by Peter Carlson | Nov 7, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first of a series of talks about the Brahma Viharas, the Divine Abidings: Metta (lovingkindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy) and Upekkha (equanimity). During the talk, which focused primarily on Metta, Peter read an excerpt from research published in 2010 that described the emotional and interpersonal benefits from cultivating positive emotions for the vagus nerve, an important nerve complex that connects the brain with the function of the heart and the intestinal wall. This research suggests the benefits derived from Metta meditation. Peter then described the evolution of his Metta practice, beginning in 1983 with a one-week retreat led by Sharon Salzberg, an authoritative teacher of Metta. He talked of how important the words of the mantra are and the benefit of focusing attention on the “heart chakra” while practicing Metta, as this seems to involve the strengthening of “vagal tone”, the optimal balancing of energy transmission from the brain into the body and back again.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: The Value Of Metta Here is a rendering of the Metta Sutta ( a translation of which was read by Peter during the talk), accompanied by Peter’s version of various levels of Metta mantra practice: LOVINGKINDNESS MANTRA
The focus of next week’s talk will be the value of practicing Karuna, compassion.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The last night’s talk typically is intended to clarify the processes developed during the retreat and to suggest ways for participants to continue to foster their Awakening practice at home. Peter made various suggestions to foster daily meditation practice and ways to integrate mindfulness of breathing into daily routines. This was followed by questions and comments meant to enhance understanding of the process of Awakening and to motivate further development of one’s mindfulness through lived experience.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The process of Awakening is dynamic and cumulative. Every time we mindfully note the emergence of a hindrance and return to the breath is a moment of Awakening, and every time we mindfully note the emergence of the Seven Awakening Factors (which include mindfulness in the form of breath awareness) the process of Awakening is matured. Peter described two levels of this process: Self-State Integration (which we can consider to be an ethical, balanced life fulfillment) and Self-State Liberation (which is the full development of Awakening, the experience of Nirvana). The more one creates a balanced life and commits to persistent development of mindfulness through daily meditation that is integrated into every aspect of daily routines, the more likely one is to experience Awakening fully. This is possible for a great many individuals, but requires training the mind in ways that are equivalent to world-class musicians, athletes, etc. This explanation was followed by discussion to foster integrating these practices more fully into an Awakening lifestyle.
Here are the two sets of notes prepared for this talk: SELF STATE INTEGRATION SELF STATE LIBERATION
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:29:09 — 163.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Dependent Origination is a key concept of Buddhism. In Pali, it is paticca samuppada. The Buddha’s most senior teacher, Sariputta, said that understanding paticca samuppada fully is required for Awakening. Peter explained his preferred rendering of this concept, contingent provisional emergence, using contemporary physics and psychological research that points more directly to a contemporary understanding of this vital concept. There are 12 links in this rapidly repeating cycle of self-creation, and direct observation of the dynamic links between feeling, craving and clinging are essential for fostering Awakening. Once again a discussion followed to support integrating this useful concept into daily insights while meditating.
Here are the extensive notes prepared for this talk: Contingent Provisional Emergence
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22:36 — 151.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The term Bojjhanga literally means “those factors that foster Awakening”. They are called “The Seven Awakening Factors”: Mindfulness, Investigation, Energy/Right Effort, Joy, Tranquility, Concentration and Equanimity. Peter described the cultivation of these factors as present in undeveloped form from the beginning of practice, but maturing significantly once the Five Hindrances are set aside. They cooperate interactively, with mindfulness being the “Chief Minister” in their operation. Cultivation of them requires mindfulness of what triggers their emergence, what amplifies and coordinates their operation with other factors, and what brings them to their full potential. The explanation was followed by discussion to integrate these concepts with what was experienced during the day’s meditation practice.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: SEVEN AWAKENING FACTORS
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16:06 — 139.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The Five Aggregates of Clinging are an important Buddhist concept that is useful in “deconstructing” the notion of an enduring autonomous self. Peter reviewed a classic Buddhist simile, that of a chariot. The term “chariot” is a useful concept in the construction and use of the vehicle; when does it stop being a chariot–through eliminating the wheels, the yoke, etc.? Several times during the retreat Peter emphasized the importance of realizing what is called namarupa–nama referring to what is fabricated by the mind, rupa referring to the unprocessed sensory input that stimulates the mind’s fabrications. Progress along the Path to Awakening requires clear mindful awareness of namarupa in order to reveal the fabricated nature of the self, to deconstruct the process through investigation of the process of selfing, much the same way as one might understand the process of fabricating a chariot. This was followed by another question period to clarify understanding and the meditation practice of that day.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: THE FIVE AGGREGATES OF CLINGING
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:28:17 — 161.6MB)
