by Peter Carlson | Aug 8, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter reviews the characteristics of lovingkindness, one of the Four Divine Abidings within Buddhist doctrine. When lovingkindness is not clearly understood, one’s experience becomes contaminated by what are called either the “near enemy” or “far enemy”, both of which are manifestations of ignorance. The fourth of the Divine Abidings is equanimity, which is produced through the cultivation of mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort, is explained during the talk. The review also includes a suggestion that the capacity for empathy, a fundamental characteristic of lovingkindness, is ‘hardwired” into our nervous systems, and that Benevolent Intention represents an evolutionary trend away from greed or hatred, emotionally potent instincts we all share, towards altruism and societal peace.
Previous to this talk, Peter provided a guided meditation titled “Integrating Lovingkindness With Equanimity”, which is intended to provide practical contemplative training that uses mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort to protect the flow of lovingkindness from becoming contaminated by the near enemy or far enemy states of mind. This has been posted and can be found in the archives of the website in the category of Guided Meditations
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Balancing Lovingkindness With Equanimity
The topics for the next two weeks focus first on the integration of equanimity with compassion, then next the integration of equanimity with sympathetic joy, the remaining elements of the Four Divine Abidings.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:16 — 55.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Aug 8, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided meditation provides the opportunity to monitor the cultivation of lovingkindness with equanimity, avoiding what are called the “near enemy” or “far enemy”, mental dysfunctions that interfere with the flow of benevolent intention. This integrative process is facilitated with the application of mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena, and Right Effort, which function to purify the experience of lovingkindness. It is intended to be associated with a Dharma talk entitled “Integrating Equanimity With Equanimity”, provided during the meeting following this meditation that describes the characteristics of lovingkindness and the ways that the concept is clarified and made accessible skillfully.
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by Peter Carlson | Aug 1, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Allie reviews the elements of the Noble Eightfold Path and then describes the transition of Right Understanding to Right Knowledge and Right Intention to Right Release, in effect changing the Eightfold Path to the Tenfold Path. Her comments are supplemented by Peter, who describes this direct subjective confirmation of the concepts within the Eightfold Path as the result of the perfection of the Seven Awakening Factors. Right Knowledge and Right Release can manifest ultimately as Nirvana, but each time the mind is momentarily freed from craving and clinging, the benefits of this Knowledge and Release bring momentary relief.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:37 — 52.7MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jul 25, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, participants got feedback from Peter regarding their meditation practice and understanding regarding Buddhist concepts. Peter intends to provide opportunities for these reviews on a monthly basis in the future.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:07 — 49.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jul 25, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided meditation was created to provide an introduction regarding basic mindfulness of breathing practice for a new meditation student during the meeting of July 24, 2024.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:54 — 41.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jul 18, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues a review by April of the Seven Awakening Factors, focusing on how Mindfulness supports the full development of Tranquility, Concentration, and Equanimity. The recording and notes from the previous presentation are found in the archives. This talk includes questions and comments from those attending the meeting.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Orlando Insight Meditation The Seven Factors of Awakening part 2
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:31 — 56.3MB)
