Dhamma Talks

The Seven Awakening Factors, Part 2

This talk continues a review by April of the Seven Awakening Factors, focusing on how Mindfulness supports the full development of Tranquility, Concentration, and Equanimity.  The recording and notes from the previous presentation are found in the archives.  This talk...

Buddhist Personality Theory, Part 2

This talk continues a review of what are called the cetasikas, which operate like filters during the process of self-formation, producing either wholesome or unwholesome self-state organizations.  The primary focus of attention and discussion during the talk are those...

Buddhist Personality Theory, Part One

The Five Aggregates can be considered as perhaps the first personality theory in human history.  During this talk and one the following week, Peter reviews the Mind Conditioning Factors Aggregate with a focus on the cetasikas, a comprehensive listing of the multitude...

Reviewing The Six Sense Bases

A subtitle for this talk might be "How What Is Seen Becomes The Self".  During the talk, Peter describes the functions of the mind that create a self out of what is seen, heard, smelled, tasted, touched and remembered through what are called "fetters"--the effect of...

Lezlie Laws’ Five Hindrances Review

Reviewing and setting aside the five aggregates is described as the first of the contemplations found within the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness.  Lezlie provides quotes and comments that explain the characteristics of these obstacles to a mind that is alert and...

Reviewing Mindfulness of the Mind

The Third Foundation of Mindfulness focuses attention on investigating the characteristics of a person's consciousness--alert or dull, filled with desire or free from desire, among other categories.  During this talk, Peter reviews the various categories, supplemented...