Regular meditation possibly provides far greater health benefits than moderate drinking, and any level of intoxication is a hindrance to meditation. Herein lies the hub of the matter, me thinks. As usual, I don't think buddha's concern with anything save the most effective methods of obtaining awar...

never

Also, by Ajahn Chandako's Honed and Heavy Axe Imagine you needed to chop down a dead tree with an ax. To be successful the ax would have to be both sharp and reasonably heavy. But where does the sharpness end and the weight begin? It's clear that even with great effort neither using a razorblade no...

I am currently studying the Visuddhimagga which is really my first foray into some more serious work with the Abhidamma so there is a good chance my question might be answered later in my reading, however, in the hope of expanding my grasp of the material, I wonder if any have thoughts on something ...

I am not a buddhist, however i have been attracted to the teachings of the buddha, through various ways over the past five years or so perhaps through travelling, reading and an enquiry into all things spiritual, its a path just starting but one that is gaining momentum. Maybe your concerns about t...

New to this thread so forgive me for not continuing it's stream. 'God' or 'gods' can mean so many different things to different people that I think it difficult to discuss unless all are speaking of the same conceptual framework. However, as regards a creator 'god', I can't but reflect that if duali...

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I think a few of the posts in answer to your question are taking a bit of an extreme view. Taking snuff isn't an escape from reality. It isn't strong enough for a start. The effects are less than smoking even and regular smokers only experience a slight change in mood with a cigarette. HOWEVER> Yes,...

Whilst getting to grips with a more 'formal' practice routine is of course best, and the other suggestions here are good, I would suggest to supplement your practice during the day. Mindfulness cvan be cultivated at anytime. When you are brushing your teeth, do it mindfully. Observe brushing your te...

i guess it takes time for thee damaging effects inflicted by drugs upon the mind to pass and once again feel something in my heart :heart: For myself, my drinking (and some drug use) wasall about blocking out powerful, unpleasant emotions. Of course, the addiction involved lifestyle choices that le...

I have little to add to the sound advice already offered but I would add a small suggestion. Don't be too hard on yourself or expect too much of yourself. In fact, scrub 'small'. As I think of it, I think this could be quite an important thing to offer a little advice from my own experience on. I, s...

Hi. Firstly I want to acknowledge and thank you for your candor and honesty in your question. I have, likewise, struggled with where my online 'life' fits in with the bigger picture and how it contributes to my dukkha, albeit from a slightly different angle. My concern came out of how annoyed and ir...

I have only just come to this thread so I apologise if I am repeating someone else's thoughts. I did start reading the posts, but there are sooo many :tongue: this is a question I have struggled with myself for a long time. As a layman, i have however, intentionally remained single for some years an...

Hi Sati. No. I haven't been to Amaravati yet either; but I too hope to visit soon. As I am reliant on public transport, it will take some organising. I thought I'd first visit once or twice for the day to see if I felt I'd like to spend longer. I take your point on 'missing home' particularly at Ama...

hi Sati,

just curious why you feel you want to go to Thailand? Why not amaravati itself or one of the few other Forest monestries here in the UK?