Chapter- 3.4 Interview
Q1. What should we learn about according to the passage?
Answer: According to the passage, we should learn about meditation and how our mind works. Meditation is not just sitting silently, but a process of observing the way our thoughts arise and disappear, helping us to understand the true nature of our mind.
Q2. What is the first step to learn about meditation?
Answer: The first step to learning meditation is to observe your own mind carefully. You need to watch how your thoughts come and go without judging or controlling them. This awareness is the beginning of true meditation.
Q3. What example is used in the text to explain how we should watch our thoughts?
Answer: The text uses the example of watching a lizard walking across the wall. Just as we carefully notice the lizard’s movements, we must also observe our thoughts attentively and without distraction.
Q4. What are we asked to do while watching the lizard?
Answer: We are asked to notice how the lizard moves, how its four feet stick to the wall, and how smoothly it walks. This careful watching teaches us to observe our thoughts with the same attention and patience.
Q5. How should we watch our thinking?
Answer: We should watch our thinking quietly and without interference, just as we watch the lizard. We must not try to stop, change, or control our thoughts, but simply see how they flow one after another.
Q6. What should we avoid doing while watching our thoughts?
Answer: While watching our thoughts, we should avoid correcting, suppressing, or judging them. These actions disturb the natural flow of the mind and prevent true observation.
Q7. What is the first instruction given for meditation?
Answer: The first instruction is to sit absolutely still, comfortably cross your legs, close your eyes, and remain quiet. This physical stillness helps to prepare the mind for inner calmness.
Q8. Why is it important to keep our eyeballs still during meditation?
Answer: It is important because the movement of the eyes disturbs the stillness of the mind. When the eyes remain quiet and unmoving, the brain becomes more relaxed and concentrated.
Q9. What should we do after sitting quietly?
Answer: After sitting quietly, we should observe our thoughts. We must see how one thought follows another, how they change, and how they disappear—all without trying to interfere.
Q10. How should we observe our thoughts?
Answer: We should observe our thoughts calmly, attentively, and without judgment—just as an impartial witness. This quiet observation helps us understand the true working of our mind.
Q11. What happens when you begin to watch your thoughts?
Answer: When you start watching your thoughts, you begin to understand how your mind operates. You become aware of your emotions, desires, and fears, which leads to greater self-knowledge.
Q12. What does the text say about thoughts being good or bad?
Answer: The text says we should not label thoughts as “good” or “bad.” Such judgments stop true observation. Every thought should be watched equally, without preference or dislike.
Q13. When can one watch their thoughts according to the text?
Answer: One can watch their thoughts at any time — while sitting quietly, walking, or even before sleeping. Observation is a continuous process, not limited to one time or place.
Q14. What is the beginning of meditation according to the passage?
Answer: The beginning of meditation is the art of watching thoughts silently and patiently. When we become aware of our thoughts without control or effort, meditation naturally begins.
Q15. What should you do if you find it difficult to meditate?
Answer: If you find it difficult, do not give up or say “it is too hard.” Simply continue watching your thoughts patiently, because effortless observation is the essence of true meditation.
Q16. What is the relation between watching and learning?
Answer: Watching leads to learning. When you watch your thoughts without interference, you begin to understand your own mind, and this understanding becomes real learning.
Q17. What happens once you begin to learn through meditation?
Answer: Once you begin to learn through meditation, learning never ends. You continue discovering new things about yourself and life every day.
Q18. What does the passage teach about the nature of learning?
Answer: The passage teaches that learning is a continuous and infinite process. It does not end with formal education or degrees but continues throughout one’s life.
Q19. What is meant by the word ‘observe’?
Answer: To observe means to watch carefully, attentively, and silently without judging or reacting. True observation reveals how the mind functions and brings deep understanding.
Q20. Why does the author tell us not to correct our thoughts?
Answer: The author tells us not to correct our thoughts because the act of correction involves judgment, which prevents true observation. Real understanding comes only when we watch thoughts as they are.
Q21. Is the statement “One wants others to change” correct?
Answer: No, it is incorrect. The author emphasizes that instead of wanting others to change, we should understand and transform ourselves through awareness.
Q22. Is the statement “One can get rid of being ordinary” correct?
Answer: Yes, it is correct. By developing awareness and self-understanding through meditation, one can rise above ordinary habits and live with clarity and peace.
Q23. Is the statement “Understanding greed does not ensure freedom from greed” correct?
Answer: No, it is incorrect. The passage suggests that when we truly understand greed, we become free from it. Awareness naturally dissolves negative qualities.
Q24. Is the statement “Learning is a finite process” correct?
Answer: No, it is incorrect. The passage clearly states that learning has no end; it is an ongoing, ever-deepening process of growth and discovery.
Q25. Is an educated person the same as a degree-holder?
Answer: No, an educated person is not necessarily a degree-holder. True education means wisdom, understanding, and good behaviour, not just possessing certificates or degrees.
Q26. What kind of behaviour in educated people can be unacceptable?
Answer: Educated people may sometimes show pride, selfishness, dishonesty, or disrespect, which are unacceptable because true education should make one humble and kind.
Q27. Why is observing thoughts compared to watching a lizard?
Answer: The comparison is made because both require close attention, patience, and quiet observation. Just as we notice every small movement of the lizard, we should notice each movement of our thoughts.
Q28. What does meditation help us understand?
Answer: Meditation helps us understand the nature and movement of our mind, making us aware of our emotions, reactions, and hidden patterns of thinking.
Q29. What is the benefit of sitting quietly with closed eyes?
Answer: Sitting quietly with closed eyes helps the body to relax and the mind to calm down, creating a peaceful space to observe thoughts clearly and deeply.
Q30. What is the overall message of the passage?
Answer: The overall message is that true meditation begins with simple observation — watching one’s thoughts without judgment. Through this awareness, we begin an endless journey of learning and self-discovery.
Answer by Dimpee Bora
