by Peter Carlson | Dec 19, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk focused on recognizing and overcoming the Five Hindrances: sense desire, aversion/ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry and skeptical doubt. The main strategy for this is persistently aiming attention at the onset of breathing in, sustaining attention to the sensations associated with that process, and repeating the same practice with exhalations. When the mind wanders, simply noting this and immediately returning attention to the breath sensations. This approach will, with enough practice, set aside the intrusive effects of the hindrances, setting the stage for the next level of practice, cultivating samadhi/passadhi, that is, stability of attention/internal serenity.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: FREEING THE MIND FROM HINDRANCES
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Aug 12, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Critical analysis is often termed critical thinking, and is a very important skill to cultivate in this era, as we are constantly bombarded with manipulative advertising and political “spin”. In the Buddhist conceptual structure, one of the 7 factors for awakening is called dhammavicaya, that is, the intentional, mindful investigation of mental phenomena. This talk describes how the practice of intentionally and mindfully investigating the changing sensations of breathing matures into the ability to critically analyze how the mind creates an internal narrative in response to external circumstances, and then determine whether the narrative fosters a benevolent and effective response.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS During the talk, Peter quoted parts of the Kalama Sutta, which focuses on the Buddha’s description of the value of critical analysis to support the process of awakening. Here is that sutta: Kalama Sutta
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 22, 2015 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this dhamma dialogue, Peter fostered discussion of the preceding guided “acquiring breath awareness” meditition practice, posted just prior to this posting. He explained the importance of the practice of vitakka and vicara, that is intentionally bring focus to the sensations of breathing, then to sustain that awareness. Peter described the maturing of the practice of “aiming and sustaining” into one of the seven factors of awakening, dhamma vicaya, the investigation of mental phenomena. The experience of those present for the preceding guided meditation was explored, particularly any benefits from the application of Mentholatum, a mentholated salve, at the rim of the nostrils. The practice was intended to enhance sensations at the rim of the nostrils to create a more vivid target for the practice of vitakka and vicara.
This was followed by suggestions from Peter about ways to integrate mindful awareness of the breath into daily routines in order to provide a stable routine for interrupting unnecessary inner chatter.
Next weeks dhamma dialogue will explore the stanzas in the Anapanasati Sutta that encourage training the mind to experience a buoyant interest in breath awareness.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 13, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, the first night of the annual one week retreat, Peter revisited the meaning of “retreat”, “the three refuges” and the concept of the precepts from a contemporary perspective. The importance of silence was emphasized, both external and internal. He then explained the value of persistent, but relaxed investigation of the sensation of breathing, to support increasing tranquility and insight. The meditation students were encouraged to make persistent monitoring of the breath a priority during the course of the ensuing days.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jul 17, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided meditation is intended to support the talk entitled “Understanding The Concentration Awakening Factor”, posted July 17, 2020. Even though the focus of attention is primarily on the breath, meditators are invited to also investigate the quality of attention associated with the physical sensations of breathing, noticing the relative calmness and stability of attention when the mind is solely focused on the breath compared to when the mind is adversely affected by the five hindrances.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:58 — 82.3MB)
