by Peter Carlson | Oct 10, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This dialogue initiates several discussions of the practice of Right Effort on the Eightfold Path. During this talk, Peter described the classical rendering of the Four Noble Efforts, placed into the context of 21st century neuroscience. He quoted the statements of Dr. Dan Siegal, who describes the importance of integrating different neural pathways-emotional, cognitive and behavioral-in the process of transforming “energy into information”. Peter then described the characteristics of the five hindrances of classical Buddhist teachings in the context of neural “dys-integration” as a way to understand the nature of suffering. Next week’s planned dialogue focuses on revisiting the Buddhist precepts with contemporary terms such as “commitment”.
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by Peter Carlson | Oct 3, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this dialogue, Peter described the extraordinary complexity of our material culture, compared to the time of the Buddha. He also emphasized how easy it is to just think about pollution, global warming, and resource scarcity in the abstract, at a distance from the daily choices we make. He described the history of his developing concerns regarding the environment, beginning with such books as “Silent Spring”, “Diet For A Small Planet” and “Voluntary Simplicity”. The inspirational and informative quality of the books combined with the development of his Buddhist practice. He presented this as a realistic model of how the Four Clear Comprehensions (satisampajjana) can provide ways to make concrete decisions that are beneficial for the environment (in a small, personal way) and one’s sense of meaningful action in the world. During the ensuing discussion, examples from the persons attending the meeting were analyzed through the lens of satisampajjana.
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 28, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It’s our custom, after anyone has participated in a retreat, for the next meeting to be devoted to hearing a report about his or her retreat experience. This process of “thinking out loud” about the retreat supports a further integration of the experience, during and after, into their memories, so the insights and skills acquired are more accessible. It also provides insight and inspiration for those of us who were not on the retreat. Brian completed a Korean Zen retreat in the Kwan Um tradition, from last Thursday night to Sunday. His report stimulated some interesting questions and comments among the other sangha members.
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 19, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Using U Silananda’s commentary on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Peter described satisampajanna, the Four Clear Comprehensions. This quality of consciousness sets a worthy goal, suitable means for realizing it, monitors the four foundations of mindfulness and cultivates awareness that is free from delusion. During the discussion, several members of the Sangha were able to apply this practice to concrete decisions involving values conflicts.
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 12, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first of two talks focused on this topic. In this era, money and material possessions seem to have overridden the value of personal relationships and self-care. Peter facilitated a lively discussion of the confusion and distress surrounding the issues involving money. He emphasized the importance of focusing attention on the immediate experience of confusion and inner conflict that results as we make values choices that may or may not involve money. Next week’s meeting will focus on how the application of the concepts and practices of the eightfold path provide support for relieving the confusion and distress.
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