by Peter Carlson | Mar 26, 2020 | Compassionate Action, Intro to Buddhism & Meditation, Listen to Dharma Talks, News
This is the first attempt by Peter to facilitate a talk and discussion via Zoom and unfortunately he neglected to turn on either recording program so there is no recording of this talk; however, the training meditation was successfully recorded and is posted, even though there are intrusive sounds during the recording. This is a good example of how dukkha manifests as distress and confusion, as managing the Zoom program and both the recording devices represents confusion regarding the procedures; fortunately with minimal distress, as Peter practices turning humiliation into humility on a regular basis. Hopefully the next recorded meeting on April 1 will be successfully accomplished.
The talk was focused on how combining specific attention to the breath sensations can be integrated with peripheral awareness of other body sensations to provide a stabilizing platform from which to notice and let go of intrusive and disruptive internal narratives. This ability was related to the benefits of adapting to the increasingly stressful circumstances of the pandemic through the development of the Four Noble Truths.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Cultivating Breath Body Tranquility
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:51 — 83.9MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 17, 2020 | Classes, News
Sangha meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm and can be attended in person or via zoom.
The in person meetings are held at Peter Carlson’s home at 1818 Carrigan Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789. For those who haven’t been to the site, the house is the only one on the block with a sheet metal roof. Park on the street or in the driveway—please be considerate of the neighbor’s property. Walk to the left of the garage and through the gate in the chain link fence; the cottage in the back yard is where we meet.
We will meditate in silence from 7 to 7:45, then, after a break, the Dharma talk will begin.
There will be a small box near the front door for dana, the practice of donating to the teacher out of gratitude for the teaching. The contribution is not required, and the money will be used to maintain the building and pay for the Zoom subscription. There is a lending library of Dharma related books in the cottage that operates on a trust basis.
To attend meetings via zoom, use the information below:
Click here to join Zoom Meeting.
Meeting ID: 847 1472 3882
Passcode: 620329
Click here to add the zoom meeting information to your calendar:
by Peter Carlson | Jan 7, 2020 | Compassionate Action, News
I have known Andy Quinn for 25 years or more; I introduced him to mindfulness of breathing meditation and he is now the founding teacher for the Lakeland Meditation Group. Andy has registered for a one month retreat later this year at the Forest Refuge, an important meditation center where I have practiced long retreats within before. He and his wife are putting a daughter through college and it is stretching their budget for him to go to this retreat. He created a GoFundMe page to support this spiritual practice and my wife Paula and I have contributed $100 to support his efforts–May the merits of his practice benefit everyone he meets! If you know Andy and want to contribute to his spiritual development and the advancement of the Lakeland Sangha, please consider a contribution. Here is the URL to the GoFundMe website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/andy-quinn-long-meditation-retreat-2020
I wish you well. Peter
by Mary Ann | Apr 18, 2015 | News
by Robert Lockridge
Sitting
Like a rock in the desert
Hollowed by the wind
Rain falls
The birds swoop in
And drink their fill
Such giving
Even the gods cannot
Comprehend
Nor the elements contain
by Mary Ann | Jun 11, 2013 | News
by Robert Lockridge
Love is like a blooming bush,
That cannot wait for spring;
Heart stays still in sudden hush
That joy and sorrow bring.
What fills us up must then flow out,
Until the whole world sings;
In grace and fullness twirl about—
And do not wait for spring.
Love is like the searing sun
That marks stark summer’s height;
Heart can hold but only one
And has no other sight.
All other senses drop away,
Or soar in endless flight;
Intent is helpless in its sway—
So only hold its height.
Love is like the morning chill
That rustles leaves in fall;
Foretelling how the winter will
Soon cast a bitter pall
On everything that brightly shone
On summer’s fertile soil;
With no ceremony followed, gone—
So heed the rustling call.
Love is like the bitter cold
That covers winter’s ground;
All that matters bought and sold,
And lost without a sound
Of protest from a hateful earth,
That once we twirled around;
Only seek to find rebirth—
And thaw hard winter’s ground.
by Mary Ann | May 15, 2013 | News
by Robert Lockridge
36 years ago
—Just yesterday—
I looked into his eyes
For the first time.
And when I say in my poems
That the light of a thousand eyes
Sets fire to the universe
That is what I mean.
We named him Keir Hardie
After a man
Who died of a broken heart
when he could not stop a war,
Who would not stand for one msn
Being put above another,
Who wanted freedom and dignity
for everyone.
He has lived up to that.
Someday his strong and gentle arms
Will hold me, helpless,
As once I held him.
And the circle is complete.
360 degrees.
Rivers are rivers.
Mountains are mountains.
No mountains, no rivers.
Hah!
Looking up,
The sun is bright and warm,
The air is cool.
Tears on cheeks,
Heart breaks and heals itself,
Peace comes.
