Andrew Jones:
Hi Sean,
The fact you suspect neurosis (which I take to mean a set of irrational fears and thoughts) seems to point to fear. What do you read on the subject of vegetarianism?
Thanks for this clarification. I may have misspoken in using the term "neurosis." I was not aware that the term embedded an element of fear, as I'm not aware of experiencing fear in connection with these matters. As I note above in response to Jake's reply, there is some aversion and some concern that it may give rise to delusion. I suppose that the concern of potential delusion could be construed as a kind of fear, but it doesn't bodily feel like fear.
Andrew Jones:
It also depends on what type of meditation you are doing. In the style of the buddha or a hybrid?
Buddhist practice -- vipassana 90% of the time, breath concentration (anapannasati) 10% of the time.
Andrew Jones:
Hallucinations when sitting should be ignored in my understanding. (I know I have enough of them!)
My practice has been to note the visions when they arise, note them while they sustain, and try to note as they subside. I often miss noting the subsiding part, as the mind tends to focus on what arises to replace the prior (subsiding) mind event. I've not tried to ignore them completely.
Andrew Jones:
Sila in my opinion is best considered in relationship to human beings. If you master that then move onto the finer points of animal well fare. I'm pretty sure the karmic load is weighted in the human direction. Of course sadhu to you if you are infact at this point!
My present interactions with other humans are more equanimous than they have been in the past, but they're hardly perfect. Still, something (karmic) seems to be arising with regard to these present questions, so I'm noting them and trying to decide how to act in light of the presence of those arisings.
Thanks for your thoughts.