Virtual Metta Retreat: Teatime (9) with Ajahn Sona

Teatime at Birken (9 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions:  00:00 - Welcome 00:30 - How does one practice Loving-kindness when entangled with unskillful people? 09:12 - In the past, I used to end my sittings with a smile and start to laugh. Is this “laughing-kindness” like “Loving-kindness”? 11:41 - In a Jataka story, the Bodhisatta practices patience (Khanti). Isn’t it a practice of Loving-kindness as well? 15:34 - What strategies can we undertake to keep from getting overwhelmed beyond one’s capacities for Loving-kindness? 20:53 - As a psychotherapist, how can I express to patients, family, etc, that I am not available for periods of time? 27:01 - Please explain how something persisting through many lifetimes, carrying the kamma from many lifetimes, is separate and distinct from an idea of a self? 35:14 - What thoughts, feelings and wishes are appropriate when seeing a dead animal on the street? 37:47 - How does eating meat relate to Loving-kindness towards animals? 43:50 - When I am in a rush and time pressure,  it is hard to sustain Metta. Any advice? 48:34 - Can you speak to balancing our own inner wisdom with that of outside voices (teachers, etc)? 51:55 - Any advice in keeping Metta that we’ve cultivated  in daily life after the retreat?