online Q & A

Q: Dear Sayadaw, A close friend of mind confided that he had ADHD. When I searched it on internet to know what sort of illness was that, it said “it is a form of illness where the attention span is short.” Since this is a disorder of mind. I think meditation will be more helpful than medications. The problem is he cannot maintain his attention and I think it will be difficult for him to meditate. For the sake of the patient, will you help us, please?

Mya Kyar Phyu,

Bangkok.

A: Although it is difficult to meditate for a person who is unable to maintain his attention, it may be so to a certain extent in the beginning. But, with perseverance, especially when mindfulness and concentration of mind develop the practice will get easier and hopefully ADHD is cured.

The Enlightened One assured in the introduction of the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta as dukkha somanassānaṁ atthiṅgamāya. It means minsfulness practice can eliminate physical and psychological ills. So he probably will get cured by practicing this mindfulness meditation. There was present days’ evidence of cure even a deadly disease like cancer. But there are those who contradicts by saying “with this disease, you will die if you meditate.’’

For that matter I will retold an example mentioned in “University Vipassanā” written by prominent Ven Mahāsī Sayadawgyi.

On the third waxing day of Taw-tha-lin ( 6^th month in Burmese calendar ) in the year 1324 Burmese year came a lady named Daw Khin Htway to Mahāsī Sāsana meditation centre in Yangon to meditate. 3 days later, she was in intense pain and fellow meditators massaged her to get some relief. Sayadawgyi asked “what is wrong with you?” I am having cramps inside my tummy. Because of a tumor inside I cannot sit long hours. At home, after about 30 minutes the pains started if I continue talking with my guests. The doctor told me 4 years ago to remove the mass. But I might die while having the operation to remove it. I do not have anything to depend on yet so I came here to meditate. The pains start if I sit for quite a while.

Sayadaw then explained … You need not to sit to meditate. Any posture will do. You can be mindful walking, standing or even lying comfortably in an easy chair. You can be mindful lying flat in your bed. As you remain mindful comfortably, your mindfulness, concentration of the mind and wisdom develop and the tumor might probably disappear.

She then replied “I will follow your instructions. But now let me visit the doctor because the pain is so unbearable.” She asked Sayadaw permission to go out and went to see a doctor.

After examining her doctor threatened, “This huge mass must be removed. You will die if you continue to meditate. Don’t go back to the meditation Centre”. But she thought “I may or may not survive the surgery. I would rather continue my meditation.” Then she decided to go back to meditation centre continue to meditate. Sayadawgyi said “ Let’s see which will go either you or the mass . Don’t give up. Make yourself comfortable to meditate. You can use an easy chair. Try to fend a suitable position for you yourself. But you must be aware in detail of every body gestures and movements, coming, going, eating, drinking etc. Lord Buddha said asite apite khāyite sāyite sampajānakāri hoti ,’’ meaning eating, drinking, chewing, licking, must be done with awareness. Therefore you need to be mindful anyplace anytime except during sleep.

After about 15 days offensive smell while having a meal and remained ever mindful. Later on, she knew it came from nowhere else but from her tummy. Sayadaw encouraged her … “Then the mass will disappear. Strive hard.” She worked patiently and diligently and very soon the mass dissolved. She was elated. When she went back for checkup it was confirmed by the doctor. She was asked what medication she had taken. She told him “nothing but meditation,’’ rather delightfully. The doctor was surprised could hardly believe the power of meditation. He was a non-Buddhist.

While writing this answer another message comes in. A doctor commented it is very unfortunate for ADHD sufferers. It is hopeless for them to meditate in this life. So, though those with ADHD may be unable to meditate, there still can be rays of hope for other illnesses if they try meditation.

online Q & A

Q: How can a pārājika monk, who deserves an expulsion from the order of monks because of his wrong doing, cure as a lay person?

Q: What should a monk do if he wishes to remain in the monastic community after committing a serious offence that requires an expulsion? What will happen if he disrobes unaware of such offences being committed? After disrobing, if he becomes aware of his crime, how can he cure himself as a layperson?
Pyae Sone Aung
St.Petersburg, Russia Federation

A: There are four kinds of such offences. They are
1. having sex with someone
2. stealing
3. killing a human
4. Falsely claiming or pretending to have gained jhāna (mental absorption) magga path and phala ( fruition) knowledge.
If an offender wants to continue his monastic life, he will have to downgrade himself to the status of a novice (samanera).
Whether he wears the monk’s robes or not, he can no longer be considered as a monk once the offence is committed. He has transformed into a lay person automatically. If he does not disrobe in spite of the crime he is responsible, he will go straight to hell after his death. But a person who disrobes but unaware of his wrong – doing, then his subsequent meritorious deeds as a lay person can bring him even to Nibbāna.

Q: Is it true that one should be thinking of the enlightened one while making sex?
One day, Buddha asked Visakha, “My beloved daughter … Is there a moment in your life when I am not in your thoughts?” And Visakha replied “Oh yes, while I am in the toilet and when I am having sex.” Buddha then said “If you think of me while in the toilet, you will enjoy good health. If you do so while having sex, then you will bear obedient kids. I read that somewhere. Was that really true?
Pyae Sone Aung
St. Petersburg, Russia Federation

A: I could not find such conversation recorded in the scripture at all. It is entirely false. But it is probably a misinterpretation of a statement made in sampajañña pabba section of the Satipaṭṭhāna sutta, i.e. Uccāra Passāvakamme Sampajānakārī hoti.
It means you must be mindful and note in detail to know comprehensively while you are passing out excrements in the toilet. In other words, you need to continue your meditation even during indecent acts. That was misinterpreted and wrongly portrayed as in your question.

Q: Illness and Vipassanā

online Q & A

Q: May I respectfully request your permission to raise a question, sir? In your book “Midnight Enquiries’,” you mentioned about 10 kinds of impermissible meat. Will you please elaborate a bit more on the reasons behind such prohibition?

Yè Naing Tun (India)

A: Once upon a time, The Lord Buddha was sojourning in the Isipatana Sanctuary. Nearby in the city of Vāraṇasī, lived a couple called Suppiya. Both but especially the wife were extremely pious.

One day , Lady Suppiya went to the Isipatana Sanctuary and asked “ Dear Lords, Is there anyone sick ? Can I do anything for then? One monk responded “Lady, I took a cathartic and now having loose motion. I wish to have a meat broth.’’ Suppiya then assured him “ OK, my Lord , I will bring that for you ,” and come home.

Once at home, she ordered her maid into town “Go and get some meat from already dead animal.” The maid went out to Search but reported back that none was available. Then Suppiya thought “I made a promise to the monk about the broth. He might die if he does not have that, what I should do.’’ Suddenly she got an idea. She took a knife and went into her bedroom.

She sliced the flesh from her own thigh and ordered the maid to cook the flesh. Then it was sent to the sick monk. When her husband leount what Suppiya did, he wondered “What a wonderful woman will there be anything that she can not give away? He then went to the Blessed one to invite for alms offering the following day.

When the Buddha came in the morning, took a prepared seat and enquired “Where is Suppiya? He knew too well. Her husband replied “She is in bed.” “Why is she still asleep?” “Oh, she is in pain,” “Why” Then the husband explained in details. “In that case, cavy her out,” the Buddha ordered. Therefore, Suppiya was brought towards Buddha with the aids of others. She immediately paid homage.

At that instant, her wound was healed and a fresh scar quickly recovered. Suppiya was awe struck impressed with instant cure and she admired Buddha’s magnificent power greatly. She was over whelmed with joy and enthusiasm. After that She offered lunch dāna with full of respect and sat down near the Buddha. He went back to his monastery after having his meal offered by Supiyya.

Once there, an assembly of monks was called and the monk who asked the broth was condemned. Oh. Monks, there are some devotees with great generosities, who dare to offer even their own flesh. But, you should not eat human flesh.

Thūllaccaya Ᾱpatti (Great Offend) must be fallen for those who accept such human fleshes. Monks should not eat meat without investigating first. Who eat it should be guilty of Dukkaṭa Ᾱpatti (the offence of wrong action).That is the reason why the Buddha didn’t allow to the Sanghā for having human flesh.

Elephant Flesh: Once there was a feature. Many elephants in the palace also died. People ate those dead elephants and offered the cooked elephant meat to the monks on their alms round. The monks ate it. Then some people condemned the monks by saying “Why did monks eat elephant meat? Elephants are considered a royal feature. Had the king known this he will be very unhappy with the monks?” When that was reported to Lord Buddha, He told the monks not to eat elephant meat. Who eat such must be guilty of Dukkaṭa.

Horse Flesh: The same applied to horse flesh.

Dog Flesh: Once there was a famine and people ate dogs. They offered the dog curry to the monks on their alms-round. The monks ate the offered dish. Then some criticized “The Buddha belonged to a royal lineage. Yet, his sons, the monks ate dogs, such a detestable animal. When that was reported to Buddha, Buddha admonished “Oh monks, you should not eat dogs. Any monk who eats must be guilty of Dukkaṭa.

Snake Flesh: During the time of the Buddha, so people ate snakes and also offered it to the monks. Monks had eaten what they offered. Then, other people condemned and blamed the monks for eating snakes as a disgusting animal to eat.

Once, a dragon king named Supassa approached and pleaded “Oh Lord, there are some dragons who don’t have faith and devotion to Buddha’s Sāsanā. There torment monks were tormented by such dragons for insignificant minor reasons. So please tell the monks not to eat snakes. Buddha then delivered a sermon to the dragon king. Later on, He told the monks “Oh Monks, Snakes are not suitable to eat. Who eats should be guilty of Dukkaṭa.

Lion Flesh: Once, there were monks who ate lions’ flesh and went into the forest. Lion got the smell of their own kin, so they chased the monks. When that episode was reported to the Buddha, He prohibited monks for eating lion flesh. He said “Monks must not eat lion flesh, who eats should be guilty of Dukkaṭa,” to be free from the threats of lions. The same stories applied to others wild animals like tiger, leopard, bear and yak.

Now, let us consider whether lay people should or should not eat these 10 kinds of meat.

The rules laid down by Buddha applied only to the monks. For ordinary lay people, except men’s meat, the rest can be consumed. One should not eat the flesh of one’s own species. However, those dwelling in deep jungles, it is better not to eat lions, tiger and leopards. Because, if you do, they will get the smell and there is the danger of being attacked.

(Mahāvā Pāli, Bhesajjakkhandhaka, Manussamaṁsadipaṭikkhepa Katha, hatthimaṁsā dipatikkhepa katha)

Questions & Answers in midnight (3)

In continuation of second answer , If a person committed detrimental act of killing and one was obsessed with that act , then it would be almost sure to cause next life in abodes of suffering ( Hell, Peta and animals) . In Germany samyutta , Buddha stated that a person who had committed sin of killing repents and works hard deligently on good deeds , one got a good chance of escaping abodes of suffering in immediate next life .
Also in Anguli marla sutta of Dhammapada , Anguli marla had committed countless murders but when he attained Enlightenment ( Arahantship ) , what happened was arahatta magga nyanna completely exterminated all defilements that would have cause next life . By that mechanism , he did not need to be born again in abodes of suffering .( In fact he would be in Nibbanna state) . Even then he still needed to suffer minor trauma off and on remainder of his life . This is good example of Vipassana nulifying past detrimental acts .
As microscopic germs are not living beings, taking antibiotics is not committing the sin of killing (as explained by Ven . Mahasi )
3) in reply to question on meditation
Being absorbed in meditation can occur by so many causes such as awareness of impermanence or delight just to name a few .
For example , Prince Nanda , half brother of Buddha started meditating just to meet up with angels but he has achieved arahatship .
At the end of the day, it does not matter the reason. As long as yogi continues practicing, concentration and wisdom would be achieved.
As Concentration matures , interest in normal day to day activities.
At that stage , yogi would like to concentrate on mediation by attaining ascetic life.
If it cannot be achieved , livelihood could be difficult . So yogi needs to continue working.
In contrary to popular belief , meditation does not need to be confined to meditation centre .Meditation can be practiced in all 4 postures namely walking ,standing , sitting or lying .
As clearly stated in maha-satipatthana sutta , Yogi needs to be mindful of all body postures continuously all the time . Enlightenment can occur at any place or any time .
Following are interesting examples . Ashin Ananda , companion to Buddha has been working strenuously to attain higher magga nyanna . As he was at the point of lying down ( for a short rest ) has attained Enlightenment ( arahantship) in a position that just between lying and sitting feet without touching the ground and back not touching the bed .
In Srilanka , there are so many people achieved enlightenment during hiking or having their meals . Also in tipitaka history , A lady achieved enlightenment by applying knowledge that body was withering away similar to vegetables she was frying . Therefore, practising meditation in any available time and place is the excellent system .

4) 4th question about latest in meditation methods
Is it a correct method in which All past, present and future events are NOTHING . All the world is NOTHING . all the namarupa( physical and mental aggregates ) are NOTHING .
It is not in practice very long so that it must be a " new" technique . It was mentioned to me before by a doctor from UK as well . It would be difficult to decide which is correct or which is not in meditation . But there must be a golden rule to test meditation techniques the golden rule to test any meditation method is maha-satipatthana . In maha-satipatthana sutta ,it is said that satipatthana is the only way to be cleared of defilement
In maha-satipatthana sutta , It is said be mindful and aware the walking while walking . Be mindful and aware the sitting while sitting. It is not stated sitting is NOTHING. It is stated that the way to enlightenment is Knowledge Of Reality As It Is . Therefore , just being mindful of reality is the only way to enlightenment . Therefore, the technique of minding that all the things in this world and the whole world is NOTHING is a definitely wrong way .

Although it is more than 2500 years old , there is nothing to add on and nothing to be deleted from Dhamma as Buddha taught . Dhamma is very simple. Just be aware of reality as reality is . Therefore, it is simply watching and knowing reality as it is . That is why it is very clear that the meditation technique in which thinking/hallucinating all the world is NOTHING , is absolutely wrong .

Questions & Answers in midnight (2)

ႊToday , the lady from Norway asked a few questions on Dhamma . These are good questions . Hereby answers are presented .
1) Question:In paragraph 9 of page 11 of Burmese translation of Metta Sutta , (Sutta Nipata , Khuddaka Nikaya ) , It is said a yogi practising metta(loving kindness) meditation would have achieved the state of arahatship as yogi could have cleared all hindrance by fulfilling supramundane sila and attaining sodapatti magga nyana .
So my question would be " Is the effect of metta meditation is the same as vipassana ? And can one attain magga and phala nyanna by practising metta(loving kindness) meditation alone .
answer:The effect of metta ( loving kindness ) meditation is not the same as vipassana . Enlightenment ( Magga and phala nyanna) cannot be attained by metta ( loving kindness ) meditation . I will explain further .
The first verse of last two verses of Metta sutta , it is stated that it would be noble living if yogi is practising metta (loving kindness )meditation all the time .
Last verse "Not falling into wrong views — being virtuous, endowed with insight, lust in the senses discarded — verily never again will he return to conceive in a womb."(translation Piyadassi Thera book of protection ) . It is instruction to practise vipassana by utilizing concentration ( samathi ) attained by practising metta ( loving kindness ) meditation .
"endowed with insight" means free from wrong views . wrong views are 62 in detail and 3 in a nutshell namely wrong view of self . wrong view of permanence of essence of self and wrong view of freestanding of self . The only way to be cleared of wrong views and to be endowed with insight is to practise vipassana .
It should be interpreted that Lord Buddha instructed vipassana meditation at the end of instruction of metta ( loving kindness meditation by that last verse . And it is appropriate to say that metta sutta is the instructions for 2 different methods of meditation .
Namely 1) Metta( Loving kindness ) meditation
2) Vipassana meditation
That means a yogi should start with metta ( loving kindness ) meditation and once attained jana states by practising metta ( loving kindness ) meditation , Vipassana mediation should be practised .
Therefore Magga and phala nyanna ( Enlightenment ) cannot be achieved by jana state of metta ( loving kindness) meditation alone .To achieve Enlightenment , Vipassana meditation need to be practised by utilizing jana states achieved by metta (loving kindness) meditation .
In conclusion , Metta (loving kindness) meditation is not the same with vipassana and Enlightenment would not be achieved just by practising metta ( loving kindness ) meditation .
There are a lot of people confused between Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism . How can it be explained the differences .
In Buddhism, there are different terms like Mahayana, Hinayana and Theraveda . The differences are so wide a subject so that explanation would be just a few gists .
A: Theraveda Buddhism is the Buddhism in which the teachings of Buddha is followed strictly without any changes .
Tipitaka is maintained in original form by means of six thingaryana (It means highest congregation of Sangha scrutinizing and making sure Tipitaka stay in its pure form ) . The pratitioners of Buddhism strictly following Tipitaka exactly is called Theravedic Buddhists . It is practised in Sri Lanka ,Burma , Thailand, Camdodia and Lao . That is why it is also known as Southern Buddhism .
B:The branch that being flexible and adapting to the host countries is called Mahayana Buddhism . One of the concepts is Enlightenment can be achieved only by Buddhahood . It is practised in Tibet , China, Japan , Korea and so on . It is also known as Northern Buddhism .
C: Hinayana Buddhism is of between these two . Not strictly following original teachings but not accepting only Buddhahood as way to Enlightenment . It was practised in India , Cashmere and . It is obsolete now . Theravedic Buddhism has nothing to do with this branch .
The most important differences between Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism are
1) Buddha in Theraveda Buddhism is the Enlightened One from an ordinary human being by Buddha in Mahayan Buddhism is the manifestation of a universal, spiritual being.
2) In Mahayana Buddhism , Bodhisatta ( Would-be-Buddha ) become the ideal . Bodhisatta is believed as a compassionate being who is striving for common welfare and happiness of all beings . By practising transcendental virtues, Bodhisatta lessens the suffering of all beings and ultimately going to achieve Buddhahood . In contrast to this is Theraveda Buddhists believe in importance of attaining Enlightenment as a arahant .
3) Theravedic belief of attaining Buddhahood is by practising 10 transcendental virtues is very different from Mahayana belief of attaining Buddhahood by showing respect to Buddha and compassion to all beings . In short , Theravedic practice is based on Wisdom but Mahayana practice is based on Compassin .
4) Nibbana in Theraveda is a state free from all hindrance and fetters not a special being but Mahayana Nibbana is a supreme being with everlasting happiness .
Lastly) Mahayana belief is everyone can achieve Buddhahood and Theravedic belief is Buddhahood is only for a few elites .
Finally , Theravedic practice can be described in a nutshell as practising Sila , Samathi( Concentration) and Wisdom and achieving Enlightenment ( freedom from fetters or hiderance ) . Only by practising 8 Magga , Enlightenment could be achieved .
4) Boddisatta is a better being . Even shin uppagotta needed to show respect to Mara when he wished for Buddhahood . Do an Arahant need to show respect to a being who wished for Buddhahod?
Answer : In this question , It is stated that Bodhisatta is more noble than arahant so that it should be assumed that it is belief of Mahayana Buddhism .
the belief that Uppagotta is described as an arahant living in the Southern occeans is against Theravedist teaching ( as Buddha taught )" All beings arising from cause will end up perished"
in Glass Palace Chronicles ( done during the reign of King Bagyidaw ), it was critically reviewed about Uppagotta as derscribed in U Kalar Razawin ( History by U Kalar )
The story of Uppagotta conquering Mara was in Lawkapanyatti kyan . This is not part of Thingaryanar .
It is against the rule of Vinaya that Uppagotta utilizing extraordinary and supernatural powers .
In Parajica Ahtakahtar , it was described that during donation ceremony of Emperor Asoka , Arahant Eindagotta was assigned to help the King to build asokarama monastery and 84000 other monasteries .It was not described that Arahant Eindagotta needed to put down Mara .
And as an arahant , Ven. Eindagotta would not show off his extraordinary supernatural powers against the rule .
That is why most of Theravedic scholars don't believe in story of Ven. Uppagotta as described by U Kalar .
The answer should be enough for this question .
Why and when did the idea that " Buddha and Bodhisatta are more nobler than arahants ." start to flourish ?
The answer for that is as follows.
The doctrine of Bodhisatta-based Enlightenment is Mahayana in origin .
The Mahayana doctrine started as a splinter groups during the reign of King Asoka by the names of the Sthaviravadins and the Mahasanghikas). It was started due to differencein view on Vinaya but later Mahayana philosophy split completely from original Theravedic teachings . After the fall of Mauryan empire in India , more flexible , adaptable and easier to be comprehended ( not neccessarily true essence of Buddha's teaching ) Mahayana Buddhism survived under Hindu Kings while Theravedic Buddhism was wiped out from India .

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Questions & Answers in midnight

Today I went to bed early as I was not feeling well.

Ring ring ring
I was woken up by bedside phone. Time was 11 at night. It seems strange. I was wondering who and why and what?? I thought it must be important to call me that late.

It was a lady from Norway who likes to ask a few questions concerning Dhamma .
Following are her questions.
(1). Is it better to go on vegetarian diet while I am practicing meditation ?
(2). Abortion or Termination of pregnancy becomes a common practice in most of countries nowadays for various reasons. Is it a sin of killing according to Dhamma . And also is it a sin of killing if someone sick takes antibiotics to get rid of germs.
3) As I continue with my meditation practice, I am finding it harder to concentrate on anything else. Therefore, I am finding myself neglecting day to day chores. Please answer me why and also how to meditate while doing day to day activities.
4) There is a new method of meditation in which Yogi just meditate anything in this world is NOTHING , anything occurred is NOTHING . Is it correct method ?
Please let me know

Although I am not very well , It is my duty as a Sangha to answer Dhamma questions .
Pure vegetarian diet is not recommended for yogis by Buddha .
I will explain further . In story of Maha Karla of Dhammapada ahtakahtar, there are 7 recommendations for monks practicing susanna dutin ( cemetery hardship ) ( one of the 13 special practices to destroy hindrances .
1)Vegetarian diet

2)No afternoon naps

3)Be free from sloth

4)Be diligent and hard working

5)Be absolutely sincere

6)Be of good intentions

7)Be in cemetery only during bedtime of lay people .

Out of these , vegetarian diet is only meant to prevent being disturbed by other worldly beings who like the smell of meat .
And the 10 types of meat prohibited are

human , elephant , dog, horse, snake, lion, tiger, leopard, bear, wildcat .Apart from these ten , other prohibitions are

1)If one has seen the living being killed for offering

2)If one has heard the living being killing for offering

3)If one is doubtful a living being is killed for offering
When asked , Tipitakadara sayadaw said just to avoid toothache from meat sticking between teeth . Therefore, it is clear that sayadaws having vegetable diet on health ground only .
Therefore, the important point in meditation is not vegetarian diet but one's own sila , concentration and wisdom .
The sin of killing happens only when these 5 prerequisites are fulfilled.

1) Being a living being

2) Knowledge that it is a living being

3) Intention of the kill

4) Volition of the kill

5) Result of the living being dead
If one of these 5 factors missing, then the sin of killing does not occur .Therefore, Termination of pregnancy for any reason would be sin of killing.
As microscopic germs are not living beings, taking antibiotics is not committing the sin of killing.
Being absorbed in meditation can occur by so many causes such as awareness of impermanence or delight just to name a few .
For example , Prince Nanda , half brother of Buddha started meditating just to meet up with angels but he has achieved arahatship .
At the end of the day, it does not matter the reason. As long as yogi continues practicing, concentration and wisdom would be achieved.
As Concentration matures , interest in normal day to day activities.
At that stage , yogi would like to concentrate on mediation by attaining ascetic life.
If it cannot be achieved , livelihood could be difficult . So yogi needs to continue working.
In contrary to popular belief , meditation does not need to be confined to meditation centre .Meditation can be practiced in all 4 postures namely walking ,standing , sitting or lying .
As clearly stated in maha-satipatthana sutta , Yogi needs to be mindful of all body postures continuously all the time . Enlightenment can occur at any place or any time .
In Srilanka , there are so many people achieved enlightenment during hiking or having their meals . Also in tipitaka history , A lady achieved enlightenment by applying knowledge that body was withering away similar to vegetables she was frying . Therefore, practising meditation in any available time and place is the excellent system .
As to 4th question ,the golden rule to test any meditation method is maha-satipatthana . In maha-satipatthana sutta ,it is said that satipatthana is the only way to be cleared of defilement
In maha-satipatthana sutta , It is said be mindful and aware the walking while walking . Be mindful and aware the sitting while sitting . It is not stated sitting is NOTHING. It is stated that the way to enlightenment is Knowledge Of Reality As It Is . Therefore , just being mindful of reality is the only way to enlightenment . Therefore, the technique of minding that all the things in this world and the whole world is NOTHING is a definitely wrong way .

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