by Peter Carlson | Aug 21, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Of the 52 Cetasikas, categories of mind conditioning factors, there are 14 that create the experience of distress and confusion that we call dukkha. This talk reviews the first four of these categories: Delusion/Ignorance, Shamelessness (The absence of shame or remorse about identifying a self that is not virtuous), Recklessness (Disregard for the negative karmic results of shameful thoughts and behaviors) and Restlessness (Persistent agitation and instability of attention). These cetasikas are present at every moment in the experience of dukkha, shaping a self-organization process that is distressed and confused. During the talk Peter reviews each of these cetasikas and suggests how mindfulness of breathing meditation is a primary antidote for them.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Universal Unwholesome Cetasikas
Here is the chart that lists all of the cetasikas, for reference: CETASIKAS POSTER
Next week’s talk will review the next four unwholesome cetasikas: Greed/Desire, Wrong View, Conceit and Aversion/Ill-Will.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:49 — 116.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Sep 24, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided meditation focuses on using mindfulness of breathing meditation to cultivate the mind conditioning functions called hiri/moral shame, and ottappa/respect for karma. These concepts and the practices for cultivating them are more thoroughly reviewed in the posted Dharma talk entitled “Reviewing The Virtue Mind Conditioners September 23, 2020”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:01 — 82.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Sep 24, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviews the two Universal Wholesome Cetasikas that are always present in every moment of consciousness unaffected by dukkha/distress and confusion, hiri (moral shame) and ottappa (fear of consequences). Hiri functions as conscience and is associated with the Wisdom factor of Right Intention within the Noble Eightfold Path and manifests as Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood. Ottappa represents clear awareness of the law of karma/cause and effect, in that one’s experiences are shaped by moral character and that there are immediate personal and social consequences as a result of actions taken. Each cetasika is reviewed in depth and the function of diligent mindfulness of breathing meditation practice to note the emergence of the moral characteristics of a moment of selfing and then practice either interrupting unwholesome self-states or facilitating wholesome self-states. This is followed by discussion among those participating in the Zoom meeting.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: The Virtue Cetasikas
Next week’s topic will review the next two cetasikas, non-attachment and non-aversion.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:32 — 109.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 22, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviews the Wholesome Cetasika of Sammavaca, translated as Right Speech, which is also an important element of the Noble Eightfold Path. The classical understanding of Right Speech is reviewed, which is coordinated with previously posted reviews of Hiri, Moral Shame and Ottappa, Respect for Consequences, two other Wholesome Cetasikas, those factors that condition the organizing of the experience of selfing. Additionally, insights are included that reference contemporary psychological concepts that help in understanding the manifestation of “Fake News” and “Misinformation” narratives that create much distress and confusion in contemporary life, particularly regarding politics and conflicts regarding global warming and how to protect oneself and others from covid-19. The goal of the talk is to support applying the insights and discipline that regular mindfulness of breathing meditation can provide for coping with these challenges. The hindrance of skeptical doubt is woven into the conflicted narratives and seeking the support of well-informed and trustworthy sources of information is encouraged.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Valuing Right Speech During These Trying Times These notes include references to websites that provide resources for checking the validity of what might be encountered within social media.
Next week’s topic will combine two of the remaining cetasikas, Right Action and Right Livelihood, particularly as applied to managing our responses to the demands of these stressful times.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:31 — 112.7MB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 29, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided mindfulness of breathing meditation suggests a variety of tactics for cultivating mindful awareness of intention, the mind conditioning factor that coordinates every moment of self-organization in preparation for action. Meditators are invited to notice quickly and as precisely as possible the beginning of the in-breath and out-breath to establish stability of attention. Further suggestions bring attention to noting the intention associated with noting changes in physical sensations, alternating with noting the intentions associated with various mental formations such as alertness vs. dullness, stability vs. distractions, etc. This meditation is intended to accompany the talk entitled “Right Lifestyle In Trying Times”, which covers the cetasikas of Right Action and Right Livelihood.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:58 — 82.3MB)
