Ajahn Sucitto's most recent Dharma talks (Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley)

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) In meditation we practice staying mindful in the presence of something. What are the things that are worthy of being “in mind”?

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) The epitome of the path to an ancient city described by the Buddha exists between the extremes of affirmation and denial, destroying things and holding on to things.

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) Questions are précised: Q1 Do we have to unattach ourselves from intense bonds to our parents and children to attain enlightenment? Also, can you explain what the Buddha meant to “fully understand suffering” as the first noble truth? 26:42 Q2 If we don't purify our mindstream or cleanse our karmic baggage and live virtuous lives, we will not attain our Buddha self and seek a cyclical existence as we would have failed to realize the wisdom of reality. 27.54 Q3 Can you suggest some guidance on waking up in the mornings? 32.18 Q4 Reclining posture somehow feels less than the other postures. Is this so? When is the reclining posture appropriate? 37:29 Q5 can you speak on non-aversion? Is it possible?

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) In place of the “I” that thinks, we can enter the “we” sense, deconstructing and creating a “not to do” list.

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) 00:08 Q1 How do we remain at ease in the face of great suffering? 06:50 Q2 I have been practicing a long time but I cannot relate to Buddha images in an authentic way. Can you help? 13:02 Q3 Is it a luxury to immerse oneself in the scriptures? What about the need to be good and to help others in basic ways? 17:29 Q4 If you didn’t teach would you still find purpose in contemplation and study of scriptures?19:22 Q5 Where does tiredness come from? How to tackle chronic exhaustion?

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) The brahmavihara provide a dwelling place where ideas pop up that can resolve our dilemmas.

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) Opening to the we sense.

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) Devotion allows an openness which is beyond personality. We give back to our deepest selves through mindfulness of citta.

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) 00:13 Q1 How can one develop self-love without being accused of being selfish? 08:33 Q2 How can I cope with repeating pain in the shoulders or back and strong surging of energy? Should one change position? 14:45 Q2 What is the purpose of being alive if not to experience the senses? Trying to dull out the senses to be mindful makes me wonder if we miss the true beauty of life. 27:40 Q3 I'm wondering about the effects of tension on the citta/ sensitivity. I'm aware of deep tension in my body which could have been there since childhood. Qigong and reclining meditation are good. 45:11 Q4 The manifestation of a category such as apple in your example, is that what is meant by nama? 47:25 Q5 What's a good balance of walking, standing and sitting?

(Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, South Africa) We exist with and must respect other beings. How can we develop mutuality, the “we” sense?