Ajahn Sucitto's most recent Dharma talks (Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center)

(Wongsanit Ashram, Thailand) On retreat we experience the mental restlessness resulting from sense restraint. “Stopping my mind” is not an effective strategy to handle it. Instead, look for a place of harmony with what the mind is doing.

Some standing meditation at the end

(Wongsanit Ashram, Thailand)

(Wongsanit Ashram, Thailand) Bringing up a sound through the body, we listen and harmonize with others. The citta seeks that harmony to feel comfortable in its environment.

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Questions are précised: 00:10 Q1 Can you clarify the analogy of dhammas you gave using the orange. 07:16 Q2 Can you speak more about the desires tanha and chanda? 21:46 Q3 Regarding breath meditation, should one focus on breathing sensations rather than the subtle body? 27:51 Q4 When the mind becomes unified, do I stay and let go of the breathing as the mind unifies, or should I watch the breathing in the background? 32:46 Q5 Sometimes I reach an awareness that feels so alien that I pull back. 34:09 Q6 How does one forgive oneself and handle regrets? 42:14 Q6 When helping others how do we decide when to stop helping? 44:24 Q7 How can we handle feeling inferior? What leads to the sense of unworthiness? 49:34 Q8 My body has pain in every position and it’s hard to meditate. What can you suggest?

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Questions are précised: 00:00 Q1 Can you please distinguish between citta anupassana and dhamma anupassana. Which frame of reference should one apply to such contemplation? 28:43 Q2 During mindfulness of breathing, I find vichara (sensing and evaluating) to be an issue. How can I strengthen vichara? 35:47 Q3 I am a project manager, and there is a lot of planning and decision making. Is this a sankara? How to do so wisely and skillfully?

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Questions are précised - 00:22 Q1 How to practice mindfulness of death? 16:27 Q2 We take in the world through the five senses. If we do not hear or see any news does that mean things, like the war in Gaza, are not really happening? 28:07 Q3 How do we know whether a kalyanamitta (spiritual friend) is trustworthy? 29:44 Q4 I get tension and constrictions in the chest and other places. I often get frustrated with this. Perhaps I am too preoccupied with it? 37:23 Q5 I am eager to understand imbalances – like jealousy and comparison - and to break through them quickly. What is your advice? 44:01 Q6 How can one influence or talk to other people about other views, like politics for example?

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Vedana/ feeling is a primary source of intelligence, where things first impact. By knowing what penetrates and moves you, you can understand the mainspring of motivations and reflexes.

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) 00:13 Q1 Sense restraint and diligence in daily life: I'm motivated to practice when there's suffering, when life is fine I slacken off and indulge in sense pleasures. Please advise. 28: 14 Q2 Questions on sleepiness: How to deal with sleepiness on waking up in the morning? I take a lot of caffeine to avoid sleepiness. Is there an alternative? How can I be mindful all the time? 40:46 Q3 When I sit the body collapses and the energy required to straighten the body makes it hard to feel relax. Any advice?

44:44 Q4 I have a compulsive need to feel liked and even try and force people to like me. What can I do? 52:55 Q5 Nama rupa vinayana (name form and consciousness). Can you explain more about this please?

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) The teachings reiterate cultivating the knowing of contact – that Is, what is felt internally, externally and as the internal and external worlds meet.

(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Moving into a new day, puja creates openness and sanctuary, recollecting the meaning of ‘Buddha’.