Live from Birken: Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Sona (05.21.2023)

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 - Introduction
00:49 - ORDINATION: What advice or thoughts would you give to younger people practicing the Dhamma and aspiring to the Monkhood?
13:17 - SICKNESS & AGING: Ajahn Sona, What are skillful means when worsening impairments due to chronic illness & getting older impact our lives & practice? Thank you.
16:16 - SENSORY STIMULATION: During the Seven Factors of Enlightenment retreat, you mentioned that moving from a high sensory world to a low sensory world can cause difficulties. Going from a low sensory world into a high sensory world can sometimes also be very challenging-especially after a retreat. Any advice on how to deal with such a situation?
24:00 - OTHER RELIGIONS: What are your thoughts on the value of studies in Comparative Religion? I'm interested in the opening of dialogue with Christian friends as well as better understanding other world views.
29:54 - METTA: I was wondering whether sending Mettā to loved ones leads to creating more attachment to them? Moreover, does having very ecstatic Mettā sessions lead to becoming addicted?
34:04 - FAMILY OBLIGATIONS: Reading about Right View in the Suttas, we hear “there is mother and father” and you have so brilliantly addressed that in previous talks. But, are there obligations for a father and mother towards their adult children and grandchildren? Or is it OK to seek separation in order to “selfishly” practice the Buddhist path?
37:02 - DROWSINESS: How can I regularly meditate without expecting a future benefit? I always get drowsy when I try to practice breath meditation and feel discouraged.
40:51 - TYPES OF CRAVING: Is a craving for non-existence (vibhava tanha) essentially a craving for existence; namely, the craving for the existence of non-existence? Is a wiser approach to practice for the non-arising of becoming (bhava nirodha)? Your guidance, please.
51:05 - GENEROSITY: My Mom and I often visit the monks to offer necessities to the Sangha. It is very rewarding and helps to bring us peace. Why do we feel happiness when we are generous?
54:37 - APPROACHES TO MEDITATION: How can we reconcile the no-goal oriented practice approach (eg. Ajahn Sumedo), with the goal oriented (i.e. Ajahn Brahm). How do these differ?