Setting Aside Aversion And Ill-Will

This is a review of the second of the Five Hindrances listed among the contemplations of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness.  During the talk, the characteristics of aversion (rejection and withdrawal in the mind from unpleasant feelings) and Ill-will (a characteristic aggression that often accompanies aversion) are described.  Various forms of this hindrance, such as overt reactions (perhaps scratching an itch) or covert reactions (for example, passive-aggressive behavior) are reviewed.  Neurological underpinnings of the subjective experience of this hindrance are also reviewed.  Suggestions are offered as antidotes for this hindrance.  The talk is followed by comments from those participating in the Zoom meeting.

This talk can be supplemented with the “Guided Aversion and Ill-Will Meditation” posted on the same day and stored in the archive.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Setting Aside Aversion And Ill Will

The topic for next week’s talk will be on the hindrance of Sloth and Torpor.

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Guided Aversion And Ill-Will Meditation

This contemplation focuses on the second of the five hindrances, with suggestions that invite investigation of the direct physical and mental components of aversion (withdrawal in the mind from unpleasant feelings) and Ill-will (a characteristic aggression often associated with aversion).  This contemplation is intended to complement the review of this hindrance during the Dharma talk of July 14, 2021, “Setting Aside Aversion And Ill-Will”.

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Setting Aside Sense Desire

This talk provides an overview of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, followed by a review of kamacchanda, sense desire, the first of the Five Hindrances.  The review includes analysis of the traditional commentaries regarding sense desire plus additional contemporary neuroscientific research that validates the characteristics of sense desire and how to interrupt the actions of the hindrance.  There is a Guided Sense Desire Contemplation posted and archive on the site that is intended to support this talk.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Setting Aside The Five Hindrances

The topical focus for the next talk will be on Aversion & Ill-Will, the second of the Five Hindrances.

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Guided Sense Desire Contemplation

This guided meditation provides supportive comments for identifying the characteristics of the hindrance of sense desire, kamacchanda in Pali, and how to interrupt the development of the hindrance.  It is intended to complement the Dharma talk of July 7, 2021, entitled “Setting Aside Sense Desire”, focused on reviewing the first of the Five Hindrances in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse.

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Guided Mindfulness of the Mind Contemplation

This guided meditation is intended to accompany the Dharma talk of the same evening entitled “Mindfulness of the Mind Review”, also recorded, posted and archived.  During the meditation, various suggestions are provided to prompt investigation of various mind states mentioned in the Second Foundation of Mindfulness, part of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse.

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Mindfulness Of Feelings Review

This talk reviews the Second Foundation of Mindfulness, Vedanupassana, which focuses on various manifestations of feelings described in the Satipatthana Sutta.  During the presentation, a thorough review of traditional understandings of the contemplations as described by Bhikkhu Analayo in his books, accompanied by contemporary neuroscientific research that supports the centuries-old views of Buddhist practitioners.  The talk is followed by a brief question-and-answer exchange among those present.

There is a accompanying “Guided Mindfulness Of Breathing Meditation”, posted the same day and found in the Archives.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  MINDFULNESS OF FEELINGS

The focus for next week’s talk will be a review of the Third Foundation of Mindfulness, Cittanupassana, Mindfulness of the Mind.

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