by Peter Carlson | Aug 13, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This training meditation reviews the fundamental application of attention called vitakka and its accompanying mind conditioning factor vicara, which maintains focused attention. The practice involves intentionally aiming attention at the beginning of the in-breath and then sustaining that attention for the duration of the in-breath, then repeating this routine for the out-breath. The persistence of a determined intention to maintain this routine is encouraged periodically during the meditation. When attention is inevitably drawn away, the practice involves repeating the vitakka/vicara in order to interrupt the potential for the distraction to become a hindrance, returning attention to the breathing process again. As practice matures, vitakka/vicara become “blended”, manifesting as one of the 7 Awakening Factors, Investigation of Mental Phenomena.
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 11, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided meditation focuses on cultivating alertness in the mind to counter the hindrance of sloth/torpor, a persistent state of dullness and disengaged attention in the mind. During the meditation, various suggestions are provided to foster persistent curiosity about the changing sensations in the breathing cycle. When this process is stabilized, expanding focus to areas of the nose and face nearby can add to the levels of alertness. This meditation is intended to accompany the Dharma talk focusing on setting aside the hindrances of sloth/torpor and skeptical doubt.
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by Peter Carlson | Jul 30, 2020 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This training applies some basic approaches to stabilizing attention and cultivating tranquility as a foundation for investigating how the mind fabricates a sense of self. The intention of the training is to support the Dharma talk posted on July 30, 2020 that is an overview of the cetasikas, those mental factors involved in the fabricating process.
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by Peter Carlson | Dec 5, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the last in a series of meetings that explore the Divine Abidings, Metta (Lovingkindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) and Upekkha (Equanimity). Equanimity is manifested when a well-trained mind applies mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort. The accompanying notes contain a graphic representation of how equanimity is cultivated, bringing balance between energy & tranquility, and concentration & investigation. Peter then goes on to describe the application of equanimity to avoid what are called the “far enemy” and “near enemy” of the four Divine Abidings. This was followed by general discussion among those present on how to cultivate equanimity in one’s daily life routines.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: The Benefits Of Equanimity
Next week’s talk will focus on how to bring mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena, Right Effort and equanimity to the hyperactive characteristics of the holiday season through careful attention to what is seen on the media and among other folks as well as oneself. The purpose of this observation is to realize the potential for bringing the Four Noble Truths into clearer focus.
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by Peter Carlson | Nov 6, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The process of Awakening is dynamic and cumulative. Every time we mindfully note the emergence of a hindrance and return to the breath is a moment of Awakening, and every time we mindfully note the emergence of the Seven Awakening Factors (which include mindfulness in the form of breath awareness) the process of Awakening is matured. Peter described two levels of this process: Self-State Integration (which we can consider to be an ethical, balanced life fulfillment) and Self-State Liberation (which is the full development of Awakening, the experience of Nirvana). The more one creates a balanced life and commits to persistent development of mindfulness through daily meditation that is integrated into every aspect of daily routines, the more likely one is to experience Awakening fully. This is possible for a great many individuals, but requires training the mind in ways that are equivalent to world-class musicians, athletes, etc. This explanation was followed by discussion to foster integrating these practices more fully into an Awakening lifestyle.
Here are the two sets of notes prepared for this talk: SELF STATE INTEGRATION SELF STATE LIBERATION
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