by Peter Carlson | May 8, 2025 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter reviews the characteristics of intention, suggesting that this function of the mind emerges from the complex interactions between various neurological networks in the brain, not attributable to the existence of a self. This contemporary view of how intentions form and operate describes two functions of consciousness–cognitive intentions and behavioral intentions. We can train to be able to mindfully monitor the emerging intentions associated with thoughts and beliefs, accompanied by the ability to mindfully attend to the intention to either act or not act on the cognitive manifestations, depending upon their ethical attributes or suitability in a situation. This review includes quotes from Buddhist commentaries on the characteristics of cetana, the Pali word typically translated as intention or volition.
This talk was preceded by a supportive guided meditation: “Guided Contemplation of Intention”, which is posted in the Audio archive on this site.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Intention Creates the Self
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:14 — 60.6MB)
by Peter Carlson | May 8, 2025 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The mindful investigation and effective management of intention is considered to be a primary goal of meditation practice, beginning with the intention to aim attention on the changing sensations occurring while practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation. During this guided contemplation Peter suggests various ways to cultivate mindfulness of two ways that intention manifests, focused on cognitive processes and focused on behavior.
This meditation is intended to be supportive of the information that is provided during the Dharma talk that follows, titled “Intention Creates the Self”.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:02 — 41.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 6, 2025 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk focuses on the importance of intentions, which are present in every moment of consciousness, either wholesome or unwholesome. The ability to quickly and accurately note the formative function of intentions just as a moment of self-organization occurs is a key skill to cultivate on the path to Awakening. The concept of karma basically describes the latent capacity of memory, which is activated through the function of intentions. Preceding this talk, the “Guided Intention and Karma Contemplation” recording, which is posted in the Guided Meditation archive on this website, is intended to complement this presentation.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With Intentions and Karma
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:13 — 57.0MB)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 6, 2025 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This guided meditation focuses attention on how to develop clear awareness of intentions, which organize and activate each moment of consciousness. It is intended to support the topic for the Dharma talk of the same evening, “Working With Intentions and Karma”.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:55 — 41.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Dec 9, 2021 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk reviews the function of intention, which coordinates and initiates each moment of self-experience, whether wholesome or unwholesome. The ability to monitor and effectively manage intention to promote liberation from greed, hatred and ignorance is considered to be one of the most important goals to master on the path to Awakening. The talk reviews the concepts associated with intention as well as various ways to mindfully cultivate intentional awareness and action, primarily through mindfulness of breathing meditation, but also including various opportunities that might arise during daily routines.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With Intentions
The end of the old year and onset of the new year can be a time of personal renewal as the solstice, occurring on December 21, signifies the transition from the past to the future, so the focus for next week’s talk will be on how intentions guide our daily life decisions, with emphasis on cultivating a wholesome lifestyle in the midst of contemporary consumerist and internet-oriented cultural conditions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:38 — 53.7MB)
