by Peter Carlson | Jul 12, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the last of a series of talks focusing on how to identify and overcome the five hindrances. Skeptical doubt is the quality of indecisiveness regarding whether one’s understanding and practice of Buddhism is accurate or actually working. The antidote for skeptical doubt is confidence tempered by investigation of how the mind is creating subjective reality. This confidence is fostered by study of Buddhist teachings and commentaries, but must be confirmed by one’s own direct experience, otherwise the confidence may be due to craving and clinging to erroneous perceptions and beliefs. Rigorous daily practice of mindfulness of breathing meditation provides the necessary elements of internal inquiry to overcome doubt.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: OVERCOMING SKEPTICAL DOUBT
Next week’s talk will focus on what the teachings of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness provide for understanding the Five Aggregates that provide a functional selfing process.
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 15, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues the exploration of the Abhidhamma, Buddhist psychology, focused on the first two of the 52 cetasikas (categories of mental function), vedana (feelings) and sanna (perceptions). These factors provide a bridge between sensory stimulation and the way the mind interprets and creates meaningful self-states. The purpose of Abhidhamma study is to provide conceptual support for the application of mindfulness in the process of awakening. The initial explanation is followed by lively discussion among those present regarding how to make best use of this information.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: feelings-and-perceptions-bridging-sensations-and-the-mind
Next week’s discussion will describe the “Universal Cetasikas”, whose function, like feeling and perception, operates in every moment of consciousness.
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by Peter Carlson | Feb 19, 2015 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues the exploration of the Anapanasati Sutta. The topic this week is “…sensitive to the mind fabrications…calming the mind fabrications”, regarding the cetasikas, the categorically listed functions of the mind. Specific attention was given to the universal cetasikas, involved in every moment of cognition, and the particular or occasional cetasikas, which may or may not be involved. Peter emphasized that these functions were developed over the centuries after the historical Buddha as part of the Abhidhamma, the “higher teachings” of Buddhist psychology. They can be somewhat dry as a focus of study; their value is in “deconstructing” the belief in a separate, enduring self or soul.
This was followed by general discussion of how training awareness to discern the emerging formations increases the functional competency of the seven awakening factors, particularly “investigation of mental phenomena”.
Next week’s discussion will review the 14 “unwholesome mind conditioners”.
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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.
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by Peter Carlson | Jan 25, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This presentation by April Koester, one of our cadre of teachers, begins an extensive review of the Four Noble Truths, focusing on the inevitability of dukkha, the physical and mental suffering that comes with being alive. During the talk, several participants share their questions and observations regarding this important and basic point of study and practice within all the Buddhist traditions.
Next week’s talk will focus on how the First Noble Truth applies to the experience of parenting, presented by Lili Fernandez, another one of our teachers, who has two young boys.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:19 — 52.5MB)
