by Peter Carlson | Apr 14, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk provides an opportunity for Will to review his most recent 10-day retreat experience, the third of three Zoom retreats organized and led by Analayo, a German Theravaden monk who is both a well respected contemporary scholar and accomplished meditator. Will reviews the theme of the three retreats, the first of which was themed around an important book by Analayo: “Satipatthana–The Direct Path to Realization”; the second involved “Mindfulness of Breathing”, and the third “Compassion and Emptiness in Early Buddhist Meditation”. Will’s talk was accompanied by several questions and appreciative comments provided by those attending, either in person or via Zoom.
Here is a .pdf copy of the first book: Analayo_Satipatthana-The-Direct-Path-to-Realization. The other two books are not currently available in a free .pdf format, but can be ordered through the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS.org) or Amazon. There is an additional book by the same author of practical interest as a support for deepening practice as well: “Satipatthana Meditation–A Practice Guide” that can be acquired through the same sources.
The meeting next week will begin an extensive review of what is arguably the most basic conceptual discourse of Theravaden Buddhism, traditionally considered to be the first teaching of the Buddha after his Awakening: “The Turning of the Wheel of Truth”. The typical way it is described is as “The Four Noble Truths”. The talk will provide an historical and conceptual review of the discourse, with the intention to provide a view of the teaching that is relevant to contemporary life and liberation from distress and confusion. Subsequent talks will systematically review the four conceptual truths of the discourse.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:33 — 30.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Apr 7, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
There is great benefit in providing opportunities for those recently completing a significant retreat to “think out loud” about the experience, as this “connects the dots” regarding the experience to support integrating the insights and skills acquired during the retreat. Andy has been meditating for decades and is the founding teacher of the Lakeland Insight Meditation Group. His talk was supplemented by the blog report found on the website: https://limg.org/2022/04/cotton-balls-on-my-heart-andys-retreat-experience-forest-refuge-march-2022/ Those participating in the Zoom meeting reported favorably on Andy’s description of his experience at the Forest Refuge, a major retreat center in Massachusetts.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:48 — 55.7MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 31, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk completes a series beginning February 16, 2022, which was titled “How Do You Want To Live?”, that encourages reevaluating lifestyle choices in response to the significant changes created by the pandemic, ecological disruption and other emerging disruptions in cultural norms. There is increasing concern about a lack of proactive individual approaches to physical health and well-being in the general population, creating an epidemic of obesity and other chronic health-related conditions. This is significantly stressing the health care system, including the medical, insurance and economic functions of society. Until individual Americans become more proactive regarding physical health through appropriate nutrition, exercise and other appropriate lifestyle changes, the negative effects will continue to become more culturally disruptive.
During this talk, the results of decades of neuroscientific results on the beneficial ways that regular mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation affects the body’s adaptation to chronic pain and illness are reviewed. Research also suggests that dedicated cultivation of mindfulness practices enhances immune responses and slows the degenerative affects of ageing. The creation of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an 8-week training for patients with chronic pain or disabling medical conditioning has played a significant role in alleviating the suffering of those participating.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindfulness and a Healthy Body
The topic for the next discussion will be determined and posted prior to the meeting.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:38 — 50.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 24, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues the series entitled “How Do You Want to Live?”, which began February 17, 2022. “Right Relationship” is not a true Buddhist conceptual category, but is applicable to our lived experience. At the beginning of the talk, a quote from the Suttas states that Sangha, meaning spiritual relationship, “is the whole of the of the holy life”, in the context of the Noble Eightfold Path’s conceptual understanding of how to live. A similar concept from contemporary psychological research called Attachment Theory, is described as supportive of the Buddhist concept of Interdependence. Peter describes some of the exercises he provided for clients as a psychotherapist regarding effective interpersonal communications that includes references to Mindfulness and emotional self-regulation to negotiate relationships successfully.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: MINDFULNESS AND RIGHT RELATIONSHIP
The topic for next week’s talk will be the benefits of mindfulness regarding good physical health. We must be more proactive in regards to our physical health–otherwise, our health care system, already stressed, will be overwhelmed with patients whose conditions could be addressed to reduce the likelihood of illness.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:45 — 52.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 17, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This continues a series of Dharma talks focused on the theme “How Do You Want to Live?”, which began February 17, 2022. Using the concepts included in the Four Noble Truths, the discussion provides information describing the emerging world environmental crisis as an example of Dukkha that will afflict the biosphere, likely for centuries. The Noble Eightfold Path can provide ways and means to take individual responsibility and creating effective adaptations for future generations.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Practicing Environmental Right Action
The topic for next week’s Dharma talk will involve a Buddhist approach to relationships, including insights and suggestions derived from Peter’s 30+ years as a psychotherapist. The theme could be called Right Relationship.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:55 — 60.3MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 10, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
With apologies to the quality of the recording, this talk is one of a series which continues to address the theme “How Do You Want to Live?”, which was introduced during the Dharma talk on February 16, 2022 and is found in the archives. There is a review of the sociocultural impact of consumerism, which began in the late 19th century and is now the dominant driver of our lives, whether we are mindful of this issue or not. During the discussion, consumerism is related to the Four Noble Truths: 1) The distress and confusion we currently experience and the effects on the biosphere as a result of indiscriminate consumption, 2) The delusional craving and clinging characteristic of commercial advertising, 3) The opportunity that Buddhist principles and practices offers to provide alternatives to thoughtless and undisciplined consumption, and 4) the practices of the Noble Eightfold Path that will facilitate liberation from the distress and confusion of consumerism.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindful Coping With Consumerism
The topic for the next talk will be on how Mindfulness practices can be effectively applied to promote environmental responsibility.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:17 — 53.4MB)
