Dhamma Talks
Understanding Dukkha
Dukkha is one of the key concepts of Buddhist practice, considered as one of the three characteristics of existence, along with anicca (impermanence) and anatta (the absence of an autonomous and enduring self). It is traditionally translated as suffering; however,...
Understanding Renunciation (or Let Go, Let Dharma)
This talk explored the meaning and practice of nekkhamma, renunciation, an important capability to cultivate on the path of Awakening. Renunciation is manifest in the various "12 Step" groups as "Let Go, Let God"; this was rephrased as "Let Go, Let Dharma", and...
The Value Of Virtue
Virtue is a basic component of any spiritual tradition found in the world. As regards Buddhism, virtue, that is Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood are key elements of the Noble Eightfold Path, and are derived from the Wisdom aggregate of the Path,...
Understanding Intention
During the discussion of January 10, 2018 "Understanding Karma", the importance of cetana, intention, was mentioned. This talk elaborates on cetana, which is one of the "universal mind conditioners" that function in every moment of consciousness. Peter quoted...
Understanding Karma
During this talk, Peter describes the Buddhist concept of karma, the intentional application of various mental conditioning factors that form the sense of self. The traditional concepts about the various attributes of karma were described, then compared to current...
Peter’s 2017 Year End Retreat Report
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...
Opening To Stillness
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...
Benefits Of Lovingkindness
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...
Mike’s Retreat Report
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...
The Refuge Of Gratitude
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: ...
