by Peter Carlson | Jan 30, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk focuses on the third topic of a series on the Three Characteristics: Anicca, Dukkha and Anatta. Dukkha is the manifestation of craving and clinging to the misconception that there is an enduring and autonomous self. This topical focus is represented by the first of the Four Noble Truths and reflects the fundamental characteristics of Dukkha: the distress that comes with inhabiting a body, the transient nature of reality and the confusion that is manifested by sankhara, (Those factors which condition one’s subjective experience, producing the illusion of an enduring and autonomous self). Peter then emphasized the importance of direct experiential awareness of Dukkha from a perspective of dispassionate investigation to reveal the actions of sankhara and deconstruct the self. This was followed by interested discussion regarding how to use vipassana practice to investigate and awaken from the influence of craving and clinging, thereby reducing Dukkha.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With Dukkha
The focus of next week’s talk will be an in-depth exploration of tanha, translated as craving for pleasant experience or for unpleasant experience to be avoided or eliminated.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:24 — 125.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 16, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first of three talks exploring tilakkhana, the three basic characteristics of our subjective world, Anicca, Dukkha and Anatta. Tonight’s focus is on Anicca, the impermanent and transitory nature of reality. Impermanence occurs in two ways: externally, through the naturally transitory functions of organic and inorganic processes and internally, through one’s ongoing subjective […]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:38 — 122.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 9, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is customary for retreatants in this Sangha to have the opportunity to report on their retreat experience as this helps integrate the insights realized during the retreat more clearly in awareness. Peter described the structure of his recent two-week self-retreat. During the retreat he hoped to cultivate deep samadhi to cultivate the potential for […]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:49 — 0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 12, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the last talk of 2019 as Peter begins his year-end two-week self retreat December 13. During the talk, Peter described the early context of Christmas and the season associated with the Winter Solstice, the shortest and often among the coldest days of the year in the northern hemisphere–a time of reflection, companionship and renewal. This intention has been significantly altered by American consumerism and this has inspired Peter to dedicate this period of time towards the gift of meditation in an attempt to create a contemporary effort towards renewal. Participants were invited to contemplate interactions with others and the festivities that occur through the lens of the Four Noble Truths as an effort to cultivate more clarity regarding the potential of the season for kindness, compassion, generosity and tolerance. This was followed by general discussion about the current status of the holiday season and what those at the meeting might do to integrate mindfulness into their experience.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Four Noble Truths And The Holidays
The next talk will be on Wednesday January 8, as the first Wednesday is New Year’s day; there is likely to be an opportunity to sit together on that evening, but there will not be a talk. The focus of the January 8th talk will be on the insights derived from the just finished retreat.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:28 — 103.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 5, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the last in a series of meetings that explore the Divine Abidings, Metta (Lovingkindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) and Upekkha (Equanimity). Equanimity is manifested when a well-trained mind applies mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort. The accompanying notes contain a graphic representation of how equanimity is cultivated, bringing balance between energy & tranquility, and concentration & investigation. Peter then goes on to describe the application of equanimity to avoid what are called the “far enemy” and “near enemy” of the four Divine Abidings. This was followed by general discussion among those present on how to cultivate equanimity in one’s daily life routines.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: The Benefits Of Equanimity
Next week’s talk will focus on how to bring mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena, Right Effort and equanimity to the hyperactive characteristics of the holiday season through careful attention to what is seen on the media and among other folks as well as oneself. The purpose of this observation is to realize the potential for bringing the Four Noble Truths into clearer focus.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:49 — 115.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 28, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Since our Sangha meets on Wednesday evenings, Thanksgiving Eve is dedicated to reflecting gratitude for the benefits of Buddhist principles and practices and the bounty and beauty of life on this planet. During the talk, various participants contributed their insights and appreciations for the benefits of meditation practice.
Next week’s talk will focus on the fourth of the Brahma Viharas (Divine Abidings), Upekkha, which is the balancing function that allows us to avoid the “near enemy” and “far enemy” of each of the other benevolent qualities–Metta (Lovingkindness), Karuna (Compassion) and Mudita (Sympathetic Joy).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:27 — 110.7MB)
