Online Gatherings |
Live recordings in July and August 2022
24 August 2022
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Questions
Q1: Dear Ajahn, I have many defilements and I have many challenges in my meditation practice. How can I be contented in Bodhgaya? It is very noisy and dirty and there is the energy of so much greed everywhere. It seems that even my steward cannot be entirely trusted. Thank you.
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Q2: In Daoism there are ceremonies to consecrate statues. Can de-consecration happen on its own whereby the blessings of a deity leave the statue and do not return? What is the consecration process for Buddhist statues in Thailand, and what happens in such processes? Does the energy of the Buddha really descend into the statue? Or is it just a placebo?
Q3: As one of the 3 fetters is attachment to rituals and rights, should I abandon ancestral worship and praying on the full-moon and half-moon day? Thank you.
Q4: I have been practicing meditation every day for more than 3 years now. There were a few times I was able to reach the state of emptiness. Since then, I have developed great faith in the three jewels and have tried to practice pāramitā [spiritual maturity] in various aspects even more seriously. I entirely believe there are Buddhas, Dhamma and Ariya Sanghas. My question is: Is it possible I will one day loose this faith as I haven’t entered the stream? How do I retain or even deepen this faith so I won't lose this path?
Q5: It is my understanding that in meditation Metta is an outpouring of loving kindness. Metta meditation comes very easily for me, but I struggle with generating Loving Kindness for myself. This feels upside down. Do you have any suggestions?
Q3: As one of the 3 fetters is attachment to rituals and rights, should I abandon ancestral worship and praying on the full-moon and half-moon day? Thank you.
Q4: I have been practicing meditation every day for more than 3 years now. There were a few times I was able to reach the state of emptiness. Since then, I have developed great faith in the three jewels and have tried to practice pāramitā [spiritual maturity] in various aspects even more seriously. I entirely believe there are Buddhas, Dhamma and Ariya Sanghas. My question is: Is it possible I will one day loose this faith as I haven’t entered the stream? How do I retain or even deepen this faith so I won't lose this path?
Q5: It is my understanding that in meditation Metta is an outpouring of loving kindness. Metta meditation comes very easily for me, but I struggle with generating Loving Kindness for myself. This feels upside down. Do you have any suggestions?
10 August 2022
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Questions
Q1: Dear Ajahn, when sitting in meditation, we recite Bhu-dho in sync with the breath until the mind is calm and the mind will automatically let go this mantra. My question is, does this also happen to walking meditation?
Q2: I can't do walking or sitting meditation. I tried Buddho but it does not work. There is too much proliferation of thoughts. A speaker said that it is due to my kilesa, but I do not know what my kilesa are. All I know is that I overthink. |
Q3: If I am not mistaken, I understand that Ajahn aspires for rebirth in Tusita Heaven. Could Ajahn kindly share the reasons for doing so that we can have a fuller understanding and also help to formulate our aspirations?
Q4: Regarding Phowa and Jang Chok, why and how can these rites and rituals help lead one to Pure Land despite it being stated that we are the beings of our karma?
Q5: In Luang Por Mun's biography we learn that Buddha appeared to him. How can the Buddha who has gone beyond [achieved Nibbana] still "appear" to advanced arahants? Thank you Ajahn.
Q4: Regarding Phowa and Jang Chok, why and how can these rites and rituals help lead one to Pure Land despite it being stated that we are the beings of our karma?
Q5: In Luang Por Mun's biography we learn that Buddha appeared to him. How can the Buddha who has gone beyond [achieved Nibbana] still "appear" to advanced arahants? Thank you Ajahn.
11 July 2022
Overview of the First Sermon and rainy season pledges
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An online talk July 14, 2022 at the commencement of the 2022 Vassa (Rainy Season Retreat)
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11 July 2022
The Significance of Daily Formal Meditation -
An on-line talk for Little Bangkok Sangha. Unfortunately the video portion was not good quality and has not been used. Q&A follows.
An on-line talk for Little Bangkok Sangha. Unfortunately the video portion was not good quality and has not been used. Q&A follows.
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Questions are précised.
Q1: I get a feeling of concentration when I meditate in certain temples in Thailand, which is quite different from my meditation at home. Why is this?
Q2: Can you say some thing about using ordinary events in the day to generate mindfulness please?
Q3: You recommend at least two formal sessions per day. How long should they be as a minimum?
Q4: When you notice intense emotions that are unwholesome, how would you suggest we get through them?
Q5: I feel better to start with very short time sitting and not to be so rigid with myself. Its not my thing. What can you suggest? The video was poor quality and could not be used.
Q2: Can you say some thing about using ordinary events in the day to generate mindfulness please?
Q3: You recommend at least two formal sessions per day. How long should they be as a minimum?
Q4: When you notice intense emotions that are unwholesome, how would you suggest we get through them?
Q5: I feel better to start with very short time sitting and not to be so rigid with myself. Its not my thing. What can you suggest? The video was poor quality and could not be used.
