Join us on Sunday as Ajahn Sona answers Dhamma questions from listeners around the world. This video has a livestream format, but was recorded earlier this week with presubmitted questions and will premiere in our usual livestream slot.

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Index of Questions

00:00 - INTRO
00:25 - STAGES OF ENLIGHTENMENT: Can one become a Sotāpanna having taken the 5 precepts and cut the first three fetters, yet are uncertain that they won’t kill to defend their family should that unfortunate situation arise.
06:05 - BREATH MEDITATION: In breath meditation, the instruction given is that the in-breath is cool and out-breath is body temperature. But then, I cannot feel the out-breath because it is the same temperature as the body. So, only the in-breath can be focussed on. A similar situation is determining if the breath is short or long. Here, the breath needs to be compared with previous breaths from the past. So again, there is discursive thinking. Please advise.
16:41 - SELF: "I" get that there is no self, at least when I'm reflecting upon this, and sometimes even when acting from a sense of being a self. But still, it does seem absurd that "we" are gifted this precious life for the sole purpose of learning that existence itself is our fundamental problem; thus leaving us with "the game that must be played". What are your thoughts?
24:25 - HINDRANCE OF WORRY - What are some ways that one can overcome kukkucca? Ruminating over past mistakes seems to be the biggest hurdle I'm facing in my daily practice.
30:32 - MONKS & LAY COMMUNITY - Is it appropriate for monks to offer blessings and merit making opportunities for lay followers who seek health, wealth, or fame, but not necessarily full liberation?
33:57 - ORDINATION - After two decades of Vipassana practice in lay life, I have decided to go forth. I will spend this July-November in Thailand and Myanmar. Do you have any guidance for how to go about finding the right teacher and the right community for ordination?
38:46 - ORDINATION - I’ve wanted to become a monk since 2014, however, at that time I had student loans to pay off. Since then, I have managed to pay off my financial debts, get my parents permission and have enough money saved to give back to my parents when I get ordained. My question is, how do I go about becoming a monk?
44:29 - EXITING SAMSARA: I wish to exit Samsara as quickly as possible. Apart from becoming a Bhikkhu, what is the best way to achieve this goal?
47:59 - CITTA: Why has “citta” sometimes been translated as “heart”? What does “heart” mean in the context of Buddhism? In this case is it an emotional quality of the mind? Could you elaborate on this topic?