This talk / Q&A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.
03:13 When using a mantra, is there a risk of using the imagination to alter the experience such that it is better described by the mantra? To avoid this, could we use only ‘feeling’ as a mantra?
07:22 How do we free ourselves from being stuck in a rut or an addiction of compulsive behavior?
08:50 Are there any risks/dangers in mixing meditation techniques? I have done a foundation and advanced courses with you but would like to start practicing with another teacher in the Ajahn Chah tradition.
10:06 Would you say that seeing clearly through meditation is the most logical thing one can do in one's life?
15:43 Does sitting on a chair or on a mat make a difference?
17:27 How to introduce a close family member experiencing sadness over loss to meditation, without being imposing?
19:51 Is it problematic to miss the noting of disliking something in meditation? I notice that I was disliking something sometimes, after I'm already noting the sensation itself. Any advice?
20:39 When lacing my shoes, do I say “touching, touching”, "pulling, pulling” or “tying, tying”?
21:37 From what I understand, the practice does not need willpower. Not even thinking or studying seems to be of much use. Then what is "effort" and how does it come to be?
23:15 When walking, do we command the foot “right, left”? And in sitting, just observe?
24:07 I struggle with taking the awareness and clarity I sometimes achieve in meditation, outside of my formal sessions. Any practical advice?
25:05 When I am in a deep meditation, sometimes I am pulled back by an anxiety related to a fear of death. How can I overcome this?
27:17 I could spend my entire sitting time noting everything that comes up, and never go back to the stomach. Should I ignore some of the more subtle thoughts/feelings/etc. in favour of the rising and falling?
28:05 In walking, if I understand correctly, we can be aware of something (pressure on the foot we aren't focusing on, for example) *not* note it, and continue with the base exercise: lifting, moving, etc. If this is correct practice, is it OK to do this while sitting too, in order to build continuity? Maybe to a lesser extent, like if the un-noted sensations don't provoke a strong reaction?
29:11 What kind of meditation should we use if we are walking at the faster pace (going through the city)?
29:30 What is the best way to deal with those "this is all futile" feelings during meditation?
30:57 Is the verbal repetition of actions (such as “thinking, thinking”) necessary during meditation, or can one simply think of, or focus on, the action itself as it happens, until it goes away?
32:05 Should we go into a cave (isolation) and meditate twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week?
33:58 I have serious posture problems causing me to be unable to meditate in a sitting position for long periods. Is there a way for me to experiment with lying down and still remain alert?
35:56 Do we have to be mindful twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week?
36:49 Should we take Nirvana to be our reachable goal of meditation in this life?
38:41 Sometimes I experience the meditation like being in a robot that moves automatically, and I'm just there describing what's happening; witnessing, making subtitles somehow. Do we want this to happen?
40:13 A person I know may be passing soon. Should I show this person joy and generosity, or give them more space?
43:46 How do I learn within myself while meditating?
47:42 Some people say meditation may induce psychosis. Is that true? If so, how can I ask a teacher to help with that?
52:16 Should one aim to have harps playing, with rain, and flowing water sounds during meditation?
54:06 Since in the act of witnessing there is the observer and the observed, I find a duality instead of oneness.. I can't find emptiness or no self. I am unable to get out of this perspective. May I have some advice?
55:28 If I have a bad habit like smoking, how can seeing it clearly alone stop it? If I enjoy it, to stop it, I would have to become informed it can cause lung cancer.
57:34 When sitting cross-legged, I lean way forward, or to illustrate it another way, I get very hunched over. Is this okay and just something I need to work through? Or do I need to adjust my posture?
58:56 I find myself often wanting to relax after working hard, but feel I need to keep doing things to support others. Is it wrong of me to want to relax?
59:37 Explaining the practice to others in a very essential and simple way, could we summarize the practice with just asking one question? Like "what are you experiencing in this very moment?"
1:01:38 How does meditation in this tradition lead to purification of the mind? Do we just keep noting until we get to a place of no suffering? Or is it a way to direct our thoughts differently; i.e. purifying?
1:03:02 Since there's only “experience” in meditation, is the moment of past, present, and future a mere concept? I have experienced things many times over, before they happen, and sometimes they don't happen.
1:03:39 What is the best way to subdue sensuality for cigarettes or alcohol?
1:04:12 In your book, laziness is one of the hindrances. What causes laziness?
1:04:35 Sadhu...
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