Kamma | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

7

2

Could you talk more in detail about being objective with difficult emotions, while also being open to learning about the true causes of those emotions, so they arise less in the future?

Ref: 2001.07.x.07.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

8

4

A Zen master once said, "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are few." Question: How can we avoid, break open routines in every day life in meditation?

Ref: 2001.07.x.08.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

6

5

Can you please talk more about doubt manifesting as feeling stuck and indecisive and having to move forward through it. Thanks.

Ref: 2001.07.x.06.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

3

5

Often I have strong fear and worry, which I think is connected to a deep sense of insecurity. On an ultimate level there is no security in anything, but on a relative level security does seem important. Can you comment on this balance?

Ref: 2001.07.x.03.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

5

4

Statement (this is Ananda here): One of the aims of our practice is the development of more and more unbroken Mindfulness throughout the day. Question: Is it possible to extend Mindfulness to the times of sleeping and dreaming? If yes, do you have any advice on how to practice Mindfulness in that way?

Ref: 2001.07.x.05.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

4

5

Can you talk more about letting go of self-hatred when working with a strong sense of regret, particularly to 1) recent events, 2) taking others' affections and conditions for granted or 3) reacting to and working with regret skillfully.

Ref: 2001.07.x.04.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

3

Can you explain more about dealing with difficult mental states which persist after attempting objective observation, observing the body?

Ref: 2001.07.x.03.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

9

5

I got to know physically handicapped people with a very negative opinion or attitude towards Buddhism, because Buddhism tells them that they are guilty or responsible for their handicap because of bad actions in a past life. What can I do in such a situation in order not to increase the negative attitude?

Ref: 2001.07.x.09.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

8

2

We're taught to reflect on the various ways we are fortunate, and the precious opportunity we have with our life. Could you expand more on the second part of this Reflection, the precious opportunity we have with our life? I would like more clarity on this.

Ref: 2001.07.x.08.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

4

2

How can we be more accepting of our Kamma and not get stuck in difficult mind states such as anger and self-blame?

Ref: 2001.07.x.04.02

Written answer

Kamma

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

4

9

Could you please talk about envy, jealousy, and how to bend these mind states into beneficial ones.

Ref: 2001.07.x.04.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

6

Can you talk about the Truthfulness Parami?

Ref: 2001.07.x.06.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

7

1

Could you please discuss any techniques which are helpful for using with chronic pain and illness? Thank you.

Ref: 2001.07.x.07.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

3

2

Sometimes I see people doing things that are just not proper or right. And I am in a position to say something to try to stop them, such as stopping a person killing a spider. I need to respond quickly to stop them, yet there is sometimes strong aversion which comes out in the response, so I'm reacting out of aversion, but if I don't, they kill the spider. I need to learn better how to react wisely and quickly, or perhaps when to let it go and get a grip on myself first.

Ref: 2001.07.x.03.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

9

6

Can you talk more about doubt, not doubts about Dhamma or the practice, but doubt as it appears in decision making in life? Sometimes it can be so strong and cause much anxiety, wavering and confusion in the mind. It is hard to make decisions without stress in these cases. How can we de-condition this tendency, particularly if we don't have a Kalyanamitta around?

Ref: 2001.07.x.09.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

4

Could you please talk about mind spins. How they arise, how to identify them as a spin and then stop them?

Ref: 2001.07.x.04.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

2

4

Can you please give more advice on the need to be important and the fear of being obscure?

Ref: 2001.07.x.02.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

2

5

I think about two topics that I found in the Scriptures for a really long time, I don't understand how to bring them together. It seems to me they are opposites. There is no separate self, Atman, nothing permanent in me, no "I" that will be reborn. That was number one. Number two, there is the law of Kamma, that means if I act beneficial, I will receive beneficial results, if I act unbeneficial I will receive unbeneficial results. So if there's no continual "I," who will receive the results of the actions I have done in this life after I died? Will I receive all results in this life?

Ref: 2001.07.x.02.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Rosemary

2

Saddha is somewhat paradoxical in that in one sense it is a gift which we can't obtain by merely wanting to, and in another sense it is a virtue which can be cultivated. Question: what do you think of this aspect of the practice and how can we work with paradoxes in the path of purification? Example, it is the truth that liberates, not our effort to be free.

Ref: 2001.07.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

4

10

Are all things that happen to us Kamma, or is there a concept of randomness? For example, a friend of mine was badly hurt in a car accident. Someone said, I wonder what he did to deserve that. Could it just be an accident and lessons are learned on how he copes with it, or are all accidents Kamma?

Ref: 2001.07.x.04.10

Written answer

Kamma

Singapore QA December 2003

Rosemary

1

7

What is wholesome Kamma and what is unwholesome Kamma? If we have past bad Kamma that is in our previous life, how do we lessen that in the present life?

Ref: 2003.12.x.01.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2005

Steve

5

6

How can I become more independent from other people's judgements and opinions?

Ref: 2005.09.x.05.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2005

Steve

4

1

How can I cultivate Equanimity besides reflecting about, "that the world is as it is"?

Ref: 2005.09.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2003

Steve

4

7

I have heard you both speak of the importance of our thoughts at the moment of death. I find that I can become very worried or concerned about this, as when sudden or drastic things have happened to me, often the only thought I can recall is wanting to live.

Ref: 2003.07.x.04.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany June 2020

Rosemary

9

2

Like most people I do not wish to get sick, to lose my purse or stumble on the pathway. When this does happen, it does affect me only for a short while, as I have grown in equanimity. However, if any of those Dukkha are caused to me because of other people I still tend to struggle with intense aversion. Much more than if I cannot identify a human cause. Could you please help me see the conditions causing this difference?

Ref: 2020.06.x.09.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany June 2020

Steve

7

9

Could you please tell us something about the feeling of guilt for being very fortunate?

Ref: 2020.06.x.07.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany June 2020

Steve

3

1

I find it sometimes very difficult to make the difference between indifference and equanimity towards a difficult situation, possibly because I witness a specific situation, I am ready to help but without feeling emotionally involved. Do you have techniques to investigate into this and make the difference clearer?

Ref: 2020.06.x.03.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany June 2020

Rosemary

5

6

It is very hard to be able to hold some kind of equanimity or poise in the face of the difficult situations described. My "the animal side of my body " reacted to a few with intense anger and rage, or fear, or grief. While I understand this is part of the process, I have some concern I may be going too deeply into the feelings and maybe not being able to process/focus on compassion. Could you speak regarding this topic?

Ref: 2020.06.x.05.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

14

5

How can the Parami of Wisdom be reborn? To me it seems to be the Parami that has the strongest foundation in the experiences of the actual life. How can this be available in the next life?

Ref: 2014.09.x.14.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

17

9

The reflection on Equanimity - I may not want to change beneficial results that come to anyone, do I? Is this last part of the reflection only for difficult results?

Ref: 2014.09.x.17.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

13

14

Can you please elaborate on the Five Daily Recollections, "have not gone beyond, owner, and they are related to, abide supported by." Can you explain the sense of these words a little further?

Ref: 2014.09.x.13.14

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

15

11

Is mental Dukkha the cause for physical Dukkha? Beside the fact that we are the nature of disease, is there any reference in the scriptures about the meaning of specific diseases related to mental Dukkha?

Ref: 2014.09.x.15.11

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

14

1

What if your child dies, how can you support it?

Ref: 2014.09.x.14.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

15

What does "to abide supported by my Kamma" mean? Could you please rephrase it? The translation given in the available dictionary is not helpful.

Ref: 2014.09.x.15.15

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

13

8

If you would die, how would you like your students to react? Think about your good Kamma and hope this will support you in a possible next existence?

Ref: 2014.09.x.13.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

16

8

Can you please maybe tell a little bit more about what it was that made you believe in the process of rebirth. Was it an understanding that came after a certain experience or teaching or did it come gradually to you?

Ref: 2014.09.x.16.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

15

17

About the donation in name of a dead person, does that interfere with the fact that everybody is the owner of their Kamma, and it's their Kamma to have such a generous person like you?

Ref: 2014.09.x.15.17

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

16

21

What is our greatest wealth, our "capital"? Is it our mind, the Dhamma, our good past Kamma?

Ref: 2014.09.x.16.21

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

15

3

How can I develop more morality? Can you give some examples on how to reflect on morality?

Ref: 2014.09.x.15.03

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

12

15

What is reincarnation? What kind of our body-mind process is reincarnated? Do I have to believe in reincarnation to be a Buddhist?

Ref: 2014.09.x.12.15

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Rosemary

17

10

Could you please give one example of how to reflect upon resolution/determination?

Ref: 2014.09.x.17.10

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

14

7

How can we deal with fear of blame and wanting praise?

Ref: 2014.09.x.14.07

Audio answer

Singapore QA August 2011

Rosemary

6

Whenever I try meditation, my mind will run wild. It's difficult to concentrate and calm down. But if I'm really calm when I start meditation, I tend to fall asleep. What should I do? Does that mean I'm not suitable to meditate?

Ref: 2011.08.x.06.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

8

2

If a person needs a certain amount of Virtue and good Kamma to get in contact with the Dhamma, how do they get those without the Dhamma? How can a really messed-up person ever get out of their bad Kamma without it and how long will that take?

Ref: 2007.01.x.08.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

2

6

Can you clarify the relationship between Kamma and reincarnation, especially from animal to human, and vice versa?

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

8

9

Could you talk about ways to reflect on Kamma?

Ref: 2007.01.x.08.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

6

3

Is wanting good Kamma, and wanting to do good, also a form of greed? If so, what is the Kammic result?

Ref: 2007.01.x.06.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

7

6

Can you please talk about the methods to deepen our experiential understanding of both Dukkha and Kamma? Also, regarding Dukkha, how to reflect on the Third and Fourth Noble Truth to keep a balance?

Ref: 2007.01.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

7

3

Sometimes I find out that I made wrong decisions. Then I feel upset and angry about it. When I reflect later on I see that it was quite obvious to decide correctly, but I did the opposite. Please, what can I do to avoid such situations in the future?'

Ref: 2007.01.x.07.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

2

1

Finding a balance between Compassion and Equanimity is sometimes too much of one, and not enough of the other.

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

3

6

How can we distinguish Dukkha we can do something about, from that which we must compassionately accept?

Ref: 2007.01.x.03.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Steve

5

How do you know you take Kamma from one life to another if you don't remember past lives?

Ref: 2007.01.x.05.05

Written answer

Kamma

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

8

1

I have changed a lot in the past years - also because of what you taught me. I've not been much of a family person before and didn't like to go to family meetings much. I still don't like to go to them. I like these people but we just don't have much to share. Should I go there just because of some duty? Aren't my spiritual friends much more of a family? Is it egotistical to think like this because I am just a daughter or niece?

Ref: 2010.09.x.08.01

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

3

5

Could you, please talk about balancing our natural tendency of Compassion towards our loved ones with Equanimity?

Ref: 2010.09.x.03.05

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Rosemary

9

4

There are people with psychological problems that make them do harm to others without knowing or recognizing it. But they might not be able to change because of their ignorance. Are these people responsible for the Kamma they create?

Ref: 2010.09.x.09.04

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Rosemary

6

3

Yesterday Rosemary guided us through the Compassion/Lovingkindness Meditation, "You wake up today, but today is different". I was wondering if there is a difference between not accepting Dukkha and standing up for your rights as in justice. So if a family is starving, should they not try to act in some way or another like people demonstrating for lower food prices? And isn't it my duty as a very privileged person to help them to get justice, by at least trying to change the system?

Ref: 2010.09.x.06.03

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Rosemary

9

7

Why is it important to do good actions?

Ref: 2010.09.x.09.07

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

5

13

In Buddhist tradition there is no god, so can we view the Dhamma in the sense of a god?

Ref: 2010.09.x.05.13

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Rosemary

6

7

Since I started meditation, I've lost more and more of my so called friends, because I don't like to drink alcohol anymore or talk about movies, music, etc. What I have now are some spiritual friends, but living far away from my home. A psychologist, a cousin, told me it is not good for a person's social life to be mainly alone, what do you think about this?

Ref: 2010.09.x.06.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Rosemary

6

What is jealousy and how do we deal with it?

Ref: 2010.09.x.06.06

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

3

1

Is it better Kamma to be reborn as a man?

Ref: 2010.09.x.03.01

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

5

14

I understood there is no proof of God, and Buddhism does not speak of a God. Buddhism speaks about Kamma and rebirth, is there proof of this?

Ref: 2010.09.x.05.14

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

3

11

Do you think that illness with which you are born and which you have throughout your life is because of your Kamma? If so, would it mean we cannot do anything when we get severely sick?

Ref: 2010.09.x.03.11

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Steve

17

5

When there ultimately is no self, how can one be the owner of his Kamma?

Ref: 2021.07.x.17.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Steve

14

Would you please explain what you mean with conditioning, is it learned or kammic?

Ref: 2021.07.x.14.14

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Steve

11

8

If I can't concentrate, will I be able to get enlightened?

Ref: 2021.07.x.11.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Rosemary

18

4

What do you recommend for a multiple hindrance attack in daily life?

Ref: 2021.07.x.18.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Steve

14

7

What is a good way to teach children about death and impermanence? I remember being quite sad when I realized my grandmother would one day pass away.

Ref: 2021.07.x.14.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Rosemary

18

5

How often should we use the daily recollections? Does it make sense to pin them up somewhere in the house? What is the benefit of using them?

Ref: 2021.07.x.18.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Rosemary

16

6

How to develop Equanimity?

Ref: 2021.07.x.16.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2021

Rosemary

15

1

What can help to judge and discriminate with an intention that is based in Compassion/Lovingkindness?

Ref: 2021.07.x.15.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Steve

16

15

Many people around the world play video games and so-called Ego-Shooter-Games, you have to kill a lot of people. Does the intention of killing produce bad Kamma even if it is just a game?

Ref: 2017.07.x.16.15

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Rosemary

15

2

Is being happy overrated? For instance, with regards to quotes like, "May all beings be happy" or "Do more of what make you happy"?

Ref: 2017.07.x.15.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Steve

14

7

Practicing martial arts in a competition, where you try to knock out the other person, is that bad Kamma? Especially when both agree to the rules?

Ref: 2017.07.x.14.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Steve

16

2

I really want to be more equanimous, but it is very difficult to believe, that all Dukkha is rooted in Kamma, every rape victim is only confronted with their own Kamma. Every cancer patient deserves this illness, war victims deserve a violent death, is there a way to open up to this thought that you can share with me?

Ref: 2017.07.x.16.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Steve

16

1

How can I develop more Saddha, Confidence or Faith and in consequence more Equanimity? Which techniques help to grow in Confidence?

Ref: 2017.07.x.16.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Rosemary

13

6

Do you believe in star signs meanings your birthday somehow determines your character. If so, why and do you in consequence also believe that there is a personal destiny that can be foreseen? Thank you for your answer.

Ref: 2017.07.x.13.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Rosemary

13

8

How are intention and intuition related?

Ref: 2017.07.x.13.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Rosemary

15

5

What is jealousy? Aversion, wanting fame, under confidence? What antidote?

Ref: 2017.07.x.15.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Steve

16

4

If you are in bad Kamma in one life, there are billions of options to be reborn in the next one, for example as a blood sucking tick, -imagination, I created that- with little hope of working on good Kamma for the next life, but at least not having enough brain to realize it "I guess". Were as Jim, who did something horrible to somebody and has to live with the guilt, who decides, is it coincidence or a creator besides the law of cause and effect, who decides?

Ref: 2017.07.x.16.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2015

Steve

18

6

What do you think are the main reasons for people to hold on to self aversion?

Ref: 2015.07.x.18.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2015

Rosemary

13

5

Could you discuss the topic of assisted suicide, when an old or sick person is given the means to painlessly end their suffering. What about putting down animals, pets, horses with broken legs, etc.? What about people in a coma who may or not may not wake up in months or years? I am thinking of do not hook me up to machine instruction for my loved once in the case I am in a very serious condition and I would like to here hear your views of the ethics of this.

Ref: 2015.07.x.13.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2015

Rosemary

15

3

When doing Compassion/Lovingkindness for people in extreme situations, like the refugees on the boats, I don't know what to do with my emotions, and so I shy away from these topics. What to should I do?

Ref: 2015.07.x.15.03

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2015

Rosemary

15

16

In yesterday’s meditation we said, that everything that happens to someone is the result of causes that preceded it, can you please elaborate on this? Does that mean that Dukkha you experience is caused by something you have done? That it's your own fault? And what about children, to explain and understand what happens to them based on previous actions?

Ref: 2015.07.x.15.16

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2015

Steve

16

7

If there was a famine in the days of the Buddha, how did the Sangha deal with that considering food?

Ref: 2015.07.x.16.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

9

4

With the forgiveness meditation, I found it very difficult to say I forgive you to the Taliban militia in Afghanistan. However, later, when I had done a reflection on Equanimity, that they are the owner of their Kamma, etc., I was able to extend this forgiveness. Could you please talk about the role of Equanimity in forgiveness?

Ref: 2008.01.x.09.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

7

How can we become less dependent on positive feedback, praise or fame from other people to motivate our inward growth?

Ref: 2008.01.x.07.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

6

3

Could you explain more why most of us like to hold onto self-pity type of thoughts?

Ref: 2008.01.x.06.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

9

3

Please give some common examples of Equanimity falling into indifference and how to avoid this, especially in relationships with those close to us, family and work?

Ref: 2008.01.x.09.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

7

5

It took the Buddha six years to get enlightenment. What is our human potential?

Ref: 2008.01.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

6

4

Could you please talk about how we can develop our experiential understanding of Dependent Origination and Kamma?

Ref: 2008.01.x.06.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

2

I recently heard people judging me as being closed, even a little autistic, when I was just trying to feel inside and be aware of the situation. How can I deal with judgement?

Ref: 2008.01.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Rosemary

7

6

I remember Rosemary once saying something like "loss increases as we age," in regard to our older relatives having trouble letting go of a house which is too big and too expensive for them to keep. Could you please talk about what we can do now to remind and prepare ourselves for the losses of aging?

Ref: 2008.01.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Steve

8

4

Could you please give examples of confidence inspiring objects one might reflect on?

Ref: 2008.01.x.08.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Steve

4

9

Yesterday Steve talked about the decline of the Buddha’s teachings and about how the day will come when they are forgotten. Please explain further.

Ref: 2011.09.x.04.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Steve

4

2

What has any meaning when a loved one -- for example, a child or a parent -- dies?

Ref: 2011.09.x.04.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Rosemary

9

4

Can a highly developed Parami get lost again? How stable are they? Is there stability or instability in both directions?

Ref: 2011.09.x.09.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Rosemary

7

1

How can we deal with the fear of a terminal disease?

Ref: 2011.09.x.07.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Steve

5

9

In times with little self-confidence, my experience is that it is very difficult to have Saddha. What can help me during the times when I feel depressed and have little self-confidence?

Ref: 2011.09.x.05.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Steve

5

4

I struggle or hesitate with recollecting and reflecting on the good Kamma I have done because it feels like I am making it “my” collection or “my” account. Also, I prefer to always dedicate the merits. Wouldn’t it be better to imagine the results of my deeds, such as other people’s happiness, to raise Joy?

Ref: 2011.09.x.05.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2011

Rosemary

6

4

How to deal with worrying when one has cancer and one has children?

Ref: 2011.09.x.06.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Rosemary

15

9

Would somebody free from Dukkha never feel Embarrassment?

Ref: 2010.01.x.15.09

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Rosemary

17

How to strengthen the Parami of Morality in everyday life?

Ref: 2010.01.x.17.17

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

12

6

Regarding the situation of many Afghan village women. I have read in the news about women who are widowed, forced to leave their country due to war, and have to find a way to earn a livelihood to support themselves and their families as refugees in Pakistan. Many of these women can't find jobs and resort to begging or prostitution. How can they "do the right thing?" Is prostitution wrong livelihood? How can we reflect on this skillfully?

Ref: 2010.01.x.12.06

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

18

3

Is there any teaching on instant Kamma? Can you burn off bad Kamma, and see the results of good Kamma in this life manifest?

Ref: 2010.01.x.18.03

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Rosemary

17

16

When injustice happens to me, my partner does not stand up for me towards that other person, perhaps because of a fear of loss, losing the good relationship with that person. That hurts and disappoints me. What can I do?

Ref: 2010.01.x.17.16

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

16

15

Is it right view to believe that each of us has the ability to change the future results of past negative Kamma, or is it more skillful to be open to the possibility that some results can't be changed.

Ref: 2010.01.x.16.15

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

16

1

When someone good, young, and healthy dies, a victim of violence, is it his Kamma? Is it his destiny? What is the difference between destiny and Kamma?

Ref: 2010.01.x.16.01

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Rosemary

17

7

Why is the process of dying so important in Theravadin Buddhism What do you personally think will happen when you die? How would you handle this?

Ref: 2010.01.x.17.07

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

18

1

Is there a Kamma kitty? In other words if I want to ensure fertility in this life or the next, should I work with bettering the lives of children? If I work with the elderly, am I ensuring I will be taken care of in my old age in every life?

Ref: 2010.01.x.18.01

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Rosemary

15

2

How could bad things happen to people who have done evil to no one?

Ref: 2010.01.x.15.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

14

10

Will an ignorant criminal, who has killed a good person, be punished in this life or in a future life?

Ref: 2010.01.x.14.10

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

14

1

When reflecting on the starving people in the world, who have nothing to eat, I have negative feelings of guilt come up. Especially, because I enjoy food so much. How can I get this right in my practice?

Ref: 2010.01.x.14.01

Audio answer

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Rosemary

2

5

If a person or any being is suffering very much, and there is no way to help or to cure, is it not a sort of Compassion to help to kill this being?

Ref: 2003.01.x.02.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

3

11

When I see that someone is going to do a wrong action I can intervene so that the Kammic effect for that person will be different. What about animals? For example, a dog playing with a frog, a cat chasing a mouse. With what intention shall I intervene? What gives me the right to change the animal's Kamma, if there is one?

Ref: 2003.01.x.03.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

5

1

Can the Kamma being experienced in this life be the result of actions in this life? Can Kamma in this life be the result of the actions of many past lives? Is there instant Kamma?

Ref: 2003.01.x.05.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

5

12

Is the way I'm going to die influenced by Kamma? Can I gain a peaceful painless death by trying to be a good person?

Ref: 2003.01.x.05.12

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

5

9

Can cats or dogs be reborn as humans and have a chance of getting enlightened? Can we help them to do good Kamma as they may not be aware of the necessity to do so, and seem to be driven by desire and hatred?

Ref: 2003.01.x.05.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Rosemary

9

1

If you can think of any one personal anecdote or story from the teachings which has particularly inspired you to maintain your practice over the years, and which inspired you to begin your practice in the first place, I would love to hear it.

Ref: 2003.01.x.09.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

5

8

Can one dedicate good Kamma to somebody else? Does it really work, or is it just a Compassion/Lovingkindness wish?

Ref: 2003.01.x.05.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

4

16

What does death mean to you? Do you believe in reincarnation?

Ref: 2003.01.x.04.16

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Rosemary

6

4

If we have caused suffering to another person, my understanding is that we can try to make good Kamma, but we can never escape the consequences, like the Buddha's right hand man who was murdered. We may wish to make amends, but what if we have no way of reaching that person, or they may not wish to be reached. Is there a particular technique we can do, and can it ever free us from the burden of bad Kamma from the past?

Ref: 2003.01.x.06.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Rosemary

9

1

When somebody did a lot of harm to you, but later you realized you did learn a lot by all your suffering and about the inner motivations of the other person, so you understand more of life, can that influence the other's Kamma?

Ref: 2009.01.x.09.01

Written answer

Kamma

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Steve

5

6

Yesterday, Steve briefly discussed abortion. On reflection I realized I had not fully considered this issue. Would you please explain how I might consider abortion in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother. Is their any time when abortion would be justified considering Kamma, Dukkha and right understanding.

Ref: 2009.01.x.05.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Rosemary

2

6

Someone I know, has for many years not been entirely honest in their financial affairs. This was with good intentions to help the family and nobody directly is hurt by it. This is now causing them a lot of mental Dukkha. They asked for help from a friend but this person is concerned about compromising their precepts particularly if their advice is not followed. Please comment.

Ref: 2009.01.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Steve

5

10

Not wanting blame is still a big one for me. What do you suggest with regard to how to work with it?

Ref: 2009.01.x.05.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Steve

3

4

Regarding developing sympathetic joy: though I seem to be able to easily find examples of others' good qualities and actions for reflection, I still find it hard to come up with examples of my own, though I volunteer for a charity and give to the needy as I can.

Ref: 2009.01.x.03.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Rosemary

9

3

Out of compassion for the suffering of an animal, many people choose to euthanize the animal. Would you please discuss Compassionate Intention, Dukkha and Kamma of this action?

Ref: 2009.01.x.09.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Steve

8

6

As my practice grows I find my understanding of love is shifting, sometimes raising doubts about how I love and how I feel loved. Would you discuss your experience of this and how your understanding of love has shifted.

Ref: 2009.01.x.08.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2009

Rosemary

7

6

I heard another Dhamma teacher say that if we feel superior to another person, because we have followed the path and they don't, we immediately lose our merit gained from practicing the Dhamma. Do you agree?

Ref: 2009.01.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

4

1

Could you please discuss if it's possible to clear bad Kamma for others, for example can we by clearing our own Kamma also work to clear generational Kamma in our families? Can we also help to heal the bad Kamma of human kind from the many unwise actions of people against others, themselves and the earth?

Ref: 2011.07.x.04.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

7

5

How can I work with difficult people who have decided they don't like me? I did compassion and lovingkindness for them and for myself, but the jealousy or unsatisfactoriness is still there. And it is very hard to be detached.

Ref: 2011.07.x.07.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

3

10

I am able to have compassion for people who are no longer alive, but I have difficulties giving them a loving kind wish. Do you have any suggestions?

Ref: 2011.07.x.03.10

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

3

9

I recently had some spontaneous unexpected past life memories. These have proven disturbing and insightful on some of life’s challenges and relationship dynamics. Could you please discuss the role of Kamma and how to clear and purify bad past Kamma. Also, is everything a result of Kamma or is there also chance and chaos at work?

Ref: 2011.07.x.03.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

9

2

With the eight worldly conditions, is the idea to investigate our Dukkha to see the cause of it and the motivation? Are they to be added to the five hindrances?

Ref: 2011.07.x.09.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

5

2

How can understanding of the Law of Kamma be developed?

Ref: 2011.07.x.05.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

6

5

What are the benefits of keeping the body as still as possible?

Ref: 2011.07.x.06.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

4

5

Concerning Jim and Tom and the guided Compassion/Lovingkindness meditation, the self-hatred Jim must be feeling, must be vast. Could you please share, what processes and what techniques and tools Jim would need in order to one day find peace of mind? I would think, that there would always be some level of self-aversion when Jim brings up this memory.

Ref: 2011.07.x.04.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Rosemary

9

6

Could you please speak more about the importance of what we think about at the moment of death. If we think of a person or an event, how can that affect our next incarnation?

Ref: 2011.07.x.09.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

5

10

Do we progress in our practice only as far as our Kamma permits us? What is the interconnection between Kamma and an individuals will and effort? What comes first?

Ref: 2010.07.x.05.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Rosemary

6

Could you please talk about the relationship between Truthfulness, Right Intention and the eight worldly dhammas?

Ref: 2010.07.x.06.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

4

1

Can you go over the Five Hindrances again, and give guidance on how to meditate, or not, on them.

Ref: 2010.07.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

4

9

The Buddha is recorded to have said, "Kamma, I say, is intention." Could you please talk a little bit more about this?

Ref: 2010.07.x.04.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Rosemary

9

6

Please talk more about the process of stopping compassion from falling into aversion, especially regarding other people's actions?

Ref: 2010.07.x.09.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

4

5

Could you speak a little about the process of death according to Theravadin Buddhism. Why is it important what we think before we die? More questions: Why is giving one's organs after death not permitted. What happens, for example, to people who die doing extreme sports at the moment of highest excitement or concentration?

Ref: 2010.07.x.04.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

3

10

According to the scriptures, who or what is deciding on Kammic deeds? For example, what human deeds lead towards rebirth as an animal in a nice home with caretakers, or what human deeds lead to be rebirth as an animal on the streets riddled with disease and suffering?

Ref: 2010.07.x.03.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

5

9

Concerning the example with the millipede from yesterday. You said the person stepping on the millipede would receive no bad Kamma since they had no intention of killing. But isn't the act of killing in itself due to a lack of mindfulness and unbeneficial actions, which will bring unbeneficial results?

Ref: 2010.07.x.05.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Steve

4

1

I have a problem with alcohol I enjoy wine with dinner. It de-tenses me. Mentally I know I want to stop this habit, but I keep doing it. Everyone in my family drinks.

Ref: 2003.04.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Rosemary

7

4

We are continually reading about how the AIDS virus is decimating the population of Africa. We feel the utmost Compassion for them as they probably do not have the medical help to aid them. But how would we be able to combat our anger and despair if a loved one contracted the disease when they had been given contaminated blood during a supposedly life-saving blood transfusion, or as we read so often, the policeman contracts it doing his duty.

Ref: 2003.04.x.07.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Steve

4

3

My friend, who has just died, became terrified of death. She had always been a gentle caring person. I pointed this out but it didn't seem to help. What could I have done to help ease her fears?

Ref: 2003.04.x.04.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

16

17

Kamma itself has no Morality, is that true?

Ref: 2019.07.x.16.17

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

13

2

Are there any differences between practicing or reflecting on Generosity and Morality within the Ten Paramis and the Ten Anusati, the ten daily recollections?

Ref: 2019.07.x.13.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

13

6

If there is a world beyond and if there is fruit and result of Kamma, well done or ill, then at death, at the dissolution of this body I shell reborn in a good destination in a heaven world. A person with a purified mind, should not they be reborn not in a heaven world, but in Nibbana per definition

Ref: 2019.07.x.13.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

18

1

When Siddhartha Gautama almost starved himself, he decided to eat again, a crucial moment. The person who gave him the food did some pretty good Kamma. Could you elaborate on this please?

Ref: 2019.07.x.18.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

12

3

How do we or should we teach meditation to kids? Our own, our students etc.?

Ref: 2019.07.x.12.03

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

17

8

Some people who harm others seem to be doing just fine, it can seem like they like their life a lot and like they are unaffected by bad Kamma. I thought about how their next life might be. Sometimes seem like a puny inspiration to keep doing the right thoughts.

Ref: 2019.07.x.17.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

15

9

Regarding the Five Daily Recollections, how to reflect on this recollection: "I am related to my Kamma"?

Ref: 2019.07.x.15.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

15

6

Why is it so important to have a strong and wise mind at the moment of death? Is it more important than any other moment?

Ref: 2019.07.x.15.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

17

12

In our societies there is a concept of guilt, in Buddhism we talk about Kamma that comes from cause and effects. Is there something like guilt in the world or is this just not seeing the whole picture?

Ref: 2019.07.x.17.12

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

18

4

Why is Kamma not listed in the Three Characteristics? Surely it is also a Characteristic of Existence?

Ref: 2019.07.x.18.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

12

16

Is there a special way for dedicating merits to the recently deceased?

Ref: 2019.07.x.12.16

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

14

15

How do you count Five Daily Recollections? Does Kamma count as one?

Ref: 2019.07.x.14.15

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

13

5

I can understand the usefulness of the Four Assurances, but does the fourth assurance mean there is no connection between cause/ill doing and affects/negative consequences following this ill doing?

Ref: 2019.07.x.13.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

4

6

In what respect are the last thoughts before death important for rebirth?

Ref: 2006.09.x.04.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Rosemary

7

4

How do we work with fear of blame? How to resist blame from family, friends, and colleagues when inside you know you acted beneficially, nevertheless they blame you.

Ref: 2006.09.x.07.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

3

6

What about people who were born in poor conditions, concerning Kamma, is it their own fault to be poor?

Ref: 2006.09.x.03.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

5

1

Can you talk more about how to reflect on "everyone is the owner of his or her Kamma" in formal meditation?

Ref: 2006.09.x.05.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

5

13

How to deal with the desire to get fame and be someone important?

Ref: 2006.09.x.05.13

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

4

Concerning Kamma - without me or mine what is Kamma attached to, if there is no-self - whose Kamma is it?

Ref: 2006.09.x.04.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2005

Steve

5

2

In my mind I create what I think others are thinking of me or what they're expecting of me. This gives me negative thoughts about myself and it feels like a burden. How can I let go of these thoughts?

Ref: 2005.07.x.05.02

Written answer

Berlin QA September 2008

Steve

7

3

Could you say something about self-doubt in the practice, about not believing that you have the potential to open to difficulties.

Ref: 2008.09.x.07.03

Written answer

Berlin QA September 2008

Rosemary

7

5

It's very difficult at times to practice Compassion. I feel like I used to be in my family with my brother, or my father, and my mother, sometimes they say very bad things to me and it happens to me in my family life, too. My husband, he's is very nice to me but he gets angry and says very bad things to me, and though I want to be nice to him, though I don't want to hurt him either but in that on such occasions, it's very difficult to control myself. How to practice my Compassion then?

Ref: 2008.09.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Rosemary

9

6

I would tease a retreatant with the intention to help him to grow. Is it bad Kamma for me, and Dukkha for him? For example, when we queue up for breakfast I would take the food very slowly (I didn't do it yet).

Ref: 2009.09.x.09.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Steve

4

9

Yesterday Steve talked about abortion. What do you think about the claim of some women to have the right to be the boss over their own body, and that it is up to them to decide whether to abort or not. What about the Kammic consequences for the women who do abort and the doctor who does it?

Ref: 2009.09.x.04.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Rosemary

9

8

How to let go of the fear of losing loved ones, the fear that they will die?

Ref: 2009.09.x.09.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Rosemary

7

6

Yesterday evening you talked about mindfulness of states of mind. What can help depressed people who have depressed states of mind for a very long period, maybe for months?

Ref: 2009.09.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Steve

5

7

Is it good to have an organ donor pass and to donate your organs if you are dying? How is the process of dying influenced?

Ref: 2009.09.x.05.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2009

Steve

8

10

If a couple wants to have children but it is not possible in a natural way and they use modern medicine and "invetro fertility", do they collect bad Kamma, because of being greedy, especially if the woman has a miscarriage?

Ref: 2009.09.x.08.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Steve

4

5

Do I understand correctly that not all Dukkha comes from within one’s own craving, unwise reactions and ignorance, but there is also external Dukkha like breaking a leg or train running late, just bad luck?

Ref: 2013.09.x.04.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Steve

5

7

How to deal with people who will find always something to blame you for?

Ref: 2013.09.x.05.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Steve

3

4

Could you please explain how the Dedication of Merits works, what concept lies behind the thought that we can share and give away our merits? And could you give an example how to formulate this dedication?

Ref: 2013.09.x.03.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Rosemary

6

3

The mother of the Buddha died nine days after she gave birth to Siddhartha Gotama. This is big Dukkha. Do you think this somehow influenced the Buddha in finding the way to open to Dukkha?

Ref: 2013.09.x.06.03

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Rosemary

6

2

Are there any times or situations when it can be helpful to express our anger, in the sense of letting the other person know we are angry? For example, in an argument, we left the other person knowing that we are angry. So, we need to step back first before we can talk more, basically for de-escalation in the other situations.

Ref: 2013.09.x.06.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Steve

8

Sometimes I get too much of all that reflecting and Mindfulness, a feeling that everything in my life gets utilized. How do I balance these moments?

Ref: 2013.09.x.08.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Rosemary

6

8

How do monks and nuns in Theravadin Buddhism learn to let go of the sexual desires? It seems to be a big challenge to me.

Ref: 2013.09.x.06.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2013

Steve

5

6

Why does Buddha also become sick, and why some Buddhist Monks are killing animals for eating, or say to somebody that they should kill the animal for them?

Ref: 2013.09.x.05.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Rosemary

6

4

Kamma is intention. Would you please explain this statement by the Buddha in a little bit more depth?

Ref: 2004.09.x.06.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Rosemary

9

5

Has every animal the same value? Has every human being the same value? Is killing the parents worse than another person?

Ref: 2004.09.x.09.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

4

6

How can we best help a dying relative?

Ref: 2004.09.x.04.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

5

9

In the very early days of Christianity, reincarnation was not rejected. Could it be that the reincarnation of a soul is in fact the same as reincarnation of Kamma?

Ref: 2004.09.x.05.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

5

3

What is reborn? Is it the ego, the mind, the consciousness or the personality?

Ref: 2004.09.x.05.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

16

3

Loss of self-control comes often quite sudden, a certain remark can spark a sudden outburst of anger, how to prevent this?

Ref: 2018.07.x.16.03

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

16

5

May you please speak more about the Energy Parami? I would not consider myself particularly energetic in the formal meditation, especially when I am falling asleep after time.

Ref: 2018.07.x.16.05

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Steve

14

2

If we are the owners, heir, born, related, abide supported by our own Kamma and whatever Kamma we do, we will be the heir. If this is so, can we ever be the victim of injustice or can it only appear so?

Ref: 2018.07.x.14.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

15

7

Could you please talk about the Seven Factors of Enlightenment? How to develop them?

Ref: 2018.07.x.15.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Steve

17

15

Is it good to reflect at the end of the day about good Kamma done and forgive yourself for possible wrong actions or speech?

Ref: 2018.07.x.17.15

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

12

7

Can someone alter the faith that Kamma has been determined for that person?

Ref: 2018.07.x.12.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Steve

14

1

Does a partnership have its own Dukkha or is it just the Dukkha of the individual partners?

Ref: 2018.07.x.14.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

18

1

Do you see a difference between praise and an honest compliment or recognition of a particular good virtue a deed, were would you draw the line?

Ref: 2018.07.x.18.01

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Rosemary

16

9

Could you please repeat the phrase you use in the Five Reflections concerning balancing Compassion and Equanimity and comment on it?

Ref: 2018.07.x.16.09

Audio answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2005

Steve

8

5

When I saw that even by dumping water I have to kill living beings, I started to get worried about taking other lives. How can I work with that?

Ref: 2005.04.x.08.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2005

Steve

4

1

With observation, I have found it quite easy to see that the comfort of a person's material circumstances does not result in peace and wealth in the mind. I have met wealthy people who have poverty in the mind. But how is it then that the Buddha said that such poverty in the mind will result in poor circumstances upon rebirth. Shouldn't there be few poor people with wealth in the mind as a result and few rich people with poverty in the mind. In my experience this is not the case. Have such people changed dramatically in youth for either better or worse?

Ref: 2005.04.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Steve

3

4

Please talk more about Kamma, the Law of Cause and Effect. For example, civilians killed in a war, or women who sell their bodies because they must feed their family.

Ref: 2007.07.x.03.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

7

3

Regarding Food Reflection, specifically on recognizing that living beings must necessarily die to produce all food, and Kamma or Morality reflection -- that actions produce results and results are reliant on our intentions. I found moral shame and dread arising at the thought of eating animals deliberately killed for food despite understanding that we can't avoid living beings dying in order that we eat, and problems in considering others' intention, e.g. how a fisherman makes a living by killing. A farmer may deliberately use a pesticide to grow vegetables or fruit, so we buy organic food where no chemicals are used, so that the only deaths are accidental, not intentional. What is the Kammic result of a butcher who slaughters pigs, cows, chickens for a living? Surely it's straight to the hell realms? Monks just eat what is given, but by choosing what I eat, what I buy, I affect the people who sell the food.

Ref: 2007.07.x.07.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

2

6

If we receive blame while doing generous actions, what are some ways to prevent that blame from preventing us from our wanting to continue to do generous actions?

Ref: 2007.07.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Steve

5

3

Please talk about suicide a bit more, regarding: 1. I guess it's really bad Kamma for oneself, in other words, you go straight to the hell realms as a person who's killing? 2. Also, do you accept suicide attempters on this retreat? 3. I remember in the 1970's, those Buddhist monks who, as a protest to their country's terrible conditions/war/human suffering, became famous because they committed suicide by sitting down in meditation and setting themselves on fire.

Ref: 2007.07.x.05.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Steve

3

9

It happens sometimes at work that I give a colleague a tip or advice, then they might use it and it works very well, but later when presenting their work, they often don't acknowledge it wasn't their own idea. What would be some appropriate reactions please?

Ref: 2007.07.x.03.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

7

1

Christianity gave Western culture a huge guilt complex which still lingers in the current scientific era. Please compare guilt with Moral Shame and perhaps explaining how a milder form of emotion, embarrassment, fits into this?

Ref: 2007.07.x.07.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Steve

4

11

Concerning Steve's discussion of generosity yesterday, in his example of giving money to a drunk. When giving money or otherwise, should we consider how the generosity is likely to be used? If so, how can we know we understand the reality? Does our negative Kamma increase if we mistakenly decide not to give because we assume we know how the money will be misused, e.g. in the case of the drunk?

Ref: 2007.07.x.04.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

6

8

Regarding lower beings -- insects, etc. -- can you explain how they develop positive Kamma, if they are able to develop? Is the mosquito responsible for the Dukkha suffered by beings it bites or infects?

Ref: 2007.07.x.06.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Rosemary

2

5

How does a meditator in this tradition balance Compassion and Equanimity in formal meditation and in everyday life?

Ref: 2007.07.x.02.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2007

Steve

4

7

I hear you both say "give without expecting anything in return". Isn't the good Kamma that comes to us our reward for giving?

Ref: 2007.07.x.04.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

3

9

What happens after an abortion to the unborn child and to the women in their next life? Is it a murder? How can they change it for better Kamma?

Ref: 2007.09.x.03.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

8

4

Do you have special methods or techniques for sadness?

Ref: 2007.09.x.08.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

4

6

If everybody is the owner of their Kamma, is it my own fault when I am born in Bangladesh, for example, and have to suffer hunger and thirst?

Ref: 2007.09.x.04.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

3

2

I'm a vegetarian because I don't want animals to be killed for me. But if I eat cheese also animals have to be killed because the animals only give milk if they are pregnant and because of wanting cheese there are too many female animals so they will be killed. So is it senseless to be a vegetarian?

Ref: 2007.09.x.03.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

3

1

What kind of Kamma does exist? Which one leads us out of Samsara?

Ref: 2007.09.x.03.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

3

10

Does death in one's life happen at a set time?

Ref: 2007.09.x.03.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Rosemary

9

4

When and why did you decide to live a Buddhist life?

Ref: 2007.09.x.09.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

3

7

Can you please talk about how to deal better with fear of death and which meditations help to overcome it?

Ref: 2007.09.x.03.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

5

13

Could you please speak in more detail about why when we are dying, we can depend upon the good actions that we have done. Is there anything else except practicing the Paramis that makes good Kamma?

Ref: 2007.09.x.05.13

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

3

6

How to deal with fear of making mistakes, fear of blame?

Ref: 2007.09.x.03.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Rosemary

6

2

If I can defend my life only by killing someone, otherwise they would definitely kill me, what would I do? If I kill them, would that make my Kamma worse?

Ref: 2007.09.x.06.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Steve

5

6

If Dukkha may manifest at any moment, (and it does for sure) how can I be responsible of my own Dukkha?

Ref: 2003.09.x.05.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Steve

4

2

I have a mentor at work, he is about 60 years old. He taught me a lot, and he was always very kind. Then I found out he is not kind to most other people, and after years he also turned against me. Intrigues, power, fighting, some also physical. I tried to establish a distance, but he will not allow this. What can I do besides Compassion/Lovingkindness? This is like waving a red flag in front of a bull.

Ref: 2003.09.x.04.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Steve

8

1

Please talk about the Dedication of Merits, what happens in doing so, does our good Kamma flow over to others like good energy? Or do we only use this as a technique for our own determination? Do my parents automatically share my good Kamma even though they might not agree with my way of living?

Ref: 2003.09.x.08.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Rosemary

7

5

Does Kamma belong to me? Am I not the owner of my Kamma? How can I understand this compared to the statement that "nothing belongs to me"?

Ref: 2003.09.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Steve

5

Yesterday you talked about the Five Aggregates and how Dukkha arises at the point where Mental Formations are "born". At which point is our Kamma made? Is it the mental formations also? If so can we have more analytic thoughts without making, causing, Kamma? In other words, say when we try to understand how something works like a process, a machine?

Ref: 2003.09.x.05.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

3

4

Please talk about the Truthfulness Parami. I'm finding it challenging to go beyond "don't lie."

Ref: 2009.07.x.03.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

5

9

If, for example, someone is a very fast and risky driver, and has no accident. I understand that they are using up their good Kamma, which protects them. What if someone drives very carefully and defensive, but doesn't use the seatbelt or a motorbike driver doesn't use a helmet, not bringing up the effort to prevent. Is that also using up good Kamma?

Ref: 2009.07.x.05.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

8

7

Can you please discuss the challenges people have in overcoming serious depression? In what ways does Western societies contribute to the causes of depression?

Ref: 2009.07.x.08.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

4

5

Why do you think some people enjoy violence? Watching violent movies, violent video games, violent sports, what do you think makes people enjoy these things?

Ref: 2009.07.x.04.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

2

6

Can you please talk about the nature of praise and blame, concern about others judgment of you and its relation to Dukkha, especially fear?

Ref: 2009.07.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

2

4

How do we make sure we are having equanimity and not indifference?

Ref: 2009.07.x.02.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

7

5

Please explain the relationship between conditioning and Kamma.

Ref: 2009.07.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

3

1

I understand how when we want somebody to change a certain behavior, we often become the one with the problem. But if the other person is in the position to influence us with their sometimes negative behaviors, attitudes and choices, how can we find a balance in these types of situations?

Ref: 2009.07.x.03.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

8

11

What are some techniques to use when it is challenging to generate joy during the Sympathetic Joy meditation?

Ref: 2009.07.x.08.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

9

1

As a kid/young teenager I sometimes stole money from my parents' wallet. How can I make up for that now?

Ref: 2009.07.x.09.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Steve

3

2

Can you talk about how to separate love from attachment?

Ref: 2009.07.x.03.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

7

6

Can you please talk about fear of blame, especially the fear of not wanting to get a bad picture of oneself.

Ref: 2009.07.x.07.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

2

What are some methods with dealing with fear when doing death reflection, in particular in dealing with being buried alive?

Ref: 2009.07.x.02.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

4

14

Do Metta (Lovingkindness/Compassion) meditations work like a one-hundredth monkey effect? When we actually visualize someone we know in a meditation, can they be somehow lifted up kammicly by wishing them ease of suffering, are we praying?

Ref: 2000.01.x.04.14

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

7

11

Are fate and Kamma the same thing? If we know that we did very wrong and unbeneficial things in the past, can we improve it now in the present?

Ref: 2000.01.x.07.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

6

3

How do we make Compassion and Lovingkindness meditation for very difficult people who cause a lot of harm in this world. How to separate them from their actions?

Ref: 2000.01.x.06.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

3

1

Could you please repeat the Reflection to do before walking meditation, and maybe talk a little about Rebirth in relation to this?

Ref: 2000.01.x.03.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

8

10

Is there a technique to prevent ourselves from creating self-images?

Ref: 2000.01.x.08.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

3

4

What causes, in a Buddhist thinking, bring me to Wat Kow Tahm?

Ref: 2000.01.x.03.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

7

Confidence inspiring objects. Rosemary mentioned reflecting on this when ill. Are they general things for example, Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, or did she use something more personal?

Ref: 2000.01.x.07.07

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

7

5

Why is it important to have a peaceful mind in our moment of death when you consider reincarnation is theory or belief, not a proven fact?

Ref: 2000.01.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Steve

3

10

Please can you explain what "intention is Kamma" means. Thank you.

Ref: 2005.01.x.03.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Rosemary

6

13

When I go back home, I'm surrounded by people with wrong views and wrong actions. How can I avoid: a) feeling superior, b) feeling depressed, or c) getting influenced by their behavior?

Ref: 2005.01.x.06.13

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Rosemary

2

4

I have difficulty always thinking about how fortunate I am. I have been doing it all of my life. My sister was sick all her life. My brother is a 100% disabled war veteran. My daughter was sexually abused. My son has been fighting melanoma for fifteen years. I have no great misfortune. I'll work on my survivor guilt this retreat. Any suggestions beyond Lovingkindness for myself?

Ref: 2005.01.x.02.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Steve

5

8

Poverty and disease equals bad Kamma. Health and wealth equals good Kamma. Is that right?

Ref: 2005.01.x.05.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Rosemary

6

15

Would it not be considered selfish if one's good views were primarily intended for one's own merit, instead of developing one of the Paramis?

Ref: 2005.01.x.06.15

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Steve

8

24

My understanding will have to progress a lot further and science also, before I can comprehend Kamma. Something like genes and DNA that hang in there for generations. That everyone in the past for example, Pol Pot or Hitler or the Chinese deserve what they got. This is possible of course, but this leads to the fact that we are all sinners especially since our mind stream has been accumulated forever. How is this useful?

Ref: 2005.01.x.08.24

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Steve

4

2

What about if the intention is right but the action goes wrong, what would be the Kamma?

Ref: 2005.01.x.04.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Steve

4

5

What does Buddhism say about killing in defense? Example, being attacked by someone and killing people who do much harm to others?

Ref: 2002.01.x.04.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Steve

8

2

Could you please explain some more about the reflection last night, regarding the last question, how does attachment to praise, gain, whatever, block you from understanding reality? I tried to reflect like this: are praise, gain, etc., permanent, can I prevent them coming or make them come? Do they change whether our action is good or bad? But I still have trouble. Could you please expand a little more?

Ref: 2002.01.x.08.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Rosemary

9

5

Can you give hints about how to develop more Equanimity?

Ref: 2002.01.x.09.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Rosemary

9

8

When others blame me for something I didn't even do, coming from believing another person's wrong perceptions of me, what do I do? Do I try to explain that it is not true, or just use Equanimity?

Ref: 2002.01.x.09.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Steve

5

A Thai woman once told me about their husband dying two years before in an accident. She was sad and upset. She said she didn't understand why this happened, that he was a good man, who went to the Wat a lot. I didn't know what to say to her. What can we say - whether to a Buddhist or a non-Buddhist - that would be true, correct, appropriate and beneficial and hopefully endearing (pleasant to the ear) as well?

Ref: 2002.01.x.05.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Rosemary

9

4

How do you work with idealism towards others, expecting them at times to know and understand things that seem to have become clear to me? As well as disappointment, they are not able to understand and help themselves, and even want to help themselves.

Ref: 2002.01.x.09.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Rosemary

9

6

How do I work with the fear that sometimes arises when doing the Death reflection? That there is so much more left to be done, I am not ready for it yet.

Ref: 2002.01.x.09.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Steve

4

6

How can we know what is bad and what is good? For example, a young girl is working as a prostitute. We don't know why she is doing such a job. Maybe forced to do it. Is she bad?

Ref: 2004.01.x.04.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Steve

5

9

Please, if at the time of death if we have not the Kamma for a human rebirth or even for an animal's rebirth, what are the other possibilities? And can we help somebody who is dying to get a good rebirth even if his Kamma is not so good? Can we influence his or her mind in a beneficial way?

Ref: 2004.01.x.05.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Rosemary

9

11

How is it if someone dies during sleeping and doesn't have any thoughts, any ideas?

Ref: 2004.01.x.09.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Rosemary

7

2

If sickness comes from thought, is it possible to then getting ill by thinking, "may I be healthy and strong?"

Ref: 2004.01.x.07.02

Written answer