by Peter Carlson | Aug 12, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Critical analysis is often termed critical thinking, and is a very important skill to cultivate in this era, as we are constantly bombarded with manipulative advertising and political “spin”. In the Buddhist conceptual structure, one of the 7 factors for awakening is called dhammavicaya, that is, the intentional, mindful investigation of mental phenomena. This talk describes how the practice of intentionally and mindfully investigating the changing sensations of breathing matures into the ability to critically analyze how the mind creates an internal narrative in response to external circumstances, and then determine whether the narrative fosters a benevolent and effective response.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS During the talk, Peter quoted parts of the Kalama Sutta, which focuses on the Buddha’s description of the value of critical analysis to support the process of awakening. Here is that sutta: Kalama Sutta
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by Peter Carlson | Aug 4, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This discussion continues to explore the application of mindfulness and compassion to interpersonal conflict resolution. Peter introduced some points from the website metta.org focused on procedures developed in Gregory Kramer’s book “Insight Dialogue-The Interpersonal Path to Freedom”. Kramer’s work closely parallels what has been explored in previous discussions on this topic, in this case specifically related to fostering close relationships in the context of current political conflicts. These approaches were also related to discussions in previous meetings of the Tibetan Buddhist lojong mind training and conflict resolution.
Here is the handout downloaded from the metta.org website that Peter distributed to those who attended the meeting: GREGORY KRAMER INSIGHT DIALOGUE GUIDELINES
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 29, 2016 | Study Resources
Regretably, we are having some technical software problems, so there’s no .mp3 post for this talk. We are taking steps to fix the problems, so hopefully the posts will resume as usual next week. Here are the notes Peter prepared for the talk: NEGOTIATING A MIDDLE WAY The gist of the talk presented some of the principles of Right Speech in the context of modern strategies for interpersonal conflict resolution.
by Peter Carlson | Jul 27, 2016 | Compassionate Action
The Fish Lake Sangha, a local Zen group in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, will initiate a series of memorial meetings this Sunday, the 31st, to commemorate those lost at the Pulse Nightclub. Here is the attached announcement providing more detailed information: 49 Day Ceremony Invitation
by Peter Carlson | Jul 21, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This week’s talk continues to explore how Buddhist principles and practices can support developing wisdom in the current political environment. Racism, sexism, homophobia and ethnophobia were described as themes woven into the fabric of political divisiveness. The intention regarding this presentation is to support being able to stay presently aware and compassionate when confronted by political “true believers” and prejudicial beliefs in either political party. A model for this practice is found in the Tibetan practice called “Lojong Mind Training”, the core of which is the practice of compassion.
The cultivation of mental clarity and emotional non-reactivity through regular meditation practice was emphasized; this provides the foundation for compassion, transforming fear-based contentiousness into compassionate interpersonal dialogue.
Peter reviewed some of the pertinent lojong training aphorisms to foster discussion about how these practices can be applied during our social encounters.
Here are the notes prepared for this discussion: BUDDHISM POLITICS AND NONSELF
Here is the document prepared by Peter previously to provide a more modern rendering of lojong mind training: Peter’s Lojong Practice Notes
Next week’s discussion will focus on conflict resolution dialogue and strategies, supported by the training provided by routine mindfulness and lovingkindness practices.
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