Right View | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

7

2

Could you talk more in detail about being objective with difficult emotions, while also being open to learning about the true causes of those emotions, so they arise less in the future?

Ref: 2001.07.x.07.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

2

1

When we talk about a close spiritual friend, is that specifically a Buddhist meditator friend, or can it be a friend who's simply trying to cultivate themselves spiritually, whatever the tradition? That is, spending time with people actively involved with spiritual development and compassion but from a Christian perspective.

Ref: 2001.07.x.02.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

7

4

There are the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, the Ten Paramis, and the Noble Eightfold Path with a bit of overlap, similarities and differences. Can you please give advice on what to develop first or how to deal with these separate qualities?

Ref: 2001.07.x.07.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

6

4

Some teachers claim that true deep understanding does not come from thinking about things and using thought, but instead only comes from dropping thought and looking deeply into things with awareness. These teachers say that only when we are free of the thinking mind, then true Wisdom can be understood, never with our thoughts. Can you comment on this in relation to the practice here? Thank you.

Ref: 2001.07.x.06.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

2

Saddha is somewhat paradoxical in that in one sense it is a gift which we can't obtain by merely wanting to, and in another sense it is a virtue which can be cultivated. Question: what do you think of this aspect of the practice and how can we work with paradoxes in the path of purification? Example, it is the truth that liberates, not our effort to be free.

Ref: 2001.07.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2005

Rosemary

7

4

Can you, please talk about concentration and mindfulness, the robot-like mindfulness, Samatha?

Ref: 2005.09.x.07.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2003

Rosemary

7

6

Which way of starting the meditation period is more skilful? From wisdom to reach a state of calm or from calm to get to the wisdom side?

Ref: 2003.07.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2003

Rosemary

6

9

A rule of thumb in current environmental education theory in the West says no "doom and gloom" before 4th grade (9 and 10 years old). Can you please comment on this with respect to sharing the Dhamma with children?

Ref: 2003.07.x.06.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

7

1

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

Ref: 2007.01.x.07.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

3

12

How does one develop Right View?

Ref: 2007.01.x.03.12

Written answer

Right View

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

6

4

Can you clarify Morality for a Buddhist?

Ref: 2007.01.x.06.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

6

1

You've said the Noble Eightfold Path is like a spiral. Could you please explain this in a little bit more detail?

Ref: 2007.01.x.06.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

2

3

Can you please talk about Truthfulness?

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

7

6

Can you please talk about the methods to deepen our experiential understanding of both Dukkha and Kamma? Also, regarding Dukkha, how to reflect on the Third and Fourth Noble Truth to keep a balance?

Ref: 2007.01.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

7

2

Can you please talk about the importance of having Compassion for ourselves in situations where someone is doing something incorrect, but only mildly? Often I try to have Compassion and Lovingkindness for the other person, but really my aversion is the real problem. How to detect it sooner, and work with it?

Ref: 2007.01.x.07.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

2

Could you please talk about self-control?

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

2

1

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

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

3

1

Could you please talk about the importance of the "letting go of thoughts" practice, and the balance between letting go of thoughts and developing wise thoughts?

Ref: 2007.01.x.03.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

8

1

Do the reflections "work better" when the mind is more concentrated?

Ref: 2007.01.x.08.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Rosemary

7

3

Could you please talk about the aspects of a balanced practice?

Ref: 2010.09.x.07.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2006

Rosemary

7

1

It seems quite arrogant and uncomfortable to wish the animals less Dukkha and peace of mind, and then having them on the plate and eat them. Please, do you have any suggestion on how to bend or change this attitude?

Ref: 2006.01.x.07.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

2

6

Sometimes I find myself in problems trying to help someone else, but cannot give the help that is expected or even keep my own promise. What is best to do?

Ref: 2008.01.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

7

How can we become less dependent on positive feedback, praise or fame from other people to motivate our inward growth?

Ref: 2008.01.x.07.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

16

15

Is it right view to believe that each of us has the ability to change the future results of past negative Kamma, or is it more skillful to be open to the possibility that some results can't be changed.

Ref: 2010.01.x.16.15

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

3

8

Can you please talk a bit more about Right View and Right Intention?

Ref: 2003.01.x.03.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

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

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Steve

5

Do you have any advice for bringing up children with Right View, that will help them in later life to find more peace without expecting them to become Dhamma practitioners? For example still allowing them to be the willful people they are, testing their limits and having their natural rebellious stages.

Ref: 2009.01.x.05.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

7

3

Could you please talk about transforming difficult emotions?

Ref: 2011.07.x.07.03

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

6

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

Ref: 2011.07.x.06.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

7

2

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

Ref: 2011.07.x.07.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

7

1

Could you please talk more about this significance of special mindfulness activities and walking meditation?

Ref: 2011.07.x.07.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

9

5

Comments and suggestions can have the power to make us do and say things which can be either beneficial or not beneficial, could you please share any techniques you may have to help with understanding the cause and effect of the comments and suggestions that come to us.

Ref: 2011.07.x.09.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

6

2

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

Ref: 2011.07.x.06.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

3

1

Can we use the Four Noble Truths as a formal meditation topic? If so do you have any suggestions on how to do it, particularly the 4th noble truth?

Ref: 2011.07.x.03.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Rosemary

2

Can you please talk about self-pity and how we can recognize it in our practice and daily life?

Ref: 2010.07.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Rosemary

6

7

What are some things that I can do in my life to help my level of Equanimity to grow?

Ref: 2010.07.x.06.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Rosemary

7

1

Would you please explain Right View? Thanks.

Ref: 2003.04.x.07.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

15

7

Considering the food reflection, I always hesitate at this one: "We eat to stay healthy." I think I eat much more than the amount I would need to stay healthy. Then, in retreat we get three nicely cooked meals a day, at home I have two meals a day, which is still enough to keep me strong. Maybe even one would do it. So, when it comes to the question: "Why do we eat?" Would it be a more honest answer: "Because we like to eat?"

Ref: 2019.07.x.15.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

17

1

Having equanimity is more like a process, not like a decision, one has it again and again, on the same problem, is that right?

Ref: 2019.07.x.17.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2005

Rosemary

2

8

Could you please explain the difference between Right View and Right Thought and how they work together?

Ref: 2005.07.x.02.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2005

Rosemary

2

10

In which way can the letting go of ignorance be reached?

Ref: 2005.07.x.02.10

Written answer

Berlin QA September 2008

Rosemary

7

2

How do you deal with the opposite of complacency; when you have too much self-criticism? For example when I'm too hard on myself, too critical that I'm still not that generous, that I'm still not that patient, etc.

Ref: 2008.09.x.07.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Steve

8

3

How do conceit, pride and stubbornness relate to each other?

Ref: 2009.09.x.08.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Rosemary

9

1

Is it that Compassion is a fuel for all the other Paramis?

Ref: 2004.09.x.09.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Steve

13

17

Wrong view seems to be everywhere and seems so pervasive, how to deal with it?

Ref: 2018.07.x.13.17

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

15

4

How do we know that we have practiced in the right way?

Ref: 2018.07.x.15.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

18

8

What is the difference between views and opinions? What is right view and wrong view?

Ref: 2018.07.x.18.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

16

8

Could you please explain more about the quality of heedfulness and why our Buddha said in the last words: "Strive on with Heedfulness"?

Ref: 2018.07.x.16.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Steve

4

1

Mara's many mirrors. It can be difficult to know whether we are really practicing non-attachment, and therefore following the Buddha's teachings, or just selfishly following our own wishes, without care for how others may feel about our actions/speech. The non-caring attitude being justified as "practicing correctly". Can you guide us through this web of good intention, ignorance and conceit? Please mention how selfishness and indifference can be avoided while Saddha can be increased, while maintaining a good Dhamma practice, especially important with our close Kalyanamittas.

Ref: 2007.07.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

6

15

Can you talk about how we develop trust and faith in a teacher? What about in the teachings?

Ref: 2007.07.x.06.15

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

6

1

Can you talk about Effort and Morality, such as making the effort to go buy your own bucket, rather than borrowing and then forgetting to return it to your neighbors?

Ref: 2007.07.x.06.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Rosemary

9

5

Can you talk more about Compassion as a motivating energy for activities beyond meditation, please? Work, sales specifically, household chores, etc.

Ref: 2007.09.x.09.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

7

5

Please explain the relationship between conditioning and Kamma.

Ref: 2009.07.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

7

6

Can you please talk about fear of blame, especially the fear of not wanting to get a bad picture of oneself.

Ref: 2009.07.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

3

8

Isn't moment to moment awareness like knowing and reflecting on mind states and things like the Five Reflections.

Ref: 2000.01.x.03.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

3

7

Do the Five Reflections have to be done formally, example in formal postures, or can one just take any opportunity that presents itself to reflect on such things?

Ref: 2000.01.x.03.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

3

2

Is it more our opinion about what we are doing that brings contentment, whether we think it is good or bad, or if it is in reality beneficial for ourselves and others. E.g. I heard that Pol Pot died peacefully and maybe he thought he had done something good.

Ref: 2000.01.x.03.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

8

5

First thoughts come up that the retreat will end soon, then emotions of sadness, the mind already starts to make plans for the next retreat, at least 20 days, or better three months. Is there a harmful attachment to retreats? And what are it's indications?

Ref: 2000.01.x.08.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

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

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Rosemary

2

Could you please explain investigation into mental objects?

Ref: 2005.01.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Rosemary

6

8

During the years of practice, I noticed a remarkable change in my self-image, self-perception. Parallel to this sometimes very unpleasant but also rewarding work, appeared a strong desire to build up a new kind of self-respect that is more in line with the nature of experiences and universal principles. Could you give some advice for that work, and also talk about Truthfulness?

Ref: 2002.01.x.06.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Steve

3

7

Please, when or how do we know what is Right View and what is wrong view? Sometimes I think the view I have is right, but it turns out to be wrong, and opposite too.

Ref: 2004.01.x.03.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Rosemary

6

10

What is the intention of using D/D? That is how can it support the growth and deepening of my practice?

Ref: 2004.01.x.06.10

Written answer