by Peter Carlson | Mar 19, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is customary for those who have been on a significant retreat to have the opportunity to “think out loud” about what they gained from the experience. Much of the learning and training is stored in the subconscious mind and having the opportunity to talk about it with people who understand the concepts and practices can help consolidate and integrate the insights and skills acquired. Additionally, this can be informative for those listening and perhaps inspire them to attend a retreat sometime themselves. The talks referred to by Peter are in the process of being uploaded to the site and will be found on the Audio Page in the 2020 folder.
Next week’s talk will continue to focus on the Satipatthana Sutta, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, perhaps the most informative and transformative teaching in the Buddhist traditions. The focus will be on integrating persistent breath awareness with whole body awareness, which can provide a useful reference point from which to investigate the transient and insubstantial nature of thoughts and moods.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:15 — 112.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 18, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In order to realize the potential of vipassana practice, one must first identify the presence and effects of the Five Hindrances and cultivate ways to set them aside, cultivating Samadhi/Passadhi, Stable Attention/Tranquility. The Hindrances were reviewed with an emphasis on the importance of cultivating mindfulness of breathing persistently through the practice of vitakka/vicara, aiming attention to the beginning of the in-breath/sustaining attention for the duration of the in-breath and then repeating this practice with the out-breath. Peter then described how this fundamental practice matures into Dhamma Vicaya, Investigation of Mental Phenomena, one of the Seven Awakening Factors, the topic of another night’s discussion. Here are the notes prepared for this talk: PRACTICE NOTES FOR OVERCOMING THE FIVE HINDRANCES
The review was followed by a question and answer period for those seeking clarification of the topic. THIS RECORDING IS NOT THE SAME HIGH QUALITY AS USUAL DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THE PRIMARY RECORDER. THE NEXT FOUR RECORDINGS ARE OF A HIGHER QUALITY.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:12 — 181.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 18, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter explained the value of each generation’s sincere investigation of what are called the Three Refuges: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in the context of current societal conditioning. We do not live in a culture that largely supports monastic life, which was the case in India during the time of the historical Buddha and for many generations afterwards. Retreatants were given two documents that offer updated references to the Five Precepts, and integral part of committing to the ethical values of Buddhist life. Here are the documents provided: A NEW APPROACH TO FOSTERING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES To Cultivate More Clear Awareness and Benevolent Intention
Retreatants were encouraged to contemplate these concepts and put them into practice during the retreat and afterwards to integrate them into their lifestyles. APOLOGIES FOR THE DIMINISHED QUALITY OF THIS RECORDING AND THE NEXT ONE. I HAD DIFFICULTIES WITH THE PRIMARY RECORDING DEVICE AND USED THE SECONDARY RECORDING; THE PRIMARY RECORDINGS RESUME FROM THE THIRD TALK THROUGH THE LAST RECORDING.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:49:48 — 201.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 18, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The Panca Khandha, the Five Aggregates of Clinging, represents an important concept regarding how to “deconstruct” the view that there is an enduring and autonomous self. Investigating the presence and effect of the Five Aggregates is an important practice in the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Mental Phenomena. Each of the Aggregates was reviewed as well as how each is integral to the view of the self. After Awakening, the Five Aggregates no longer involve clinging and this represents liberation from Dukkha, distress and confusion. Here are the notes prepared for this talk: THE FIVE AGGREGATES OF CLINGING
This review was followed by a question and answer period to clarify practice points from the discussion and the day’s meditation practice.
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by Peter Carlson | Mar 17, 2020 | Classes, News
Sangha meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm and can be attended in person or via zoom.
The in person meetings are held at Peter Carlson’s home at 1818 Carrigan Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789. For those who haven’t been to the site, the house is the only one on the block with a sheet metal roof. Park on the street or in the driveway—please be considerate of the neighbor’s property. Walk to the left of the garage and through the gate in the chain link fence; the cottage in the back yard is where we meet.
We will meditate in silence from 7 to 7:45, then, after a break, the Dharma talk will begin.
There will be a small box near the front door for dana, the practice of donating to the teacher out of gratitude for the teaching. The contribution is not required, and the money will be used to maintain the building and pay for the Zoom subscription. There is a lending library of Dharma related books in the cottage that operates on a trust basis.
To attend meetings via zoom, use the information below:
Click here to join Zoom Meeting.
Meeting ID: 847 1472 3882
Passcode: 620329
Click here to add the zoom meeting information to your calendar:
