Live from Birken: Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Sona (01.29.2023)

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: https://bit.ly/LivestreamQnA

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Index of questions:

00:00 - WELCOME
00:24 - PLANNING MIND: I just completed a 10-day retreat and I noticed that the mind is almost constantly creating scenarios for the future to find resolution for them. These scenarios rarely materialize so it seems like wasted effort. How does one deal with these during meditation sessions and in daily life?
04:31 - KHANDAS: In the Five Khandas, should we not cling to them? How do we not cling to consciousness?
07:32 - MEDITATION POSTURES: I've practiced in a half lotus position for decades and now age and injury is making that painful. I can still do it, but would it be better to just bow to the inevitable and find a new sitting position for practice?
09:48 - BREATHING TECHNIQUES: I recently learned a belly breathing technique that seems to focus more on exhaling first and inhaling automatically. Do you teach any specific breathing techniques like this?
13:17 - CHRONIC ILLNESS & SLEEP: Because of a chronic illness I experience constant fatigue and need much more sleep than others. How one can skillfully deal with this increased need for sleep, and integrate it into Dhamma practice?
17:49 - FEAR: How to deal with the fear that comes when dealing with authority figures such as people in power like immigration officers? Even though I'm telling the truth, I feel fearful and my mind keeps on ruminating about it afterwards.
20:26 - ENLIGHTENED BEINGS: I've heard it said that there are no Enlightened "persons" in the world, and in fact, never has been. It is the One Reality that wakes up to Itself. Could you please comment on this concept?
26:46 - BODY CONTEMPLATION: How does the Buddha teach to view the body wisely - to take care of it well and at the same time not be too engrossed?
31:04 - MONKEY MIND: Reflecting on how ‘monkey mind’ describes scattered, restless, rampant thinking, might ‘eagle mind’ be a way to view focused, panoramically aware, cohesive thinking—or a mind of samadhi?
37:47 - TRAUMA: Regarding "on being a lay follower", could one who is himself NOT accomplished in faith, but DOES encourage others to accomplish faith, be dealing with trauma, codependency etc? How can this be healed?
41:43 - MARKS OF A MONK: As a layperson is it acceptable for me to shave my head and eyebrows in renunciation? This will attract a lot of attention, which I do not desire.
45:44 - SAMATHA: Do you have any advice for maintaining samatha while interacting with people? Talking with others seems to disrupt it for me.
48:05 - TRAVELLING WITH MONASTICS: Ajahn Jotipālo and I will be traveling together in May. I consider it an honor. Can you advise me on how to prepare and then be a good steward?
51:50 - KARMA: As a person who has done an action which led to broad unintentional damage, what can i do to negate the after effects and is it possible to remove karma in any way?
53:27 - PARENTING: My children are between 17-24 years of age. I keep getting fearful thoughts for their safety entering my mind. Have you worked with mothers on this?
56:20 - DEVAS: I have heard you say something close to that devas do not spend their time near humans to help them. Could you comment on 40 year+ monks claiming to communicate with devas?