by Peter Carlson | Jan 12, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk provides a review of a contemporary non-religious practice of Buddhism called Secular Buddhism, which represents an attempt to understand the original teachings of Buddhism without the cultural religious add-ons that have accumulated over the centuries that are not appreciated as relevant for these transitional times. It is well-known that the percentage of the population who identifies with current religious traditions is diminishing significantly, especially among younger people, while this population largely identifies with spiritual inclinations. An important aspect of this practice that is being reviewed includes the close association between contemporary concepts and practices involving mindfulness and lovingkindness that are being taught and current neuroscientific and psychological research that largely validates the beneficial effects of regular meditation practice for physical, mental and social well-being. Also reviewed is the impact of the internet on the world-wide dispersal of this information.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: What Is Secular Buddhism
The topic for next week’s talk will be a review of how Buddhism understands and practices cultivating compassion, including contemporary research that demonstrates the benefits derived from this training.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:23 — 52.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 5, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Typically, the meeting after Peter’s annual year-end retreat is dedicated to his recounting of the retreat experience, with the hope his review will help him integrate the experience as well as provide others more insights about what can happen on retreat. This retreat was significantly disrupted by the unusually 3-day freeze that occurred over Christmas, as the plants in the yard where the retreat cottage is needed to be covered, and then uncovered after the freeze. This created the opportunity for Peter to contemplate the nature of dukkha, the First Nobel Truth, a fundamental concept within Buddhism. There are three aspects of dukkha that are reviewed during the talk: The dukkha of inhabiting a body, the dukkha of experiencing unexpected changes, and the dukkha of how the mind fabricates a self. The third aspect is the primary focus of mindfulness meditation.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Dukkha
The topic for next week’s talk will focus on reviewing what is called Secular Buddhism.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:47 — 60.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 2, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk introduces several new teachers who are either certified or entering certification training as Dharma teachers: Lezlie Laws, April Koester, Alli Vaknin and Lili Fernandez. Peter has been looking for additional teachers for our group for quite awhile and expresses gratitude for this opportunity to increase the benefits of Secular Buddhist concepts and practices in Central Florida. The expanded geographic and demographic advantages of additional teachers is described. Following this, each person is given the opportunity to describe her background and motivation for teaching the Dharma.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:53 — 47.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 24, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided contemplation begins with integrating mindfulness of breathing meditation with the repetition of a “short form” lovingkindness meditation. After this practice is established, a series of gratitude contemplations are offered, for example, the benefits of meditation practice, the convenience of electricity and potable water, the joys of friendly companionship, etc. The goal is to cultivate a daily appreciation of the simple gifts of life that are often overlooked and taken for granted.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:55 — 41.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 24, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided lovingkindness contemplation uses this mantra: “May I be wise, happy and peaceful, with an ease of well-being”, and was recorded during the 2022 Deerhaven retreat.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:57 — 41.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 18, 2022 | 2022 Deerhaven, Listen to Dharma Talks
In following a long-established tradition, this meeting is dedicated to providing those who attended the recent one-week residential retreat to review their experience during the retreat. After such an event, it is difficult to be able to express the insights gained during such an immersive experience without the support of those who were at the event or have previously been on a retreat. Such a review helps to integrate the insights more fully into daily life, while also providing inspiration for those listening.
The focus of next week’s talk, which occurs on Thanksgiving Eve, provides an opportunity to express gratitude for the benefits that meditation practice provides for the quality of one’s life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:07 — 52.3MB)
