This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is the meditation retreat given by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jew (Abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon) from 23 June-2 July 2023 at Phu Chaisai Resort, Chiang Rai, TH.

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

Day 6b Q&A

00:08 Q1 You said arahants can feel happiness without attachment, also that happiness is suffering in disguise, and that it also comes from giving. Are these all different forms of happiness?
05:47 Q2 I’ve read a lot of Persian poetry, especially Attar of Nishapur and Rumi. There, I read that “desire” for union pushes you forward and is actually the path to libera/on. But the Second Noble Truth says that we have to get rid of desire/craving. Can you speak to this, please?
15:01 Q3 Frequently I find some annoying behaviour by friends that I think I have processed and let go of returns if, for example, they renew their teasing at a future meeting.
19:18 Q4 Whatever we see or experience has happened some/me back. It seems we don’t partake in anything that happens around us. This is discomforting. Can you comment, please?
27:13 Q5 Can you speak about how Mahayana and Theravada look at the idea of the second turning of the wheel?
34:00 Q6 What is the difference between the two types of concentration the Buddha had, one when he was studying with his two teachers and his experience under the tree watching his father?

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

Day 5f Q&A

00:12 Q1 My practice of forgiveness turns into shame when I consider how I ever did that to that person.
08:58 Q2 I have had a health ailment for about a decade and there are moments of deep pain. I’ve gone past “Why me?” but I find I am very angry. I also find I easily dismiss other people’s pain.
20:51 Q3 Can you explain more about the difference between dhammaniyāmatā and the idappaccayatā.
29:27 Q4 What’s your view on euthanasia? Also, how can we plan to live in a commune rather than a hospice as we age?
40:05 Q5 What about organ donation?
43:40 Q6 What is euthanasia and what is taking active steps to expedite death? And what about people who decide not to continue treatment that prolongs life?
47:28 Q7 What about palliative care?
49:00 Q8 Are there any residential retreat places for parents with their children? I struggle with leaving my child alone and the problem of child care.
50:34 Q9 Regarding the old lady who came to Ajahn Chah for advice, [it seems like she was advised to practice] anatta.
55:34 Q10 That which is observing the five khandhas, is that called dhamma itself?

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

Day 4d Q&A

00:10 Q1 When we take refuge, what are we taking refuge from?
00:48 Q2 The path is to end suffering. Why don’t we look at suffering and enquire what it is? Perhaps we will see it is our own creation and this may be easier than the longer way.
05:30 Q3 Is all sadness, all anger suffering or is suffering the feeling of being pulled down ... into an ocean for example?
07:37 Q4 I am a retired soldier and I don’t have this kind of self-actualization, “who am I”, I don’t think we can ask in our profession. What advice can you give?
17:25 Q5 In Mahayana very oZen liberation is spoken of as a state of painlessness, fearlessness and “one taste”. What does the Pali tradition say about this apparent 24-7 blissful state?
24:32 Q6 What does it say in the Pali canon about Ananda giving Buddha this food? How is it interpreted in the Southern tradition?
27:30 Q7 You mentioned Ajahn Sumedho dealing with anger. When we deal with intense emo.ons is it a good way to exercise patience and endurance and use whatever practice works so you can skilfully navigate the situation?
29:56 Q8 I need a little clarity about consciousness beyond the simple meaning of awareness. Particularly in jhana practice, how does one understand infinite consciousness?
31:59 Q9 Regarding meditating on compassion, we are advised to expand it to all living beings. Do you have any advice? I find it difficult to engage with people I have never met.
36:32 Q10 Could you elaborate on the liberating relationships you spoke of? Put simply, my kids and grandchildren are overseas and I miss them. How can I deal with this beber?

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

This is a compilation of the retreat led by Ajahn Amaro between 5-10 December 2022 at Deer Park Institute, IN.

Day 4b Q&A

00:09 Q1 Can you clarify more about compassion? It seems quite dark in English. And does karuna also have some suffering in it?
04:28 Q2 What are the training steps in the Thai Forest tradition? Also what is spoken about full Buddhahood in the Southern tradition?
21:41 Q3 You said not to be carried away with rupa, form and perception and you also mentioned discriminating consciousness. I have trouble with this last one. Can you elaborate?
27:43 Q4 What does the word Ajahn mean?
28:21 Q5 Did you say that you could not lie down to sleep?
26:30 Q6 We are an outcome of our relationships and programmes formed over a long period. Is it possible to re-programme ourselves while staying in the same environment?
43:34 Q7 Why is meditation the primary means of insight or analysis? What about writing? Or talking to others?