Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

One of the Paramis is Energy. Could you talk about this?

6

2

Ref: 2005.09.x.06.02

Written answer

I understand all the Paramis quite clearly except the Parami Energy.

6

3

Ref: 2003.07.x.06.03

Written answer

Could you please talk about humility and the importance of balance, with confidence?

9

5

Ref: 2003.07.x.09.05

Written answer

Could you please explain in what way it could be helpful to be proud of the Dhamma, and how we can nurture and develop this feeling?

2

5

Ref: 2003.07.x.02.05

Written answer

What is the relationship between Equanimity and Saddha?

2

6

Ref: 2003.07.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany June 2020

Sometimes I feel that my equanimity comes from a strong sense of confidence, and mostly from remembering the good luck, bad luck story. Sometimes I rather feel that my equanimity simply comes from the fact that I have a plan B, from preparedness to the eventuality of things going wrong, from experience. So, this is less an attitude I would say than having a certain control over the situation. Can this be seen as equanimity too? Independently as to where it comes from? Be it from confidence or control?

9

4

Ref: 2020.06.x.09.04

Audio answer

Is asking a teacher personal questions being too nosy? When is it appropriate?

12

4

Ref: 2014.09.x.12.04

Audio answer

What is the meaning of "partly enlightened"?

17

8

Ref: 2014.09.x.17.08

Audio answer

How do we come to a permanent, strong self-confidence?

12

10

Ref: 2014.09.x.12.10

Audio answer

Could you please give one example of how to reflect upon resolution/determination?

17

10

Ref: 2014.09.x.17.10

Audio answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2004

How can we grow in Renunciation?

6

4

Ref: 2004.04.x.06.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2004

What do you think about visiting Bodh Gaya and Historical Religious Sites in the middle of Thailand? I'm thinking of the physical as well as the spiritual.

7

4

Ref: 2004.04.x.07.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Could you please talk about the importance of the development of Lovingkindness, the difficulties we may have with it and the possible dangers?

7

1

Ref: 2007.01.x.07.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

How possible is it to become a Stream Enterer as a layperson? Are there, at the moment, enlightened Buddhas in the world?

6

2

Ref: 2007.01.x.06.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Finding a balance between Compassion and Equanimity is sometimes too much of one, and not enough of the other.

2

1

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Is there a physical aspect to confidence/Saddha?

3

8

Ref: 2010.09.x.03.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

If you have a partner who is friendly, drugfree, helpful, patient, but not interested in doing a meditation course or a retreat because he doesn't think he needs it for mental development, what would you do?

4

5

Ref: 2010.09.x.04.05

Written answer

To a certain extent, all what we are doing here seems to be unpersonal in the way like a service in the Dhamma, how to guard this experience in a beneficial way?

17

11

Ref: 2017.07.x.17.11

Audio answer

How can I increase awareness?

17

10

Ref: 2017.07.x.17.10

Audio answer

How can I develop more Saddha, Confidence or Faith and in consequence more Equanimity? Which techniques help to grow in Confidence?

16

1

Ref: 2017.07.x.16.01

Audio answer

Do you believe in star signs meanings your birthday somehow determines your character. If so, why and do you in consequence also believe that there is a personal destiny that can be foreseen? Thank you for your answer.

13

6

Ref: 2017.07.x.13.06

Audio answer

I have a lot of unhelpful guilt, but I am attached to it, because of the belief that without it I would be a bad person. Can you recommend a practice for letting go of it, but not moral shame, or a practice to help convert guilt into moral shame?

13

7

Ref: 2017.07.x.13.07

Audio answer

What is jealousy? Aversion, wanting fame, under confidence? What antidote?

15

5

Ref: 2017.07.x.15.05

Audio answer

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?

12

4

Ref: 2015.07.x.12.04

Audio answer

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?

18

1

Ref: 2015.07.x.18.01

Audio answer

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?

13

6

Ref: 2015.07.x.13.06

Audio answer

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?

17

7

Ref: 2015.07.x.17.07

Audio answer

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.

17

6

Ref: 2015.07.x.17.06

Audio answer

16

8

How important is Saddha?

Ref: 2015.07.x.16.08

Audio answer

Why does the Buddha give the Kalamas the Four Assurances?

18

8

Ref: 2015.07.x.18.08

Audio answer

17

2

How to work with envy?

Ref: 2015.07.x.17.02

Audio answer

Yesterday you said we can change out of bad moods with meditation, how should I meditate and which tool should be chosen?

13

7

Ref: 2015.07.x.13.07

Audio answer

Can you talk about determination as the "try again" of the mindfulness, also, is the "try again" of the mindfulness also determination?

17

13

Ref: 2015.07.x.17.13

Audio answer

Could Can you say something about the role of and function of Pali chanting in Buddhist meditation?

17

11

Ref: 2015.07.x.17.11

Audio answer

How to use the Dhamma when one is diagnosed with a serious disease, and when one lives in fear of such a diagnosis?

6

7

Ref: 2006.01.x.06.07

Written answer

Can you please talk about jealousy and how we can work with this feeling?

2

6

Ref: 2006.01.x.02.06

Written answer

I have a good spiritual friend who has helped me over the last few years, and I grow stronger and more aware. I realize that I came to judge myself by his standards thereby seeking his approval for my actions. What should I do? How do I keep this friendship, yet grow in my own confidence. How does one develop confidence?

4

5

Ref: 2006.01.x.04.05

Written answer

What can I do to become less of a worrier?

6

Ref: 2006.01.x.06.06

Written answer

Could you please go through Energy, Wisdom and Resolution.

7

6

Ref: 2006.01.x.07.06

Written answer

Could you please explain the difference between faith and devotion. And also what role they should play in our practice.

5

6

Ref: 2006.01.x.05.06

Written answer

How does one purify their intentions more deeply so their actions, speech and thoughts are less motivated by wanting other's praise and fame?

6

8

Ref: 2006.01.x.06.08

Written answer

Could you say a little about Renunciation and developing it? Same for Energy.

6

1

Ref: 2006.01.x.06.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Could you talk about the Five Spiritual Powers please?

8

9

Ref: 2008.01.x.08.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

How can I work on strengthening my confidence in the Buddha as a person I have never met and where I have to believe in what has been recorded?

7

3

Ref: 2008.01.x.07.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Here, we seem not to put much importance on faith. Could you please explain a little more?

2

3

Ref: 2008.01.x.02.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Would somebody free from Dukkha never feel Embarrassment?

15

9

Ref: 2010.01.x.15.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

What did the Buddha mean when he said, "By confidence one crosses the cycle of birth and death?"

12

2

Ref: 2010.01.x.12.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

I understand that confidence is very important for everything, but how do you build it, how do you make yourself become more confident?

17

10

Ref: 2010.01.x.17.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

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?"

6

1

Ref: 2003.01.x.06.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

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?

8

7

Ref: 2003.01.x.08.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Singapore QA January 2006

9

2

Ref: 2003.01.x.09.02

Written answer

How can we have good relationships with our children, especially when they are teenagers?

1

5

Ref: 2006.02.x.01.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Please advice on how to deal with bullies.

3

8

Ref: 2009.01.x.03.08

Written answer

Could you please give some advise on how we can develop our resolution, determination Parami?

6

Ref: 2011.07.x.06.06

Audio answer

Could you please explain how to reflect about how the hindrances will not arise again in the future?

7

2

Ref: 2011.07.x.07.02

Audio answer

How can we grow more in energy, resolution and truthfulness?

6

2

Ref: 2011.07.x.06.02

Audio answer

Is it possible to match or value a relationship by comparing the Ten Paramis? Something like that was mentioned in one of the questions yesterday, well is there another way to find out if a person is a beneficial match with you or not, how can you really tell?

8

7

Ref: 2011.07.x.08.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

How can I become ever more confident in myself?

8

7

Ref: 2010.07.x.08.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Please talk about humility, especially as I seem to have a wrong view that if we are happy and confident then we are not quiet and obscure.

6

1

Ref: 2010.07.x.06.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Why can't I maintain a reasonable level of practice at home? I don't have that many distractions!

7

5

Ref: 2003.04.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Blind faith: does Buddhism have as much as other religions?

9

1

Ref: 2003.04.x.09.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

I use reflection on the Ten Paramis, especially Generosity and Sympathetic Joy, as confidence building techniques. Can you suggest any reflections or any other ways of reflecting on them that will aid in this process?

9

2

Ref: 2003.04.x.09.02

Written answer

Are there any differences between practicing or reflecting on Generosity and Morality within the Ten Paramis and the Ten Anusati, the ten daily recollections?

13

2

Ref: 2019.07.x.13.02

Audio answer

Can you please explain how Compassion brings up courage?

13

1

Ref: 2019.07.x.13.01

Audio answer

Please talk about Determination, what are its benefits? Why is it one of the last Paramis? What factors increase it?

15

8

Ref: 2019.07.x.15.08

Audio answer

Could you please explain the Five Spiritual Powers and how they work together.

17

4

Ref: 2019.07.x.17.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Could you please talk about Energy.

7

11

Ref: 2006.09.x.07.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

How important is Saddha and what is the difference with faith, in regards say to the Christian religion?

5

2

Ref: 2006.09.x.05.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

How can I work with lack of confidence?

5

9

Ref: 2006.09.x.05.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2005

Confidence and contentment seem to be great helpers in our training. Can you please say a few words about that and give me some advice on how I can use reflection on my past actions and my virtue in a more effective way in my everyday life.

6

2

Ref: 2005.07.x.06.02

Written answer

Berlin QA September 2008

Could you say something about self-doubt in the practice, about not believing that you have the potential to open to difficulties.

7

3

Ref: 2008.09.x.07.03

Written answer

Berlin QA September 2008

How can a person deal with bad Kamma like abusive parents, sexual abuse, etc.? What if it falls again and again into grief, anger and self-hatred?

8

7

Ref: 2008.09.x.08.07

Written answer

How did you come to deep confidence in the Dhamma? Were there certain moments that strengthened your confidence in a special way or did it simply grow gradually?

6

3

Ref: 2009.09.x.06.03

Written answer

If doubt is very strong, what kind of meditation can you recommend as a first aid?

8

5

Ref: 2009.09.x.08.05

Written answer

Rosemary told us that the Buddha talked about faith, wisdom, morality and generosity to be very important for a partnership. Can you please explain more about these qualities, the difference between faith and morality and why these four?

9

12

Ref: 2009.09.x.09.12

Written answer

The Buddha said that confidence is the best wealth for a person in this world. Could you please explain more about this?

5

12

Ref: 2009.09.x.05.12

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Can you, please, describe the Four Levels of Enlightenment?

4

5

Ref: 2004.09.x.04.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

What is important to keep in mind when meeting other meditation teachers?

8

12

Ref: 2004.09.x.08.12

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Can there be such a thing as too much faith in the Buddha and his teachings? If so, what can that look like and how can we balance it?

17

6

Ref: 2018.07.x.17.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Can you talk about relationships and how they can support and/or hinder the practice? How do we guard against our attachment to our partner becoming unbeneficial? How do Unselfish Emotions help with this?

8

10

Ref: 2007.07.x.08.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Right Speech is sometimes very difficult. Right Listening seems to be related. Can you please talk about ways to practice and develop Right Listening?

9

6

Ref: 2007.07.x.09.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

I often have bad dreams, often with a feeling of anxiety. I try to do a D/D for people with bad dreams and Compassionate/Lovingkindness for myself in the dreams. Usually I can't remember a whole lot. Any other tips on how to work with this?

7

8

Ref: 2007.07.x.07.08

Written answer

What do you think about connecting the concentration on the breathing with a little wish, for example, "I breath in confidence, I breath out my fears"?

9

8

Ref: 2007.09.x.09.08

Written answer

Is it important for a Buddhist to have been to the places where the Buddha was born, got enlightened and died?

6

7

Ref: 2007.09.x.06.07

Written answer

Could you please explain, give examples for the growth of Morality and Energy and in every day life?

6

8

Ref: 2007.09.x.06.08

Written answer

Please let me know how I can work with situations where I feel embarrassed, or thoughts and emotions about situations from my past where I felt very embarrassed.

9

Ref: 2007.09.x.09.09

Written answer

How can I better deal with self-doubt. Which methods can I use?

4

12

Ref: 2007.09.x.04.12

Written answer

How can we work with our sexuality in the retreat?

6

Ref: 2007.09.x.06.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Could you spend some more words about renunciation?

7

8

Ref: 2003.09.x.07.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Can you please talk about the nature of praise and blame, concern about others judgment of you and its relation to Dukkha, especially fear?

2

6

Ref: 2009.07.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

How can we improve our Resolution?

7

5

Ref: 2005.01.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

What is the best way to increase our energy and strength when we feel that Mara is getting too strong for us?

5

4

Ref: 2005.01.x.05.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

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?

6

9

Ref: 2002.01.x.06.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

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?

9

1

Ref: 2002.01.x.09.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Ever since you asked the question, cut your legs off or renounce the Dhamma, no lying, I felt perplexed by the question. We know that we are not what we think, what we think we will do in the future seems to have little bearing on what we will do in that moment. Nobody knows what we will do in a future moment, we can have a present intention to do something in the future, what we think we will do is just thoughts. Correct? So, I know you do not toy with people and your questions are usually intended to inspire us to look inside ourselves, what is your intention behind this question? What learning do you hope to inspire in us?

8

14

Ref: 2004.01.x.08.14

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004