by Peter Carlson | Jan 15, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this meditation training exercise, Peter encouraged concentrating attention on different areas of sensation varying from the upper lip, rim of the nostrils, the nasal septum and passages, the sinus cavities, back of the throat, soft palate/uvula, hard palate, upper gum and teeth, upper tongue and inside of the upper lip. Each of these areas are stimulated by the breathing in and out cycle. The four elements were described: Earth (hardness/pressure), air (movement), fire (varying temperatures) and water (cohesion/fluidity) as reference points in the process of mindfulness of breathing.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jan 15, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk on the second night of the 2014 one week retreat, Peter talked of the contemporary views on karma, relating this to the characteristics of the five hindrances. Ways to use the skills developed during the retreat to set the hindrances aside were described, setting the stage for the cultivation of concentration and tranquility, which would then be applied to the practice of vipassana.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jan 13, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, the first night of the annual one week retreat, Peter revisited the meaning of “retreat”, “the three refuges” and the concept of the precepts from a contemporary perspective. The importance of silence was emphasized, both external and internal. He then explained the value of persistent, but relaxed investigation of the sensation of breathing, to support increasing tranquility and insight. The meditation students were encouraged to make persistent monitoring of the breath a priority during the course of the ensuing days.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jan 10, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This Dhamma dialogue reviews three levels of awareness related to mindfulness of breathing and how they interact with the practice of vipassana, that is, insight into the impermanent and selfless nature of personal experience. The first level is simply being aware “This is the in-breath, this is the out-breath”. The second level is a cultivated interest in the “textural” quality of the breath sensation, while the third level narrows the focuses the concentrated awareness around a discrete, singular sensation “like noticing the sensation of one nasal hair vibrating”. How each level relates to the practice of vipassana was described and then there was a general discussion of these practices.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jan 3, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
As is the custom, this evening’s talk is a review of Peter’s two week self-retreat. During the talk, he quoted from Achaan Chah: “Life brings suffering. The untrained mind turns suffering into more suffering. The trained mind turns suffering into the path that leads to the ending of suffering.” He described his practice of integrating the “noting” strategies with the “body sweep” strategies taught by S. N. Goenka. The importance of using breath awareness to stabilize the mind, then using the body sweep to nurture a “curtain” of body awareness cultivates increasing levels of dhamma vicaya, the investigation of emerging self-states. As this practice deepens, a level of internal process awareness emerges that is “just knowing” without the need for noting.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Dec 13, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is our custom to dedicate the meeting after sangha members have participated in a significant retreat experience to talking about each person’s insights and experience. Peter briefly described the format of the retreat, which was progressively more intimate investigation of the breath process. After this, a lively discussion ensued, with opportunities to explore further the experiences and implications for ongoing practice. Since Peter will be on a 2 week self-retreat until the end of the month, there will be no further dhamma talk recordings until the first weekend of January, and that will focus on Peter’s experience during his retreat. We hope that all who listen to these talks will enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
