Take Care of Yourself — Ajahn Vajiro — 2024-09-27

A Dhamma talk given through Zoom on 2024-09-27 by Ajahn Vajiro at Sumedharama Forest Monastery in Ericeira, Portugal. For more Dhamma talks, please visit sumedharama.pt.

Q & A:

1. The idea that it's all my fault is not a good answer. But sometimes she is the only one who gives us some "security" (?). That gives us the feeling that we can start over somewhere, have control... (?) What's the alternative? Because sometimes practicing is... tiring(?)... frustrating, when the mind doesn't stop.

2. How should we understand consciousness being one of the five objects of clinging, yet at the same time, it is often mentioned by great teachers as that leading to the unborn and unconditioned? What is the right way to approach or deal with this apparent contradiction?

3. Ajahn, sometimes we get obsessed with losses because of trauma, how to not get obsessed and want to control when dealing with trauma?

4. I find it difficult getting the balance between being kind to people who’s behaviour i find challenging and abusive 🙏

5. how to deal with people who humiliate us intentionally?

and feel empowered by harming us? should we don't take it personally, but how to achieve this?

emotions, such as revolt and anger, are part of human beings. should we transform these emotions into something positive, love?

can this be a toxic positivity? how can we impose limits boundaries and respect if we are always in compassion and metta? lots are ignorant... they use someones sensibility as weakness for abuse and empowerment. how to deal with these situations/people? how to deal with them? and how to deal with our own emotions coming from it - not feeling affected and it influencing us/our mood/confidence? most westerners don't believe in karma!

6. There were a few times i dreamed about facing my own death, and while in the dreams I didn't feel scared. I wonder if it would be the same when I face my real physical death?

7. Feeling is not thinking but is this what you are pointing towards?

Your recommendation is to consider - what is not thinking.