Special Retreat Thailand January 2002 | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Old Students' Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

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Teacher
Day
Index
Question
Rosemary
2
1
Last night you talked about a dedication of intention and the Buddha's vow to perfect the Paramis and become a Buddha. Could you speak more about the Bodhisattva tradition in Theravadin Buddhism? When we make our dedication of intention, is it the intention to not only become enlightened, but to perfect the Paramis and become Bodhisattvas as well?
Ref: 2002.01.x.02.01
Written answer
- Bodhisattva
- Muan Pra Podhisat
Rosemary
2
2
How does one work skillfully with regret, that is, both past regrets, and fear of having regrets in the future?
Ref: 2002.01.x.02.02
Written answer
Rosemary
2
3
I've heard many times that Buddhism is a philosophy of living. It is not based on dogma and is not a religion. The Buddha asked people even to question these teachings with an open mind, asking is it beneficial, caring, etc. There is even the Kalama Sutta which speaks of this. At the same time, I'm reluctant to question or doubt with some people as I feel they consider this very disrespectful to the Buddha. They hold the Buddha's teaching with such reverence and devotion, that I wonder if it's healthy, and are they limiting their learning ability?
Ref: 2002.01.x.02.03
Written answer
Steve
3
1
To Care and Not To Care is one of the more challenging reflections for me. Simply because I am never quiet sure of how to proceed with it as a meditation subject over a long time. It also seems that it can be used in a different sense than Compassion and Equanimity as a reflection on trying to figure out what is important to care about and what is not. Can you talk about the meaning of this reflection and perhaps a systematic way to reflect on it?
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.01
Written answer
Steve
3
2
The "Abhidhamma", a few words of explanation please, and can it be used in a meditation practice? And also "how", or "why not?"
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.02
Written answer
Steve
3
3
Could you please summarize the teachings you and Rosemary give on the importance of contemplating Vedana in mental development training? Although Vedana describes a category of the mind (citta), it manifests also in the body, for example, Vedana arising from touch experience, bodily sensation. It is sometimes not easy to separate contemplation of the body and contemplation of feeling. Can you give some advice here?
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.03
Written answer
- Reaction
- Vedana
Steve
3
4
Why did I develop more energy when I stay or sit straight?
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.04
Written answer
- Seven Suitable Conditions
- Energy
Steve
3
5
Regarding death, when a person (a grandfather, etc.) is going to die, what beneficial thing can I do, or what helps this person most?
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.05
Written answer
- Death
Steve
3
6
Please explain the difference between Awareness and Concentration?
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.06
Written answer
Steve
3
7
According to the scriptures, many people became fully enlightened during the Buddha's lifetime, is it more difficult today?
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.07
Written answer
- Buddha
- Paramis
Steve
3
8
When we bow down before our formal practice, taking refuge in the Triple Gem, are we showing our respect to Siddhattha Gotama, the original Buddha, or to the Buddha nature that is inherent within ourselves? And a second part, when bowing in refuge to the Sangha, does this only refer to those enlightened beings who have also come to realize themselves like Gotama, or can it also refer to the whole spiritual community, all fellow seekers on the path, the fellow meditators, teachers, etc.
Ref: 2002.01.x.03.08
Written answer
Steve
4
1
What is Buddha Nature? I've always thought it was another term to describe our potential to overcome greed, hatred and ignorance. Is it something more or different?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.01
Written answer
- Buddha Nature
- Theravadin Buddhism
Steve
4
2
Please talk a little about thoughtfulness. It seems that most, maybe all, Paramis are being developed when one is being thoughtful.
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.02
Written answer
Steve
4
3
When I visit or live outside of a meditation center, I find I become quite sensitive to people's comments about my lifestyle. For example, "You should be able to practice anywhere," and "You're escaping the real world." Often I get others' critical comments. Do you have any advice or reflections to help us be less sensitive to these comments?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.03
Written answer
- Others' critical comments
- Piano
Steve
4
4
Would you please comment on the following statement, "For idealistic and moralistic personalities, letting go and relaxing are the very things that intensify one's guilt." What can we do about that kind of underlying guilt and the motivation of self-punishment? And about idealism in general?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.04
Written answer
- Guilt
- Idealism
Steve
4
5
What does Buddhism say about killing in defense? Example, being attacked by someone and killing people who do much harm to others?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.05
Written answer
Steve
4
6
I find myself restless a lot. Particularly with the awareness meditation, not in a physical sense, but mentally not very settled. I'm reluctant to slow down, to bring the awareness to a fine level such as the level of observing the muscles moving, which I find very difficult to observe. Can you talk about the benefits of close body awareness, what we learn from it? Also, should we force ourselves to slow down or let it happen naturally?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.06
Written answer
Steve
4
7
Does the Buddha give any instruction about knowing when to help others? Concerning speech, how do we know when to say something and when not to say something?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.07
Written answer
Steve
4
8
When others are quite strong in their views, and strongly believe they are right, yet I also see there is another side they may not be seeing, which I believe is also valid, how do I protect myself from their pressure to change my views? I can understand that equanimity and allowing them to have their views if it does not affect me helps, but what about when it does affect me? How can I have the strength to keep to what I believe without getting into conflict with this person? Or is some conflict inevitable in relationships with others?
Ref: 2002.01.x.04.08
Written answer
Steve
5
1
Could you please expand on how to see Dukkha in the Western world and society? In Asia, it seems more visible with old age, decay, death, poverty and disease being part of everyday encounters. While in the West, old things are quickly replaced, death is being more hidden, old people often away in homes, etc.
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.01
Written answer
- Dukkha
- Mental Dukkha
Steve
5
2
In Theravadin Buddhist societies, devoted followers often observe the Uposatha days and follow a certain set of Eight Precepts during that day. Do you think this can be of some help for some Westerners in their mental development training?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.02
Written answer
Steve
5
3
Could you please explain more about the Paramis Reflection last night? I found it difficult to consider how much or how much more I have of a certain quality. Could you maybe give some examples? And do you mean with considering how I feel about this growth, if I am content with it or do I feel I could have done more, or how the quality enriches my life?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.03
Written answer
- Paramis
- Reflection
Steve
5
4
Can you talk about the Jhanas please?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.04
Written answer
Steve
5
5
A Thai woman once told me about their husband dying two years before in an accident. She was sad and upset. She said she didn't understand why this happened, that he was a good man, who went to the Wat a lot. I didn't know what to say to her. What can we say - whether to a Buddhist or a non-Buddhist - that would be true, correct, appropriate and beneficial and hopefully endearing (pleasant to the ear) as well?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.05
Written answer
Steve
5
6
Can you please talk about the balance between Idealism and Equanimity?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.06
Written answer
- Equanimity
- Idealism
Steve
5
7
What are the suitable conditions for practice and is this referring to retreat conditions or to living conditions in general?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.07
Written answer
- Seven Suitable Conditions
Steve
5
8
This is an experiential retreat, most of what you teach focuses on experiential learning. Do you see value in book learning in this practice? What do you find for reading material that is a good support for the practice? Is there a method to try to make what we study go deep and make it a part of the experiential practice?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.08
Written answer
Steve
5
9
Are the Seven Factors of Enlightenment stages which depend on the progress of others, and have to be developed in the same order, or can they be developed separately and independently?
Ref: 2002.01.x.05.09
Written answer
- Seven Factors of Enlightenment
Rosemary
6
1
Can you please describe some of the ways in which Sympathetic Joy can help one with their reactions to blame?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.01
Written answer
- Blame
- Sympathetic Joy
Rosemary
6
2
Can you please explain the difference between ignorance, unwise reaction and clinging within the cycle of Dependent Origination since they all are different causes for Dukkha but seem to be very similar or interrelated?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.02
Written answer
Rosemary
6
3
What does it mean to have the Energy Parami perfected? Endless physical energy, endless mental energy?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.03
Written answer
- Energy
Rosemary
6
4
How far can it be helpful to adopt qualities from a society with a Buddhist culture, for one's growth in the Dhamma? For example, humility, respect, simplicity. And when can it become a danger to suppress who and what we are?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.04
Written answer
- Dhamma
- Suppression
Rosemary
6
5
Can you give any advice how to balance the restlessness that can be generated from the thinking process in reflection, and the investigative factor of the mind?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.05
Written answer
- Reflection
- Restlessness
Rosemary
6
6
What specific practices, methods, are recommended to develop humbleness?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.06
Written answer
- Humility
Rosemary
6
7
How can we work with Complacency in the practice? Being content that we are working pretty hard already, and not really wanting to increase our effort, and if we do up the effort, what can we do to keep from tuning our strings too tight?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.07
Written answer
- Complacency
- Samvega
Rosemary
6
8
During the years of practice, I noticed a remarkable change in my self-image, self-perception. Parallel to this sometimes very unpleasant but also rewarding work, appeared a strong desire to build up a new kind of self-respect that is more in line with the nature of experiences and universal principles. Could you give some advice for that work, and also talk about Truthfulness?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.08
Written answer
Rosemary
6
9
I once heard a teacher say that the Energy Parami and Effort are the same. Would you agree? Also can you suggest ways to work with the Energy Parami to make it grow?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.09
Written answer
Rosemary
6
10
Is Idealism always harmful or dangerous in one's practice, or can it be sometimes that it helps to develop courage, energy, confidence and creativity for one's practice?
Ref: 2002.01.x.06.10
Written answer
- Complacency
- Idealism
Rosemary
7
1
How can one better use their observations of Dukkha for cultivation of Compassion, rather than turning to judgement? Example: I see a person who sees another person pull out a cigarette. From seeing that they are smoking then another person does the same and so on. I think to myself "look what you have done, you shouldn't smoke it because it causes others to smoke. Dukkha is spreading because of what you are doing". Is this judgement?
Ref: 2002.01.x.07.01
Written answer
Rosemary
7
2
Could you please tell the story about Kisagotami? When I reflect on the deaths of those I love, imagining their bodies perfectly still, I feel queasy and scared. Can you talk more about using the D/D method to help us accept death?
Ref: 2002.01.x.07.02
Written answer
Rosemary
7
3
Is it true that the Buddha did not talk very friendly or positive about women? If it is true, how is it explained that an enlightened person was talking in this way?
Ref: 2002.01.x.07.03
Written answer
Rosemary
7
4
When the World Trade Center was attacked I was shocked, grieved. I read the newspaper, bought magazines, trying to understand what had happened. I opened myself to the Dukkha of all people involved and by reading the news and stories it helped. However after a while I began to wonder, has my motivation shifted from trying to understand and having compassion, to sinking into the drama of it all? When we open our sense doors in order to see Dukkha, how can we know when it's time to shut them, when we have learned enough?
Ref: 2002.01.x.07.04
Written answer
Rosemary
7
5
Do you have any ideas where all the souls come from? The rebirth souls. There are 6 billion people on this planet, 100 years ago there was only 1 billion or less. I'm not sure about this number.
Ref: 2002.01.x.07.05
Written answer
- Rebirth
Steve
8
1
In the scriptures the Buddha talks about how, when we have done an unskillful action or speech, we should confess it. How can we bring confession into our regular practice?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.01
Written answer
- Confession
Steve
8
2
Could you please explain some more about the reflection last night, regarding the last question, how does attachment to praise, gain, whatever, block you from understanding reality? I tried to reflect like this: are praise, gain, etc., permanent, can I prevent them coming or make them come? Do they change whether our action is good or bad? But I still have trouble. Could you please expand a little more?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.02
Written answer
Steve
8
3
How can I work skillfully with feelings of inferiority and inadequacy?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.03
Written answer
- Inadequacy
- Inferiority
Steve
8
4
I have always had quite a strong view that much of the suffering in the world is preventable; for example, if food and wealth were equally distributed and people able to develop their potential to be kind, compassionate, etc. However, this brings up some conflict in me, when trying to accept Dukkha and the world as it is. How can I reconcile this, not wanting to lose hope and motivation to improve things, but being realistic about the way the world is and what I am able to do? The desire to alleviate suffering and aversion to it seem very closely linked.
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.04
Written answer
Steve
8
5
Sometimes in my speech, I find myself making little modifications to make an explanation or a story simpler, or saying "It's okay" when in reality I'm bothered by the action of another, because I don't want to get into a discussion and perhaps because I'm afraid the aversion will come out? How do we work with truthfulness on this level, with the little things that slip out, almost without thinking?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.05
Written answer
Steve
8
6
I got in a bit of a tangle when doing last night's meditation, concerned with when I get praise/gain, etc. but really want blame/loss, etc. Can you talk about this a bit, is it referring to feeling guilt of some sort?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.06
Written answer
Steve
8
7
Much Dukkha seems to come from the misinterpretation of meditation experiences. For example, the different stages of concentration. Could you please talk about the dangers on the path of purification, and how we can protect ourselves from them?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.07
Written answer
Steve
8
8
Do you see any benefit in looking at dreams and then trying to reflect appropriately as to what the theme was? For example I had a dream about a situation which went out of my control so I reflected on situations which I can't control and don't like, and asked myself "Can I control this?" If you do think there could be some benefit, what type of reflection would you recommend for anxiety dreams, that is, having to catch a plane and not being able to get there on time?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.08
Written answer
- Dreams
- Reflection
Steve
8
9
Could you please summarize all the different ways of doing Death reflection?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.09
Written answer
Steve
8
10
What do you do if you are doing a reflection and when the bell rings and you feel you are not finished? Should you continue sitting or standing until finished?
Ref: 2002.01.x.08.10
Written answer
Rosemary
9
1
Moments of transition: before an interview, before the meals, before the ending of the retreat. Here I spend all this time trying to cultivate mindfulness, but when I really need it, I almost always lose it. What can we do to take care of these moments of transition?
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.01
Written answer
Rosemary
9
2
Wise Reflection, contemplation, you sometimes mention, is using the thought processes in a skilful way. As I look at my way of skilful reflection, there is indeed a certain amount of discursive thinking, by means of logic. On the other hand, there are times of deep reflection by using more an emotional, intuitive qualities of the heart for developing wisdom. Could you please talk about the different ways of wise reflection, and the role/function of citta/heart mind in this process.
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.02
Written answer
- Wise reflection
Rosemary
9
3
Could you talk about Right Livelihood? How do we develop this factor of the Noble Eightfold Path? What should we consider when it is time to go out and make some money?
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.03
Written answer
- Right Livelihood
Rosemary
9
4
How do you work with idealism towards others, expecting them at times to know and understand things that seem to have become clear to me? As well as disappointment, they are not able to understand and help themselves, and even want to help themselves.
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.04
Written answer
- Idealism
- Kamma
Rosemary
9
5
Can you give hints about how to develop more Equanimity?
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.05
Written answer
Rosemary
9
6
How do I work with the fear that sometimes arises when doing the Death reflection? That there is so much more left to be done, I am not ready for it yet.
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.06
Written answer
Rosemary
9
7
Due to not wanting to show others my weaknesses, I sometimes don't take the opportunity to ask questions, or seek the help of people who may be able to help me. How can I get over this tendency?
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.07
Written answer
- Questions
- Stupid
Rosemary
9
8
When others blame me for something I didn't even do, coming from believing another person's wrong perceptions of me, what do I do? Do I try to explain that it is not true, or just use Equanimity?
Ref: 2002.01.x.09.08
Written answer