10. “Could you explain the role of enjoyment within the context of taking food with the purpose of nourishment?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Food] [Sensual desire] [Happiness] // [Cultural context]
Vinaya: Khandhaka 15.31: The Buddha allows toothwoods and explains that using toothwoods makes you enjoy your food. [Vinaya] [Cleanliness] [Benefit/gratification]
6. “What are skillful ways to increase energy (viriya)?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Energy ] // [Gladdening the mind] [Three Refuges] [Benefit/gratification] [Happiness]
Note: Refer to the earlier question about gladdening the mind.
1. “Can you clarify the simile of the khandhas as a murderer in SN 22.85?” Answered by Ajahn Karuṇadhammo, Ajahn Pasanno and the Abhayagiri Saṅgha. [Similes] [Drawbacks] [Aggregates] // [Benefit/gratification] [Self-identity view] [Commentaries] [Clinging] [Dependent origination]
4. “I am doing well when sitting or walking – my container of mindfulness is filling. However, it seems to be leaking during every other activity. Walking to the meal, in my room, going to the bathroom, eating. Help! I seem to be defeating my own efforts.” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Continuity of mindfulness ] [Meditation retreats] // [Mindfulness of body] [Benefit/gratification] [Investigation of states] [Self-identity view]
1. “I’m having a hard time with alcohol (not here!). Not heavy or even daily use; a glass of wine with dinner a few nights a week or at social events. I would like to stop but have a hard time sustaining for more than a month or so. Any words of encouragement?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Intoxicants ] // [Determination] [Sense restraint] [Benefit/gratification]
1. “By moving to lovingkindness [meditation], I may be missing some of the deeper insights and wisdom that are present in feelings of anger, ill-will, and resentment. I think this is what is referred to as spiritual bypassing. Can you speak to this distinction or provide suggestions for accessing the wisdom that may be present within or underneath the hindrances?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Goodwill] [Aversion] [Ill-will] [Spiritual bypass ] [Discernment] [Hindrances] // [Truth] [Suffering] [Benefit/gratification]
Quote: “Sensual desire is just trying to get a relief from suffering. Even anger and ill-will...and the same with all the rest of the hindrances. They are looking for some relief from suffering in some way, shape, or form.” [Sensual desire]
4. “The urge to become—is it just inherent in us as a species or is it inherent everywhere in life?” Answered by Ajahn Amaro. [Becoming] [Human] // [Animal] [Benefit/gratification] [Buddha/Biography]
Sutta: MN 26.19.