This dialogue begins an exploration of how to use wholesome mind conditioners to increase spiritual development. Using computer folders and files as metaphors, Peter explains the dynamics of identifying and enhancing the mind’s ability to more clearly understand the nature of reality, and cultivate benevolent intentions regarding life.
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This week we talked about how Buddhism considers the processing of the senses through the conditioning factors of the mind. When the mind experiences the same patterns of resistance, craving and confusion repeatedly, they become deep-seated fetters, or binders to suffering. The path to awakening involves starving these fetters, much as starving a weed eliminates it, rather than just cutting it off, allowing it to regrow.
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Continuing the exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, this talk describes the Buddhist concept of personality structure, pancakhanda, the five aggregates: form, feeling, perception/recognition, mental conditioners and the mind. Peter emphasized the usefulness of this concept to “deconstruct” the human misperception of an enduring, controlling, unitary self.
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This is the last of the talks about the five hindrances in our series of dialogues reviewing the Satipatthana Sutta. Skeptical Doubt is perplexity and a lack of confidence as a condition of the mind. In the discussion, the role of the Five Powers was also reviewed.
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One of our more practiced Sangha members just completed a 20 day retreat in the Kwan Um school of Korean Zen in Providence, Rhode Island. It is our custom to set aside time for dialogue whenever someone has completed a significant retreat, as talking about the experience solidifies the training and inspires the listeners to deepen their meditation practice. We hope that those who listen to this will be more motivated to attend a long retreat.
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