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)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 25, 2021 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviews the stresses we all endured during 2020, and how they affected most people, as related to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and addiction. These disorders were reviewed during the talk, as Peter has been a mental health professional for over 35 years and has integrated his psychotherapy practice with Buddhism. These problems were associated with the First and Second Noble Truths, Dukkha and the Causes of Dukkha, identified as attachment to a view that life should be predictable and controllable, which was significantly affected by the societal disruption resulting from the pandemic and the political controversies. This was followed by discussion among those participating in the Zoom meeting, including an individual who was made severely ill by the COVID-19 virus. The talk next week will focus on the Third and Fourth Noble Truths, Liberation from Dukkha and the Noble Eightfold Path and will associate mindfulness meditation to addressing the mental health problems mentioned above.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Buddhism and Mental Health
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:53 — 129.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 17, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk focuses on the challenges we face as we are affected by the pandemic, disrupted weather patterns due to global warming and the cultural conflicts of this era, and how Buddhist principles and practices can be an effective coping strategy. Peter focuses attention on how different elements of the Four Noble Truths can be beneficially applied to a variety of topical areas: stress resilience, relationships, health, our responses to environmental degradation, and finances, among others. Each of these aspects of life will be explored during separate meetings over the next several weeks.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: How Do You Want To Live
The topic for next week’s talk will be a review of how mindfulness and lovingkindness can improve stress resilience, with Peter using his decades of professional training and practice as a psychotherapist helping people find relief from anxiety and depression.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:14 — 55.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 16, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It is our custom to provide an opportunity for anyone who recently completed a significant retreat to reflect upon their experience, because “thinking out loud” about it helps integrate their insights. Lezlie has practiced Ashtanga Yoga for decades and is certified to teach yoga. She recently completed a one-week retreat that integrated yoga, longevity practices, and mindfulness meditation. She reviewed the characteristics of the site and organization of the retreat, which emphasized the importance of using breath awareness while practicing hatha yoga, as well as during other daily activities. She also reviewed Ashtanga Yoga, which uses “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” as a primary resource for study, and this discourse has significant parallels to the conceptual structures associated with Buddhism, Her review was followed by questions from those participating in the meeting.
The topic for next week’s talk will review the association between what is called “emotional intelligence”, (The ability to cultivate self-awareness and self-discipline to more fully realize one’s social, professional and spiritual development) and the application of mindfulness and Right Effort.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:19 — 62.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 15, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk explores the crucial Buddhist concept of Wisdom. In the Noble Eightfold Path, Wisdom represents two qualities: Right Understanding and Right Intention. Mastering these two qualities is the goal of the fundamental path towards Awakening. Peter emphasized how Right Understanding manifests as awareness free from the five hindrances and Right Intention manifests as lovingkindness, compassion and joyful appreciation of others. When Wisdom is fully realized, there is direct experiential knowledge of the three characteristics of reality: impermanence, the absence of an enduring and autonomous self, and the distress and confusion that results from the process of craving and clinging. This awareness leads to the fulfillment of the Noble Eightfold Path, which is full realization of Samma Nanna (pronounced ny-nah), direct knowledge of reality, and Samma Sankappa, liberation/Nirvana.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Wisdom
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:00 — 100.7MB)
