Dhamma Q&A with Ajahn Sona (12.07.2025)

Video Description

Ajahn Sona answers Dhamma questions from listeners around the world. This Q&A was recorded on March 14, 2025. Ajahn Sona Podcast: Apple - http://bit.ly/AppleAjSona Spotify - http://bit.ly/SpotifyAjSona Podbean - http://bit.ly/PodbeanAjSona INDEX OF QUESTIONS 00:00 - INTRO 00:17 - CELIBACY: When practicing brahmachariya, positive and synchronistic things seem to happen more often. Does the Buddha speak on that? 05:31 - KAMMA OF KILLING INSECTS: What are the karmic consequences of killing an insect? 07:17 - PROTECTIVE KAMMA: Does the equanimity kamma (kamma that ends kamma) of an ariya on the eightfold path protect them from harm whilst moving towards Arahantship? 09:47 - KHANDAS & ANXIETY: How does anxiety relate to the khandhas? Such that when anxiety is felt in life, could it be the khandhas fighting back, and therefore a good sign? 12:31 - THOUGHT MOMENT BEFORE DEATH: Could you please talk a bit about "cuti citta," the last thought before death? Why is it so important? 19:25 - BLISSFUL MEDITATION STATES: When we feel blissful states in meditation -- states which make things like food or sexuality feel dull and boring -- how exactly can we use this pleasant sensation to perceive not-self? 22:22 - LOVE & ATTACHMENT: After an unexpected breakup, I’ve realized that love is both the greatest source of happiness and the greatest source of suffering in my life. Is the solution to love without attachment—and is that truly possible? 24:24 - ARAHANTS & HINDERANCES: Do arahants really not experience the hindrances anymore? Many teachers teach abandoning the hindrances as a temporary measure, something we will always have to work with. 28:43 - DEALING WITH PHYSICAL THREATS: As a beginner Buddhist how can I skillfully deal with people that demand something from me and threaten me physically? How can I develop inner strength and peace? 34:34 - THE EYES IN MEDITATION: When meditating, I often feel stress on the top of my eyelids. How can I relieve this? 36:51 - LIVING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE: Does living with a very dysfunctional partner have an influence on your practice? 39:24 - KAMMA: I’m having doubts about karma. I do understand good actions bring good results, but on a greater level this concept is just inconceivable to me. How is it any different to belief in rites and rituals? 45:03 - FEAR & ANXIETY: Where does fear & anxiety originate from? And how can we overcome them? 47:07 - WRONG LIVELIHOOD: Would working as a waiter at a restaurant that sells alcoholic beverages and has dealings in meat be considered a form of wrong livelihood? What type of involvement is not permissible and why?