by Peter Carlson | Sep 4, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues a reviewing of the 52 cetasikas, conditioning factors of the mind; the focus of this talk is on four of the occasional or particular cetasikas, which only appear when circumstances permit. They are: aversion/ill-will, envy/jealousy, stinginess/hoarding and regret/worry. The characteristics of each of these mind conditioning categories is reviewed along with suggestions for countering their impact. The descriptions of these cetasikas is followed by discussion among those attending.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With Aversion
Here is a chart listing all 52 cetasikas: CETASIKAS POSTER
Next week’s talk will finish the review of the Unwholesome Cetasikas, focusing on sloth, torpor and skeptical doubt.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:06 — 113.7MB)
by Peter Carlson | Sep 4, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this meditation you will be provided with suggestions for using the neutrality of breath awareness to notice the physical characteristics of aversion and relate to the unpleasantness with calmness and equanimity, disregarding whatever the mind creates to reject the experience. This trains the mind to be aware of aversion in its many forms without being overwhelmed and controlled. Another option for countering the effects of aversion is mentioned, the cultivation of metta, lovingkindness and karuna, compassion.
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by Peter Carlson | Aug 27, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is another in a series of reviews of the cetasikas, categories within which are found those factors that condition the mind. The topic for this talk focuses on three of the Unwholesome Particular Cetasikas: Desire, Wrong View and Conceit. Each of the cetasikas is reviewed regarding their characteristics described in classic Buddhist commentaries, along with how they associate with others of the unwholesome cetasikas to create distress and confusion in the mind–dukkha. Desire is described as the effect of Ignorance (The chief unwholesome cetasika) on pleasant feeling, which becomes craving. Wrong View, when combined with Delusion (synonymous with Ignorance), becomes clinging, and these two creates a false view–of an enduring, autonomous self. This manifests Conceit, which is the self-centeredness that is the result of craving and clinging, that is, dukkha. These conditions are described in the context of current social unrest and ecological irresponsibility, using contemporary psychological research and terminology. Antidotes for these mind conditioning functions are also suggested during the talk.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: The Unwholesomeness of Desire
The talk next week will focus on three more of the Unwholesome Particular Cetasikas, Aversion, Envy and Stinginess.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:38 — 116.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Aug 27, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This training meditation cultivates clear awareness of the characteristics of desire: An initial pleasant feeling that, when not investigated wisely, quickly becomes craving and clinging–dukkha. During the recording there are intervals for cultivating mindfulness of breathing, then contemplating a state of mind that involves desire–a song melody, desired success in some project, etc., accompanied by investigation of how this experience changes the pattern of breathing, creates muscle tension and an insistent internal narrative that becomes enchanted with sustaining itself and the accompanying feeling. You are then invited to redirect attention back to the breath and investigate the changes in breathing patterns, muscle tension and the absence of a demanding narrative, along with the calmness and clarity that emerges with prolonged, alert attention to the sensation of breathing. This meditation is intended to accompany the talk entitled “The Unwholesomeness Of Desire, August 26, 2020”.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:57 — 82.3MB)
by Peter Carlson | Aug 21, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Of the 52 Cetasikas, categories of mind conditioning factors, there are 14 that create the experience of distress and confusion that we call dukkha. This talk reviews the first four of these categories: Delusion/Ignorance, Shamelessness (The absence of shame or remorse about identifying a self that is not virtuous), Recklessness (Disregard for the negative karmic results of shameful thoughts and behaviors) and Restlessness (Persistent agitation and instability of attention). These cetasikas are present at every moment in the experience of dukkha, shaping a self-organization process that is distressed and confused. During the talk Peter reviews each of these cetasikas and suggests how mindfulness of breathing meditation is a primary antidote for them.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Universal Unwholesome Cetasikas
Here is the chart that lists all of the cetasikas, for reference: CETASIKAS POSTER
Next week’s talk will review the next four unwholesome cetasikas: Greed/Desire, Wrong View, Conceit and Aversion/Ill-Will.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:49 — 116.8MB)