Buddha knows : How to Meditate?

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism 

by Monica Øien

“Relaxing at home after taking a shower, 

you can practice meditation by yourself”

Monica :               I would like to use meditation to fill my body and soul with all these nice images, if  it’s possible in my life. Yes, that would be really nice.

Luang Por :          Meditation allows you to gain a universal experience that doesn’t contradict any  other beliefs. It is not about religion. It is merely a know-how that can be achieved together with happiness. This is something extra.

Monica :               Really? Ok, thank you very much. I will do my best to try and follow this world of  meditation. It’s going to be difficult but I respect it a lot. Thank you

Luang Por :          Actually, meditation is not as difficult as your imagine. Let’s try. Can you imagine the  face of your own son?

Monica :               Yes of course.

Luang Por :          Are you sure?

Monica :               Yes I can see it.

Luang Por :          Are you picturing with ease or do you need special effort?

Monica :               No, I have to concentrate but I have been trying to do that before. I cannot  concentrate on two things at the same time. My mind is only on this, and I can imagine the picture.

Luang Por :          Simply feel as if you are at home. Forget all the surroundings. Just concentrate on  the picture in your mind.

Monica:                With my eyes closed?

Luang Por :          It’s up to you.

Monica :               I can see his face yes.

Luang Por :          Is the image clearer than seeing with your physical eyes, or less?

Monica :               Um, it’s less of course.

Luang Por :          About how many per cent?

Monica :               About twenty or something. I don’t know, ten maybe.

Luang Por :          That’s great. If you can picture the face of your son in your mind, it means that you  can practice meditation. Simply change the location. Are you picturing your son at home or somewhere else?

Monica :               Right now I have to concentrate more to visualize it really well. It’s at home, yes.

Luang Por :          So, try picturing your son clearly in your mind.

Monica :               Ok. I can see his nose, eyes and mouth.

Luang Por :          That’s very good!

Monica :               And his hair, and it must be less than twenty because it’s in black and white. Yes…  yes! So am I a good candidate? I can learn meditation?

Luang Por :          Excellent, so you can do it! I’m not sweet-talking you. How long did you picture the  face of your son continuously?

Monica :                Well, I usually don’t do that, so not for long, but it feels good to do it. Can I try to  imagine other things?

Luang Por :          When you are relaxing at home after taking a shower, you can practice meditation  by yourself. You have practiced Yoga before, right? Then you can do it.

For how long would you be able to picture the face of your son? Five minutes, or ten  minutes maybe?

Monica :               I could probably sit for half an hour or maybe longer, I don’t know. It’s hard to tell.  Do you mean I must have the same picture all the time? Well, then it might
be a few minutes I think. I don’t know. I have to try. Can I try tonight and I will tell you tomorrow?

Luang Por :          Let’s continue. Besides your son’s face, what would be the best image that you can  picture with your mind at ease?

Monica :               Oh yes, it’s the house where my parents live in Spain. I can see the beach clearly. It’s  where I read all my books and sleep a lot, and do pilates.

Luang Por :          Very good. Can you imagine it all the time, let’s say for 10 minutes?

Monica :                Yes, I can if I use sound as well…just imagining the sounds and the melodies. I think I  can do that.

Luang Por :          You definitely can do it. Have you ever stood on the beach in front of this house and  watched the sunrise or sunset?

Monica :               Yes, especially sunrise in the morning.

Luang Por :          Suppose that you picture the sunrise on the beach, how long would you be able to  do it relaxed and without losing focus?

Monica :               Well it’s so peaceful so I could probably…I don’t know. Maybe a few minutes or  maybe even for ten minutes.

Luang Por :          Excellent.

Monica :               Meaning that I must not think about anything else, and I must just concentrate on  this image?

Luang Por :          Correct. See, you can do it easily! Now, imagine that you are watching the sunrise on  the beach? Picture only the sun in your mind without the waves. Can you do it?

Monica :               So I must just take away the other things and concentrate on the sun? It’s not very  strong.

Luang Por :          Very good. No sand, no sea, but only the sun, not shining too strong. How come you  told me that meditation was impossible for you?

Monica :               I can. I can picture that!

Luang Por :          This is the very basis of meditation. This time, please ignore the beach and the sea, and visualize only the soothing sun. Then, let’s relocate it from the sky to your abdomen. Don’t do it too seriously.

Monica :               And since the sun is really warm I will feel it as well? Oh, there are some birds.

Luang Por :          Don’t worry about the birds. Let them pass by naturally. Simply imagine yourself on  the sandy beach where you can see the sunrise, then forget everything except the sun. When your mind is focused and relaxed, relocate the sun into your abdomen.

Monica :               Now it’s moving bit by bit, to my tummy.

Luang Por :          Very good. You can do it. But don’t stare or force yourself to see the image. Just  picture it softly in your mind.

Monica :               Ok, to my tummy. I’ve got it now, I have it there.

Luang Por :          Well, have you made it?

Monica :               Yes. I think I have made it.

Luang Por :          You can now see that meditation is not beyond our capability. It’s that simple. This  also reaffirms what I said; that we can meditate all the time either with closed or opened eyes, just as you have done now.

Monica :               I understand.

Luang Por :          Monica tam dai. (Monica can do it.)

Monica :               Monica tam dai.

Luang Por :          A beginner can start from a few minutes to five or ten minutes. And then we  increase the time period further. Simply focus on the sun within.

Monica :               So, will my happiness increase?

Luang Por :          Certainly, if you can meditate daily. After a while, you will be able to do it  effortlessly. This means that you don’t have to actively visualize in your mind, but you can do it automatically. Similar to the way we breathe without any effort.
We can see the image in our abdomen all the time, the mind will be focused, and you will discover true happiness that never happened to you before. It is the kind of happiness that is hard to explain.

Monica :               It’s really a gift. I think I can identify with it.

Luang Por :          Yes, and this is how the monks can sustain their monastic life.
                             It all starts from here.

Monica :               So it’s the sun that is the love that you have?

Luang Por :          Of course, but its universal love and goodwill towards fellow humankind.

Monica :               But it’s the sensation of it. Yes, that’s the most important part.

Luang Por :          Starting from this, if we keep practicing and improving our meditation experience,  we will be able to learn about the pre-disembodiment image.

Monica :               Now I understand one of your principles. You don’t need entertainment or to go out  to exhibitions or concerts because you can make your own happiness.

Luang Por :          Yes, you are correct. One can rely on oneself to be happy. In other words, one will  fall in love with oneself.

Monica :               Without being selfish?

Luang Por :          Right, falling in love with oneself means discovering the source of true happiness  within.

Monica :               Well, now I understand everything, I think. I understand why we search for  happiness all the time, but cannot find it externally. You have to look inside.

Luang Por :          Correct! Happiness from shopping doesn’t last long. Soon, we will forget about it,  and we will seek other happiness. We struggle our whole lives searching for happiness. Material happiness is not worthwhile. The happiness we obtain from it is so small, compared to the abundant sufferings that exist. But meditation requires a minimal effort, and the return of happiness is boundless. Moreover, we can teach a person how to welcome death fearlessly. It’s due to their internal happiness. If one’s mind remains calm and happy, despite the pain and suffering, one can overcome fear totally.

Monica :               But you know when you’re really stressed and you have too much to do, like  organizing the kids, and work and everything, and your mind goes wild. I don’t
know, but if you visualize the sun or the thing that’s personal for you, and you cannot think about two things at the same time, how do you get there so it will
take away the stress? Intellectually, I can understand it. It’s just for me to try and practice it and to see if I can live with it.

Luang Por :          This is just the normal perception of most people. They believe that meditation can  not go hand in hand with their daily lives. This is the case for those who don’t practice earnestly. Let me ask you first if you can breathe, talk, look, and listen while driving a car? You use both hands and feet for driving too, right? How do you do it?

Monica :               Yes, I understand. But I have no pictures and I don’tmeditate.

Luang Por :          Not really, because when you pick up your son, you would have the picture of your  son in your mind.

Monica :               No not necessarily. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.

Luang Por :          If you can meditate along with your daily activities, your daily life will be filled with  happiness and enhanced with better efficiency.

Monica :               Ok, I will go back to the visualization of the sun and tell you of my experience.

Luang Por :          Tonight, after taking a shower, please try meditating and then take it back home to  Norway.

Monica :               I will. I have already decided to do this again. Even on the plane.

Luang Por :          That’s fantastic! Please also send me your homework when we meet again, from  today until The Light of Peace Ceremony. By the way, do not force yourself too
much while practicing meditation. It’s okay if you cannot visualize anything, but don’t skip a single day without meditation. Also, every hour of your day, take a minute to practice visualization.

Monica :               I have really been looking for something new to fill up my life with. I didn’t plan this,  but it has come to me now. I think it’s worth the effort.

Luang Por :          So, your mission here is not just for an interview, but also to reconnect your life to  what is missing. I believe you can do it and Hallgrim too. This is a good opportunity. Many newcomers have the same idea as you do, that too many errands will prevent them from meditation practice. Indeed, they can do both at the same time automatically. Meditation will become a part of your life, like another organ in your body. However, whenever you feel that you put too much effort into meditation, simply imagine that you are standing on a beach where you can observe the sea and the sun. This will help you to relax and restart with ease. You see, meditation is not hard at all. It is such a simple thing that everyone can put into practice. Thailand is not cold like Norway and you may feel that it is hard to meditate here. But after you return to the cool climate, you will be able to meditate well. Don’t forget to introduce meditation to your parents and your son. Children can do meditation very well and learn faster than an adult like you.

Monica :               Thank you!

Buddha knows : Death & Rebirth

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism

by Monica Øien

“For example, if one’s mind is blemished, one may be reborn in purgatory. But if one’s mind is completely dark, one may head to
a deeper hell realm”

Monica :                    In the Christian religion we believe that we go to heaven, which is a better place
  in the afterlife. So life is just a preparation for death in my religion.
  And I just wonder if it’s different for you, and can you visualize death?

Luang Por :             What everyone in this world will face on their deathbed is the flashback of his/her  doings from birth to the last day of life. Regardless of race or religion, all human beings will see the recurring pictures of their past deeds while they are  dying.
Either good or bad, our deeds will reappear in our mind like a movie. If the person always did good deeds, at their deathbed their mind will be filled with  happiness.
The picture of their goodness will appear bright and clear in their mind. This is the sign that the person will be led to the celestial realm or reborn in  good place after their death. In contrast, if the person usually committed sinful deeds like killing, stealing, or drinking alcohol, their mind will be loaded down  with the weight of unwholesomeness and thus diminished by darkness. The person will see a black spot or a gloomy picture before being drawn into a black  tube which is the way leading to the realm of suffering. Indeed, there are many destinations waiting for the dead. The deceased may be reincarnated in  the realm of hell or, purgatory, as a devil, a ghost,
an animal, a human being, a nymph, or an angel, depending on the state of the mind when the person is  dying. The state of mind could vary based on the ratio of brightness and darkness in the mind. So the variable mixture could lead to a different afterlife.  For  example, if one’s mind is blemished, one may be reborn in purgatory. But if one’s mind is completely dark, one may head to a deeper realm of hell. If the mind is  slightly dark, one could be reborn as an animal. Likewise, if one’s mind is bright enough, one will be reborn as a human. If the mind is very bright, one can be reborn as a celestial being, ranging from an earth sprite, a tree sprite, an air sprite,
a lower celestial being, or a higher celestial being. Do you think people with a  Christian background can understand this? It is not easy to explain the law of karma.

Monica :          Yes, somehow it reminds me of my own culture. Yes it is understandable.
 People are  just so afraid of talking about it in Norway. And it’s just as normal as  being born wouldn’t you say? That’s why I think we need to calm people down a little bit  and give them some knowledge about death. And I need a clearer picture. 

                        It’s just I need more information to say, ok, can we think about it without being
so fearful?

Luang Por :          We’re discussing about how to make it brief but to the point.

Monica :               Yes, that’s right. Would you like to know what we do something about it?
When   people die in Norway we usually don’t see them because we’re so afraid of death, and we don’t want to say goodbye. The normal goodbye with dead people is just to put them in the hospital, then into the refrigerator and then put them into the earth; into the tomb. I don’t know why that happens because back in the middle ages in Norway people died at home, and they used to stay at home for few days so that they could say goodbye. So now everything has become so strange and so impersonal. How do you explain it?

Luang Por :          There is a universal procedure that happens to people from all walks of life   regardless of their belief or ethic. Before people die, they will see the rewinding pictures of their past deeds. The frequent deeds will come first. For example, if one drinks liquor regularly, one will see the pictures of oneself drinking alcohol. Despite the fact that one enjoyed it so much when committing such action, one will feel regretful and uncomfortable before dying. The pre-disembodiment image will then  appear to hint where one will head to. For example, seeing the image of hell denizens will denote that one will go to hell in the afterlife. If one always killed animals in the past, one will see the rewinding pictures of oneself killing animals. Then one will feel discomfort and sorrowful and the pre-disembodiment image will appear to be animals. This means that one will have to be reborn as an animal after dying. I hope you understand, Monica? If I don’t explain with illustrative words, you may not understand. Goodness and badness are universal terms which can be defined differently from religion to religion, so it is necessary to give examples. Like the story of the Norwegian navy men, who were reborn as earth sprites because they don’t have enough merit to be reborn in the celestial realm, but they didn’t have much sin to go to the realm of punishment as well. They have merit from showing support to fellow people only. This is what I want to clarify to you.

Monica :               So is this a thing you can achieve in meditation?

Luang Por :          It happens on earth, but also in the astral dimension. As there are the rich, the   middle class, and the poor in this world, there are also different classes of earth sprites. For the parents of the navy man that we mentioned, he became a common Earth sprite. I hope you understand this. The spirit of their son was also discharged from the body; he was dead. So the tunnel that he entered was the entrance between the two worlds.

Monica :               That’s very difficult to understand.

Luang Por :          During that stage, he was already freed from the feeling of the physical body.

                             He felt  no pain.

Monica :               For me personally, I think it’s interesting. But it’s going to be too difficult for the TV viewers to understand all this. We need to do a documentary on this subject.

Luang Por :           Please accept it as additional universal knowledge. If you find that it is not  acceptable, it’s okay. But you need to separate what is true from what you believe.
Do you want to witness this by yourself? You can do so with meditation practice.

Buddha knows : Daily Life of Buddhists Meditation

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism 

by Monica Øien

“Before bed, again it is the time for prayer and meditation in order to free 

their mind from stress and all problems they have faced during the day”

Monica :          What do Buddhist’s scriptures say about time?

Luang Por :     Time management for laypeople and Buddhist monks is quite different. Laypeople have to manage their time in order to achieve both worldly and spiritual development. Every morning they will pray, meditate and share merit with all living things after they get up. All day long, they will observe their mind; work with full consciousness and wisdom while encountering problems from their work or their lives. Before bed, again it is the time for prayer and

                        meditation in order to free their mind from stress and all the problems they have faced during the day. When they go to bed, they will have a sound and peaceful

                        sleep. All laypeople should know their life goal is that they were born to achieve nirvana, so that they can balance their material and spiritual activities.

                        These are daily activities for general laypeople. In addition, every fortnight on the full-moon day, committed Buddhists will visit the temples and listen

                        to a sermon, meditate, and make merits. Also, on special days in Buddhism such as Visakha Puja Day, Asarnha Puja Day, Buddhist Lent Day, the end of Buddhist Lent Day, and every Buddhist observance day, they will join Buddhist ceremonies at the temple and observe eight precepts.

Monica :          I just wonder, the perception of Thais must be so different inside here. Can you describe an ordinary day for a Buddhist monk?

Luang Por :     People who decide to be Buddhist monks undoubtedly want to liberate themselves from sufferings, and attain Nirvana like the Lord Buddha

                        who terminated birth. Therefore, all days and nights, Buddhist monks practice the duties of monkhood to completely eradicate their spiritual defects. Early in the morning, Buddhist monks pray and meditate. Then, they leave the temples to go on alms rounds. After that, they clean their place and study the Lord Buddha’s

                        teachings both by reading the scripture and practicing meditation. In the evening, they also clean the place, say a prayer, and perform meditation to clear their

                        mind with the goal to eradicate defilements. Every fortnight on the full-moon day, Buddhist monks give sermons to teach the people coming to the temples.

Monica :          How much time do you spend meditating every day?

Luang Por :     I meditate twice a day--when I close and open my eyes; when I inhale and exhale. In every manner even sitting, standing, lying, walking or doing

                        anything, I can keep meditating naturally and automatically because I have practiced it this way since I got ordained. I can focus my mind on my inner

                        peace despite my outward movement. It is like the road that lays still even when there are cars running on it, or the sky that is fixed in its place even when clouds

                        are floating by. It became my habit to meditate by focusing my mind at the center of my body, all the time in every activity.

Monica :          Yes ok. How does this meditating affect the rest of your day?

Luang Por :     The benefits of twenty-four hour meditation are that it makes me happy and joyful. It gives me awareness and wisdom which enable me to extinguish my own sufferings. Consequently, I am willing to help other people every day.

                        I use the knowledge from meditation to help people by teaching them about the causes and effects of their deeds which is called “the law of karma”. I spread this knowledge, via the DMC channel, to help people around the world find true

                        happiness. I do all these things out of happiness, goodness of the heart, with full-conscience and wisdom.

Monica :          If you don’t meditate, is there any difference?

Luang Por :     People who do not meditate lack strength of the mind. Their mind will be exposed to confusion, sadness, boredom, stress, hollowness, anxiety and many

                        troubles because there is nothing to empower or protect their minds from everyday life’s problems.

Buddha knows : Buddhist View on Sex

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism
by Monica Øien

“Premarital sex is considered the result of a person’s weak and unhealthy mind”

Monica :          What do Buddhist scriptures say about sexual life for the Buddhists?

Luang Por :     Buddhism suggests that intercourse should be treated as a commitment rather  than an entertainment. This means that a couple should have intercourse only when they wish to have offspring who will reincarnate to this world for the pursuit of perfections.
This makes a human birth different from the birth of animals such as cats or birds which are driven by lust and instinct only. Moreover, this kind of relationship is regarded as a means to enhance a person’s roles and status. It makes husbands and wives become parents who are the first teachers, the selfless givers, and the spiritual guide for their children. Parents have to perform the duty of a good virtue-mentor by presenting the gateway leading to heaven or nirvana. They are comparable to the noble ones of the family. Thus, all couples should realize this issue and never be obsessed
by sexual intercourse. They should contemplate that intercourse offers only  temporary pleasure which also has negative effects. Therefore, intercourse should be valued and engaged in with the awareness that overindulgence could lead to suffering as well.

Monica :          Is it, according to the Buddhist Laws, acceptable to have sexual relationships  

                        before marriage?

Luang Por :     There is no direct teaching about premarital sex. However, the Lord Buddha  taught that a sexual relationship should take place only when a couple is ready to be husband and wife who are responsible for offspring in order to continue their clan. Premarital sex is considered the result of a person’s weak and unhealthy mind. It can be compared with an unripe fruit that is taken before its time. There is no exact teaching or restriction about premarital sex, but most Buddhists regard it as a disgrace and a violation of Buddhist tradition. As a matter of fact, this kind of relationship will cause many problems. The people who have sex before marriage will devalue the meaning of both a sexual relationship and marriage. They will prefer sexual pleasure to a meaningful relationship with someone. The heart will lose its innocence as it is filled with passion and lust. Also, abortion is one of a series of problems caused by premarital sex. Expressing love between husbands and wives is a normal activity unless we transgress any restrictions, social values or morality. Sexual pleasure is viewed as temporary satisfaction that brings about some disadvantages if we do not know how to control ourselves. Sometimes jealousy, lust, anxiety and conflict are the result. Buddhism teaches people to treat it as a meaningful relationship that will have a positive effect on a complete family life. Sexual activity thus connotes the sense of sacredness, not promiscuity.

Monica :          Celibacy is a norm in temples all over the world. I wonder why monks, Buddhist  monks, have to live in celibacy.

Luang Por :     One thing you have to bear in mind is that before leading a life in priesthood,
all  Buddhist monks were once ordinary laypeople. But they consider the lives of

laypeople full of burdens and responsibilities which prevent them from gaining  insights about the truth of life and Dhamma. Laypeople busy their lives with earning money, family matters and daily problems. To avoid all these life fetters,
one needs to get ordained which will help them achieve the goal of enlightenment. Sensual pleasure is considered temporary happiness which lasts for a short period.
This kind of pleasure is compared with having a meal. Our hunger will be relieved
for a short while and we have to satisfy our needs again in the next meal.
Buddhist monks consider happiness from meditation to exceed worldly happiness.
Meditation generates true happiness which cannot be found elsewhere.
For the sake of this true happiness,
monks choose to turn their back on worldly pleasures and practice celibacy.
Prince Siddharta is an example of a person who deserted all blessing in his life in order to seek the happiness of the mind. Buddhist monks follow His path in search of true happiness as well because they believe that celibacy is a means to liberate themselves from suffering and become enlightened like the Lord Buddha.

Buddha knows : Buddhist Congregation

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism
by Monica Øien

“Meditation thus is the easiest and the most effective way that directly solves any problems”

Monica :          What does it mean to a Buddhist to practice meditation in a ceremony like the  Kathina Ceremony yesterday? Does it enrich the Buddhist life to meditate together with others, or can they do it just as well at home alone or somewhere else?

Luang Por :     The reason for mass congregation is unity in meditation practice. Normally the  laypeople will meditate individually at home from Monday to Saturday.
So, on Sunday, it is a good chance for everyone to get together to meditate and generate

strong positive mental energy to cleanse the impurities away from this world.
The tradition of communal meritorious activity has been practiced since the Lord

Buddha’s time. People may meditate privately or as a group.
The mass  congregation will motivate the others to follow this good deed as well because the unity of people doing good deeds together is admirable. The moment that  people join together to meditate is the moment of peace that can prosper to

become world-peace. The world has experienced spiritual drought for a long  time,
and the peaceful congregation will bring about change. The peace that

everyone has longed for will become a reality. All problems in this world arise  from the wicked mind. As the mind is the cause, to solve the problems,
we have to deal with our mind first. War is a result of evil thoughts and furious  minds, while peace occurs from a calm and clear mind. Meditation thus is the easiest and the most effective way to solve any problems. Although people have been longing for peace, no one has ever imagined it can really take place nowadays.
However, meditation will bring about this impossible thing.
If everyone meditates together, the world can be changed easily as both wars and

                        peace are the result of our mind’s actions.

Buddha knows : Rebir th & Incarnation

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism 

by Monica Øien

“Our birth is not directed by anyone, 

but it is the matter of karma or retribution for our past deeds”

Monica :          Thank you. Ok, what does it mean for a Buddhist to give birth to a child?

Luang Por :     Buddhism regards a birth not only as a natural process. We consider that everyone is reborn because of the cycle of life and death. As long as the driving force remains, 

                        one continues to be reborn in order to learn the truth of life that would lead to the final stage, or the end of birth. The more often we are born,
the more suffering we encounter. Birth is the origin of many other kinds of suffering  such as aging, sickness, death, separation from loved objects, facing unpleasant

things and torment from unfulfilled desire. Consequently, a human birth is not  only natural, but also has the purpose of seeking to cease birth itself. This Buddhist view
is neither pessimistic nor optimistic, but rather realistic. The reality is that suffering coexists with birth. Our birth is not directed by anyone, but it is the matter of karma
or retribution for our past deeds. Physically, birth starts from a father and a mother who have a sexual relationship, or in Dhamma terms, physical intercourse where the refined body is given an opportunity to incarnate.

Monica :          Can you tell me if the Buddhists have any birth rituals, and why you do or
do not  have them?

Luang Por :     Traditional Buddhists have no rites associated directly or indirectly to birth
because we are taught not to force the newborn child to become a new Buddhist.

However, everyone is subject to learning the ‘knowhow’ in order to achieve  one’s goal of ending rebirth. Some families believe that inviting monks for food

offerings on a family member’s birthday will make the day auspicious,
and will earn them merit. Sometimes they may request the monks to name their child.

Ultimately, the principle is that the parents have to raise their children with care.
They are also obliged to educate their children on how to be a good person in

                        society and achieve the goal of ending rebirth.

Monica :          Is it an issue what the child was in his former life? Does it any matter to the  parents
if they come from terrible background in a former life?

Luang Por :     Actually, it’s hard for parents to know about the past lives of their child.
They  never know where the child was from. What they do know is that they have

to care for their child with love and warmth, as well as teaching the child  according
to the Dhamma. However, if they find out later on that their child

was from an unwholesome realm such as the realm of animals,
they should  simply accept the truth. Although they might feel unfortunate,
it is a good opportunity for them to guide their child for improvement in the present
and the  future.

Monica :          Do Buddhist parents expect their children to come from a good past life?

Luang Por :     Buddhist parents are similar to all other parents. They expect their child to have
come from a good realm.

Monica :          What does the Buddhist scripture teach parents about how they should raise
or  have children?

Luang Por :     The Lord Buddha taught that parents should feed them not only with food,
but  they should also teach their child to abstain from misdeeds such as killing,
stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, consumption of alcohol and narcotics,
and involvement in any other unwholesome allurements. These are the first steps.
For the next step, they have to teach their child to do only good deeds including practicing generosity, observing precepts, and meditating. Thirdly, parents should support their child’s education to the highest level. The fourth step is that parents should advise their child on how to choose a promising spouse. Significantly,
due to their long experience in married life, the parents should help their sons and daughters to find a consort who is relevant to them in four aspects: faith, precepts, attitude, and belief, so they can live together harmoniously. Lastly, provide the children with property in a timely manner so as to be invested in the future.
The parents should also suggest how to earn, spend and save money.

Monica :          In my travels I have seen different birth traditions around the world,
in different  religions. I just wonder, are there any spiritual differences in having
a boy or a  girl for Buddhist parents?

Luang Por :     What do you mean by “spiritual differences”?

Monica :          Spiritual, well…I don’t know if that’s the proper word. But I was thinking about  whether they have different responsibilities, or if one sex is more important than

the other, because a lot of other religions think that. I just wondered if it’s  something that’s considered in Buddhism as well.

Luang Por :     In Buddhism, we do not worry about the child’s gender since it has nothing to do  
                       with the parents’ spiritual progress and prosperity. Indeed, it depends on whether 
                        the parents follow the teachings of the Lord Buddha. Parents will be happy

if their children show gratitude towards them as a result of their teaching, 
and if  their children are capable, well-behaved, and successful in their career

and education. The Lord Buddha also taught that children should make merit and dedicate to their parents who have already passed away.

if their children show gratitude towards them as aresult of their teaching,
and if their children arecapable, well-behaved, and successful in their careerand education. The Lord Buddha also taught thatchildren should make merit and 

dedicate to theirparents who have already passed away.

Buddha knows : “If you could go further beyond the praying, you can enter into a deeper level.”

Inter view

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism
by Monica Øien

“If you could go further beyond the praying,
you can enter into a deeper level.”

Luang Por :     Blessings! Beautiful bows from you. Where did you learn this?

Monica :          Thank you. A wonderful laywoman here taught me. I have been practicing.

Luang Por :     Really? Very nice! Please take your seat. I have seen pictures of beautiful  Norway which motivates me to visit, but I am afraid of cold weather.

Monica :          It’s really cold, that’s true. But in summer it goes up to 25 degrees.

Luang Por :     Which months are in summer?

Monica :          May, June, July, and August.

Luang Por :     That’s during Buddhist lent. What about Hallgrim? How many times have you  been to Thailand?

Hallgrim :        Same.

Luang Por :     Oh, really? Both of you?

Monica :          My friends usually go to Thailand every year, and I have been dreaming of visiting for 36 years. So, now I’m here. Phra Somsak taught me the beginning of meditation yesterday.

Luang Por :     Have you ever tried meditation before?

Monica :          I have been doing a little bit of yoga. I think meditation is more similar to my  praying.

Luang Por :     Yes, and there is a more advanced level of meditation as well.

Monica :          You know this scares me, the deeper method. But that’s probably why I should  pursue it.

Luang Por :     Praying develops into ‘meditation’ when our mind enters a deeper level of  tranquility.

Monica :          Wow!

Luang Por :     You already have a good background on regular praying which is a level of  meditation. If you could go further beyond the praying, you can enter into a

deeper level. I think it is about time. You have been praying for 36 years. This  is the year that you should go further towards deeper meditation.

Monica :          I can sense it. I agree with you. I am very optimistic. I have seen here at the  temple that it’s possible to do a quick meditation for 5 minutes a day.

                        So we will start to do meditation in Norway for 5 minutes a day, and

                        then when we are hooked, we will not stop. Then we will do more.

Luang Por :     Certainly, when you get hooked, nobody can stop you. It’s up to you if you  want to meditate. Your objective here is not just for an interview,

                        but meditation as well.

Monica :          No, not just for an interview. Next time I promise to have a day off
                        for meditation.

Luang Por :     Don’t be concerned about time. Even a few hours spent in Thailand could

                        also lead you to that meditation level.

Monica :          Well definitely, I can feel that I am really calm now because we came from  New Delhi. And, well, we had such a hard trip with the traffic and we didn’t sleep.

                        So only time we could relax was when we came here to the temple yesterday.

Luang Por :     Ah! Where did you learn about the Buddhist culture? How did you know that  Buddhists place their hands in the prayer position when conversing with monks?

Monica :          Well, they taught me here.

Luang Por :     You took to it easily then?

Monica :          Once I relaxed it felt normal for me to do it. And I am a naturally curious person,  so I always want to find out what people think and do wherever I go.

It’s kind of my hobby as well.

Luang Por :     Excellent! How did you come up with these interesting questions?

Monica :          I did it together with my researcher and director in Norway.

Luang Por :     So, I assume these questions are derived from the issues that Norwegians are  interested in, right?

Monica :          Well, I am honored to do one of the few religious programs on television in  Norway. We are raising these new questions because I think the world in general is missing a lot about life, joy, happiness and love. We have been finding out how to get religion to meet materialism, so that we can be happier people in

Norway. We are suffering a lot from the darkness and the coldness. Those are  our questions in life, and especially for me, Monica.

Luang Por :     Monica, let’s put it this way. Due to my age I might need some assistants to help  answer as my health is not so robust, and I will add other things that others

can also benefit from. Some questions might not be fully elaborated on and I will  gradually add to them bit by bit as we proceed. We should enjoy our conversation and share each other’s experience, rather than only do an interview. I wish to make my answers as beneficial as possible.

Monica :          That’s great, thank you. Firstly, I would like to ask you if you believe in the  economic church, if you believe that all religions are related somehow, and how

                        they are linked to each other.

Luang Por :     Economic Church?

Monica :          Yes economic; like they are all logically promoting the same thing.

                        All the churches, all the religions, the big religions, the main religions,

                        are connected somehow. They all have the same goal. By using the TV program

we can learn much from the other religions and incorporate the wisdom into our  daily lives.

Luang Por :     Indeed, all the mainstream religions are derived from the same core of wisdom.To tell you the truth, this is my first time on a Norwegian television program. You are the first Norwegian to interview me.

Monica :          I am really honored. Thank you, Tusen Takk.

Luang Por :     Your native language sounds beautiful. If I wish to greet you in Norwegian,

                        what should I say?

Monica :          You should say “Hvordan har du det?”. Would you like to try?

Luang Por :     Sounds beautiful, but difficult as well… “Hvordan har du det?”

Monica :          Oh yes.

Luang Por :     This means that I can go to Norway, yes?

Monica :          Yes, but you will not understand the answer.

Luang Por :     I will just smile then. We won’t ever starve to death if we smile. I enjoy  conversing with you, but I’m not sure if the interview part will be entertaining.

Monica :          So then we will reciprocate. I learn things from you, and now you learn things  from me.

Luang Por :     Right, we both meet each other halfway. I think that’s fine.

Monica :          This is a very beautiful room. And the temple itself is amazing. I’m very  impressed. And the atmosphere you have is so peaceful,

                        and yes… I could live here.

Luang Por :     Really?

Monica :          Well, yes. I could live here, but I have a baby… I guess this way of life would

                        be difficult for me.

Luang Por :     Well, simply meditate, even for a short period of time, and you will enjoy the  utmost satisfaction.

Monica :          Oh, thank you.

Luang Por :     OK, please go ahead and ask your questions.