by Peter Carlson | Oct 27, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This discussion summarizes the Satipatthana Sutta, focusing on how Mindfulness and the other Awakening Factors affects awareness of the Four Noble Truths, enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance. The relationship between tranquility and insight was associated with development of the jhana states, and how the heightened awareness derives from that practice increases the ability for the mind to be alert and non-attached, supporting awakening.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Oct 20, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This discussion begins a two-part exploration of the remaining three Factors of Awakening. The three factors were described and the ways of cultivating them were explained. Next week’s talk will relate the Seven Factors of Awakening to the practice of jhana and vipassana.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Oct 13, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This dialogue describes piti (joy) and sukkha (happiness) as the result of increasing concentration, due to the setting aside of the hindrances. Once the energy of consciousness isn’t “dumped” into the hindrances, the mind naturally becomes buoyant, resilient and interested in investigating what has arisen in awareness. Rapture, a potent manifestation of joy, develops in stages as the mind moves into the extraordinary levels called jhana, which will be discussed the next few meetings.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Oct 7, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Continuing the ongoing discussion of the Seven Factors of Awakening, this week the focus is on two of them: dhamma vicaya (Investigation of mind states) and viriya (Energy, or Right Effort). Peter pointed out that investigation, effort and joy are energizing factors, while tranquility, concentration and equanimity are calming factors; mindfulness monitors their action and coordinates their mutual influence of each other. Investigation and effort are linked to vitakka (bringing attention to a mind state) and vicara (sustained awareness of the mind state). Right Effort is explained in terms of four applications, in order to eliminate the unwholesome mind states and maximize the ongoing effect of wholesome mind states. The entire process is considered as the practical description of vipassana (insight into the true nature of reality).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Sep 29, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the second in a series on the Seven Factors of Awakening, focused on mindfulness. The discussion reviews the classical commentaries on the nature and purpose of mindfulness, as well as the ways mindfulness can be cultivated through sitting practice and lifestyle choices. Additionally, Peter reviews current neurological research on how mindfulness is manifested in the brain. The concept of metacognition, currently being researched to understand the process of learning is also discussed.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
