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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:14 — 115.8MB)
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 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)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 6, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first of two talks on the primary causes of Dukkha, tanha (craving) and upadana (clinging). Tanha is typically translated as thirst, an unquenchable desire, either for pleasant feeling to persist or for unpleasant feeling to be eliminated. Peter talked about craving in the context of addiction, derived from his training as a Certified Addictions Professional, using neurological research results to describe how craving operates in the brain. This was followed by description of how the regular practice of mindfulness of breathing meditation alters the structure of the brain to reduce the urgency of craving, regardless as to whether it is involved in an addictive process or simply applies to everyday emotional reactivity to environmentally stressful circumstances. This explanation was followed by lively and extensive discussion among the participants regarding this topic.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: WORKING WITH CRAVING
Next week’s topical focus will involve upadana, the tendency of the mind to become attached to a particular thought or belief in maladaptive ways.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:41 — 129.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 18, 2021 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The intersection between classic Buddhism and neuroscientific research is remarkable in how much the content of Buddhist concepts and the practice of meditation overlap with the development of highly sophisticated computer-driven technology. This talk reviews the development of this research, much based on the interested support of the Dalai Lama and Western scientists such as Richard Davidson, whose use of contemporary technology provides the leading edge of understanding how to reshape the function of the brain and thereby alleviate the distress and confusion in the mind during these trying times. The talk describes various areas of the brain that are benefited by regular meditation practice and an example is provided that describes how the process of mindfulness and neurological regulation operate. The description is followed by questions from those attending.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: How Mindfulness Benefits The Brain
The topic for next week’s talk will be how Buddhist mindfulness and lovingkindness practices are applied to promote better mental health. The presenter Peter has combined the principles and practices of Buddhism with contemporary psychotherapy throughout his career as a mental health professional since 1986.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:52 — 120.6MB)
