Live from Birken: Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Sona (06.01.2025)

Описание: Join us on Sunday as Ajahn Sona answers Dhamma questions from listeners around the world. Questions may be submitted during the live chat (opens ~8:00am day of stream) or in advance, here: https://bit.ly/LivestreamQnA

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Question & Answer Archive
https://birken.ca/qaa/qaa.php

INDEX OF QUESTIONS:

00:00 - INTRO
04:18 - SAMATHA-VIPASSANA: can you talk a bit about how insight meditation works alongside Samatha meditation
08:38 - SEXUAL DESIRE: I have a friend who struggles with sexual desire, and it seems to be affecting them in a negative way. My question is what would you recommend for somebody who is in this predicament?
14:45 - CONTRACTED MIND: In the satipatthana sutta, the phrase "contracted mind" is used, as is "unworldly feeling". What does contracted mind, and unworldly feeling mean please? Many Thanks
18:53 - MIND: If mind is a necessary component for conception to occur. Does it stand to reason that mind is actively growing and changing the body throughout life?
21:54 - SURPASSABLE & UNSURPASSABLE: Please instruct on surpassable or unsurpassable regarding mindfulness of the mind.
26:39 - DEPRESSION: When a depressive state arises, it feels dark, hopeless, and empty. What can be done to overcome this state? Does it have a physical basis, like a chemical imbalance in the brain?
33:41 - DEPENDENT ORIGINATION: What do you think about the moment by moment interpretation of paticcasamuppada from Bhikkhu Buddhadasa? Does it mean that at each moment we have the choice between dukkha and happiness?
40:17 - PERSONAL POTENTIAL: Do you have any advice for inspiring confidence in the potential in one's own practice when it feels like some habit structures run too deep to change? I know that this is deluded thinking, ​​but I often feel discouraged because of this line of thinking, especially when it comes to habits around not being kind to myself or having confidence in my skills.
43:22 - FAITH: How does Buddhism view faith in something uncertain—not because it’s proven, but because it brings peace or direction in life?
50:08 - JHANA: The Buddha lists five qualities that must be abandoned to enter and remain in the first jhāna: stinginess with dwellings, families, material things, praise, and a lack of gratitude. Why are these five specific qualities highlighted as obstacles to the first absorption, rather than more obvious hindrances like anger or ill-will?
52:20 - BUDDHISM & FAMILY: I have been wanting to talk to my family about my Buddhist beliefs, however my parents are Christian and may not support my goals. I’m wondering if it would be okay to keep it as a secret?
57:13 - EIGHT PRECEPTS: What advice can you give to laypeople who keep 8 precepts for life while still living in the world due to inability to ordain? What benefits can be had from this? How will this support one's progress?