A Dhamma discussion based on the question...

"Bhante, can you please explain how anapanasati can develop insight or discernment, or to removal of the defilements? Do you think that the modern variations of mindfulness of breathing can lead to the same "great fruits and great benefits" as how the Buddha taught it?"

This ovāda discusses how overly-simplified and pre-planned paths of practice can be a hindrance

A Dhamma discussion based on the question...

"How do you balance practicing metta and asubha meditation?"

The ovāda touches on the extraordinary accomplishments of the foreign monks of the Island Hermitage in Sri Lanka. Using their examples, It discusses how practice can become powerful when all the aspects of life become turned towards the Dhamma.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question...

"I have a question about doubt in the practice. When I first started practicing I was quite enamored with (a certain monk's) work. I still am to a degree but after learning about the conflict of views between him and (another monk) in regards to ... "not self strategy". This back and forth writing of essays refuting each other's views has created a lot of doubt in my own practice. I am just curious how you deal with your own doubt in the practice in this day and age where there is no longer one recitation of the Buddha's teachings making it very difficult to know what is true and what is counterfeit dhamma."

This ovāda discusses the role of patience, balance, and investigation in Buddhist practice.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question...

"I am struggling to control my anger in certain circumstances. I am able to control most of the time, however when certain situations arise in the family sometimes it becomes hard and I lose my temper. Despite my efforts in meditation, I feel like I have made little progress in this aspect of reducing anger.

I would like some practical advice on how can I train my mind to remain calm and not let anger persuade me in difficult family circumstances. Thank You Venerable for your guidance 🙏🏼...

Regarding this, I was under the impression that "metta bhavana" is enough to uproot anger, but recently I came across Ven. Ajahn Dtun's video where he says that "Metta doesn't uproot anger completely, it only provides a foundation. Only when we let go of all the attachments to the body is when anger is completely uprooted."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUpRWf3Q2sQ

This ovāda discusses the five topics for frequent recollection. In particular, it focuses on the reflection: "All that is mine, beloved, and pleasing will become otherwise; it will become separated from me." It explores how contemplating separation can serve as a path that leads beyond separation.

A Dhamma discussion based on the question...

"I wanted to share something interesting that happened and ask for clarifications.

"Recently I've been having lots of dreams where in the dream I am doing chanting, meditating and in one dream I was paying respects to (a Venerable)... In another dream, I dreamt about another Buddhist monk from Romania... The dreams were very clear, detailed and I can remember them exactly which doesn't happen with me with other dreams.

"Yesterday, a Venerable from a temple that I visited in North Italy in 2021 messaged me... interestingly just last week I was thinking to go and pay a visit at his temple, and in the morning he messaged me that he had a dream about me.

"Do such dreams have any meaning? How should I interpret them?"

This ovāda discusses the seeming paradox of how the intense application of effort in practice can lead to almost immediate peace and ease.