4. “I’m working/practicing at staying composed and equanimous. As meditation deepens, I find some challenging emotions arise. I’m avoiding look at its story so I can focus on the reactions in the body to whatever that story may be. I’ve noticed that the reactions in the body are identical to the sensations climbing the hill behind the meditation hall. So I imagine that I’m outside climbing the hill and feel the heart rate rise, heat, tension when falling off-balance, etc. This is a much easier place to let go of the sensations because it cools any fears that may arise with the original story. Is this okay to do or should I face the demon in his own costume instead of one I’ve made for it?” Answered by Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia. [Equanimity] [Emotion] [Mindfulness of body] [Visualization] // [Perception] [Aversion]
Reflection: The hindrances come into play as a remedy for a situation that is already difficult. [Hindrances ] [Benefit/gratification] [Drawbacks]
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]
2. “It seems that having some Western psychological understanding or undergoing therapy can be helpful to a Buddhist practitioner. What are the dangers, drawbacks associated with integrating these different ways of working with the mind?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Western psychology] [Benefit/gratification] [Drawbacks] // [Cause of Suffering] [Cessation of Suffering]
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. Gratification, danger, and escape in regard to the Five Aggregates. Teaching by Ajahn Karuṇadhammo. [Aggregates] [Aspects of Understanding] [Benefit/gratification] [Drawbacks] [Escape]
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]
3. “Is the fetter in terms of the sense bases (SN 35.232) equivalent to gratification, danger, and escape?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Sense bases] [Aspects of Understanding] // [Sensual desire] [Benefit/gratification]
5. “Does craving create a sense of continuity in the mind?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Craving] // [Benefit/gratification] [Ignorance]
4. “Delight is to craving as what is to aversion?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno, Ajahn Ñāṇiko and Ajahn Jotipālo. [Benefit/gratification] [Craving] [Aversion] // [Craving not to become] [Sensual desire]
Sutta: SN 56.11.4: Taṇhā is the cause of dukkha.
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]
16. AN 10.60.8 describes the dangers inherent in the human body. Teaching by Ajahn Pasanno. [Drawbacks] [Sickness] // [Aspects of Understanding] [Benefit/gratification] [Escape]
Story: Ajahn Pasanno visits a hospital library. [Ajahn Pasanno]
7. Comment: The sobering theme of the Four Dhamma Summaries (MN 82.35) suggests that you can’t be sure that [positive] change will happen. [Impermanence]
Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Benefit/gratification] [Conditionality] [Not-self] [Virtue]
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.
7. “How does pīti relate to the fulfillment of desire?” Answered by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Pasanno. [Rapture ] [Benefit/gratification] [Happiness] // [Unification] [Jhāna] [Craving] [Relinquishment] [Addiction]