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
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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
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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.
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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.
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by Peter Carlson | Oct 31, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is our custom to offer opportunities for Sangha members who have just completed a significant meditation retreat to “think out loud” about their experience as it is believed that this helps clarify and integrate what they gained from the retreat; it may also inspire those who listen to the talk to attend a retreat. This one-week retreat was themed around the “craft” of mindfulness meditation, using a sequence of talks during the seven nights to cultivate the skills for applying the concepts of Buddhism to their lives. There were 7 of the 17 folks who participated in the retreat who were able to show up for this talk and each shared what they learned and how they are applying the skills and insights at home. Here is the sequence presented during the retreat:
First night–Taking Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in contemporary terms.
Second night–Setting aside the Five Hindrances
Third night– Understanding the Five Aggregates
Fourth night–Developing the Seven Awakening Factors
Fifth night–Understanding Dependent Origination
Sixth night–The process of Awakening
Seventh night–Taking the practice home
Each night of the retreat was recorded and will be posted for review, with a few days between each posting to provide time for listening to the recording and reviewing the notes Peter prepared for most of the talks.
Next week’s Dharma talk will begin a series on the Four Noble Abidings: Lovingkindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity. The Emphasis for each talk will be on how the practices affect the mind and bring benefit to those who mindfully cultivate them.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:19 — 112.3MB)
