by Mary Ann | Aug 6, 2011 | Study Resources
by Peter Carlson
My intention in writing these notes is to help clarify my experiences and readings about the five hindrances to cultivating a stable and peaceful mind, preparatory to practicing vipassana. One of the seeming paradoxes of Buddhist practice is the importance of setting aside the mental preoccupations that are called hindrances in order to settle the mind preparatory to practicing noting the arising and passing away of mental phenomena. (more…)
by Mary Ann | Jul 4, 2011 | Study Resources
By Tommy Harrison
Looking closely at an old riverbed rock, you notice how smooth it is after experiencing the flow of water over its jagged edges over eons of time. What starts out as a rough and jagged form slowly loses its edges over time. Once smoothed, riverbed rocks experience minimal friction with the flow of water. Kindness is a similar force that influences our well-being over time. (more…)
by Mary Ann | Jul 2, 2011 | Study Resources
The Shape of Suffering: A Study of Dependent Co-Arising is an e-book in PDF format that I found while researching for the talk on paticca sammupada, typically translated as dependent origination (My translation is contingent provisional emergence, which isn’t literal, but I think conveys the process more effectively). It is the Buddha’s way of explaining how the law of karma operates. I believe that.
It’s a copy of an analysis written by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, who is a Westerner and well respected translator and commentator. The author’s view is similar to one I’ve held for several years. Typically, this process is described as sequential, that is, one part of the process depends on the preceding part, completing a circle which repeats rapidly. This commentator’s view relates to modern physics and the concept of non-linear processes, known as complexity theory. I find it to be well thought through, and provides frequent excerpts from the various suttas that exemplify his premise. I hope those who read it find it as helpful as it is for me. –Peter Carlson
Download the PDF: The Shape of Suffering: A Study of Dependent Co-Arising
by Mary Ann | Jul 2, 2011 | Study Resources
By Peter Carlson
This is typically called dependent origination; in Pali, the term is paticca samuppada. After much consideration, I’ve changed the terminology. I use the word contingent, because it means coming together, mutual, dependent. The term provisional in this context means that because one condition exists in a certain way, the contingent condition is influenced in its arising. Sometimes it is termed as codependent or interdependent origination. I have substituted with provisional to emphasize the possibility for change implied by the term. The 12 links of provisional origination interact to provide a karmic outcome, which would be wholesome, unwholesome, or neutral. I use the term emergence to emphasize that that particular momentary self-state emerges into awareness, then subsides, to be immediately replaced with another emergent, contingent, provisional constructed self-state.
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by Mary Ann | Jun 15, 2011 | Study Resources
“Who speaks for “western Buddhism,” many attendees and observers of last weekend’s event have asked, and how accurately and honestly are elder Buddhists passing on their knowledge to new generations?
“What is the relation of U.S. Buddhists to those in India and other parts of Asia, where the spiritual practice was born from Hindu roots in the 5th century B.C.?
“And in a society where traditional Buddhist concepts such as “mindfulness,” mental wellness and spiritual health are now a common part of corporate health programs, what role is left for Buddhism to play?
“The questions highlight the growing pains of a religion…”
Read more Buddhism In America: What Is The Future? at the Huffington Post