Special Retreat Germany September 2014 | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Old Students' Special Retreat Germany September 2014

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Teacher
Day
Index
Question
Steve
12
1
Could you please talk about the benefits of renunciation?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.01
Audio answer
Steve
12
2
Since Vedana also arises when the thought comes in contact with the mind, does there also arise a Vedana while or after mental formations?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.02
Audio answer
Steve
12
3
Theravada Buddhism has a different source than the Mahayana school and contains therefore the ultimate truth, so Steve said. Could you please explain?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.03
Audio answer
- Theravadin Buddhism
- Buddha
Steve
12
4
Is asking a teacher personal questions being too nosy? When is it appropriate?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.04
Audio answer
Steve
12
5
Would you please talk more about systematic ways for Compassion/Lovingkindness.
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.05
Audio answer
- Compassion/Lovingkindness
- Systematic reflections
Steve
12
6
How do I find the balance between Compassion and Equanimity?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.06
Audio answer
Steve
12
7
Can we truly have Compassion for someone who stole something from us, insulted us, hurt us in any way, before we let go of our “lost within ourselves”? If so, don't we need to focus on our lost first, before we can effectively have Compassion for that person?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.07
Audio answer
Steve
12
8
What does letting go of the ego mean? Why is it important and why do we do it?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.08
Audio answer
Steve
12
9
Is it helpful for the daily practice at home to get up early and have fixed times for formal meditation in order to prevent resistance and excuses from arising? And can this be seen as an act of Compassion towards oneself?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.09
Audio answer
Steve
12
10
How do we come to a permanent, strong self-confidence?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.10
Audio answer
Steve
12
11
What are the possible reasons for resistance against feeling Compassion? And how can I handle this resistance if I can't feel?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.11
Audio answer
Steve
12
12
I understand that everything is impermanent and I try to develop equanimity in order to deepen the understanding that we can not control everything. I also understand that the wish to control and to master is selfish and it is desirable to let it go. Departing from this reflection I have a question. If we can not identify a stable self (non-self) then I shouldn't try to master myself? Although mindfulness rarely focuses on letting go, Buddhism teaches to be aware of feelings, mindsets etc. in order to gradually transform them. My question is, if this is actually not a form of mastering myself, do I understand mindfulness wrongly or is this a contradiction with which we have to deal with in our practice? Dealing with it by, for example, accepting that we will not fully understand ourselves as we change constantly and will not fully control ourselves but try to explore ourselves as good as possible in order to allow ourselves transformation.
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.12
Audio answer
Steve
12
13
When we have to work with strong physical pain, when is it time to take a pain-killer?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.13
Audio answer
Steve
12
14
Do you know something about panic attacks? I have read that a person who has panic attacks should not watch how the fear manifests in the body. I thought that's not what I have learned to be helpful. Would you recommend that method for somebody who has a panic attack?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.14
Audio answer
Steve
12
15
What is reincarnation? What kind of our body-mind process is reincarnated? Do I have to believe in reincarnation to be a Buddhist?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.15
Audio answer
Steve
12
16
We are taught that every living being has the potential to free its mind, does that mean that an ant has free choice to make good Kamma or not?
Ref: 2014.09.x.12.16
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
1
Could you please explain the fourth assurance the Buddha gives to the Kalamas in the Kalama Sutta, "If evil results do not befall an evil-doer, then I see myself purified in any case"?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.01
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
2
How would you reflect in impermanence, are there systematic ways?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.02
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
3
Why is it so difficult to be really tolerant with oneself and others? How can we lessen our tendencies for intolerance?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.03
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
4
Please can you talk about the inner enemies of the Brahma Viharas and how to distinguish them in our practice? Thank you.
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.04
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
5
Can you please share your thoughts about how to do food reflection in real life, how do we sneak it in when eating with non-Buddhist friends and my workmates? They find it a bit weird if we are silent for ten minutes while staring at our food.
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.05
Audio answer
- Food reflection
- How fortunate we are
Rosemary
13
6
Do you consider it respectful if your students wait for you to leave the hall after the talks, before they start bowing and getting up, or do you not mind?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.06
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
7
How to let go of unfulfilled expectations?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.07
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
8
If you would die, how would you like your students to react? Think about your good Kamma and hope this will support you in a possible next existence?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.08
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
9
Is greed always based in fear, material security, emotional security?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.09
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
10
A lot of the Buddhist statues show the enlightened one touching the ground with one hand, what does that symbolize?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.10
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
11
I am practicing now for quite a while but I still don't see Vedana, can it be that my reactions of desire or aversion are actually pleasant or unpleasant Vedana?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.11
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
12
We are encouraged to examine our thoughts and feelings, to invest in those that are beneficial and let go of those that are unbeneficial. A rather pragmatic perspective, is there room for romance in Buddhism?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.12
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
13
I heard the statement that equanimity is the vessel of wisdom that sustains the other three Brahma Viharas, what do you think?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.13
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
14
Can you please elaborate on the Five Daily Recollections, "have not gone beyond, owner, and they are related to, abide supported by." Can you explain the sense of these words a little further?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.14
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
15
If you were crashing on airplane and you think you are going to die, what reflection would you recommend?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.15
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
16
How are wisdom and equanimity different from each other?
Ref: 2014.09.x.13.16
Audio answer
- Wisdom
- Equanimity
Steve
14
1
What if your child dies, how can you support it?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.01
Audio answer
Steve
14
2
What formal practice would you suggest to those unable to do walking meditation? Chair bound, infirmed, balance problems and so on.
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.02
Audio answer
Steve
14
3
Could you give an example for the difference between mindfulness and concentration?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.03
Audio answer
Steve
14
4
Please can you talk about the kilesas? Are they opponents of the Brahma Viharas?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.04
Audio answer
Steve
14
5
How can the Parami of Wisdom be reborn? To me it seems to be the Parami that has the strongest foundation in the experiences of the actual life. How can this be available in the next life?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.05
Audio answer
Steve
14
6
In the past I often tried to fulfill someone else’s expectations, I didn't consider my own needs. Now I feel tired of doing what others want me to do. How can I deal with this aversion?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.06
Audio answer
Steve
14
7
How can we deal with fear of blame and wanting praise?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.07
Audio answer
Steve
14
8
Do you mean the same thing when referring to Compassion and Lovingkindness?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.08
Audio answer
Steve
14
9
Would you please talk about how to deal with fear about the way one may die?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.09
Audio answer
Steve
14
10
In former retreats, I have learned to build up concentration and energy. This helps me to be mindful. Mindful equals seeing what's happening, no acting person. With reflections, I need to be very active, how can it help to be more mindful?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.10
Audio answer
Steve
14
11
Can the battle against Mara be won by developing Compassion for Mara? What is the right way to deal with Mara? Fighting against or developing Compassion for him or her?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.11
Audio answer
Steve
14
12
I never really understood why should familiarity breed contempt?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.12
Audio answer
Steve
14
13
How can I recognize ignorance/Mara better in a busy daily life?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.13
Audio answer
Steve
14
14
We are encouraged to have Compassion for the living beings that might be killed due to our walking meditation and to do a Lovingkind wish for them. Concerning the potential of small animals, insects again, if I don't think they have the potential to walk the path, how can I wish for their Dukkha to end? Seems to me as if there is no realistic chance for them to end there Dukkha if they do not have the potential to make choices. What do you think?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.14
Audio answer
Steve
14
15
What are mental formations, how do they differ from thoughts or feelings?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.15
Audio answer
Steve
14
16
I experience Compassion almost always becomes Lovingkindness, Lovingkindness becomes Compassion, so what's the difference?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.16
Audio answer
Steve
14
17
Can you please talk about how negative self images affect you, and how to let go of them?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.17
Audio answer
Steve
14
18
The Buddha reflected upon “dependent arising” when he became enlightened, what is this?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.18
Audio answer
Steve
14
19
I am afraid to become too depressed if I really open to Compassion. I know theoretically I should balance it with equanimity, but I don't manage, what to do?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.19
Audio answer
Steve
14
20
Please can you share your phrasing for the short for Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation?
Ref: 2014.09.x.14.20
Audio answer
- Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation
- Short form
Rosemary
15
1
Having the opportunity to save a life of an animal or a human being, which one is advised in Buddhism?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.01
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
2
What do you think of animal testing for cancer research?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.02
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
3
How can I develop more morality? Can you give some examples on how to reflect on morality?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.03
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
4
Why is there no gratitude meditation? Should we not develop the unselfish emotion of gratitude towards our teachers, relatives and all beings?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.04
Audio answer
- Gratitude
- Unselfishness
Rosemary
15
5
The list of Five Hindrances says “sense desire,” aversion, etc., is there a reason why the word sense is just in front of desire?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.05
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
6
Could you please explain the benefits or perhaps risks of reflecting on our past?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.06
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
7
How can I keep those little moments of insight during the retreat better in mind to inspire me later out of retreat?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.07
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
8
Why are people so easily annoyed by small stuff?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.08
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
9
Could you please talk about the difference between worry and fear?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.09
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
10
Conceit, please talk about it, how can we identify it, how it works, how it makes our lives difficult, and why is it so difficult to let go of it?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.10
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
11
Is mental Dukkha the cause for physical Dukkha? Beside the fact that we are the nature of disease, is there any reference in the scriptures about the meaning of specific diseases related to mental Dukkha?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.11
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
12
What is a defilement, what is not?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.12
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
13
Can we react with aversion to a situation to which we have neutral Vedana?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.13
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
14
Why do we tend to develop a strong sense of possession towards our close or loved ones, what is the thinking behind this, "They are mine, they have to behave as I want them to" attitude, and how do we let go?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.14
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
15
What does "to abide supported by my Kamma" mean? Could you please rephrase it? The translation given in the available dictionary is not helpful.
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.15
Audio answer
- Abide supported by my Kamma
- Kamma
Rosemary
15
16
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Could you please go through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.16
Audio answer
- Four Foundations of Mindfulness
- Mindfulness
Rosemary
15
17
About the donation in name of a dead person, does that interfere with the fact that everybody is the owner of their Kamma, and it's their Kamma to have such a generous person like you?
Ref: 2014.09.x.15.17
Audio answer
Steve
16
1
Are you always doing a body scan during the walking meditation? What else?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.01
Audio answer
- Body scan
- Walking meditation
Steve
16
2
Our Buddha wasn't a Stream-enterer before he became enlightened. The stages to enlightenment say that you return seven times, once or no times, how does this work together?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.02
Audio answer
Steve
16
3
Is it true that as we get older we get stuck in our ways? If so, what helps to stay open and to get stuck only on the beneficial things?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.03
Audio answer
Steve
16
4
"May it be of some help to benefit _all_ beings", the all is underlined, can you please tell us how this would come about?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.04
Audio answer
Steve
16
5
Please talk about the difference between sympathetic joy and conceit?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.05
Audio answer
Steve
16
6
When I think about a future situation, I create a fixed image in the mind, the same for a thought about the past or when thinking about myself or other people. These fixed images aren't objective and depend on my perception and opinions, is the only objective place in the present moment?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.06
Audio answer
Steve
16
7
The other day Rosemary mentioned a word that you invented, bad-relationship-Kamma, it had something to do with not wanting to find a partner with beneficial qualities, being single again you certainly got my interest on this topic. Could you please explain a little further?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.07
Audio answer
Steve
16
8
Can you please maybe tell a little bit more about what it was that made you believe in the process of rebirth. Was it an understanding that came after a certain experience or teaching or did it come gradually to you?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.08
Audio answer
Steve
16
9
How does a Buddhist behave in times of war? Become a murderer in order to protect innocent people, or watch innocent people die without interfering?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.09
Audio answer
- War
- Army
Steve
16
10
What does “dependent arising” mean?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.10
Audio answer
Steve
16
11
Is it possible to open a sitting group, meditation-style similar to me and Rosemary’s with only two meditators?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.11
Audio answer
- Sitting group
Steve
16
12
What is the wrong view behind jealousy?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.12
Audio answer
- Jealousy
- Fear
Steve
16
13
Is it important for a Western Buddhist to visit the places were the Buddha was born, became enlightened, started teaching and died?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.13
Audio answer
- Western Buddhism
- India
Steve
16
14
Can you explain the difference between Vedana and Mental Formations?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.14
Audio answer
Steve
16
15
If someone organizes a meditation group with different backgrounds, Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, etc. and the meditators are not very open and/or have not much Wisdom practice, would you join them? Then try to do questions and answers and/or talk about topics in your books?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.15
Audio answer
Steve
16
16
Could you please talk about some of the uses and benefits of letting go of thoughts in everyday life?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.16
Audio answer
Steve
16
17
When you find yourself bent over while sitting meditation, how long would you hold that posture in average for feeling what it’s like before you sit up straight again?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.17
Audio answer
Steve
16
18
What are your advices on developing Renunciation? Is it more helpful to set smaller goals, or would you recommend to be more idealistic and set higher goals? For example, concerning drinking alcohol.
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.18
Audio answer
Steve
16
19
What would be the antidote to conceit?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.19
Audio answer
Steve
16
20
Do we need self hatred to develop? Is self hatred similar to shame? Is it beneficial to skip that and to feel Compassionate right away?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.20
Audio answer
Steve
16
21
What is our greatest wealth, our "capital"? Is it our mind, the Dhamma, our good past Kamma?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.21
Audio answer
Steve
16
22
Walking meditation, letting go of thoughts, the sense of the "I” disappears, where here is the Wisdom practice?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.22
Audio answer
Steve
16
23
Buddhism says, only a man can become a Buddha, isn't that discriminating?
Ref: 2014.09.x.16.23
Audio answer
- Buddha
- Scriptures
Rosemary
17
1
What is the reason for watching the breath? Could this exercise be replaced by another body awareness exercise like walking meditation?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.01
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
2
Standing meditation is sometimes suffering. What is its value compared to sitting and walking meditation?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.02
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
3
I'm not sure if I did the Compassion/Lovingkindness Meditation right for myself in the past. Could you give an example?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.03
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
4
From what I understand, Buddhism seems to have different views on criminals. Could you please tell us whether it also has a different view on how to punish criminals? For example the “finger thief” story and from the regular retreat talk about the man who is not well, stealing from the beach bungalows.
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.04
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
5
Did I get that right? Some human beings have no potential for enlightenment? Does that mean impermanence forever, impermanence, impermanence? Sounds like a paradox.
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.05
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
6
Can you please discuss the difference between patience and equanimity?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.06
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
7
Would you recommend to speed up the mindfulness in the last days of the retreat in order to be more prepared for the world out there, and to have some better chance to integrate mindfulness in our sometimes busy daily life?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.07
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
8
What is the meaning of "partly enlightened"?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.08
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
9
The reflection on Equanimity - I may not want to change beneficial results that come to anyone, do I? Is this last part of the reflection only for difficult results?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.09
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
10
Could you please give one example of how to reflect upon resolution/determination?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.10
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
11
When going through life, I mainly remember bad things others did to me or which I did. Is this “wrong view”, and how can I change it?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.11
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
12
What is a person besides conditioned thoughts and emotions? is there anything?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.12
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
13
Many people in the world are looking for the meaning in life or sense of life. How would you describe this to a non-Buddhist person?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.13
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
14
Can you please talk about the effort to prevent?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.14
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
15
If you crank and stop and rest, and crank and stop an rest your vehicle of mindfulness you'll never get going. Is there actually a level of effort where we will never develop?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.15
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
16
How can one help a person who often blames others for their own problems?
Ref: 2014.09.x.17.16
Audio answer
Steve
18
1
What do you think about the statement in the scriptures that a woman can not become a Buddha? What about Terra, she became enlightened without a teacher as well in Tibetan Buddhism?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.01
Audio answer
Steve
18
2
Please give some hints on skilful "Broong Dtanging"?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.02
Audio answer
Steve
18
3
I have a melody stuck in my head meanwhile more than five days. Which technique would you recommend for that, Compassion or Equanimity?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.03
Audio answer
Steve
18
4
In a biography of the Buddha I read that he left his wife and son and family to seek Wisdom and enlightenment. For a normal person that would be considered blamable, why not for the Buddha?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.04
Audio answer
Steve
18
5
When would you advise to use breath awareness, which techniques or awareness are appropriate? Just the two you taught us?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.05
Audio answer
Steve
18
6
Middle aged German men seem to be attracted by the stories of WW II. How can I bend these kinds of conversations into a fruitful, beneficial one?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.06
Audio answer
Steve
18
7
How do you answer the question, "How much have I grown in such and such...?"
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.07
Audio answer
Steve
18
8
When I think I am fine, I don't suffer. It is good to remember that I am not free of greed, hatred or ignorance. Is that reflection on one's negative qualities?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.08
Audio answer
Steve
18
9
Could you please share your thoughts on how to help others? If we react with equanimity toward other people's problems, trying to see them objectively, there might be a risk of them mistaking our equanimity with indifference, thinking we do not really care. How do we show other people that we do care without engaging our feelings in their problems, but instead try to react wiser?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.09
Audio answer
Steve
18
10
Can you please talk about the beauty of the Dana practice, compared to teachers who charge for their teaching?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.10
Audio answer
Steve
18
11
In the going through life meditation we are supposed to do a Compassion/Lovingkindness wish for the person we were at a certain year, three times, for each of three different life situations. What is the reason for this?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.11
Audio answer
Steve
18
12
Please let us know what the Buddha taught about donation?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.12
Audio answer
Steve
18
13
Could you tell us more about right speech please? Are there occasions when you might correct the wrong speech of others?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.13
Audio answer
Steve
18
14
Could you please tell a little story from the scriptures that you especially like?
Ref: 2014.09.x.18.14
Audio answer