Waking Up From Habituation

During this talk, April reviews current neurological information associated with habituation, describing how our minds and bodies develop patterns that allow us to function more efficiently in regard to energy utilization, but can interfere with our ability to effectively adapt to changing circumstances.  She then talks about how Buddhist concepts and practices such as the Four Noble Truths can interrupt dysfunctional habit patterns and provide relief from being “stuck” within a distorted self-image and provide support for more creative and beneficial responses during these difficult times.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Waking Up To Habituation

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September 2024 Dharma Questions

During this talk, Peter responds to various questions from those participating regarding their understanding of Buddhist concepts and their meditation experiences.  Examples of questions include clarification regarding how aiming and sustaining attention on breath sensations matures into investigation of what arises in the mind, consideration regarding Chogyam Trungpa’s comments on gradual rather than sudden Awakening, and how to cultivate non-reactive awareness of craving and clinging.

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Faith In Buddhism

During this talk, Lili describes the progressions of faith that can be cultivated within Buddhism: Bright Faith, Verified Faith, and Abiding or Unwavering Faith.  Faith is also the antidote for doubt.  Her comments are followed by comments provided by those participating that describe their experience of faith.

Here are the notes she prepared for this talk:  FAITH IN BUDDHISM

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Right Intention Review

During this talk, Allie Vaknin shares her research on a basic element of Buddhist doctrine, Right Intention.  Part of the presentation involves questions and insights about this important part of the Noble Eightfold Path provided by those participating in the meeting.

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Reviewing Mindfulness, Investigation, and Right Effort

This talk presented by Peter is intended to provide information regarding three very important mental “skill sets” that are necessary for developing effective mindfulness meditation practice.  First, defining characteristics of each mind-conditioning function are reviewed, followed by suggestions for integrating their combined effects.  There is a guided “Contemplating Mindfulness, Investigation, and Right Effort” meditation preceding this talk, which was recorded and posted in the Audio folder, under Guided Meditations.  It is intended to provide a practice mode to accompany this conceptual presentation.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Mindfulness Investigation and Right Effort

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