Special Retreat Thailand January 2003 | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Old Students' Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Each entry has a unique reference, which can be used to find entries quickly.
To learn more about this, go to the "About the Reference Codes" page.

At present there are 92 entries in this list.

Teacher
Day
Index
Question
Rosemary
2
1
Do Steve and Rosemary encourage their students to ordain as a Monk or a Nun?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.01
Written answer
- Ordaining
Rosemary
2
2
I would like to be reminded of the definition list of Paramis.
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.02
Written answer
- Ten Paramis
Rosemary
2
3
Do meditators limit their practice by only visiting one teacher?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.03
Written answer
- Paramis matching
- Teachers
Rosemary
2
4
Last night, the talk mentioned that the Question and Answer period would stimulate the inquiry side of meditators. Sometimes I am a blank. I have no questions, or I think of one, but feel I have probably heard the answer before. How do we stimulate the inquiry when the mind is in this blank state?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.04
Written answer
Rosemary
2
5
If a person or any being is suffering very much, and there is no way to help or to cure, is it not a sort of Compassion to help to kill this being?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.05
Written answer
Rosemary
2
6
Do you agree with the commentarial tradition statement that concentration is a proximate cause of wisdom, and that wisdom the manifestation of concentration?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.06
Written answer
Rosemary
2
7
What can you suggest to cope with the feelings of guilt, for instance after inflicting mental Dukkha on someone else. This would have occurred through ignorance, not wrong intention. However, the guilty feeling remains strong.
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.07
Written answer
Rosemary
2
8
Is it OK to use the practice of "dedication of direction" in the walking meditation from time to time?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.08
Written answer
Rosemary
2
9
I would like to hear your opinion to the question of violence. Is it not sometimes necessary to use violence, for eg. against brutal systems, people like Hitler, Saddam Hussein?
Ref: 2003.01.x.02.09
Written answer
Steve
3
1
Last night during the D/D, I felt my view widen out to others' Dukkha, and away from my own stories. But this morning I noticed how quickly little VVs and irritations came. Could it be that I am not trying enough, or is this just normal? Could you please talk more about this?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.01
Written answer
- Canki Sutta
- Practice
Steve
3
2
When is the passing on of Kamma, at the time of birth or at conception? What about beings that have been cloned? Is their Kamma decided before they have been conceived?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.02
Written answer
- Birth
- Conception
Steve
3
3
In the scriptures there is a long list of defilements, impurities, hindrances, roots, nuts, corruptions etc. Is it important to know them all, or can we note them when they are there or when they are absent?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.03
Written answer
Steve
3
4
How can I find a good standard to see the growth of some Paramis and to see which one needs to be developed more, so that I can avoid a competitive mind or comparing with others?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.04
Written answer
Steve
3
5
I consider myself to be a generally peaceful person. Outwardly my speech and actions are normally non-violent. However, I am sometimes surprised by thoughts occurring in which violence is a theme. Perhaps I am observing events, or perhaps I am suffering at the hands of a violent person, or sometimes I am even the perpetrator of a violent act. Mahatma Ghandi has emphasized the need to redirect actions, speech and thoughts towards non-violence. Can you recommend any techniques to help achieve this, especially the violent thoughts?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.05
Written answer
Steve
3
6
How important is celibacy with regard to perfecting the Parami of Renunciation, and also in general with regards to one's spiritual practice?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.06
Written answer
- Celibacy
- Renunciation
Steve
3
7
Could you please talk about the following Paramis, and give examples of how to develop them more strongly in daily life situations and formal practice? Renunciation, Energy, Resolution/Determination, Truthfulness.
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.07
Written answer
Steve
3
8
Can you please talk a bit more about Right View and Right Intention?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.08
Written answer
Steve
3
9
Is it OK to shift the focus in the walking, from the sensations in the legs, to for example, the arising and passing away of an insect bite?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.09
Written answer
- Walking
Steve
3
10
What to do at the moment when death suddenly seems very near? For example, during a big earthquake, and the mind is overcome by fear?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.10
Written answer
Steve
3
11
When I see that someone is going to do a wrong action I can intervene so that the Kammic effect for that person will be different. What about animals? For example, a dog playing with a frog, a cat chasing a mouse. With what intention shall I intervene? What gives me the right to change the animal's Kamma, if there is one?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.11
Written answer
Steve
3
12
Is it natural, normal, that the heart sometimes feels wide open and compassionate, while at other times it feels totally closed, even if I do the same contemplation? Or do I have to use other techniques at that time to open up again? Or am I too impatient with myself?
Ref: 2003.01.x.03.12
Written answer
Steve
4
1
I once listened to a talk by a Theravadin monk who was talking about freedom. He told us that there is no free will because everything is conditioned. If that is so, why are we making all these efforts?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.01
Written answer
- Conditioning
- Free will
Steve
4
2
What are the techniques working with fear? Are there different techniques for fear of death, fear of heights, fear of being attacked by someone who is threatening you?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.02
Written answer
Steve
4
3
I haven't heard much discussion by the Buddha about a creator God. While the emphasis on a practical way to lead oneself from suffering is refreshing and enormously helpful, did the Buddha say anything about this? In other words, is there a God?!
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.03
Written answer
- Creator
- God
Steve
4
4
Sometimes when I make a mistake, I feel Moral Shame, but then no Moral Dread. What can I do to open up to Moral Dread, so that in the future I will try harder to not make a similar mistake again?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.04
Written answer
Steve
4
5
Yesterday Steve talked about antidotes for certain hindrances, for example, Compassion/Lovingkindness for anger. With regard to fear/worry, the antidotes that I thought of were death, reflection on one's good past Kamma, and the Triple Gem, are there any more that you can think of?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.05
Written answer
Steve
4
6
Is death reflection a good antidote for all underlying mental disease?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.06
Written answer
- Death reflection
Steve
4
7
Is it beneficial to try to find a partner who's also a Buddhist meditator as opposed to being single?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.07
Written answer
Steve
4
8
Yesterday you talked about using awareness to learn about pain and how to cope with pain. There've been times for me when I had "real" pain, from a physical thing. And while I tried to use awareness the pain stayed strong, and my mind became exhausted trying to maintain awareness of the body and mind? What to do then? Can I just shift my posture? What about reflection?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.08
Written answer
- Pain
Steve
4
9
Where's the dividing line between the craving for the end of Dukkha and serious practice?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.09
Written answer
Steve
4
10
What does the Dhamma mean?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.10
Written answer
- Dhamma
Steve
4
11
What are the dangers of attaching to the eight worldly dhammas and how can I avoid them?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.11
Written answer
Steve
4
12
What does enlightenment mean?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.12
Written answer
- Enlightenment
- Nibbana
Steve
4
13
Do you have any experience with other spiritual paths?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.13
Written answer
- Other spiritual paths
Steve
4
14
What is most important for correct posture for the formal meditation practice?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.14
Written answer
Steve
4
15
Do you believe in God as something as the essence of it all?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.15
Written answer
- God
Steve
4
16
What does death mean to you? Do you believe in reincarnation?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.16
Written answer
Steve
4
17
What does the Pali chanting have as an effect for those who do it?
Ref: 2003.01.x.04.17
Written answer
Steve
5
1
Can the Kamma being experienced in this life be the result of actions in this life? Can Kamma in this life be the result of the actions of many past lives? Is there instant Kamma?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.01
Written answer
Steve
5
2
Can a person whose basic needs are not fulfilled really train the mind? Is it possible to wish a starving person to overcome their fear, anger, worries. Shouldn't I rather wish them a short, painless death, and being reborn in a better situation?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.02
Written answer
Steve
5
3
How can I stimulate the "To care and not to care" reflection?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.03
Written answer
Steve
5
4
What is the mind?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.04
Written answer
Steve
5
5
Could you please say a few more words about lifestyles and spiritual progress?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.05
Written answer
Steve
5
6
Can you please explain "Paticcasamuppada"?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.06
Written answer
Steve
5
7
What kind of reflections can we use at or just before the moment of death? How to overcome the fear that may be present?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.07
Written answer
Steve
5
8
Can one dedicate good Kamma to somebody else? Does it really work, or is it just a Compassion/Lovingkindness wish?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.08
Written answer
- Dedicate good Kamma
- Kamma
Steve
5
9
Can cats or dogs be reborn as humans and have a chance of getting enlightened? Can we help them to do good Kamma as they may not be aware of the necessity to do so, and seem to be driven by desire and hatred?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.09
Written answer
Steve
5
10
Knowing that there's no concentration, knowing that the desire for it will prevent it, please remind me of the tools that can bring forth concentration.
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.10
Written answer
Steve
5
11
Last night during the Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation, the repeated thought came up that I feel quite fortunate regarding my health, or the environment, life circumstances I find myself in. I had doubts if these are the right thoughts, when I consider the extreme Dukkha that some people experience, especially during the Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation. Can you please say something a bit about this?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.11
Written answer
- Compassion/Lovingkindness
Steve
5
12
Is the way I'm going to die influenced by Kamma? Can I gain a peaceful painless death by trying to be a good person?
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.12
Written answer
Steve
5
13
Would you please tell the story of the Buddha's Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree? In particular about his battles with Mara, and how he overcame and became enlightened.
Ref: 2003.01.x.05.13
Written answer
Rosemary
6
1
The second part of the question that Steve didn't get to finish yesterday: "Could you also talk about how Mara manifests in our own practice and how to raise our awareness of his tricks?"
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.01
Written answer
Rosemary
6
2
I have a friend who has a baby girl with Down's syndrome, and his wife is pregnant with another baby. Now I hear he is going into the army reserves. It seems a mistake with all the family responsibilities to go into the reserves in these ways. He's most likely motivated by money. What do you do if you see a friend going in a direction you feel that is not beneficial, you want to protect them, but they haven't asked for it. What do you do?
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.02
Written answer
- Relationships
- To care and not to care
Rosemary
6
3
Can a meditator become enlightened by working on Patience alone? Is Compassion the key to growth in Patience?
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.03
Written answer
Rosemary
6
4
If we have caused suffering to another person, my understanding is that we can try to make good Kamma, but we can never escape the consequences, like the Buddha's right hand man who was murdered. We may wish to make amends, but what if we have no way of reaching that person, or they may not wish to be reached. Is there a particular technique we can do, and can it ever free us from the burden of bad Kamma from the past?
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.04
Written answer
Rosemary
6
5
Concerning the judging critical mind, could we say that we can only see in others what we have got for ourselves?
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.05
Written answer
Rosemary
6
6
I reflect on death often and have seen others dying. I know death will happen, but I don't honestly believe that I will die. Is complete and honest acceptance of death for the enlightened?
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.06
Written answer
Rosemary
6
7
It is very rare to be reborn as a human being, and even rarer during the period of time when the teachings of the Buddha are accessible. What can be done to be reborn during the lifetime of a future Buddha?
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.07
Written answer
Rosemary
6
8
I live in a house full of spiders. Millions of daddy long legs. I don't mind the spiders, but it's the cobwebs I have a problem with. I have tried brushing away the cobwebs and relocating the spiders, but this is a lost cause because of their numbers. At times I want to get the house sprayed, but then I feel ashamed at the thought of willingly killing beings so that I can have a clean ceiling.
Ref: 2003.01.x.06.08
Written answer
Rosemary
7
2
I have been working with balancing my strings, for example when I am too tight, trying to find reflections which help loosen up. Then when I have noticed that I have loosened up a bit being careful not to get too light. When I start to notice similar patterns do you think it would be helpful to reflect on Cause and Effect? If so, can this also be related to the Satipattana Sutta and in which way?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.02
Written answer
Rosemary
7
3
When reflecting on death, in the back of my mind I feel reassurance that I will be reborn. Is this wrong thought, wanting to be reborn?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.03
Written answer
- Death
- Rebirth
Rosemary
7
4
In the West, meditation is sometimes taught as a method of stress reduction or enhancing concentration without a connection to the Dhamma. Do you think this is OK to give people a first impression of the benefits of meditation and maybe arising interest in the Dhamma? Or is it respectless and may even be a cause of many wrong views about Buddhism?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.04
Written answer
Rosemary
7
5
Can you remind me of the eight worldly dhammas? And what is the meaning of the word Dhamma?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.05
Written answer
Rosemary
7
6
During the seven reflections, is it important to use this particular order, or can I relate/combine impermanence with death?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.06
Written answer
Rosemary
7
7
I have already generated Sympathetic Joy with my spiritual growth many times. Yet in my everyday life I often put other activities, such as my job or seeking pleasure, above my meditation practice. How can I generate more faith in the practice? What was it that motivated you to give up your beautiful farm in order to spend more time on the Dhamma?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.07
Written answer
Rosemary
7
8
Sometimes one has to reject others if they ask for help, because you have to care about yourself, or other things. You can't be there for everybody all the time even if you have compassion. Or is this wrong?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.08
Written answer
Rosemary
7
9
What does "verily" mean?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.09
Written answer
- Verily
Rosemary
7
10
Is it OK, if I reflect for example on Dukkha and a wise thought about impermanence is coming up, to change the subject, or should I let go of this thought and go back to the reflection on Dukkha?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.10
Written answer
- Dukkha
- Impermanence
Rosemary
7
11
Samadhi is a state which is emphasized in Theravadin Buddhism. What is it and how does one know when they have reached it?
Ref: 2003.01.x.07.11
Written answer
Steve
8
1
I have problems with the reflection "Actions and the Results of Actions," with the inward and outward way. If I go through my life or the lives of others and consider these events as beneficial or unbeneficial, I often cannot find a result at all, or sometimes not a beneficial result to a beneficial action or vice versa. Can you please explain how this method works exactly?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.01
Written answer
- Actions and the Results of Actions
Steve
8
2
I've heard some people say that sexual energy is a very strong power that should not be suppressed but can be turned into energy for the path. What is sexual energy? Isn't it just another sense desire? How can I turn it into the path?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.02
Written answer
- Desire
- Sexual energy
Steve
8
3
Can you talk a little about how self-doubt hinders the practice?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.03
Written answer
Steve
8
4
Do you believe that someone can attain enlightenment without encountering the Buddha Dhamma in that particular lifetime, in other words, Hindus, Christians? Do you believe there are currently enlightened beings in Thailand or the wider Buddhist Sangha?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.04
Written answer
- Enlightenment
Steve
8
5
How unique are your teachings? In particular, is the practice of doing reflections for a whole period of sitting meditation encouraged by other teachers in this tradition? Is it recorded that the Buddha encouraged it? How sure are you that deeper states of concentration are not beneficial to come to understand reality?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.05
Written answer
Steve
8
6
In opposition to the three unwholesome roots, we can use the three wholesome roots of our mind for the possibility to overcome Dukkha. Do lower levels of existence also have these roots to be able to free themselves of Dukkha one day?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.06
Written answer
- Animals
Steve
8
7
Reflecting on the relationship between confidence/faith and wisdom, I feel that I am stronger in confidence and find it more easy to develop. How can I perhaps use the quality of confidence to develop and support wisdom?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.07
Written answer
- Confidence
- Wisdom
Steve
8
8
There are times when I have to make some big decisions about my life. So, I reflect, consider and wait until the last moment to make it, to give myself time. But then after making the decision, there's this wavering nervous energy that doesn't want to let go, wanting to continue the feeling of doubt, a wavering kind of feeling about the decision. What's going on? How do I stop worrying about a decision that has already been made?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.08
Written answer
- Decisions
- Doubt
Steve
8
9
Sometimes in Buddhism I hear about the dangers about the desire for "becoming". Can you talk about what this means? Is this something to watch for in our practice? If so how do we see it, and what is the best way to work with it?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.09
Written answer
Steve
8
10
In the Sutta called "The Great Forty", the Buddha talks about the Noble Eightfold Path, and he explains what right view is and wrong view, what right thought is and wrong thought is etc. But he doesn't explain what wrong effort, wrong mindfulness and wrong concentration are. Is it to use effort, mindfulness and concentration for an unskillful action?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.10
Written answer
Steve
8
11
When was the last time you were just a tiny little bit drunk? Do you have an opinion about this, and how about special occasions?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.11
Written answer
Steve
8
12
How can we help to strengthen awareness of the Four Noble Truths in our practice and our daily life, especially the third and the fourth one?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.12
Written answer
Steve
8
13
Which methods, tools and techniques of mental development do you recommend to overcome the fetter of personality belief? How does this fetter manifest for western meditators?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.13
Written answer
Steve
8
14
Does Buddhist philosophy have a knowledge about chakras and such stuff?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.14
Written answer
- Chakras
- Psychic Energy
Steve
8
15
How did the great masters get their knowledge, wisdom about subjects beyond our own levels of understanding?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.15
Written answer
Steve
8
16
Do you believe in a higher law?
Ref: 2003.01.x.08.16
Written answer
Rosemary
9
1
If you can think of any one personal anecdote or story from the teachings which has particularly inspired you to maintain your practice over the years, and which inspired you to begin your practice in the first place, I would love to hear it.
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.01
Written answer
Rosemary
9
2
Rosemary suggested three topics to reflect on to keep the determination strong in daily life, would you please repeat them and give any suggestions?
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.02
Written answer
Rosemary
9
3
When I see Dukkha, death, or the grief of another, my mind reflects, sends out a compassionate wish, and then thinks, "What's for lunch?" or a similar thing. There seems to be an aversion to letting things get too heavy, perhaps from the fear of getting upset and crying. In our daily life, how long should we reflect on Dukkha when we see it, and what should we do to make sure our reflections are balanced, not overly sad, nor overly indifferent.
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.03
Written answer
Rosemary
9
4
Could you please summarize the tools we have to develop and strengthen body awareness in daily life?
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.04
Written answer
Rosemary
9
5
With the Ten Paramis reflection you did the other morning, I got a little stuck on the words defining your direction. Would you be able to give an example of this reflection?
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.05
Written answer
- Ten Paramis
- Direction
Rosemary
9
6
I would like to know when we are ready to do a retreat on our own without a teacher, and what considerations we need if we want to do it. Can you talk about the benefits and dangers of doing a private retreat?
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.06
Written answer
Rosemary
9
7
A friend of my mother's is dying of cancer. I was thinking about writing a letter with some comforting and supporting words. Do you have any suggestions about what to write to someone in this situation? Someone with no background in the Dhamma? I think he may not be coping very well with the cancer, as he recently started renovations to his house that he lives in alone, which seems to be a future-orientated decision.
Ref: 2003.01.x.09.07
Written answer
- Cancer
- Sickness