by Peter Carlson | Jul 25, 2025 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this Dharma talk, Peter describes the intersection between empathy and compassion. Empathy is hardwired into our bodies and can be misunderstood and produce regrettable self-states and behaviors when not monitored by mindfulness. He describes how we are all subjected to marketing tactics based on studies of empathy to negatively affect ourselves and others. Skillful investigation and Right Effort can effectively transform empathy to compassion, foremost for oneself, as well as others.
Here are the notes associated with this topic: Empathy and Compassion
A meditation entitled “Guided Empathy Contemplation” preceded this talk, and it is posted in the Guided Meditation page. It is intended to provide training to promote the ability to effectively monitor empathetic responses we experience.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:35 — 62.8MB)
by Peter Carlson | Sep 19, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described how his 1970’s “flower child” interests in environmental health matured through the practice of Buddhist mindfulness meditation. A central focus of attention for the talk was “Voluntary Simplicity”, a book he read by Duane Elgin in the early ’80’s that was a strong inspiration for his current “low carbon footprint” lifestyle and commitment to bringing Buddhist principles and practices to Central Florida. Elgin’s work grew from a powerful meditation experience during a Tibetan Buddhist retreat; his work since then has been an expansion of those insights into the intricate interdependence of the universe and the role of Right Livelihood in realizing that interdependence through a lifestyle informed by an intentional simplification of contemporary life in this consumer culture. The review of voluntary simplicity was followed by a vigorous discussion among those present about how this approach to life is beneficial.
The notes prepared for this discussion have important information related to the talk including a URL of a YouTube interview of Duane Elgin that might be of interest. Here are the notes: Buddhism And Voluntary Simplicity
Here is a copy of the article on voluntary simplicity referred to during the talk: voluntary_simplicity
The focus on various aspects of using mindfulness practices to cope with contemporary societal distress and confusion will continue–the topic for next week’s discussion is not yet determined.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:40 — 120.2MB)
