by Peter Carlson | Jan 5, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The theme for this retreat was Adaptation And Surrender, continuing to explore the concepts presented by Rodney Smith. During the last posting of December, Peter referred to his book “Stepping Out Of Self-Deception”; the retreat addressed the concepts presented in his book “Awakening-A Paradigm Shift Of The Heart”. Peter described the format of the retreat, then reported on how the theme Adaptation And Surrender was explored during periods of sitting practice. Adaptation represents the “horizontal” concept put forth in the December talk, that is, adapting one’s internal narrative to changing circumstances; surrender represents total letting go of narrative or preferential regards to what is directly experienced (This state is described as choiceless awareness), and relates to the “vertical” concept of the December talk, that is, no consideration of time or separating experience into myself or other. Peter also referred to Smith’s cautionary note which focuses on not misrepresenting the choiceless awareness as anything more than another example of craving and clinging to the notion of a separate, enduring self, although much more subtle.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: ADAPTATION AND SURRENDER
Next week’s talk will focus on karma.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:43 — 118.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 14, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described his intentions for his upcoming annual two-week self-retreat, organized around applying the concept and practices derived from reading (multiple times) “Stepping Out Of Self Deception-The Buddha’s Liberating Teaching Of No-Self” and “Awakening-A Paradigm Shift Of The Heart”, by Rodney Smith. The books develop a concept of two relationships to the universe, the horizontal (time-bound, afflicted by craving and clinging) and the vertical (timeless, limitless, unbound by craving and clinging). The vertical dimension is the eternal Now, the only moment of reality that is not inherently affected by craving and clinging, and can be realized through awareness of “stillness”, a quality of attention undisturbed by narrative, experienced holistically as “suchness”, an awareness described by and manifested by the Buddha. Peter’s intention is to cultivate samadhi/passadhi (stable attention/tranquility) including full sensational awareness of body sensations, sound, light, etc. and abide in that flow to investigate and understand the experience of stillness. This was followed by comments from those attending the meeting.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:OPENING TO STILLNESS
Here is the handout provided for those attending, illustrating an excerpt from the Numerical Discourses, Udana 8.1, and an adapted graphic illustrating the horizontal and vertical concepts from the book “Stepping Out Of Self Deception-The Buddha’s Liberating Teaching Of No-Self”: Opening To Stillness handout
The next posted talk will not be available until early January as a result of Peter’s retreat, during which there will be no dharma talks. It is hoped that all reading this posting will enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:21 — 117.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 7, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described lovingkindness as an expression of the Wisdom aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, that is, Right Intention (which he renames Benevolent Intention). The four Divine Abidings were described: lovingkindness, compassion, empathetic joy/generosity and equanimity. The first three focus on overcoming greed and hatred, and the fourth, equanimity, aligns with insight practice (vipassana) to investigate and bring balance to the first three. Peter also read a translation of the Metta Sutta, then placed emphasis on current psychological research the indicates that the degree of kindness that a mother manifests towards her child brings great benefit to the development of a healthy personality structure. This was accompanied by an explanation of the psychological and neurological impact of sincere silent repetition of a metta mantra.
At the end of his explanations, he read an excerpt from an editorial article by the Dalai Lama published in the New York Times recently advocating the benefits of compassionate action in the midst of current cultural and environmental turmoil. This was followed by general discussion among those attending on the benefits of lovingkindness practice.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk, including the Metta Sutta, the metta mantra, and the NYT excerpt by the Dalai Lama.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:42 — 111.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 2, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is customary for sangha members to have the opportunity to review an important retreat experience upon their return. Mike attended a 5 day retreat at the Bhavana Society, the monastery created by Bhante Gunaratana, a very well-respected Dharma teacher. Mike spoke enthusiastically about the atmosphere of a genuine Buddhist monastery, located in West Virginia, and the warm reception he experienced from the monks and others attending the retreat. After his description, the benefits of such a retreat experience, offered entirely through dana (voluntary contributions), was discussed by those attending.
Next week’s talk will focus on the importance of the cultivation of lovingkindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity are for a wholesome life and the process of Awakening.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:44 — 103.9MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 23, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is the custom of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group to dedicate the Thanksgiving Eve talk to the topic of gratitude. Peter described the Three Refuges of traditional Buddhism, that is, taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha from a different perspective: the potential we all have for awakening, the principles and practices that foster the awakening process, and the intentional community of individuals who want to practice the Dharma in relationship. This was followed by each person attending “thinking out loud” about his or her gratitude for what Buddhism provides for spiritual development.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:27 — 108.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 17, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
An important factor in developing the process of awareness is to live a balanced and serene life. During recent posts, Peter emphasized various psychological dysfunctions that hinder this development, and recent posts described how the Dharma can address addictions and relationships. This week’s talk describes a system originating in Alcoholics Anonymous called the 12 steps, which has been used extensively by other “anonymous” organizations over the years. A core aspect of the 12 steps is the acknowledgement of a “Higher Power” for recovery, which may or may not involve an acceptance of the traditional God. Peter disclosed his view of a Higher Power is the Four Noble Truths. Peter is a Certified Addictions Professional as well as a psychotherapist and has worked with many people struggling with the various manifestations of addiction. As a result, he has recognized the congruence between the 12 steps and Buddhist principles and practices. He and another Sangha member, Mitch Sullen, talked about their understanding of each of the 12 steps, compared with Buddhist principles and practices. Peter suggested that the addiction that brings someone to AA, for example, is the “ticket into cultivating serenity in one’s life”, as the absence of serenity (often due to an unaddressed psychological problem such as depression) is what supports addictive behaviors and the vulnerability to relapse. An emphasis was placed on the 11th step, which focuses on daily meditation and prayer to develop persistent self awareness and self discipline for a serene life and how the 12th step commitment to service has similarities to the Bodhisattva Vow. This commentary was followed by discussion among those attending the meeting regarding this topic.
Here are the notes Peter prepared for this talk: THE DHARMA AND THE 12 STEPS
Next week’s meeting is on Thanksgiving Eve. Following the established routine, the discussion will focus on the value of gratitude for well-being and spiritual development.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:09:05 — 126.5MB)
