by Peter Carlson | Nov 4, 2021 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk is part of an extensive investigation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, and provides a review of how undeveloped characteristics of the Seven Awakening Factors within the Fourth Foundation can be identified while meditating, accompanied by a more thorough description of the mature manifestations of the individual factors. Emphasis is placed on the role of the first four of the factors–Mindfulness, Investigation of Mental Phenomena, Energy/Right Effort and Joy/Enthusiastic Interest–in the manifestation and increasing power of the remaining three factors, Tranquility, Concentration and Equanimity. Ultimately, all seven factors are integrated, with high levels of functioning in the practice of vipassana, insight into the impermanent manifestation of self-states that are interdependent with one’s environment.
This talk is intended to be complemented by “Contemplating the Seven Awakening Factors”, found in the Audio archives of this website.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: THE SEVEN AWAKENING FACTORS
The focus of the next talk will be on the final stanzas of the Satipatthana Sutta, the realization of the Four Noble Truths.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:55 — 59.4MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 19, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviews the characteristics and cultivation of compassion, which results from the developed application of mindfulness, investigation and Right Effort on the built-in capacity of humans for empathy. Contemporary research shows that the parts of the brain associated with internal awareness and interpersonal empathy, essential components of compassion, are developed and matured through ongoing mindfulness meditation practice. Following the talk, there was discussion about the usefulness of cultivating compassion in one’s life.
here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With Compassion
The topic for next week’s review will focus on the intersection between empathetic joy and generosity.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:03 — 60.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Nov 30, 2023 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk provides a brief overview of traditional American holidays from Halloween through New Year’s Eve, from their origins centuries ago up to how current consumerism and social conflict has created a stressful and potentially damaging series of events during the Fall and early Winter periods. The overview is followed by a review of a Buddhist “decision tree” process called “The Four Clear Comprehensions” that provides a way to integrate mindfulness and Right Effort to realize appropriate goals for gift giving that don’t disrupt the principles of Right Speech/Action/Livelihood. The review is followed by a dialogue between Peter and a few of the participants to illustrate how this decision-making process works.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk, which includes a description of The Four Clear Comprehensions: Giving Presence Over The Holidays
The talk for next week will provide a review of the basics of mindfulness practices.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:33 — 54.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 1, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Lili, the mother of two young boys, reviews her Buddhist studies and practices for addressing the dukkha–distress and confusion–that occurs while parenting, along with effective ways of cultivating mindfulness, kindness, compassion, and patience during daily interactions with her boys. She describes the three different types of dukkha and the importance of compassionate self-care as the basis for effective interpersonal exchanges with the boys. She also explains mentalizing, which is the ability to infer a child’s emotional experience and then use informative words skillfully to help him or her understand their subjective experience and develop more ability to manage emotional and behavioral challenges.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: 2024 – 01 – 31 – MINDFUL PARENTING – Talk 01 (002)
Next week’s talk will be the first of two meetings reviewing the Second Noble Truth, the cause of dukkha. The first meeting will provide insights regarding the neurological and psychological components of craving and clinging, along with how mindfulness meditation practice creates a more integrated and wholesome personality structure. The second meeting will discuss how a wholesome personality structure supports the process of Awakening, leading to the realizations of the Third Noble Truth.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:35 — 53.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | May 2, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Mindfully contemplating the subjective experience of the Four Elements: Earth, Wind,Fire, and Water is mentioned in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse as part of the category “Mindfulness of the Body”. During the talk, Peter describes the characteristics of each Element, along with how they can be useful for interrupting internal “selfing stories”. This talk is meant to be accompanied by the recording in the archives entitled “Four Elements Contemplation”. Those present for the meeting shared their experiences during the meditation and sought clarification regarding the topic.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With the Four Elements Contemplations
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:46 — 53.8MB)
