by Peter Carlson | Jan 18, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During the discussion of January 10, 2018 “Understanding Karma”, the importance of cetana, intention, was mentioned. This talk elaborates on cetana, which is one of the “universal mind conditioners” that function in every moment of consciousness. Peter quoted excerpts from Van Gorkam’s book “Cetasikas” describing the coordinating and motivating function of intention in the formation of each moment of selfing. The relationship between intention and the Buddhist doctrine of dependent origination was also described. These understandings were aligned with an excerpt from Siegel’s “The Mindful Brain” regarding the neuroscientific research on intention that supports the traditional Buddhist view. Ways to cultivate mindful intention were discussed associated with the practice of mindfulness of breathing.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: UNDERSTANDING INTENTION
Next week’s topic will be understanding the practical benefits of cultivating virtue, a core aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path, from a psychological as well as spiritual perspective.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:59 — 111.7MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 11, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter describes the Buddhist concept of karma, the intentional application of various mental conditioning factors that form the sense of self. The traditional concepts about the various attributes of karma were described, then compared to current psychological and neuroscientific research that clarifies how karma actually operates in the human brain, and how neuroplasticity supports changing karmic formations in the mind. This was followed by discussion among those attending about the implications of traditional and modern understandings of karma for cultivating mental clarity, peace of mind and kindness.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Karma
Next week’s talk will focus on cultivating beneficial intentions in life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:56 — 102.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 5, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The theme for this retreat was Adaptation And Surrender, continuing to explore the concepts presented by Rodney Smith. During the last posting of December, Peter referred to his book “Stepping Out Of Self-Deception”; the retreat addressed the concepts presented in his book “Awakening-A Paradigm Shift Of The Heart”. Peter described the format of the retreat, then reported on how the theme Adaptation And Surrender was explored during periods of sitting practice. Adaptation represents the “horizontal” concept put forth in the December talk, that is, adapting one’s internal narrative to changing circumstances; surrender represents total letting go of narrative or preferential regards to what is directly experienced (This state is described as choiceless awareness), and relates to the “vertical” concept of the December talk, that is, no consideration of time or separating experience into myself or other. Peter also referred to Smith’s cautionary note which focuses on not misrepresenting the choiceless awareness as anything more than another example of craving and clinging to the notion of a separate, enduring self, although much more subtle.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: ADAPTATION AND SURRENDER
Next week’s talk will focus on karma.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:43 — 118.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 14, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described his intentions for his upcoming annual two-week self-retreat, organized around applying the concept and practices derived from reading (multiple times) “Stepping Out Of Self Deception-The Buddha’s Liberating Teaching Of No-Self” and “Awakening-A Paradigm Shift Of The Heart”, by Rodney Smith. The books develop a concept of two relationships to the universe, the horizontal (time-bound, afflicted by craving and clinging) and the vertical (timeless, limitless, unbound by craving and clinging). The vertical dimension is the eternal Now, the only moment of reality that is not inherently affected by craving and clinging, and can be realized through awareness of “stillness”, a quality of attention undisturbed by narrative, experienced holistically as “suchness”, an awareness described by and manifested by the Buddha. Peter’s intention is to cultivate samadhi/passadhi (stable attention/tranquility) including full sensational awareness of body sensations, sound, light, etc. and abide in that flow to investigate and understand the experience of stillness. This was followed by comments from those attending the meeting.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:OPENING TO STILLNESS
Here is the handout provided for those attending, illustrating an excerpt from the Numerical Discourses, Udana 8.1, and an adapted graphic illustrating the horizontal and vertical concepts from the book “Stepping Out Of Self Deception-The Buddha’s Liberating Teaching Of No-Self”: Opening To Stillness handout
The next posted talk will not be available until early January as a result of Peter’s retreat, during which there will be no dharma talks. It is hoped that all reading this posting will enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:21 — 117.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 7, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described lovingkindness as an expression of the Wisdom aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, that is, Right Intention (which he renames Benevolent Intention). The four Divine Abidings were described: lovingkindness, compassion, empathetic joy/generosity and equanimity. The first three focus on overcoming greed and hatred, and the fourth, equanimity, aligns with insight practice (vipassana) to investigate and bring balance to the first three. Peter also read a translation of the Metta Sutta, then placed emphasis on current psychological research the indicates that the degree of kindness that a mother manifests towards her child brings great benefit to the development of a healthy personality structure. This was accompanied by an explanation of the psychological and neurological impact of sincere silent repetition of a metta mantra.
At the end of his explanations, he read an excerpt from an editorial article by the Dalai Lama published in the New York Times recently advocating the benefits of compassionate action in the midst of current cultural and environmental turmoil. This was followed by general discussion among those attending on the benefits of lovingkindness practice.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk, including the Metta Sutta, the metta mantra, and the NYT excerpt by the Dalai Lama.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:42 — 111.2MB)
