by Peter Carlson | Jun 11, 2015 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter provided an overview of the diagnostic categories related to anxiety, describing the common characteristics and symptoms of modern psychological understanding regarding anxiety disorders, which are at an epidemic level in this culture. This was followed by descriptions of how the cultivation of mindfulness and lovingkindness provide ways to alleviate or at least reduce anxiety. After the descriptions, those attending asked questions or made comments about the topic.
Next week’s discussion will focus on depression and how Buddhist practices can provide a buffer against depressive episodes.
Following this post is a document containing the notes Peter prepared for this talk. Part of the document provides a more in-depth description of significant anxiety disorders from a contemporary psychological perspective.
by Peter Carlson | Dec 10, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Why do we practice meditation? How do we practice meditation? Who practices meditation? During this dialogue, these questions were explored by the sangha members, to increase practice skills and facilitate integrating these skills into daily life. The final question is an ongoing inquiry–actively investigating how the “who” is fabricated, to discover the impermanence and selflessness of being.
by Peter Carlson | Sep 28, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
It’s our custom, after anyone has participated in a retreat, for the next meeting to be devoted to hearing a report about his or her retreat experience. This process of “thinking out loud” about the retreat supports a further integration of the experience, during and after, into their memories, so the insights and skills acquired are more accessible. It also provides insight and inspiration for those of us who were not on the retreat. Brian completed a Korean Zen retreat in the Kwan Um tradition, from last Thursday night to Sunday. His report stimulated some interesting questions and comments among the other sangha members.
by Peter Carlson | Mar 21, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this dialogue, Tommy reviewed the last two presentations Peter provided on craving and clinging. Tommy’s frequent use of facilitating questions opened up a lively dialogue among the folks attending. Wendy asked for comments from others about how they approach cultivating mindfulness at the start of the day, and received an abundance of reports from various Sangha members that were quite helpful.
[s3mm type=”audio” files=”wp-content/uploads/2013/03/11130528/Craving and Clinging Review.mp3″ /]
by Peter Carlson | Apr 10, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks, News
This talk is accompanied by the preceding Lovingkindness meditation training that focuses on the fear and uncertainty which affects the world as a result of the pandemic. Peter reviewed how craving and clinging can be investigated and released through the training provided by regular meditation practice. He emphasized how we can become preoccupied with the long-term impact of the pandemic, which interferes with the ability to effectively cope with the uncertainty of our mortality. He reviewed Atisha’s Nine Contemplations on Mortality, a regular part of Tibetan Buddhist life. He also mentioned that many of the lifestyle choices we are conditioned into by consumerism will “die” as a result of the disruption of commercial and social norms.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindfully Coping with the Fear of Dying
Due to continuing unfamiliarity with the auditory recording process, the questions and comments of those participating were not recorded, and Peter apologizes for this mistake and this will be corrected for the next meeting, which will focus on what contemporary psychology calls resilience, the ability to effectively cope with conflict. This research also explores how individuals emerge from traumatic events with a heightened appreciation for life and an enhanced ability to find meaning through adversity; this view is very compatible with the goals of regular mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation practice. That meeting will also include a training meditation focused on Mindfulness of Feelings, the Second Foundation of Mindfulness.
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