Universal Unwholesome Mind Conditioners

This week’s talk describes the first 8 unwholesome cetasikas.  The first 4, ignorance/delusion, shamelessness/absence of conscience, recklessness/heedlessness and restlessness/mental agitation.  They function cooperatively to shape every self-state organization.  the second 4, desire/attachment, wrong view, conceit/self-absorption and aversion/ill-will, may or may not cooperate with the universal unwholesome cetasikas.  The 8 cetasikas were discussed in depth, followed by questions and comments from others present at the meeting.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  the-unwholesome-mind-conditioners

Next week’s talk will describe the remaining unwholesome cetasikas, envy, stinginesss, sloth, torpor and skeptical doubt

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Buddhism And Anxiety

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.

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Why? How? Who?

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.

Brian’s Retreat Report

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.

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Craving and Clinging Review

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″ /]

 

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