Teatime at Birken (6 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions: 00:00 - Welcome 00:28 - Can Metta protect one from greed and sense desires? 10:54 - How can one be “a graceful receiver” in a relationship, rather than the giving end? 21:04 - Is there a way to cultivate Metta without words? 24:52 - Does Loving-kindness require vulnerability and forgiveness for oneself and others?   27:33 - You’ve said that one should not be guilty for past unskillful actions because one is no longer that person. If one takes this stance but continues to do the same unskillful actions after vowing to do better, is that failed right effort? 38:49 - My mind is craving for Loving-kindness that isn’t present. Is that craving an impediment? 42:20 - How does one not fail to achieve Nibanna through Loving-kindness? And, how does one achieve Jhana through Loving-kindness? 45:37 - How can one cultivate relaxed safety when confronted with overwhelming bodily discomfort? 50:05 - Can you talk about gratitude from a Buddhist prospective?