This talk / Q&A was originally posted on Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu’s YouTube Channel. To watch it on YouTube kindly click here.
00:50 Meditate Together
17:25 Should one note “distracted” or the experience which one is distracted by...for example an image that arises in the mind. Should I note “distracted” or “seeing”?
17:58 How to note thinking while not interrupting my thoughts? I use my mental voice to think, but when noting my thoughts I also use the same mental voice, so it interrupts my thoughts. Any advice?
19:12 Is noting "aversion", "laziness", or "procrastination" too vague? If it's an activity that hasn't happened yet, "disliking" doesn't seem appropriate. For example, having to study, wake up from bed, take a cold shower, etc.
19:52 How long should practice sessions be? Is there a minimum or maximum limit? I was wondering how many sessions I should do to cover 2 hours of practice.
22:10 Sometimes distraction arises so rapidly that I don't get to note it, I do only notice when it's already gone. How should I try to note this and do you have advice on maintaining concentration?
23:54 I made my mother suffer when she was alive, and I now feel guilty. How can I remedy this matter?
25:19 What is the difference between noting and focusing on your breath?
29:31 How does one better deal with jarring experiences during meditation? I was stung by a hornet during walking mediation and the feeling of pain, aversion and reaction to get away seemed to arise all at once.
31:00 Should the mantra always be an adjective?
32:05 When you note an object of experience, such as thinking or a state of doubt, is it still proper practice to then return back to your abdomen rising and falling?
32:50 How can meditation practice help one overcome states of addiction particularly to internet and pornography, which are too easily accessible today?
38:52 What is the physical aspect of a reaction, such as liking or disliking? If a reaction, like disliking, arises after an experience like pain, should the mind remain sent out to where the pain was?
39:31 If the self is an illusion, what "moves" me?
39:58 A question which has been really frustrating me is what caused desire to arise in the first place? Why would desire just arise a long long time ago (before this life)?
41:10 I wish to ordain more than anything, but would it be wrong for me to leave my home and do so if I feel as though I would neglect the duty of a householder that my forefathers left salons
44:25 If meditation is pure noticing and noting, how will I meet insight? Since I believe it will require some active thinking, should I journal my meditation sessions after the practice?
46:58 How can I be more indifferent towards suffering without being gloomy?
49:28 Is keeping reminders to be mindful throughout the day around you and in your phone as wallpapers and notifications beneficial generally?
51:41 What are some techniques for overcoming catastrophizing the future?
52:41 Is there an awareness separate from the 6 objects of consciousness? Does it arise in dependence upon the 6 objects or can it exist independent from them (for example, pure awareness)? Or is awareness the 6th?
55:23 Did the Buddha ever advise against having children? They can be an obstacle to practice but they can also create a good practice of giving and creating more opportunities for human vessels for dharma.
58:49 Can this practice be a hindrance alongside other spiritual practices?
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