Penang Retreat Nov 2019 Q&A Group 4 Round 4 (20:18-21:41)
Yogi: There were pain and sensation and I checked the mind – it was simple and stable, no craving or aversion.
Sayadaw: Just checking is enough – rather than trying to be mindful, it is better to check. When we check, both awareness and wisdom are present.
When we check, we don’t have to force to be aware.
If the mind is simple, it is easy to practice because you don’t think too much. If it is complicated, it becomes difficult because of wanting and not liking, and a lot of anger and fear.
It is more difficult to practice whenever defilement is strong.