by Peter Carlson | Mar 26, 2026 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues an ongoing review of the Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse, focusing on the hindrance of Aversion and Ill-Will. Allie Vaknin describes the characteristics of aversion in a way that is not only effective for spiritual development, but can be beneficial for not being hooked by anger or fear, mindfully noticing and disregarding aversive self-talk, focusing instead on identifying and letting go of the physical tensions associated with aversion and ill-will. She also emphasizes the value of cultivating lovingkindness to counter the negativity of the hindrance.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:58 — 50.3MB)
by Peter Carlson | Apr 17, 2026 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter describes how his recently completed 6 full days of self-retreat involved integrating Analayo’s excellent “Mindfulness of Breathing” book with the meditative training protocol called vedanupassana as taught by S. N. Goenka. Part of his preparation for this retreat involved using ChatGPT to support the integrative process, and these documents are also posted here to provide additional information for research. Peter doesn’t wholeheartedly agree with the descriptions provided by ChatGPT, but the documents below provide a useful reference resource. As the Buddha said, we must work out our own salvation diligently:
This supports integrating the two practices: Integrating Anapanasati with Body Scan on Retreat and at Home
This describes the whole-body experience developed by body scanning as body scanning practice matures: Bhanga
This describes what happens physiologically as body scanning practice matures: Physiology of Tingling with Body Scan
This describes the subjective experience of anicca, the transitory and impermanent characteristics that can be investigated during body scanning: Goenka subjective evidence of anicca
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by Peter Carlson | Jun 4, 2026 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this contemplation, Peter makes meditation practice suggestions that are intended to integrate the two components of the Wisdom Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Understanding and Right Intention. Right Understanding uses mindfulness of breathing meditation to investigate what the mind creates and Right Intention focuses through the lens of lovingkindness to support the cultivation of Wisdom. This meditation is intended to support the topic reviewed during the Dharma talk that occurred after the meditation: “Lovingkindness and Wisdom”.
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 2, 2026 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter responds to questions regarding the practice of integrating mindfulness of breathing with a body scanning protocol. The characteristics of craving as the antithesis of Right Intention and clinging as the antithesis of Right Understanding is reviewed. He also emphasizes the value of daily meditation practice and recommends the immersive experience of a residential retreat for developing the path towards Awakening.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:51 — 46.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jul 23, 2026 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this guided meditation Peter provides suggestions that can associate the practice of mindfulness of breathing meditation with the 4 Tetrads of the Anapanasati Sutta. It is intended to supplement the review of the Anapanasati Sutta he provided during the meeting of July 15, 2026 which is posted on this website. Following this contemplation, he will answer questions participants may have about their meditation practice.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:19 — 41.5MB)
