by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Dependent Origination is a key concept of Buddhism. In Pali, it is paticca samuppada. The Buddha’s most senior teacher, Sariputta, said that understanding paticca samuppada fully is required for Awakening. Peter explained his preferred rendering of this concept, contingent provisional emergence, using contemporary physics and psychological research that points more directly to a contemporary understanding of this vital concept. There are 12 links in this rapidly repeating cycle of self-creation, and direct observation of the dynamic links between feeling, craving and clinging are essential for fostering Awakening. Once again a discussion followed to support integrating this useful concept into daily insights while meditating.
Here are the extensive notes prepared for this talk: Contingent Provisional Emergence
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22:36 — 151.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The term Bojjhanga literally means “those factors that foster Awakening”. They are called “The Seven Awakening Factors”: Mindfulness, Investigation, Energy/Right Effort, Joy, Tranquility, Concentration and Equanimity. Peter described the cultivation of these factors as present in undeveloped form from the beginning of practice, but maturing significantly once the Five Hindrances are set aside. They cooperate interactively, with mindfulness being the “Chief Minister” in their operation. Cultivation of them requires mindfulness of what triggers their emergence, what amplifies and coordinates their operation with other factors, and what brings them to their full potential. The explanation was followed by discussion to integrate these concepts with what was experienced during the day’s meditation practice.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: SEVEN AWAKENING FACTORS
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16:06 — 139.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The Five Aggregates of Clinging are an important Buddhist concept that is useful in “deconstructing” the notion of an enduring autonomous self. Peter reviewed a classic Buddhist simile, that of a chariot. The term “chariot” is a useful concept in the construction and use of the vehicle; when does it stop being a chariot–through eliminating the wheels, the yoke, etc.? Several times during the retreat Peter emphasized the importance of realizing what is called namarupa–nama referring to what is fabricated by the mind, rupa referring to the unprocessed sensory input that stimulates the mind’s fabrications. Progress along the Path to Awakening requires clear mindful awareness of namarupa in order to reveal the fabricated nature of the self, to deconstruct the process through investigation of the process of selfing, much the same way as one might understand the process of fabricating a chariot. This was followed by another question period to clarify understanding and the meditation practice of that day.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: THE FIVE AGGREGATES OF CLINGING
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:28:17 — 161.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviewed the nature of the Five Hindrances: How they are triggered, the characteristics of each, how they can be set aside and how the re-emergence of them can be limited. Humans were described as “energy transforming organisms” and the hindrances represent “energy dumps”. Skillful practice doesn’t involve fighting to control the hindrances–rather, the intention is to understand how they function through “feeding the energy of attention” to them and denying that feeding through the practice of mindfully returning to the breath rather than indulging them, redirecting the energy of attention to more wholesome channels of awareness. This was followed by a discussion interlude in Noble Silence to clarify understanding through questions.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: PRACTICE NOTES FOR OVERCOMING THE FIVE HINDRANCES These notes are extensive, covering more than was discussed during the talk. Some areas have been highlighted for emphasis.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:59 — 155.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This first night’s talk focuses on a traditional introduction to Buddhist retreats: Taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Peter described the Buddha as being the potential for Awakening from dukkha, the distress and confusion caused by craving and clinging, exemplified by the historical Buddha–if he and perhaps tens of thousands after him could realize Awakening, so can we. The Dharma is represented by commitment to the principles and practices provided by the retreat environment, particularly the Five Precepts, which was explained in a contemporary secular manner. The Sangha represents the cooperative effort of the 18 people present for the retreat.
This explanation was followed by discussion among those present regarding the practices during the retreat.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:47 — 113.1MB)
