hours a day. What should I do? Should I do less than 2 hours? 35:47 What's the difference between doing things concentratively and mindfully? 38:23 Is "Sati" like a guard at sense doors; to see what to let in and what not to let in? 39:54 In daily life, I'm more able to practice; for example "lifting" "placing" etc... But I don't know why I expected this to be more "mystical" or "revelating". Is really lifting "just" lifting what we see? 42:39 Are there any dangers associated with meditation? 45:39 Serving alcohol isn't bad, but what if an employer wants an employee to emphasize alcohol to customers? E.g. a sale on some type of alcohol - at what point does it become “business in intoxicants”? 47:07 I have a chronic bloating. Can meditation help? And how? 48:13 What do we do when we are ina continuous loop of feeling like doing nothing and feeling even worse due to maybe lack of discipline? 49:02 Is falling in love with someone unwholesome? Even if you are in a relationship with them? 50:04 Is failing to attain stream-entry in this life a wasted opportunity? Does progress we make in this current life pass over? The idea of failing to reach Sotapanna greatly affects my practice. 52:28 What is the purpose of observing the points around the body? Is it just to stop getting bored with watching the rising-falling, or is there another purpose to it? 54:01 How can I handle feelings of unfairness or injustice? I want to simply note on these but I feel they require action as they directly impact my life. 55:41 What does it mean to contemplate internally and externally? Aren't we observing our experiences just internally? 56:30 What does noting certain emotions and states do; I mean technically? You seem to advise that quite a bit, but I'm not sure how this is working. Please could you explain a bit more? 58:15 How to deal with dogmatic Christian parents who want to enforce their views on their adult children and cannot accept that they have different views? 1:00:38 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A (Feb. 12th, 2022)

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.   00:00 Welcome 00:34 Meditation Q&amp;A 11:53 Does this practice also lead to attainment of jhanas? 12:43 If you become aware of that craving that was present a few seconds ago, should you note "craving" or "knowing"? 13:35 Recently, my daily meditation and mindfulness are failing because of my crushing obsession with a movie actor. The images of this movie actor appear in my mind overwhelmingly. What should I do? 15:28 Should one use "distracted" when liking or disliking is prominent, but there is thinking along with the liking/disliking? 16:08 Is noting about saying words mentally? Do we actually say things like "seeing, thinking..."? Or do we just imply it without saying anything? 16:59 Should we know that striving is suffering based on the long term results of it or based on the feeling that arises with the wish? 18:11 I am facing potential jail time or conviction of criminal charges because someone recorded me and lied and said I sent a video to them and threatened them. I cannot stop thinking about it. Help. 19:59 Why can I not hold to the noting especially in times when the mind is racing? Is it just that I haven't practiced enough? 21:04 I practise Vipassana as taught by SN Goenka....but in daily life, I'm not able to apply it. I get carried away in the moments. It feels as if I'm attached to my suffering. 21:55 If we come to a state of clarity, what if that reveals a reality of more suffering, pain, evil, and chaos than if we had remained in a less perceptive state? 24:00 When I am deep into Photoshop art, there are no thoughts to the past nor the future. My mind is totally present. Is this called mindfulness? What’s the difference with the mindfulness in meditation? 27:21 Are there any long term dangers of legs getting numb and spine getting tired by meditating for long? 28:47 Since finishing the at-home course, I am not able to motivate myself to meditate. Any advice? 29:27 I've taken your advice to note "knowing" when I notice myself comparing myself to someone else or unwholesomely judging someone else. Is there anything else to look out for with regards to conceit? 30:55 How can I be mindful in teaching, driving, doing house chores, and talking to people? 32:19 What's the Buddhist relation to thoughts in general? Are there thoughts that are true or are thoughts never true, since they are only concepts? Is reality the experience of having a thought? 33:53 I came back to this method after a time, but now thoughts are difficult to note. My physical actions are easy, but thought feels "far away." Perhaps I should restart an at-home course? 35:13 I have started doing more meditation at home 3 times for 2 hours each time. Is it normal that the perception of time to change? Yesterday "feels" like 3 days ago? 39:13 Sitting meditation and listening to Dharma talks, I have to put on long sleeve clothing. Sometimes, passing-gas happens, and I feel guilty or even sinful. How to handle this appropriately? 41:23 Can over indulgence and getting bored by our addictions lead us to permanent motivation to meditate? 43:34 Can we theoretically get to enlightenment by only using your booklet and not consulting a teacher? 45:45 If one is meditating and noting various thoughts and feelings rising and falling, and some instances or few seconds of nothing in-between, is those in-between states increasing a sign of progress? 47:37 If I am reborn as a human, how will I find the teachings of the Buddha if I am in a society that doesn't believe or know it? 48:42 How can we meditate to overcome anxiety, disappointment, and ruminating on a problem like insult and anger? 49:51 When noting, "rising, falling," follow by, "sitting," I find myself wanting to note "sitting, sitting,” in time with the breath. Is this mixing objects, or can it be beneficial? 50:56 Is there a distinction between how samatha feels - e.g. there is nothing but a white disc - and how our awareness of whatever arises in vipassana feels? I think I'm being overly scrupulous in my practice. 52:46 Can we eat meat if we are getting malnourished and underweight on vegan diet and how to prevent constipation after eating meat? 53:55 Is being our own light by growing on our experience is better than listening to any preacher? 55:15 The most common distraction in practise I note is planning. Either for work or house chores. I return to rising &amp; falling as soon as I notice it. Any tips on how to deal habitual persistent planning? 56:41 Does the concept of impermanence rely upon the concept of permenance? 57:30 If a person hates me, is that my bad karma in the past causing him to hate me in this life, or could it be that he has just created a bad karma to me now? How do I know this? 59:19 Sadhu... Our podcasts: https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/ How To Meditate Booklet:  https://htm.sirimangalo.org/ Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/ Our Website: https://www.sirimangalo.org/ Supporting This Work: https://www.sirimangalo.org/support  "

This talk / Q&amp;A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click <a href="https://youtu.be/_2F_YkybCPA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 00:00 Welcome 00:34 Meditation Q&amp;A 11:53 Does this practice also lead to attainment of jhanas? 12:43 If you become aware of that craving that was present a few seconds ago, should you note "craving" or "knowing"? 13:35 Recently, my daily meditation and mindfulness are failing because of my crushing obsession with a movie actor. The images of this movie actor appear in my mind overwhelmingly. What should I do? 15:28 Should one use "distracted" when liking or disliking is prominent, but there is thinking along with the liking/disliking? 16:08 Is noting about saying words mentally? Do we actually say things like "seeing, thinking..."? Or do we just imply it without saying anything? 16:59 Should we know that striving is suffering based on the long term results of it or based on the feeling that arises with the wish? 18:11 I am facing potential jail time or conviction of criminal charges because someone recorded me and lied and said I sent a video to them and threatened them. I cannot stop thinking about it. Help. 19:59 Why can I not hold to the noting especially in times when the mind is racing? Is it just that I haven't practiced enough? 21:04 I practise Vipassana as taught by SN Goenka....but in daily life, I'm not able to apply it. I get carried away in the moments. It feels as if I'm attached to my suffering. 21:55 If we come to a state of clarity, what if that reveals a reality of more suffering, pain, evil, and chaos than if we had remained in a less perceptive state? 24:00 When I am deep into Photoshop art, there are no thoughts to the past nor the future. My mind is totally present. Is this called mindfulness? What’s the difference with the mindfulness in meditation? 27:21 Are there any long term dangers of legs getting numb and spine getting tired by meditating for long? 28:47 Since finishing the at-home course, I am not able to motivate myself to meditate. Any advice? 29:27 I've taken your advice to note "knowing" when I notice myself comparing myself to someone else or unwholesomely judging someone else. Is there anything else to look out for with regards to conceit? 30:55 How can I be mindful in teaching, driving, doing house chores, and talking to people? 32:19 What's the Buddhist relation to thoughts in general? Are there thoughts that are true or are thoughts never true, since they are only concepts? Is reality the experience of having a thought? 33:53 I came back to this method after a time, but now thoughts are difficult to note. My physical actions are easy, but thought feels "far away." Perhaps I should restart an at-home course? 35:13 I have started doing more meditation at home 3 times for 2 hours each time. Is it normal that the perception of time to change? Yesterday "feels" like 3 days ago? 39:13 Sitting meditation and listening to Dharma talks, I have to put on long sleeve clothing. Sometimes, passing-gas happens, and I feel guilty or even sinful. How to handle this appropriately? 41:23 Can over indulgence and getting bored by our addictions lead us to permanent motivation to meditate? 43:34 Can we theoretically get to enlightenment by only using your booklet and not consulting a teacher? 45:45 If one is meditating and noting various thoughts and feelings rising and falling, and some instances or few seconds of nothing in-between, is those in-between states increasing a sign of progress? 47:37 If I am reborn as a human, how will I find the teachings of the Buddha if I am in a society that doesn't believe or know it? 48:42 How can we meditate to overcome anxiety, disappointment, and ruminating on a problem like insult and anger? 49:51 When noting, "rising, falling," follow by, "sitting," I find myself wanting to note "sitting, sitting,” in time with the breath. Is this mixing objects, or can it be beneficial? 50:56 Is there a distinction between how samatha feels - e.g. there is nothing but a white disc - and how our awareness of whatever arises in vipassana feels? I think I'm being overly scrupulous in my practice. 52:46 Can we eat meat if we are getting malnourished and underweight on vegan diet and how to prevent constipation after eating meat? 53:55 Is being our own light by growing on our experience is better than listening to any preacher? 55:15 The most common distraction in practise I note is planning. Either for work or house chores. I return to rising &amp; falling as soon as I notice it. Any tips on how to deal habitual persistent planning? 56:41 Does the concept of impermanence rely upon the concept of permenance? 57:30 If a person hates me, is that my bad karma in the past causing him to hate me in this life, or could it be that he has just created a bad karma to me now? How do I know this? 59:19 Sadhu... Our podcasts: <a href="https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcast.sirimangalo.org/</a> How To Meditate Booklet: <a href="https://htm.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> https://htm.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Meditation Community and At-Home Meditation Course signup page: <a href="https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://meditation.sirimangalo.org/</a> Our Website: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/</a> Supporting This Work: <a href="https://www.sirimangalo.org/support" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirimangalo.org/support</a>  "

Meditation Q&A (Jan. 29th, 2022)

Dhamma / Q&A

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