MN 150 (To the Nagaravindans) and Q&A

Majjhima Nikāya - "Middle-length Discourses" of the Buddha
150. Nagaravindeyya Sutta
To the Nagaravindans
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00:05 Taking the 5 precepts
03:52 Sutta reading begins
08:15 Q: Bhante, You mentioned that we should respect, honor, and venerate the Bhikkhus who keep their precepts. But here, would this be in conflict with what the Buddha is saying?
14:08 Q: Bhante, I'm confused about the phrase, 'We conduct ourselves righteously and unrighteously in body, speech, and mind.' Based on my experiences, is it true that we might act unrighteously without intent until reaching the Sotapanna stage?
17:23 Sutta reading continues
18:20 Bhante's sutta explanation
24:24 Sutta reading ends
24:30 Q: I was wondering how someone with their own defilements could recognize others who have rid themselves of lust. Is it possible?
27:27 Q: What would be the modern version of seclusion for Bhikkhus and lay people, Bhante?
28:29 Bhante, how do you train yourself to avoid distractions at the center?
31:16 You wouldn't immediately head to the forest to begin meditation, would you? It might be better to approach it gradually.
33:28 I am wondering about the necessity of going to the forest for meditation. To me, mindfulness is a continuous practice, not limited to retreats. Does the forest act as a switch, enabling us to turn our meditation practice on and off?
35:54 Is seclusion the start of the training?
36:49 Do lay people only benefit from revering holly persons?
40:40 Paragraph 6 implies that there's no definitive method to ascertain if someone has overcome lust, hate, and delusion. Does this uncertainty stem solely from sensory perceptions?
41:42 I have heard that in countries like India or Sri Lanka, individuals are able to determine whether someone has achieved enlightenment from their voice. Is this accurate?
43:13 Forest, jungle, remote area.
44:22 Story about the Buddhas footprint
45:25 Bhante, When one is sitting, could the sensation that arises, which we refer to as the feeling of sitting, be considered Vedanā?
46:11 Bhante, what are the differences between Khandesa and Āsava?
47:41 When you experience Nibbana, are you having a conscious experience of Nibbana, or is it the actual state of Nibbana itself?
48:38 When the teaching states 'Sabbe dhammā anattā' (all phenomena are not-self), why is Nibbana also considered as non-self?
49:04 Do Arahants have full control of their minds?
50:26 I recall reading in the Majjhima Nikaya 49 where the Buddha talked about consciousness as radiant, signless, and boundless. Is this referring to the state of Jhana?
51:29 I was wondering about Bhavana. What is the proper way to do Bhavana?
53:09 I'm facing a dilemma with cockroaches in my apartment. The property management's pest control measures involve using a gel bait to kill cockroaches. However, I need guidance on handling this issue humanely while supporting the apartment's upkeep.
01:00:36 In the Dhammapada, there's a story of a dying child who, visited by the Buddha, attains a peaceful state of mind and becomes an angel after death. This story suggests that certain beliefs or experiences at the time of death can influence the mind positively, potentially affecting a good rebirth. For instance, in Christianity, accepting Jesus might bring peace to death, possibly leading to a favorable rebirth. Can you share your thoughts on what factors influence the state of mind at death?
01:17:16 Is it correct to say that in the Third Noble Truth, the cessation of suffering is profound and enduring because it extends limitlessly, following us indefinitely?
01:18:12 In Jainism, the principle of non-harm (ahimsa) appears central. However, this leads to a significant amount of aversion, especially when observing harm done by others, right? If so, how does this aversion align with achieving a state of peace since constantly being averse to harm seems contradictory to inner tranquility?
01:19:08 What you mean by 'religious people having strong minds.' Are these strong minds about goodness? Is it not involved with the view?
01:21:17 Is cessation a permanent shift?
01:22:22 I'm curious about the relationship between mindfulness and memory. 'Devanusati' involves recalling the qualities of devas. Why, then, do we apply this practice of recollection in different contexts of mindfulness?
01:24:13 I have a question about the Four Noble Truths. You mentioned three specific actions required for each Noble Truth. Could you please elaborate on those actions again?