Special Retreat Thailand January 2005 | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Old Students' Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

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Teacher
Day
Index
Question
Rosemary
2
1
How do we investigate deeper into the causes of our own Dukkha?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.01
Written answer
Rosemary
2
2
Could you please explain investigation into mental objects?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.02
Written answer
Rosemary
2
3
In the reclining Buddha hall are statues in various postures. Could you please explain the following ones: He is standing with both arms down, palms open to the front. Standing with both hands crossing over his chest.
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.03
Written answer
Rosemary
2
4
I have difficulty always thinking about how fortunate I am. I have been doing it all of my life. My sister was sick all her life. My brother is a 100% disabled war veteran. My daughter was sexually abused. My son has been fighting melanoma for fifteen years. I have no great misfortune. I'll work on my survivor guilt this retreat. Any suggestions beyond Lovingkindness for myself?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.04
Written answer
Rosemary
2
5
In the Jewish religion they have the saying, one who saves one life saves the whole world. What do you think about this?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.05
Written answer
- Jewish saying
Rosemary
2
6
Facing the reactions of other people, I see a pretty big deal of fear of blame involved. Especially concerning my hesitation to tell you about meditators who don't follow all the rules here, how can I work with these things?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.06
Written answer
Rosemary
2
7
I face challenges with structuring my life around the meditation practice. How can I resolve to become more strict regarding this?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.07
Written answer
Rosemary
2
8
Can you give me further instruction regarding the food reflection please?
Ref: 2005.01.x.02.08
Written answer
Steve
3
1
When we have deep regret about blamable actions that we have done or been part of, how can we learn to skillfully let go of them? Particularly if we have not perceived any blame for these actions we may even receive respect, as others assume you have not been involved in blamable actions.
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.01
Written answer
Steve
3
2
When we find that we are being judgmental and critical of other people in the mind, not vocally, how can we deal with it? Can we bend that energy to help us to reflect deeper? What is the cause?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.02
Written answer
Steve
3
3
When we have deep conditioning for things and we know they're unbeneficial, how can we force a letting go?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.03
Written answer
Steve
3
4
What are the benefits of investigating into the hindrances, how they arise? Is it just for attaining better concentration, how does it help understanding Dukkha and its causes?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.04
Written answer
Steve
3
5
While having Compassion for somebody, you just look from the outside or is it more beneficial to try and see with this person's eyes?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.05
Written answer
Steve
3
6
Could you talk a little bit more about the Parami of Renunciation?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.06
Written answer
Steve
3
7
When the Tsunami occurred I was already in Thailand. I felt not as shocked and surprised as many of the people back home though I see a lot of Compassion for those people's families. Maybe I seem cold to some people because I don't react as they do.
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.07
Written answer
Steve
3
8
Would you kindly explain Dependent Origination?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.08
Written answer
Steve
3
9
I heard Compassion is the flower of meditation. Is there a difference between cultivating Compassion and the Compassion that arises naturally after flowering in meditation?
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.09
Written answer
Steve
3
10
Please can you explain what "intention is Kamma" means. Thank you.
Ref: 2005.01.x.03.10
Written answer
Steve
4
1
Please what can we do with laziness, any advice?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.01
Written answer
Steve
4
2
What about if the intention is right but the action goes wrong, what would be the Kamma?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.02
Written answer
Steve
4
3
When we see what we perceive to be beautiful people and objects and desire and attachment arise. How can we reflect on this other than using Impermanence?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.03
Written answer
Steve
4
4
I have received many benefits from meditation, like being able to relate to other people and help them. I also stopped smoking and drink very little, but sometimes I feel like I used to have more fun back then. Am I turning into a vegetable?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.04
Written answer
Steve
4
5
What is the cause for attachment to fame? How can we let go of it?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.05
Written answer
Steve
4
6
If you are respected by someone because of ideas or impressions they have of you which are incorrect because they do not have the full facts, should you correct this wrong view by being truthful even if it would cause them suffering?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.06
Written answer
Steve
4
7
Sometimes I get the impression that louder people often get what they want while quiet people miss out. Could you please talk about that?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.07
Written answer
Steve
4
8
It seems that at times my anger is stronger than previously. Am I just more aware of it or am I doing something wrong?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.08
Written answer
- Anger
- Cleaning a big house
Steve
4
9
Could you please talk about the wrong view that tranquility is boring.
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.09
Written answer
Steve
4
10
I see Compassion/Lovingkindness as a unity. What is the special quality in each?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.10
Written answer
Steve
4
11
Do you believe that chanting can help our mental development? How?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.11
Written answer
Steve
4
12
There seems no end to desires. How do we cut the root of desire?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.12
Written answer
- Desire
Steve
4
13
Is it possible to substitute formal practice with reflections in daily life?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.13
Written answer
Steve
4
14
In Herman Hesse, Siddhartha dives deep into the life, like gambling and games and other things. How important is this ride or niche to the Buddhist practice. To live the desire does Buddha quote on this experience in his teachings?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.14
Written answer
Steve
4
15
Could you please explain the desire for existence and becoming?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.15
Written answer
- Desire for existence and becoming
Steve
4
16
I have heard some people say that Buddha relics give some sort of protection. Also that it is good to practice meditation close to them. Do you think this is true?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.16
Written answer
- Buddha relics
Steve
4
17
What is the relationship between awareness and self-consciousness?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.17
Written answer
- Awareness
- Self-consciousness
Steve
4
18
Could you talk about Mara please.
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.18
Written answer
- Ignorance
- Mara
Steve
4
19
Would you elaborate more on how to balance compassion with equanimity?
Ref: 2005.01.x.04.19
Written answer
Steve
5
1
What is Samata tranquility meditation? Does lovingkindness and compassion meditation and the Five Reflections belong to Samata or Vipassana meditation?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.01
Written answer
Steve
5
2
How to explain to a good friend that indulging sensual pleasure will lead to Dukkha? If he is not practicing awareness and also not seeing the outcome of it. (maybe to care and not to care).
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.02
Written answer
Steve
5
3
Through observing the mind, I sometimes find that I miss being in the moment more than observing. I observe myself, observe myself, but, I miss life and the moment. For example, I sit and laugh with others, but can not enjoy the moment because I am observing all the time. It becomes an obsession. Can you help?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.03
Written answer
Steve
5
4
What is the best way to increase our energy and strength when we feel that Mara is getting too strong for us?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.04
Written answer
Steve
5
5
What are the differences between Mahayana Buddhism and Theravadin Buddhism? How to keep our view in harmony with their view point.
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.05
Written answer
Steve
5
6
What about the following reason to help others: Their pain is worse than mine, so I can forget my own pain. Feeling useful and important makes me feel better, as well as having a strong desire to make others happy. If other people are happy, I can be happy. If I don't want or cannot help others, I feel guilty. Sometimes helping others seems like an addiction, causing harm to myself. How can I stop asking too much of myself?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.06
Written answer
Steve
5
7
Could you kindly list the Ten Paramis?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.07
Written answer
- Ten Paramis
Steve
5
8
Poverty and disease equals bad Kamma. Health and wealth equals good Kamma. Is that right?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.08
Written answer
Steve
5
9
What can I do if I see an animal heavily injured, maybe only living for a couple of hours and suffering a lot?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.09
Written answer
Steve
5
10
What is the concept of rebirth in Theravadin Buddhism?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.10
Written answer
- Moment-to-moment rebirth
- Rebirth
Steve
5
11
I realize that in Buddhism we have to take the Five Precepts. The first precept is not to kill. What is the right view of war and when a country is defending themselves from the invader?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.11
Written answer
Steve
5
12
What is the meaning of the animals surrounding some Buddha statues?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.12
Written answer
- Deer
Steve
5
13
Concerning walking meditation, when is it more appropriate to develop a focused awareness and when is it more appropriate to develop a broader awareness?
Ref: 2005.01.x.05.13
Written answer
- Walking meditation
Rosemary
6
1
I believe Steve said it was ok to be judgmental and critical if a person was harming a dog, for example. I don't understand how that helps anyone. Can stopping the behavior be done without criticism and judgment?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.01
Written answer
Rosemary
6
2
How can I develop the ability to ask beneficial questions of myself and others?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.02
Written answer
- Asking beneficial questions
Rosemary
6
3
Desire and interest are very closely related. I would not be wrong to long for or desire Enlightenment. It is sometimes hard to distinguish the good desire from the bad.
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.03
Written answer
Rosemary
6
4
I have a strong aversion to Muslim people. What can I do about that?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.04
Written answer
- Aversion
- Muslims
Rosemary
6
5
As I have practiced over the years I find it hard to remember how it was to be a new meditator and at times what it was like to not be a meditator. I'm grateful about the development but want to guard against conceit or taking the practice or Wat Kow Tahm for granted. Any suggestions?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.05
Written answer
Rosemary
6
6
Are there any more ways in Buddhism to open the heart or is there only Compassion and Lovingkindness. Please comment.
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.06
Written answer
Rosemary
6
7
What's the difference between Sympathetic Joy and Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.07
Written answer
- Sympathetic Joy
Steve
6
8
What is the best way to cultivate patience and how do we balance patience with the urgency that arises from death reflection?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.08
Written answer
Rosemary
6
9
When we make a Compassion/Lovingkindness wish for starving people should we not wish for them to get food instead of wishing for their mental Dukkha to go away?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.09
Written answer
- Starving people
Rosemary
6
10
How can we have Compassion for people who cause difficulties but who perhaps don't even realize it? For example, playing loud music. Or should we have Compassion instead for ourselves?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.10
Written answer
- Compassion
- Loud music
Rosemary
6
11
My partner and I were working in the West. He is a teacher. One day we talked about one of his female students (who is married), and during that conversation I had the thought, "I could be jealous now". I saw the pain of jealousy moving quickly into my heart. Our relationship is very good and I know that I have no reasons for fear here and I was able to balance this jealousy immediately. It felt like my mind was reaching out for some entertainment. Could you please talk about this reaching out?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.11
Written answer
Rosemary
6
12
Are there dancing Buddhas around? Like the dancing Shiva? Didn't the Buddha like to dance?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.12
Written answer
- Dancing Buddhas
Rosemary
6
13
When I go back home, I'm surrounded by people with wrong views and wrong actions. How can I avoid: a) feeling superior, b) feeling depressed, or c) getting influenced by their behavior?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.13
Written answer
Rosemary
6
14
In the Buddha's time, Arahants seem to have sprung up on every street corner. How come so few people become enlightened today, presumably using the same methods?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.14
Written answer
Rosemary
6
15
Would it not be considered selfish if one's good views were primarily intended for one's own merit, instead of developing one of the Paramis?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.15
Written answer
Rosemary
6
16
My family is Christian so I cannot put a Buddha image in the house. How can I practice bowing? Can I bow mentally?
Ref: 2005.01.x.06.16
Written answer
- Bowing
- Buddha image
Rosemary
7
1
What are the Seven Suitable Conditions.
Ref: 2005.01.x.07.01
Written answer
- Seven Suitable Conditions
Rosemary
7
2
What is covered by the Morality Parami. Could you please talk a little bit about this?
Ref: 2005.01.x.07.02
Written answer
Rosemary
7
3
Is it possible to raise a child in the Dhamma in the West?
Ref: 2005.01.x.07.03
Written answer
- Children
Rosemary
7
4
I often feel the need to leave my town in Germany because everything that I learn here seems not to be important to the people I work with and live with in Berlin. There's so little space there for Compassion and Lovingkindness. Should I take that crazy city as just another challenge to work with, or just be truthful, resolute and leave Berlin? Do you have a job for me? I'm pretty good at sweeping leaves!
Ref: 2005.01.x.07.04
Written answer
- Suitable conditions
- Work
Rosemary
7
5
How can we improve our Resolution?
Ref: 2005.01.x.07.05
Written answer
Rosemary
7
6
We have learned different types of Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation here. Please explain, in which life situation should we use which type of Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation?.
Ref: 2005.01.x.07.06
Written answer
Steve
8
1
There are two parts to this question. First part; is unsatisfactoriness a curse or blessing? It keeps us on the search, keeps us meditating.
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.01
Written answer
- Unsatisfactoriness
Steve
8
2
There is no body, no mind and everything is constantly changing. Who am I? And who is conditioned, and who is the conditioner?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.02
Written answer
- Who am I?
Steve
8
3
Referring to the intention being Kamma, what if parents beat their children, scaring them to death with a good intention to raise them to be good people?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.03
Written answer
- Intention
- Mixed Kamma
Steve
8
4
My legs keep falling asleep when I sit cross legged. Should I bend the torso back more?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.04
Written answer
- Legs going to sleep
Steve
8
5
When we accept life as it is, why do we save a millipede only for it to die in peace later but create Dukkha for the ants?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.05
Written answer
- Ants
- Millipedes
Steve
8
6
Is there a special Compassion/Lovingkindness wish if we know close friends or relatives are going to die or have just died. How can we help them and us?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.06
Written answer
Steve
8
7
When I greet a monk or a nun, how high do I wai? Or for a normal person?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.07
Written answer
- Thai tradition
Steve
8
8
What could be the reason if you lose money or if money just won't come to you?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.08
Written answer
- Law of Kamma
- Money
Steve
8
9
What did the Buddha say about the equality of men and women, are nuns and monks equal?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.09
Written answer
- Equality
- Monks and Nuns
Steve
8
10
Can you explain about child monks?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.10
Written answer
- Novice monks
Steve
8
11
How can we try to prevent becoming caught up in the stories of the past when reflecting on Kamma?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.11
Written answer
- Caught up in the stories
- Mental noting
Steve
8
12
Steve has mentioned before that the Buddha had no opinion on certain things. May I know what these things are and why?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.12
Written answer
- Opinions
Steve
8
13
If someone is born as an animal, has he or she any chance to develop their Paramis?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.13
Written answer
Steve
8
14
How do you advise sending a feeling of Lovingkindness or thought formulated wish?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.14
Written answer
- Sending Compassion/Lovingkindness
- Wishing Compassion/Lovingkindness
Steve
8
15
When I do the reflections, sometimes my head gets very tired. What is the best thing to do? Naming the feeling, concentrating on it, when it doesn't go away see aversion arise as well as doubt? Reflect on death, Lovingkindness or just relax?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.15
Written answer
Steve
8
16
What can I do with insects in the garden? Especially if they are over breeding, too many, eating all the vegetables and fruit. Is it not right to use any chemicals to kill them? What about fleas, lice and scabies, etc?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.16
Written answer
Steve
8
17
Please, how can I develop the Energy Parami?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.17
Written answer
- Death reflection
- Energy
Steve
8
18
How can mental and body awareness in sitting be balanced?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.18
Written answer
- Balance
- Hammer story
Steve
8
19
Considering the hindrance of Doubt from a different angle. How do you deal with people who have no doubt about their actions, speech and thought and their abilities?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.19
Written answer
- Doubt
- Wrong View
Steve
8
20
Please how can Patience be practiced in our daily life?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.20
Written answer
- Patience
- Waiting
Steve
8
21
How can you develop Resolution?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.21
Written answer
Steve
8
22
What do you think about a meditator who visits prostitutes every once in a while? What can you say if you are discussing it with them?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.22
Written answer
- Prostitution
Steve
8
23
What is the difference between reflecting and concentrated thinking about a subject in order to write about it for example?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.23
Written answer
- Concentrated thinking
- Reflection
Steve
8
24
My understanding will have to progress a lot further and science also, before I can comprehend Kamma. Something like genes and DNA that hang in there for generations. That everyone in the past for example, Pol Pot or Hitler or the Chinese deserve what they got. This is possible of course, but this leads to the fact that we are all sinners especially since our mind stream has been accumulated forever. How is this useful?
Ref: 2005.01.x.08.24
Written answer
Rosemary
9
1
Why do you include "I'm sorry" as part of your three magic words?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.01
Written answer
- I'm sorry
Rosemary
9
2
The Buddha says to go the Middle Way. What about Renunciation, how can it be balanced?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.02
Written answer
- Middle Way
- Renunciation
Rosemary
9
3
During a one-hour formal meditation section, is it ok to expand more than one reflection?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.03
Written answer
- Five Reflections
Rosemary
9
4
What is the opinion in Theravadin Buddhism about music and art? Can art and music help to lessen suffering?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.04
Written answer
- Art and Music
- Music and Art
Rosemary
9
5
How long should we wait between doing retreats at Wat Kow Tahm? Of course enough time to practice the methods and techniques we've learned here. What do you recommend?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.05
Written answer
- Retreats
Rosemary
9
6
What single reflection do you think has given you the most benefit?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.06
Written answer
- Reflections
Rosemary
9
7
Is honesty part of truthfulness? Why are so few people honest today?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.07
Written answer
- Honesty
- Truthfulness
Rosemary
9
8
Is the intention the most important thing for developing the Paramis?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.08
Written answer
- Intention
Rosemary
9
9
I appreciate the hands on, practical practice you teach. However Steve responded to a question about no self by saying not to concern ourselves with theoretical Buddhism. Isn't no self an actual experience? Isn't it an experience of ourselves as a process rather than a self? Isn't it impermanent? And isn't the experience helpful in the practice of letting go of me, mine as well as the Dukkha of attachment. And isn't it one of the central teachings of Buddhism, so why did Steve say not to bother with it?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.09
Written answer
Rosemary
9
10
Could you please talk about disappointment? Thank you.
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.10
Written answer
Rosemary
9
11
Avoiding pain and seeking pleasurable experiences sounds natural. Can you talk a little about this?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.11
Written answer
- Mixture of pleasure and pain
- Pleasure and pain
Rosemary
9
12
Is giving more than your have, for example donating money for the Tsunami victims, an act of Generosity of craziness?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.12
Written answer
- Generosity
Rosemary
9
13
How do I recognize and avoid unskillful justification when I do something unbeneficial?
Ref: 2005.01.x.09.13
Written answer
- Unskillful justification