by Peter Carlson | Nov 9, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Two weeks ago, the posting focused on Addictions and the Dharma; last week’s focus was on Relationships and the Dharma. It seems reasonable to discuss how addictions affect relationships in the form of codependency. Peter, who is a Certified Addictions Professional, described the history and dynamics of codependency, followed by how Buddhist principles and practices, particularly craving and clinging can help to understand codependent roles, and how mindfulness practices can interrupt the codependent relationship patterns through increased self-awareness and self-discipline.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Codependency And The Dharma
Next week’s discussion will focus on the congruence of the 12 step concept from Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help groups and Buddhist principles and practices.
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:14 — 115.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 2, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In the Upaddha Sutta, the Buddha explains to his attendant Ananda the crucial importance of relationship for realizing the Four Noble Truths (the quote is found in the notes attached to this posting). Modern psychological research validates this belief–we are inherently social animals and co-create each other through our interpersonal exchanges. the concepts are described during the discussion, connecting the Buddhist principles of virtuous relationship and the discipline of mindfulness of breathing meditation in the process of awakening–this could be called “Right Relationship”. The explanation was followed by discussion on how different applications of “kalyana mitta” (spiritual friendship) can become part of daily relationship experiences.
Here are the notes prepared for this discussion: BUDDHISM AND RELATIONSHIP NOTES
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:37 — 114.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 26, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues the exploration of how Buddhist principles and practices can benefit mental health, in this case, addiction. Peter is a Certified Addictions Professional as well as a psychotherapist, therefore he presented a view of the nature of addiction that focuses, not on the clinical diagnostic criteria, but an analysis of how any behavior can become addictive according to five conditions (listed in the document posted below). This was related to the process of craving and clinging, a fundamental aspect of Buddhism. This description was followed by discussion regarding the nature of addiction and how the Noble Eightfold Path can be of benefit for preventing addictive relapse.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND ADDICTION NOTES
Next week’s topic will address how Buddhist principles and practices enhance the functionality of interpersonal relationships.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:57 — 111.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 19, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This week’s discussion continues to explore the benefits of Buddhist psychology and mental health. Peter began the talk by reading an article on PTSD and the aftereffects of the war in Iraq to demonstrate the currency of this problem in our culture. He described the symptoms of PTSD and how the brain is changed in structure and function by unresolved trauma. This was followed by describing how regular practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to beneficially change the structures and functions of the same brain areas adversely affected by trauma. Peter related the problems of PTSD and how the resolutions are associated with the Noble Eightfold Path. Clinically valid interventions for PTSD, such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and mindfulness combined with Exposure Therapy were described.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: PTSD and the Dharma
Next weeks talk will focus on the relationship between addiction recovery and mindfulness meditation.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:24 — 116.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 12, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Mike Maldonado recently completed a one week retreat focused on the Brahma Viharas (Divine Abodes), that is, metta (lovingkindness), karuna, (compassion), mudita, (appreciative joy) and upekkha, (equanimity) at the Southern Dharma Center in North Carolina. The retreat was led by DaeJa Napier, a very well respected dharma practitioner. Mike talked about his experience during the retreat, including the facilities and schedule. He focused on how DaeJa described practical ways to realize the spiritual potential of the Brahma Viharas.
Next week’s discussion focuses on how Buddhist principles and practices can help in understanding the nature of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as an extreme example of craving and clinging, along with ways to benefit from regular mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation practices.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:10 — 112.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 5, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk explores the current understanding of anxiety and how regular mindfulness meditation practices can foster relief. As a mental health professional, Peter included in the notes the various clinical diagnostic criteria and an overview of the various anxiety disorders. The cultivation of samadhi/passadhi (stable focus of attention/tranquility) was emphasized as a way to reduce heightened levels of anxiety generated by current cultural conditions. This quality of serene awareness provides a stable point of reference from which the cognitive distortions associated with anxiety can be investigated and successfully challenged. Increasing tranquility addresses the Buddhist craving aspect of anxiety, while mindful investigation disrupts the dysfunctional thought processes and addresses the element of the Buddhist perspective on clinging.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: ANXIETY AND THE DHARMA
The anticipated talk next week will involve a report from Mike Maldonado on the lovingkindness meditation retreat he is currently experiencing at the Southern Dharma Center in North Carolina. The anticipated talk the following week will focus on a specific anxiety disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and what mindfulness meditation can offer in providing relief from that highly disruptive condition.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:53 — 107.8MB)
