Join us on Sunday as Ajahn Sona answers Dhamma questions from listeners around the world. Questions may be submitted during the live chat (opens ~3:00pm day of stream) or in advance, here: bit.ly/LivestreamQnA
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Index of questions:
00:00 - INTRODUCTION
00:28 - BREATH MEDITATION: There is a breathing technique called "Method 2". The authors of this method state that in the Anapanasati Sutta, the Buddha has not provided an explanation of what 'sabbakaya' is, therefore this method takes 'sabbakaya' as whole body - being mindful of the breath through the whole body. Please explain what 'sabbakaya' is and how to follow the Anapanasati instructions towards liberation. Please explain pros and cons of a practice method that manipulates the breath instead of practicing Anapanasati as the Buddha taught..
25:19 - METTA PRACTICE: I have been able to sustain loving-kindness for hours, but lately have been experiencing a headache-like tension in my forehead. This issue has only started recently. Do you know what the cause of this could be?
28:40 - FOOD: How does a monk bear the hunger of only eating one meal a day? On the other hand, should lay people take up the practice of abstaining from food after a certain time in the day?
33:46 - CELIBACY: How should a lay person approach sexual relationships? I struggle to understand why it's ok for a layperson to engage in the desire that's involved when doing so seems to go against the teachings of Right Effort. Is it that other aspects of the Path are more important to master before one is ready to abandon sexuality?
37:43 - GUARDING THE SENSES: What are the ways in which monks guard their senses? How can I apply this in lay life?
42:05 - SANGHA: My question is on the definition of the Sangha. When recollecting the Sangha, the four pairs, the eight kinds of noble beings, etc, is this a recollection of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis only, ​or does it also include lay disciples who are worthy of such recollection? Can lay disciples be part of the Sangha?
47:04 - KARMA: I ask this on behalf of my 68 year old father who is new to the Dhamma. How can I heal the pain, death, and bad karma created by hunting and killing animals all my life? I regret hurting other beings.
50:02 - NON-HARMING: I have given anti parasite skin medicine in Bali to 500 dogs to cure mange. I have no intention of killing tiny parasites but it does. How can I mitigate the bad kamma?
53:09 - MENTAL ILLNESS: I'd like to ask about how to guide someone like me, mentally ill with treatment resistant severe depression and depersonalization.
56:50 - BUDDHIST ART: What do you think of art or paintings that pertain to Buddhism?