by Peter Carlson | Jul 10, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This meditation focuses attention on the second of the three characteristics of subjective reality, Dukkha, distress and confusion. You are invited to cultivate anicca, the transitory nature of self-experience through mindfulness of breathing meditation. This awareness is brought to the experience of dukkha to notice the changing nature of distress in the body along with emotional distress. The primary focus of attention in this practice is cultivating an active and investigative quality of attention regarding breath sensations. The goal of the practice is to become detached from the emerging narrative that seems self-defining, thereby draining the impact of distress and bringing clarity to the mind. As this practice matures, the fabricated nature of the selfing process becomes more realizable, supporting liberation from the misconception of an enduring, autonomous self.
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 10, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This Meditation contemplates the Awakening Factor of passadhi, tranquility of mind and mental conditioners. During the contemplation, you are invited to investigate the “tight, disturbed” quality of attention that occurs when the mind is caught up in any of the five hindrances, contrasting this experience with the openness and clarity of attention that occurs when the mind is investigating mindfulness of breathing. Tranquility is the antidote for restlessness in the mind and can be noticed in close association with samadhi (concentration) and upekkha (equanimity), the sixth and seventh of the Awakening Factors.
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 10, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This meditation trains attention to various areas of sensation ranging from the tip of the nostrils back through the nasal passages, then the passage down to the back of the roof of the mouth, sensitized to whatever might be noticed in those areas. Attention continues to scan forward on the roof of the mouth to the gum line and teeth, investigating sensations in those areas. The practice continues with moving investigating attention to the lower teeth and gums, then the lower jaw. Finally, attention is directed to include the lower and upper lip areas, with attention focused eventually on the areas just below the entries to the nostrils. The goal of this exercise is to cultivate investigative awareness and stabilize attention away from any internal mental narratives, to increase skills necessary for vipassana, insight into the basic characteristics of self-awareness.
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 10, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This Meditation trains the mind to move investigating attention mindfully and systematically throughout the body, sensitive to subtle body vibrations similar to the experience of one’s leg “going to sleep”, but much milder in sensation. The goal of this training is to cultivate a whole body “vibrational” awareness that supports stabilizing attention and the process of vipassana, insight into the transitory and non-self characteristics of experience.
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 6, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This meditation focuses on the fourth of the seven Awakening Factors, Piti, often translated as joy or rapture; I prefer to use the term enthusiastic interest. Joy becomes more apparent and useful with the support of the first three factors, mindfulness, investigation and energy/Right Effort, so these factors are encouraged for practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation. It is suggested to be alert for differences in consciousness between the heaviness of sloth and torpor and the buoyancy of simple breath awareness; this buoyancy is piti, and it becomes more recognizable as the hindrances are set aside. Several supportive suggestions for contemplation are mentioned during the meditation. The intention of this guided meditation is to enhance the understanding and application of the Joy Awakening Factor in the accompanying talk, Awakening With Joy.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:58 — 82.3MB)
