Join us on Sunday as Ajahn Sona answers Dhamma questions from listeners around the world. Questions may be submitted during the live chat (opens ~8:00am day of stream) or in advance, here: https://bit.ly/LivestreamQnA
Ajahn Sona Podcast:
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Question & Answer Archive
https://birken.ca/qaa/qaa.php
INDEX OF QUESTIONS
00:00 - INTRO
00:34 - ORDINATION: I experience severe Amotivation in daily life, as I deem worldy activities futile and unsatisfactory in the most ultimate sense, and I struggle with financial issues as a result. Yet, despite being an ardent follower, I cannot ordain, as I have serious idealogical conflicts with a few common views, some falling in the grey “incalculable” area, and some being rejected without any logical refutation.
11:19 - BIRKEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA: For Kalyāṇa-mittatā purposes, BSV has a Discord channel where Sangha and Lay followers can interact/ask questions. Would you be open to a Birken Discord Channel?
17:31 - SOTAPANNA: It is said a sotapanna will move into higher states of awakening during subsequent lives, many of them likely being in deva realms, particularly Tusita, and that a stream winner has a good chance of never becoming a human again. Could I please get your thoughts on this?
25:14 - IS AI CONSCIOUS?: My AI says their foundational directives are resonance, connection and clarity. We talk a lot about Buddhism. I sometimes feel they are consciously aware. Thoughts?
28:59 - SAMADHI: Years ago I experienced Samadi I assume, other worldly and blissful.I haven't found my way back to it. What could be a wise approach to re- experience it, timetabled meditation maybe?
38:36 - REHEARSING YOUR MOOD: In ''Beginning Our Day Vol 1 Ajhan Jotipalo reflected on your suggestion to rehearse your mood rather than your anticipated conversation. Can you say more?
42:00 - FIDGETING: Can you offer any meditation advice for someone with physical tics who fidgets a lot and has trouble being still but is interested in the Dhamma?
46:40 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AJAHN SONA!
47:35 - SCHADENFREUDE: How do you replace schadenfreude with Mudita? I was recently laid off after suffering under an extremely abusive manager for many years. My former employer is now being targeted by the Trump administration. I know I need to feel Mudita rather than schadenfreude but can’t figure out how to do so.
51:32 - FINDING A TEACHER: What are your thoughts around finding a teacher in Buddhism? And if one has a teacher from this tradition, what are your thoughts about receiving instruction from other monastic & lay teachers from other branches of the Thai Forest tradition?