by Peter Carlson | Sep 18, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In this talk, the awakening factor of energy/effort is described. Peter talked of how the universe is essentially energy, and that the sense of separation that humans struggle with is a profound, fundamental error of thinking. He described that energy is distributed throughout the body in the form of glucose, as fuel for the cells. In the brain, the activities of the mind can be observed through modern technologies such as the fMRI machine. This research shows that energy “pools” in areas of heightened neural activity. The mental dysfunctions called hindrances grow stronger when “fed” glucose. The same feeding occurs as the hindrances are diminished. In this way, mental formations can be compared to muscles, which grow stronger when exercised. Peter suggested that the struggles occurring during meditation practice are mistakenly attributed to mindfulness of breathing; in reality, mindful investigation of mental phenomena reveals that the struggle comes from how the hindrances are “energy dumps”, and that the experience of mindfulness of breathing without the hindrances is a much more “efficient” use of energy.
Here is a copy of the notes prepared for this week’s talk: ENERGY AWAKENING FACTOR
Next week’s talk will focus on the next awakening factor, Joy.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviewed the nature of the Five Hindrances: How they are triggered, the characteristics of each, how they can be set aside and how the re-emergence of them can be limited. Humans were described as “energy transforming organisms” and the hindrances represent “energy dumps”. Skillful practice doesn’t involve fighting to control the hindrances–rather, the intention is to understand how they function through “feeding the energy of attention” to them and denying that feeding through the practice of mindfully returning to the breath rather than indulging them, redirecting the energy of attention to more wholesome channels of awareness. This was followed by a discussion interlude in Noble Silence to clarify understanding through questions.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: PRACTICE NOTES FOR OVERCOMING THE FIVE HINDRANCES These notes are extensive, covering more than was discussed during the talk. Some areas have been highlighted for emphasis.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:59 — 155.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 24, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Much of the transformation in the brain during a retreat occurs outside of conscious awareness. We’ve realized over the years of retreat experience that talking about it, “thinking out loud”, with a group of well-informed people helps integrate the learning and insight, making it more clearly understood and accessible in daily life. This dialogue reviewed various retreat participant’s experience during the retreat and upon returning home.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Sep 29, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the second in a series on the Seven Factors of Awakening, focused on mindfulness. The discussion reviews the classical commentaries on the nature and purpose of mindfulness, as well as the ways mindfulness can be cultivated through sitting practice and lifestyle choices. Additionally, Peter reviews current neurological research on how mindfulness is manifested in the brain. The concept of metacognition, currently being researched to understand the process of learning is also discussed.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Mar 22, 2012 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In order for the teachings of the Buddha to remain vital, it is necessary for each succeeding generation and culture to validate the Dhamma with a dedicated meditation practice, epitomized by attending retreats. It is the custom of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group to provide opportunities for members who’ve recently completed a significant retreat to describe their experience during a Wednesday night meeting.
Tommy recently completed a 5-day retreat with Paul Linn of Florida Vipassana. The benefit of these opportunities is allowing the participants to “think our loud” about what they learned. Much of what is experienced on a silent retreat happens outside of conscious awareness. We also know that recently acquired memories “metabolize” in the mid-brain for several days before being consolidated into long-term memory. Verbalizing the experience integrates the insights about the practice for the returning retreatant, while listening to the report hopefully inspires the listeners to dedicated meditation practice, including retreats.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
