The Highest Blessings: Virtual Retreat Dhamma Q&A (2 of 6)

Ajahn Sona answers questions as part of 'The Highest Blessings - Teachings on the Mangala Sutta' Virtual Retreat. See here for Dhamma talks:    • The Highest Blessings: Dhamma Talks   Index of Questions: 0:00 - Introduction 1:52 - How can we tell the difference between fools and wise people? Where are the wise found in the world today? 5:17 - When advised to associate with the wise, can one take advice from someone not wise emotionally, but in some other action? Or is wise in this context more being wise in Dhamma? 7:38 - It seems the Mangala Sutta is directed toward humans, although the question, "what is the highest blessing?" was asked by a deva. Are we to understand that the asker is a "lower" deva, still close to the material world? Or that the devas are being reminded that a lower rebirth is possible, and they need to work--despite their bliss--toward complete freedom from suffering? 11:27 - The wise and the foolish seem like two extremes. What about people in between -should I stay with or leave them? 16:22 - I feel a strong passion to help the foolish in whatever guise they take. Can we, and should we, "help" foolish people see the error of their ways, or is it better to only look at ourselves, so that we may become an example of an "unfoolish" way of living that brings much more happiness? 20:12 - How do we associate with those we have familial obligations to help - an elderly parent or an adult child - who may not be wise, yet we wish to offer some wisdom or Metta to them. 23:32 - I have been lucky to have many wise teachers, but who have been "wise with an edge", meaning that they came with some not very wise vices. How do I think about this? 27:50 - Some professionals need to spend their life caring for these "fools". What is your advice for youth workers, counselors, healers? 32:48 - When one leaves the foolish, how does one deal with the aftermath of triggers with gratefulness and appreciation? 35:40 - Could you speak a little on the difference between avoiding the foolish and aversion towards those who don't hold the same views? 38:20 - What does the Buddha teach us about the notion of justice with regard to those who do us harm? 40:55 - Do we have any duty to the foolish? Ajahn Sona Podcast: Apple - http://bit.ly/AppleAjSona Spotify - http://bit.ly/SpotifyAjSona Podbean - http://bit.ly/PodbeanAjSona To support more virtual Dhamma from Birken Monastery, visit: https://birken.ca/support/