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.

Dhamma / Q&A

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Multi-Part Documentaries

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!