by Peter Carlson | Apr 27, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The focus of this talk continues to explore the Satipatthana Sutta, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, more specifically the First Foundation, Mindfulness of the Body. Sati Sampajanna (sah-tee sahm-pah-jahn-yah) is typically translated as Mindful Clear Comprehension, and is particularly focused on awareness of how we move through the day. This practice focuses on cultivating mindful awareness of the intentionality of everyday thoughts and behaviors. The relatively simple investigation of intentions associated with behavior trains the mind to be more alert and appropriately responsive the the intentionality accompanying each thought as regards Right Action, part of the Noble Eightfold Path.
The commentaries about sati sampajanna describe four considerations regarding this practice: suitability of purpose, suitability of means for achieving the intended purpose, mindfully monitoring the process of activating the suitable means and how this activity will be conducive to realizing the process of Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Clear Comprehension
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 19, 2013 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Using U Silananda’s commentary on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Peter described satisampajanna, the Four Clear Comprehensions. This quality of consciousness sets a worthy goal, suitable means for realizing it, monitors the four foundations of mindfulness and cultivates awareness that is free from delusion. During the discussion, several members of the Sangha were able to apply this practice to concrete decisions involving values conflicts.
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by Peter Carlson | Apr 13, 2017 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk focused on a commentarial addition to the Mindful Comprehension stanzas of the Satipatthana Sutta, (sati sampajanna), which emphasize integrating mindfulness into all activities, walking, eating, dressing, and other behavioral routines of daily life. The commentary further divides the practice into four functions for effective decision making: determining a worthy goal, cultivating the suitable means for realizing that goal, mindfully monitoring the suitable means, and maintaining focus on understanding the reality of impermanence (anicca), the distress and confusion that is the result of craving and clinging (dukkha), and the absence of an enduring, autonomous and in-control self (anatta). This explanation was followed by group discussion related to how to apply these decision making functions in daily life.
Here are the notes prepared for this discussion: Four Applications Of Clear Comprehension
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 6, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In the First Foundation of Mindfulness there is a section focusing on postural awareness and mindful movement, which is the focus of this talk. In addition to reviewing these contemplations, the concept of the Four Clear Comprehensions is reviewed, comparing the traditional practices for renunciates with the related practices available for lay practitioners.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindfulness of Body Postures With Full Awareness
The focus for the next talk will review the Third Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Feelings, and will include a review of a core concept within Buddhism, Dependent Origination, which describes how the process of self-organization occurs, along with how mindfulness of feelings can further progress on the path of Awakening.
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by Peter Carlson | Apr 3, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
We are living through what is likely the most trying time of our lives with the Covid-19 pandemic. This is not the only trial we are confronted with, as the upheaval caused by global warming is becoming even more evident. Both of these conditions require a degree of equanimity and creative adaptation to successfully live through. During this talk Peter described how meditation practices such as mindfulness of breathing, lovingkindness and the just posted Four Elements Contemplation can provide support for effective coping, using the Four Noble Truths as the conceptual structure for discussing the significant changes we must make in redefining what constitutes a good life, differing in several ways from the consumerism that is the characteristic conditioning in this culture. During the talk Peter described the importance of a book entitled “Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich” by Duane Elgin in shaping his understanding and growth towards a good life. It can be found on Amazon as a revised edition. It is also useful to go to a site like http://simplicitycollective.com/start-here/what-is-voluntary-simplicity-2 to get more information.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: MINDFUL COPING AND CULTIVATING AN ADAPTIVE LIFESTYLE
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