by Mary Ann | Dec 3, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks, Study Resources
by Tommy Harrison
‘Tis the season. The season for generosity. A time of year that brings great joy for some, suffering for others, and a mix of both for many. All around us are examples of both wholesome generosity as well as actions fueled by greed. We get to see some of the best and worst of our fellow human beings and perhaps ourselves. This end of year holiday season has been a cause of personal suffering over the years. Nothing too major, but suffering all the same. It’s only been by turning into this suffering and investigating it that has allowed for a better understanding of what was arising and how to release it. It’s presented wonderful opportunities to pause and reflect on some of the Buddha’s teachings to guide us through the holiday season.
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by Peter Carlson | Dec 1, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first in a series of conversations organized with the intention to clarify how the core teachings of the Buddha must be redefined in each generation in order for the benefits to be realized. There was great cultural turmoil in the Buddha’s time; our era is experiencing even more upheaval. The teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path must be realized in ways that are culturally relevant. In future discussions, we will explore how we as a community can practice the core principles with mindfulness and benevolence in order to cope with the increasing complexity of modern life.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 24, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
One of the customs being cultivated by the Orlando Insight Meditation Group is to use the meeting on Thanksgiving Eve to reflect gratitude for the benefits of the liberating insights provided by Buddhist principles and practices. We hope this year’s recording inspires furthering your own commitment to liberation.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 10, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is the custom of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group to dedicate a meeting after a significant retreat experience to the sharing of the insights gained by the yogis during the retreat. There were 21 people on the retreat, and several showed up to talk about it. The changes in the mind that occur during a retreat are deep and function outside of the aware verbalizing functions of the brain. Peter encourages yogis to talk in order to bring these deep changes more clearly into awareness, so they are more integrated and more accessible for future access. Also, those who were not at the retreat can benefit from hearing about the insights and benefits gained from the intense practice of meditation on retreat.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
On this last night of the retreat, Peter provided several suggestions for continuing the practice of awakening after the retreat ends. The value of daily samadhi practice was emphasized as the foundation from which all insights and spiritual progress derives. During the discussion, yogis offered different ways of mindfully knowing the intrusive feelings that precipitate the emergence of a hindrance. Recognizing the reality of the three characteristics, impermanence, the dissatisfaction resulting from craving and clinging and the interdependence of life was also emphasized as a practical way to understand life’s challenges.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In this talk, Peter describes the progressive steps toward awakening that are accomplished through perfecting the Seven Factors of Awakening. The culmination of this perfection transforms the meditative mind from understanding the nature of the Four Noble Truths–from concept to realization. The nature of suffering is completely known, the experience of craving is seen clearly, the release from suffering becomes more and more complete, and Wisdom becomes completely known. This brings release, first from a psychological entrapment through to the final release, freedom from the illusion of a separate, enduring self–the experience of Nibbana.
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