by Peter Carlson | Nov 23, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is the custom of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group to dedicate the Thanksgiving Eve talk to the topic of gratitude. Peter described the Three Refuges of traditional Buddhism, that is, taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha from a different perspective: the potential we all have for awakening, the principles and practices that foster the awakening process, and the intentional community of individuals who want to practice the Dharma in relationship. This was followed by each person attending “thinking out loud” about his or her gratitude for what Buddhism provides for spiritual development.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 17, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
An important factor in developing the process of awareness is to live a balanced and serene life. During recent posts, Peter emphasized various psychological dysfunctions that hinder this development, and recent posts described how the Dharma can address addictions and relationships. This week’s talk describes a system originating in Alcoholics Anonymous called the 12 steps, which has been used extensively by other “anonymous” organizations over the years. A core aspect of the 12 steps is the acknowledgement of a “Higher Power” for recovery, which may or may not involve an acceptance of the traditional God. Peter disclosed his view of a Higher Power is the Four Noble Truths. Peter is a Certified Addictions Professional as well as a psychotherapist and has worked with many people struggling with the various manifestations of addiction. As a result, he has recognized the congruence between the 12 steps and Buddhist principles and practices. He and another Sangha member, Mitch Sullen, talked about their understanding of each of the 12 steps, compared with Buddhist principles and practices. Peter suggested that the addiction that brings someone to AA, for example, is the “ticket into cultivating serenity in one’s life”, as the absence of serenity (often due to an unaddressed psychological problem such as depression) is what supports addictive behaviors and the vulnerability to relapse. An emphasis was placed on the 11th step, which focuses on daily meditation and prayer to develop persistent self awareness and self discipline for a serene life and how the 12th step commitment to service has similarities to the Bodhisattva Vow. This commentary was followed by discussion among those attending the meeting regarding this topic.
Here are the notes Peter prepared for this talk: THE DHARMA AND THE 12 STEPS
Next week’s meeting is on Thanksgiving Eve. Following the established routine, the discussion will focus on the value of gratitude for well-being and spiritual development.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 9, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Two weeks ago, the posting focused on Addictions and the Dharma; last week’s focus was on Relationships and the Dharma. It seems reasonable to discuss how addictions affect relationships in the form of codependency. Peter, who is a Certified Addictions Professional, described the history and dynamics of codependency, followed by how Buddhist principles and practices, particularly craving and clinging can help to understand codependent roles, and how mindfulness practices can interrupt the codependent relationship patterns through increased self-awareness and self-discipline.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Codependency And The Dharma
Next week’s discussion will focus on the congruence of the 12 step concept from Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help groups and Buddhist principles and practices.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 2, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In the Upaddha Sutta, the Buddha explains to his attendant Ananda the crucial importance of relationship for realizing the Four Noble Truths (the quote is found in the notes attached to this posting). Modern psychological research validates this belief–we are inherently social animals and co-create each other through our interpersonal exchanges. the concepts are described during the discussion, connecting the Buddhist principles of virtuous relationship and the discipline of mindfulness of breathing meditation in the process of awakening–this could be called “Right Relationship”. The explanation was followed by discussion on how different applications of “kalyana mitta” (spiritual friendship) can become part of daily relationship experiences.
Here are the notes prepared for this discussion: BUDDHISM AND RELATIONSHIP NOTES
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by Peter Carlson | Oct 26, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues the exploration of how Buddhist principles and practices can benefit mental health, in this case, addiction. Peter is a Certified Addictions Professional as well as a psychotherapist, therefore he presented a view of the nature of addiction that focuses, not on the clinical diagnostic criteria, but an analysis of how any behavior can become addictive according to five conditions (listed in the document posted below). This was related to the process of craving and clinging, a fundamental aspect of Buddhism. This description was followed by discussion regarding the nature of addiction and how the Noble Eightfold Path can be of benefit for preventing addictive relapse.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND ADDICTION NOTES
Next week’s topic will address how Buddhist principles and practices enhance the functionality of interpersonal relationships.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:57 — 111.6MB)
