http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org Thu, 17 May 2012 14:55:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Copyright © Orlando Insight Meditation Group 2011 madestef@gmail.com (Peter Carlson) madestef@gmail.com (Peter Carlson) 1440 http://www.orlandoinsightmeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/lo-res-dhamma-wheel-600-SQ.jpg http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org 144 144 The Orlando Insight Meditation Group is a non-profit organization formed to support the practice of insight (vipassana) meditation in the Orlando area. Peter Carlson has practiced Theravadin Mindfulness meditation since his first retreat at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachussetts in 1982. He has sat over 30 retreats since then, lasting from 3 days to 3 months in duration. He has attended retreats led by many different teachers, including Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Larry Rosenberg, Carol Wilson, Marcia Rose, Arinna Weisman, Bhante Gunaratana, S. N. Goenka, and, most recently, Matt Flickstein. After many requests, we've arranged to post the Wednesday night Buddhist meditation group into podcast format. We hope you find them beneficial. Orlando, Insight, Meditation, Group, Buddhism, meditation, insight Peter Carlson Peter Carlson madestef@gmail.com no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/cultivating-community-leadership/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/cultivating-community-leadership/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 14:55:07 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=1058 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/cultivating-community-leadership/feed/ 0 1:05:48 As the OIMG community matures in the understanding and application of Buddhist wisdom, developmental transitions naturally arise.  The founding teacher, Peter, is leaving for a 3 month retreat at the Forest Refuge at the Insight Meditation Society i[...] As the OIMG community matures in the understanding and application of Buddhist wisdom, developmental transitions naturally arise.  The founding teacher, Peter, is leaving for a 3 month retreat at the Forest Refuge at the Insight Meditation Society in late August, which furthers his understanding and application; here in our community, several members who have experienced at least one one-week retreat and demonstrated a strong interest in deepening their understanding and application have been invited to participate in a teacher’s mentoring group, which has been meeting weekly for several months, so they will be prepared to continue the weekly dhamma dialogues, and to deepen their practice.  This week’s discussion is organized around the tradition, passed down through the centuries of individual mastering the dhamma and sharing it with others, currently being manifested in our community in vitalizing ways.  Next week the members of the mentoring group will talk of their areas of interest and aspirations for the community. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/precepts-to-commitments/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/precepts-to-commitments/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 13:51:24 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=1056 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/precepts-to-commitments/feed/ 0 1:08:51 Continuing the exploration of what the Dhamma means in the 21st century, the basic precepts of Buddhism were discussed.  Peter explained that the precepts are organized around the cultivation of wisdom, which is the combination of clear awareness an[...] Continuing the exploration of what the Dhamma means in the 21st century, the basic precepts of Buddhism were discussed.  Peter explained that the precepts are organized around the cultivation of wisdom, which is the combination of clear awareness and benevolent intention.  The potential value of using the word commitment rather than precept was explained as commitment implies an action phase.  A new list of commitments was provided (which will be posted on the web site), carefully constructed to convey the basic aspects of wisdom, hopefully in a way more useful in our era. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/peters-retreat-report/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/peters-retreat-report/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 15:01:01 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=1032 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/peters-retreat-report/feed/ 0 0:58:02 With the hope that verbally describing his retreat experience will help integrate the experience and perhaps inform and inspire others to go on retreat, Peter describes his recent 2 week self-retreat, during which he got a staph infection and had to[...] With the hope that verbally describing his retreat experience will help integrate the experience and perhaps inform and inspire others to go on retreat, Peter describes his recent 2 week self-retreat, during which he got a staph infection and had to get medical treatment.  We often have agendas for our lives, and unexpected events like this on a retreat may seem like a setback, but the practice is to help establish ways and means to see how the mind creates suffering, in this case illness, and learn how to deconstruct the suffering self to find peace and clarity. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/mindful-service/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/mindful-service/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:37:04 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=1005 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/mindful-service/feed/ 0 1:04:24 This discussion explores the development of service in Buddhism from the time of Anathapindika, who organized the first Buddhist monastery, through the Bodhisattva Ideal, to present opportunities for service.  Three points were discussed: the import[...] This discussion explores the development of service in Buddhism from the time of Anathapindika, who organized the first Buddhist monastery, through the Bodhisattva Ideal, to present opportunities for service.  Three points were discussed: the importance of regular meditation practice and the cultivation of samadhi; the supporting of and support from the Sangha; and matching our personal skills and experience with appropriate opportunities to provide service for others.  We also emphasized that service can include being a cheerful, unintrusive presence as well as volunteering to sit with a dying person. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/roberts-retreat-report/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/roberts-retreat-report/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:35:15 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=992 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/roberts-retreat-report/feed/ 0 1:03:11 Once again, a member of our Sangha has completed a significant retreat–Robert just returned from a Korean Zen retreat organized by the Kwan Um School in Providence, Rhode Island.  During this evening’s discussion he compared aspects of Z[...] Once again, a member of our Sangha has completed a significant retreat–Robert just returned from a Korean Zen retreat organized by the Kwan Um School in Providence, Rhode Island.  During this evening’s discussion he compared aspects of Zen practice and vipassana practices. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/mindfulness-for-the-body/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/mindfulness-for-the-body/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:57:58 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=988 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/mindfulness-for-the-body/feed/ 0 0:56:42 The phrase we typically use is “mindfulness of the body”; this week’s talk is “mindfulness for the body” to emphasize the importance of taking good care of the body, which is the foundational vehicle for spiritual devel[...] The phrase we typically use is “mindfulness of the body”; this week’s talk is “mindfulness for the body” to emphasize the importance of taking good care of the body, which is the foundational vehicle for spiritual development.  We talked of how important it is to not give in to the inactivity that the creature comforts of our culture promote and the effects that chronic stress has on the body.  We then explored the benefits of regular meditation practice to cultivate a more relaxed body, and the value of insight (vipassana) practices to provide the discipline to exercise regularly. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/tommys-retreat-report/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/tommys-retreat-report/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:24:38 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=954 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/tommys-retreat-report/feed/ 0 1:05:54 In order for the teachings of the Buddha to remain vital, it is necessary for each succeeding generation and culture to validate the Dhamma with a dedicated meditation practice, epitomized by attending retreats.  It is the custom of the Orlando Insi[...] In order for the teachings of the Buddha to remain vital, it is necessary for each succeeding generation and culture to validate the Dhamma with a dedicated meditation practice, epitomized by attending retreats.  It is the custom of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group to provide opportunities for members who’ve recently completed a significant retreat to describe their experience during a Wednesday night meeting. Tommy recently completed a 5-day retreat with Paul Linn of Florida Vipassana.  The benefit of these opportunities is allowing the participants to “think our loud” about what they learned.  Much of what is experienced on a silent retreat happens outside of conscious awareness.  We also know that recently acquired memories “metabolize” in the mid-brain for several days before being consolidated into long-term memory.  Verbalizing the experience integrates the insights about the practice for the returning retreatant, while listening to the report hopefully inspires the listeners to dedicated meditation practice, including retreats. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-money-management/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-money-management/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:20:30 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=952 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-money-management/feed/ 0 1:01:48 Continuing the discussions on how to bring the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to contemporary life, Peter read some excerpts from the suttas to describe what the Buddha taught regarding the acquiring of wealth and how to wisely make use of it.  The exam[...] Continuing the discussions on how to bring the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to contemporary life, Peter read some excerpts from the suttas to describe what the Buddha taught regarding the acquiring of wealth and how to wisely make use of it.  The example of  the wealthy merchant Sudatta, commonly named Anathapindika was discussed as an example of wise stewardship of wealth.  We then talked of how our meditation practice can be effectively applied to the temptations of this consumerist culture.  The topic of voluntary simplicity was introduced, as Duane Elgin spoke recently at Rollins College about cultural transformation. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-relationship-in-the-21st-century/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-relationship-in-the-21st-century/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:35:21 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=923 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-relationship-in-the-21st-century/feed/ 0 1:08:20 Continuing the discussion of Right Livelihood as manifesting in a culture much more complex than what the Buddha knew, this dialogue focuses on how relationship dynamics relate to the three characteristics the Buddha emphasized, that is, impermanenc[...] Continuing the discussion of Right Livelihood as manifesting in a culture much more complex than what the Buddha knew, this dialogue focuses on how relationship dynamics relate to the three characteristics the Buddha emphasized, that is, impermanence, dissatisfaction and interdependence.  Modern research regarding attachment security and how levels of anxious arousal degrade a couple’s ability to negotiate conflict was explored.  We also discussed modern relational psychoanalysis as related to mutual interpersonal influence. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/cultivating-spirituality-in-the-21st-century/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/cultivating-spirituality-in-the-21st-century/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:39:39 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=919 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/cultivating-spirituality-in-the-21st-century/feed/ 0 0:58:20 In this dialogue, we explored the distractions that interfere with regular meditation practice, contrasted with the opportunities that are also present in our time to deeply practice and understand the liberating teachings of the Buddha.  The practi[...] In this dialogue, we explored the distractions that interfere with regular meditation practice, contrasted with the opportunities that are also present in our time to deeply practice and understand the liberating teachings of the Buddha.  The practice of Right Livelihood was renamed “Right Lifestyle” to reflect the increasing complexity of current culture, and that the goal of spiritual practice is living a wholesome life. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-action-in-the-21st-century/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-action-in-the-21st-century/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:48:48 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=917 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-action-in-the-21st-century/feed/ 0 1:00:12 Continuing the exploration of how to increase the relevance of Buddhist wisdom in our era, this discussion explored the relationship between the concept of kamma (karma) and action.  Emphasis was placed on using mindfulness to restrain impulsive act[...] Continuing the exploration of how to increase the relevance of Buddhist wisdom in our era, this discussion explored the relationship between the concept of kamma (karma) and action.  Emphasis was placed on using mindfulness to restrain impulsive action in order to promote behavior that cultivates kindness and compassion.  This was related to current personal, cultural and spiritual conditions.  This sets a foundation for thorough exploration of Right Livelihood in the next few talks. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-speech-in-the-21st-century/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-speech-in-the-21st-century/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:35:35 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=910 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-speech-in-the-21st-century/feed/ 0 1:08:42 This discussion reviewed classic Buddhist Suttas to describe the qualities of Right Speech and some insights from modern psychology that support the development of virtue.  This talk should be integrated with the previously recorded discussions on t[...] This discussion reviewed classic Buddhist Suttas to describe the qualities of Right Speech and some insights from modern psychology that support the development of virtue.  This talk should be integrated with the previously recorded discussions on the value of virtue and effective listening. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-listening/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-listening/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:34:31 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=903 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/right-listening/feed/ 0 1:10:15 In reviewing the Virtue aggregate of the Eightfold Path, this week’s focus is on effective listening.  We live in a culture that doesn’t support a long attention span, which leads to poor interpersonal communication.  Using Right Speech [...] In reviewing the Virtue aggregate of the Eightfold Path, this week’s focus is on effective listening.  We live in a culture that doesn’t support a long attention span, which leads to poor interpersonal communication.  Using Right Speech as a guideline, ways of cultivating mindfulness for effective listening were reviewed.  Next week’s topic will be Right Speech. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/the-power-of-narrative/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/the-power-of-narrative/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:24:42 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=877 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/the-power-of-narrative/feed/ 0 1:02:50 This dialogue further explores how modern cultural influences affect our sense of the Buddhist Dhamma in the 21st century.  The fact that humans experience selfhood through the ability to string together various moments of awareness into a narrative[...] This dialogue further explores how modern cultural influences affect our sense of the Buddhist Dhamma in the 21st century.  The fact that humans experience selfhood through the ability to string together various moments of awareness into a narrative creates the need for virtue to integrate the process.  When our personal narrative is distorted, lacking awareness of important memories that link past events to current events, suffering is inevitable.  The virtue of Samma Vaca, Right Speech, provides a well-integrated narrative self, setting the foundation for further spiritual transcendence.  Right Speech will be discussed in the next Dhamma dialogue. Peter Carlson no no http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/the-value-of-virtue/ http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/the-value-of-virtue/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:48:07 +0000 Peter http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/?p=858 http://orlandoinsightmeditation.org/2012/the-value-of-virtue/feed/ 0 1:07:38 This dhamma dialogue continues an ongoing exploration of the importance of using mindfulness practice to examine the classic Buddhist teachings so they can be adapted to a world experience that is much more complex than the time of the Buddha.  Virt[...] This dhamma dialogue continues an ongoing exploration of the importance of using mindfulness practice to examine the classic Buddhist teachings so they can be adapted to a world experience that is much more complex than the time of the Buddha.  Virtue is examined as the manifestation of wisdom (clear awareness plus benevolent intention) in our daily routines.  This talk is laying the foundation for exploring the meaning of Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood in the 21st century, drawing on modern psychological research. Peter Carlson no no