Special Retreat Germany July 2015 | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Old Students' Special Retreat Germany July 2015

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Teacher
Day
Index
Question
Steve
12
1
What does heedfulness mean? As in Alavaka's question to the Buddha, when he says "one crosses the seas of existence by heedfulness".
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.01
Audio answer
Steve
12
2
Greed? I seem to be always hungry during a retreat, eating lots, also in between the normal meals, and I also gain weight during retreats. Do you know what kind of effect is this? Is it some kind of compensation for working so hard on myself?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.02
Audio answer
Steve
12
3
How can the Brahma Viharas help us to practice forgiveness?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.03
Audio answer
Steve
12
4
Is the “four assurances teaching” for enlightened people, for us is it a motivation to get become enlightened, because we then have this these four assurances?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.04
Audio answer
Steve
12
5
When being aware of the hindrances in the body it can be quite clear if aversion or restlessness are present because of the agitation. How can we be more aware of hindrances like doubt or desire arising in the body?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.05
Audio answer
Steve
12
6
How to deal with unbeneficial, sticky thoughts? Before I came to the retreat I bought a new pair of shoes, but unfortunately I went for the wrong size, they happen to be too small. Wisdom helps me realize that it's not important, I am fortunate to at least have shoes and a pair of shoes are impermanent. But, every time we do walking meditation I am yet reminded that I got the wrong size and start blaming myself and get aversion towards the shoes. What can I do to deal more wisely with the shoes? How do can I handle the sticky self blame?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.06
Audio answer
Steve
12
7
What is the difference between states of mind and hindrances? In other words, can a greedy mind state be present with the hindrance of desire?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.07
Audio answer
Steve
12
8
What brings the most happiness?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.08
Audio answer
Steve
12
9
Please explain what is kingly giving?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.09
Audio answer
Steve
12
10
Shall I bow, when I understand mentally the meaning of bowing, but not by an inner feeling, I mean in my heart?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.10
Audio answer
Steve
12
11
I am encouraged to be aware of my body, my feelings, my mental states and all these mental objects. At the same time I am encouraged to be compassionate and act appropriately to the situation. I feel overwhelmed, what to do?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.11
Audio answer
Steve
12
12
Regarding the Noble Eightfold Path, what is meant by Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.12
Audio answer
Steve
12
13
What prevents the effort to prevent? How do we prevent this?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.13
Audio answer
Steve
12
14
Which way do you actually show us up the mountain?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.14
Audio answer
- Mountain
- Toolbox
Steve
12
15
To what extent do we practice suppression? In other words of anger, without it having adverse effects on ourselves? In other words, blowing up with more force later on?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.15
Audio answer
Steve
12
16
"Fake it til you make it", should we be doing that at all? When it comes to good qualities like patience and generosity, even when we really don't feel like doing it, as aversion is in the way?
Ref: 2015.07.x.12.16
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
1
Is restless and wanting to be the same thing?
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.01
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
2
Why do we get energy while we focus on the body?
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.02
Audio answer
- Energy
- Mindfulness
Rosemary
13
3
A householder has a responsibility to look after aging parents. What if they are difficult people, very abusive or destructive? I didn't see a “get out” course in the Sutta.
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.03
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
4
When we do the D/D on other challenges as loneliness, greed, hatred, does the second part of the meditation, where we increase the intensity of Dukkha stay the same, crying, sitting for hours in a chair or in a room, thinking of committing suicide?
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.04
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
5
Could you discuss the topic of assisted suicide, when an old or sick person is given the means to painlessly end their suffering. What about putting down animals, pets, horses with broken legs, etc.? What about people in a coma who may or not may not wake up in months or years? I am thinking of do not hook me up to machine instruction for my loved once in the case I am in a very serious condition and I would like to here hear your views of the ethics of this.
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.05
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
6
In the D/D Meditation, Steve said that we should think of a real person, aged 45, 55, with the difficulty as us. What is meant by a “real” person? Somebody we know? What if we don't know someone at a certain age with some Dukkha, can we make up a person up?
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.06
Audio answer
Rosemary
13
7
Yesterday you said we can change out of bad moods with meditation, how should I meditate and which tool should be chosen?
Ref: 2015.07.x.13.07
Audio answer
Steve
14
1
Walking Meditation. I have a hard time concentrating during the walking meditation, I am restless and have lots of thoughts. I have been told to be more aware of the sensations in the feet and legs and to walk more slowly, but my mind keeps wandering. Any ideas on what I can do? I get so restless during the walking meditations.
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.01
Audio answer
Steve
14
2
Are there different intensities of let's say unpleasant Vedana?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.02
Audio answer
Steve
14
3
I think I understand transforming pleasant worldly feelings into pleasant spiritual ones, like the Brahma Viharas, but could you explain about attachment to unpleasant worldly feelings and attachment to unpleasant spiritual ones?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.03
Audio answer
Steve
14
4
You were talking about the judging, condemning, analytical mind, etc., what do you mean by this? Are those states of mind? How to react when noticing them?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.04
Audio answer
Steve
14
5
What does Right Livelihood mean in the present?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.05
Audio answer
Steve
14
6
How to deal with boredom during meditation?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.06
Audio answer
Steve
14
7
When you decided to go to a Buddhist country, why Thailand?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.07
Audio answer
- Thailand
- Theravadin tradition
Steve
14
8
What is the strongest wrong view humans have?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.08
Audio answer
Steve
14
9
What do you think of someone who asks the same questions to both of you in the interviews? Would you encourage it, and when?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.09
Audio answer
Steve
14
10
Could you please talk about Right Action.
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.10
Audio answer
Steve
14
11
Why does the mind need so much distraction?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.11
Audio answer
Steve
14
12
Which parts of the Dhamma do you relate to most? There are differences between people, why?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.12
Audio answer
Steve
14
13
How do you think you would be today without the Dhamma?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.13
Audio answer
- Dhamma
- Swimming
Steve
14
14
If the hindrance disappears, observe it's characteristic of impermanence. When I try to watch the hindrance how it goes away, it stays. Do you say, when it's gone, to be aware that it's gone?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.14
Audio answer
Steve
14
15
Children. Please tell us how they influence our path of mental development.
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.15
Audio answer
- Children
- Influence
Steve
14
16
How can we make sure we practice Sati-Sampajanna, not just Sati? Are there questions we can ask ourselves?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.16
Audio answer
Steve
14
17
Can you please explain what it means to contemplate different topics in meditation? How to do it? Just thinking about the topic or is there a methodical way?
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.17
Audio answer
Steve
14
18
While doing the breathing meditation, when emotions like sadness or neediness for someone arise, what to do? Note desire, desire? It feels cold to me.
Ref: 2015.07.x.14.18
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
1
Can ignorance be a state of mind?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.01
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
2
On evening ten, Steve mentions a few teachers where, "I did not click". Did you ever meet a teacher where it "clicked?" If no, why? How important is that click?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.02
Audio answer
- Teachers
- Clicked
Rosemary
15
3
When doing Compassion/Lovingkindness for people in extreme situations, like the refugees on the boats, I don't know what to do with my emotions, and so I shy away from these topics. What to should I do?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.03
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
4
Monks eat what they get, but we have a choice, should we only buy organic food?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.04
Audio answer
- Organic food
- Fruit fly
Rosemary
15
5
Could you please explain Lovingkindness? In the Compassion/Lovingkind wish it says, "May so and so overcome difficulties and find peace of mind". Isn't there automatically peace of mind when there are no difficulties?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.05
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
6
To what extent do you recommend to follow political or economical news?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.06
Audio answer
- News
- Choice
Rosemary
15
7
You mentioned in your evening talk on Sunday something about blind belief in Tibetan Buddhism, could you say something more about it?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.07
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
8
Can you please give an example of how to increase the Dukkha of conceit in the second part of the D/D Meditation?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.08
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
9
What is the difference between ill-will and aversion? Is one a subset of the other? How do we work with the difference?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.09
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
10
What is meant by ill-will? Is it wrong intention?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.10
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
11
Please tell us which order the hindrances disappear to get enlightened.
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.11
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
12
Which tools are to use when one is racked with guilt or is ashamed shame?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.12
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
13
What questions did you ask teachers when you visited them?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.13
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
14
Difficult people in Compassion/Lovingkindness meditations. There are some people, example people who used to bully and tease me in school when we were kids, that I find it hard to include in Compassion/Lovingkindness meditations. It's not that I wish they will suffering, but I don't feel like wishing them all the best, as they have caused me so much suffering, how to work with this?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.14
Audio answer
Rosemary
15
15
Watching the breath is boring, how can I make that interesting?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.15
Audio answer
- Breath awareness
- Interesting
Rosemary
15
16
In yesterday’s meditation we said, that everything that happens to someone is the result of causes that preceded it, can you please elaborate on this? Does that mean that Dukkha you experience is caused by something you have done? That it's your own fault? And what about children, to explain and understand what happens to them based on previous actions?
Ref: 2015.07.x.15.16
Audio answer
Steve
16
1
Going through life meditation is heavy and takes "ages", can it be split into various sessions? Is there a short form? How often do you recommend doing it?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.01
Audio answer
Steve
16
2
Could you please talk about how to do the Compassion/Lovingkindness going through life in a shorter version? It might be helpful in during non-retreat conditions.
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.02
Audio answer
Steve
16
3
In the going through your life meditation there are many years, especially my childhood where I cannot seem to remember anything, what shall I do? Just bring up scenes that must have happened, like sitting in geography class in school or having dinner with my mother?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.03
Audio answer
- Going through life meditation
- Child
Steve
16
4
Should we keep the Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation wish the same, or change it for each person?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.04
Audio answer
- Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation
- Universal wish
Steve
16
5
Could you please share some methods on how to reflect and accept impermanence?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.05
Audio answer
Steve
16
6
Capital punishment was not unusual in the time of the Buddha, did he speak of it? What are your views on the subject?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.06
Audio answer
Steve
16
7
If there was a famine in the days of the Buddha, how did the Sangha deal with that considering food?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.07
Audio answer
Steve
16
8
How important is Saddha?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.08
Audio answer
Steve
16
9
GREED! I often find myself being and acting greedy, often at the expense of others, I want the biggest piece of watermelon, I want the best bed in the dorm and I try to make other people pay for me, for example when we go out of eat, I pretend not to have a lot of money and see if others are generous and offer to pay. I really do not like this thought and hindrance, how to work with it?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.09
Audio answer
Steve
16
10
Can you please talk about unfulfilled expectations? Disappointment can be strong sometimes.
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.10
Audio answer
Steve
16
11
If our friends or family actually are interested in meditation, how do we give it to them?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.11
Audio answer
- Interest
- Example
Steve
16
12
If I heard Rosemary right, she said third stage of enlightenment for non-returners, so what's happening if a person dies in the third stage? They are not fully enlightened and aren't returning?
Ref: 2015.07.x.16.12
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
1
How to let go of desire and at the same time desiring to gain more wisdom?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.01
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
2
How to work with envy?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.02
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
3
Please share the Buddha’s advice on fear.
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.03
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
4
When is it wise not to apologize? What about mixed apologies? I am sorry you got upset with what I said/did, rather than I'm sorry for upsetting you, I am sorry for what I did/said.
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.04
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
5
It became easier for me to wish difficult people Lovingkindness, because I think it's such a hard way to be freed from Dukkha, so it's no easy thing to do, what do you think about this?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.05
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
6
Could you please talk about the Five Spiritual Powers, why are they called such, and how do they work together? Confidence or faith, mindfulness, energy, concentration and wisdom.
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.06
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
7
If we have done something to be proud of, how do we balance not being too humble at the same time not being too conceited?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.07
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
8
When talking with family and friends, is it always best to stick to neutral topics and respond with platitudes to stay, say little, ask questions and really express opinions?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.08
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
9
Are some people naturally better at concentrating than others?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.09
Audio answer
- Concentration
- Causes
Rosemary
17
10
How can I wish a person who doesn't exist anymore, myself in the past, the Compassion/Lovingkindness wish?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.10
Audio answer
- The past
- Compassion/Lovingkindness wish
Rosemary
17
11
Could Can you say something about the role of and function of Pali chanting in Buddhist meditation?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.11
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
12
What are the benefits of sitting on the floor over sitting on a chair, granted one is physically able?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.12
Audio answer
Rosemary
17
13
Can you talk about determination as the "try again" of the mindfulness, also, is the "try again" of the mindfulness also determination?
Ref: 2015.07.x.17.13
Audio answer
Steve
18
1
I do have Saddha, Confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, in everyday life although confidence is missing sometimes. Are there confidence inspiring objects that are useful to reflect on for everyday life situations?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.01
Audio answer
Steve
18
2
How do you decide when to change the world, and when to change the inside?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.02
Audio answer
Steve
18
3
Could you please talk about chanting benefits, things to be aware of, how and when?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.03
Audio answer
Steve
18
4
Did you ever consider becoming a monk or a nun?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.04
Audio answer
Steve
18
5
Could you say something about sport in Buddhism, what kind, intensity, how often? A meditator friend of mine is doing intensive power training, weight lifting, etc., because he says a strong fit body is important to use your potential have more energy to develop yourself. But isn't it difficult not getting attached to your body when you do intensive sports?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.05
Audio answer
Steve
18
6
What do you think are the main reasons for people to hold on to self aversion?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.06
Audio answer
Steve
18
7
How would you explain a ten year old children about meditation?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.07
Audio answer
Steve
18
8
Why does the Buddha give the Kalamas the Four Assurances?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.08
Audio answer
Steve
18
9
Sometimes when the mind wanders and I am aware of it, I immediately go back to the breath and forget to label. How important is it to do the mental noting?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.09
Audio answer
- Mental noting
- Wander
Steve
18
10
How does one know for yourself whether one is a stream-enterer, or is it some authority who has to determine it, like a monk?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.10
Audio answer
- Stream-Enterer
Steve
18
11
A family member speaks with the intention to hurt, and it does. Ideally should we have compassion for them, knowing that they act in ignorance and have equanimity for the Dukkha, knowing many speak to loved ones harshly every day? But often we are lost in reaction before we know it. Is suppression of our anger and silence, followed by sharp exit and reflection a skillful response at this stage?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.11
Audio answer
Steve
18
12
Please can you talk about the importance of having courage within our practice. I have never seen it in a Sutta or listed somewhere, what do you think is the reason for that?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.12
Audio answer
Steve
18
13
Can you please talk about the role or importance of Yoga in the mind-body process?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.13
Audio answer
Steve
18
14
May you please explain how strenuous effort, sounds like a lot of strain, transcends unhappiness?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.14
Audio answer
Steve
18
15
Equanimity feels so neutral, is that normal?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.15
Audio answer
Steve
18
16
Emotions are impermanent, so they seem to be not so important. On the other hand the Brahma Viharas are connected to strong emotions, can you talk about that?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.16
Audio answer
Steve
18
17
If I remember correctly, Steve once said not to give to beggars when it seems clear that they are able to work and/or will spend the money they get in un-useful ways, but sometimes a person like this asked me for money and I get struck by their lonely appearance and I give them something anyway, just to show that I see them and give them a chance to talk to me if they wish. What do you think? Right Intention or getting out of my feelings of helplessness toward their Dukkha is an easy way and give them the ability to cause more harm?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.17
Audio answer
- Beggars
- Money
Steve
18
18
The wish to control others seems to be the cause of many difficulties, it taints beneficial qualities and states of mind. Can you talk about how this manifests and how to work with it?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.18
Audio answer
Steve
18
19
You said that there are formal practices that make you peaceful and your life peaceful. Practices that are not so peaceful, but that make your life peaceful. Those that are peaceful, but not your life. Those that are neither your practice or your life are peaceful. I can attribute some of the techniques we learn to those categories, could you discuss each briefly, specifically the later two, thanks.
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.19
Audio answer
Steve
18
20
Rosemary mentioned yesterday the sinking mind, could you please talk more about it?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.20
Audio answer
Steve
18
21
May you please explain the appeal of mindless activities, in other words scrolling through facebook, starring at the TV, finishing a bag of popcorn, why do we do it? Why do some see it as a way to unwind after a long day?
Ref: 2015.07.x.18.21
Audio answer