by Peter Carlson | Nov 15, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk elaborates a concept proposed by Pema Chodron, the well respected Tibetan teacher and author. Shenpa is a Tibetan term which literally means attachment. Pema Chodron has found a useful adaptation of this term, the hook–the impulsive identification with and reaction to an initial stimulus. Peter provides a useful explanation of this term in Theravadin terms as the process of craving and clinging; he finds the hook term to be a convenient and effective way to quickly note and reject the initial thoughts and emotional reactions to a situation, relating this to the term papanca (pah-pahn-chah), the impulsive proliferation of identification and thoughts initiated by a stimulating event. This discussion included suggestions to foster quicker and more precise identification of the hook through a variation of fundamental mindfulness of breathing practice. This was followed by group discussion of how the meditation practice brings benefit to overcoming the hook.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: DISSOLVING THE HOOK
The post immediately before this post is a recording of a guided meditation entitled “Dissolving The Hook Meditation”.
Next week’s meeting will include a guided gratitude meditation followed by a general discussion of how Buddhism integrates with a daily practice of gratitude.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:00 — 82.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 8, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk explores how our approaches to nutrition can have a negative impact on the environment, using the Bodhisattva Vow and the Four Noble Truths as ways to approach environmental responsibility. Regarding the Four Noble Truths, Dukkha awareness comes from contemplating the environmental and personal suffering that arises as a result of craving and clinging to consumer oriented advertising. Liberation from World Dukkha is realized through mindful and compassionate approaches to nutrition, supported by the principles and practices of the Noble Eightfold Path.
The explanation was followed by discussion among those attending about their observations of environmental and social Dukkha and what they can do as individuals to affect beneficial changes in their limited sphere of influence.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Be A Bodhisattva For The World
Next week’s discussion will explore the Tibetan concept of shenpa, designated by Pema Chodron as “the hook“, and ways to heighten awareness of being “hooked” and not identify with the enchantment that is involved.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:56 — 115.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 1, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk explored the addictive aspects of contemporary consumer culture and what the principles and practices of the Four Noble Truths has to offer in addressing these problems, personally and socially. As a Certified Addictions Professional, Peter discussed addictive processes as manifestations of craving and clinging, the essential characteristic of the First and Second Noble Truths. During the discussion, Peter described the strongly irritating nervous energy that permeated his body for much of the prior 45 minute meditation as an example of being directly aware of dukkha, the urgent aversion to the experience and the practice of mindful discarding of any clinging to ending the sitting practice as a way to overcome distress and confusion, creating serenity and minimizing the likelihood of any maladaptive addictive avoidance. He also related mindfulness meditation as supporting the intention of the 11th Step of AA and other recovery movements.
This was followed by discussion of the issues of an addictive culture and appropriate self care. One participant quoted an excerpt from Refuge Recovery (a contemporary Buddhist alternative to 12 step groups) views about addiction that is similar to what the current discussion addressed.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND ADDICTION NOTES
Next week’s talk will focus on how contemporary eating habits affect one’s personal well-being as well as how the increasingly destructive agribusiness practices are harming the environment. The emphasis of the talk will be on how the Four Noble Truths principles and practices can be applied to “wise eating”, having compassion for oneself as well as the environment.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:26 — 123.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 25, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The internet has had a revolutionary impact on contemporary culture, including the study and practice of Buddhism. During this talk, Peter described the benefits and deficits of the internet and all that is available through the system: social media, streaming from websites, emails, twitter, etc. We all benefit from the ready access available to new scholarly insights regarding Buddhist history and doctrine and a myriad of .mp3 recordings of Dharma talks. However, the nature of the way media is structured and presented fosters craving and clinging processes similar to addiction. Peter used the structure of the Four Noble Truths to invite investigation of the nature of dukkha prior to and during exposure to what the internet offers, then to further investigate the nature of craving and clinging, the Second Noble Truth that is fostered by deeply applying the Noble Eightfold Path to the experience; this provides opportunities to not feel compelled to engage in the internet beyond reasonability, thereby creating opportunities to realize the mundane aspects of the Third Noble Truth. The participants in the meeting engaged in dialogue following the presentation.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: MINDFULNESS AND THE MEDIA
Next week’s topic will follow upon the issues raised in this talk, that is, how the Four Noble Truths concepts and practices can bring relief from addiction.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:52 — 116.9MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 18, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk extends previous discussions regarding the application of the Four Noble Truths doctrine to the complex environmental degradation experienced by this and future generations. This talk considered both the “cultural karma” of the industrial and consumer eras and the individual responsibility we all are faced with in deciding how to live in the world. The Noble Eightfold Path provides practical suggestions for addressing these concerns; after descriptions were provided, participants talked about their concerns and possible lifestyle changes to address this problem. “As difficult as it seems to be, we can only change the world one person at a time”.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Interdependence With The Environment
Next week’s topic will focus on the Four Noble Truths and the media.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:53 — 113.3MB)
