This talk / Q&A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.
01:30 On the topic of... Danger
22:14 After noting "sitting", often there is still time before the rising. Would "sitting, waiting, rising, falling" be okay? Should I elongate "waiting" as a physical observation of the stillness of the stomach?
22:51 If you have correctly noted "seeing, seeing", can craving arise after that? Or can it only arise if your mindfulness wasn't on point?
23:46 Is there a point when noting and neither evading nor approaching (i.e. knee pain) become too dangerous for medical reasons or for sake of self preservation?
24:46 In my meditation, I am tormented by the thought that I have a great responsibility to help other beings in samsara to be happy, but can I rather focus on myself with a good conscience?
26:18 I get mad and irritated over little things all the time, then I feel guilty meditating. Why is this happening?
27:39 I have broken my step into 3 distinct motions, but my brain has become so used to my walking mantra that I have increasing periods of wandering without noticing while repeating the mantra. Any advice?
29:14 I often deal with deep sadness. I meditate every day and often it makes meditation difficult. I try not to have attachments and desires but the sadness won't go away. Any suggestions of what to do?
30:53 When meditating in nature, I note that I enjoy the natural beauty around me. Is that permissible? Or do I simply note it as thinking?
31:14 I am beginning to witness the arising and ceasing of phenomena far faster than I can actually note it. Should I simply be aware of the phenomena, or continue to note it?
31:52 I've been meditating for years thinking I've been loosening my attachments but after a betrayal by a loved one I saw that I hadn't. I'm in SO much pain I can't stand it. My wanting is so strong. How do I overcome this?
33:59 In sitting meditation, should we strive to sit in the full lotus position? I worked up to half lotus. Is there a benefit to doing the full lotus?
35:01 In Buddha's previous incarnation he gave his life to save a lioness and her cubs. What is your take on this and how does this fit into avoiding danger?
39:08 Is it killing or otherwise inadvisable to take a shower if you're unsure whether or not it might be drowning drain gnats or fruit flies that you know are dwelling in, or at least around the drain?
40:58 Can meditation be just summarized as watching your mind? Because when I sit and meditate I just watch my mind whether it's thought or emotions or anything.
42:14 How do we remove ourselves from our own way? Sometimes, internal states can hinder or become dangerous to ourselves.
42:50 I'm not sure how to know that I'm clearly seeing my attachments. I struggle to not control them or “want" them go away. How do we know we're "seeing clearly"?
44:26 Sometimes when I meditate I find myself in a state in which I don't know whether I am aware or not. Sometimes there is nothing to be aware of. Is it okay to have such states?
45:33 When people punish us in a way that is against the Buddhist values, are we to accept their wrongdoing as our punishment?
46:36 How do we deal with ignorance and delusions?
47:08 Do you have any advice for grandparents pushing their religious beliefs on you? Should I explain to them that I am Buddhist even if it might upset them? They're very old so I don't want to upset them.
49:19 How can one deal with doubts and uncertainty about Buddhism and the practice? Is this a consequence of my own ignorance? Is there even a goal to achieve?
50:31 What is the right view about taking refuge in the Buddha and the Dharma? Sometimes the idea of safety makes me feel somehow incapable.
51:11 How does the experience of nibbana differ from the fifth stage of insight - bhanga-nana? How can one not be mistaken that they have attained nibbana, and it is just knowledge of dissolution?
52:36 I get overwhelmed when I meditate for long enough. I can't even describe it, just huge need to stop. I note "overwhelm" but the pain of looking at attachments gets too intense for me. What do I do?
53:29 “Your Brain on Porn” by Gary Wilson talks about the internal effects of hormones in a human being. We can say that all addictions are due to hormonal action. Then how does meditation work for an addict?
55:20 I know that having a girlfriend will inevitably cause me suffering. but I'm also getting older so I feel like if I don't ever have a girlfriend then I will also suffer. What would be the right thing to do?
56:27 Is it okay to accept everything exactly as it is? Reality seems to allow for all things, including the deepest ignorance and the greatest of all evils. Do we simply allow space for this infinitude?
57:31 How to deal with anxiety disorder associated with low self esteem?
58:58 My parents fight a lot and I try to be patient and loving toward them, but they have a tense relationship with each other. I do not like the environment in my house. Should I just leave?
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