by Peter Carlson | Jan 4, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter describes the challenges encountered in practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation for the cultivation of entry stages of jhana, a highly concentrated state of mind. This practice requires a careful balance of energy and tranquility applied through the persistent uninterrupted attention to a very subtle transition from sensational breath awareness to the mind-constructed phenomenon called a nimitta. He talks about how he overcame doubts and resistance during the retreat. This talk also includes questions from those participating in the meeting.
The next talk will begin a long series of discussions reviewing why meditation practice is important and the foundational concepts of the Four Noble Truths.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:28 — 56.3MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 14, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk, presented by April Koester, focuses on a Tibetan term, shenpa, translated as attachment, but more provocatively termed hooked, made well-known by Pema Chodron, the American Buddhist teacher and author. An alternative rendering for \shenpa is craving and clinging, important concepts in Buddhism, representing how the experience of impulsive reactivity we all are subject to creates distress and confusion. April talks about how Chodron’s teaching was of great benefit to her when she was experiencing problems earlier in her life, along with suggestions regarding how to set aside the hook while meditating and during everyday life. Others in the meeting also share how they experience shenpa and their approach to setting craving and clinging aside.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:03 — 57.7MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 8, 2023 | News
During this talk, Lili Fernandez describes the importance of integrating the Five Precepts into daily mindfulness practice. Her experience as the mother of two young boys creates the opportunity to find different and creative ways to train the mind towards virtuous actions while interacting with her sons. She invites participants in the meeting to share their opportunities to integrate mindfulness and the the Precepts during daily life experiences.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindfulness on and off the cushion
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:40 — 55.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 30, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk provides a brief overview of traditional American holidays from Halloween through New Year’s Eve, from their origins centuries ago up to how current consumerism and social conflict has created a stressful and potentially damaging series of events during the Fall and early Winter periods. The overview is followed by a review of a Buddhist “decision tree” process called “The Four Clear Comprehensions” that provides a way to integrate mindfulness and Right Effort to realize appropriate goals for gift giving that don’t disrupt the principles of Right Speech/Action/Livelihood. The review is followed by a dialogue between Peter and a few of the participants to illustrate how this decision-making process works.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk, which includes a description of The Four Clear Comprehensions: Giving Presence Over The Holidays
The talk for next week will provide a review of the basics of mindfulness practices.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:33 — 54.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 23, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Following a long-established custom, this meeting is focused on providing opportunities for those who attended the annual Deerhaven one-week residential retreat to review their experience. Due to the occurrence of the meeting on Thanksgiving Eve, only 3 of the 14 who attended the retreat are present to talk of their experiences and insights.
Next week’s talk will focus on bring Buddhist principles and practices to the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:01 — 44.9MB)
