An exploration of thoughts that lead towards and away from non-harming and compassion; short guided practice; further silent practice.

Obstacles to uncovering mettā; ways of responding to obstacles; supportive pathways in leaning towards mettā.

A talk and Q&A at Wat Marp Jan on the occasion of Ajahn Anan's birthday. Q&A starts: 35:18 Q1 May I know how can one start to train patient endurance? If one does not have any virtue, [does it mean] one cannot practice patient endurance? 39:48 Q2 Virtues mean high moral standards. How can one develop virtues? 43:33 Q3 How can I start to integrate meditation practice in my daily life when I feel I am still a slave to my cravings and often fall into their control and indulge in them? 46:50 Q4 How can I apply metta to myself and others and really mean it, when it comes to practicing in the sangha community. There is a difficult member in the sangha and saying may he or she be well is not working at least in my case it seems. Any advice please? 55:12 Q5 How do we train to rejoice in others' good fortune when we are having a bad time in our life? 57:52 Q6 What is your advice on doubt regarding which tradition to follow? 1:01:39 Q7 You spoke about developing equanimity [towards dukkha]. How can we practice this if the dukkha is overwhelming and we just want to escape the pain? 1:04:36 Q8 If I am unable to control my craving for food, does it mean I do not have virtue? I find myself gobbling down food and then it is never enough. I always tell myself it will be the last time but the cycle repeats tomorrow. 1:07:12 Q9 Could you give more detail about how to make an aspiration for one's next life? [example given]

Opening to a field of friendliness; vagus nerve soothing practice; warmth towards another being and oneself.

Intention is present in every experience, response or action. Cultivating Right Intention in the context of contemporary society can often seem self-indulgent. The constant demands of being a householder can also over shadow intention and make it harder to recognize the expectations, assumptions, desires, beliefs, and/or energy (in other words- the intentions) behind our actions. Intention is part of the unconditional and thus, a necessary aspect of awakening.