by Peter Carlson | Sep 30, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, the exploration of the 52 cetasikas, categories that condition how the mind creates a self continues. The focus is the Universal Cetasikas, that is mind conditioning categories that occasionally coordinate with the Universal Cetasikas. These occasional cetasikas are vitakka, (aiming attention at a mind object), vicara, (sustained attention regarding a mind object), adhimokkha, (conviction or determination regarding a mind object’s formation), viriya (energy or persistence regarding the emerging mind object formation), piti, (enthusiasm regarding the emerging mind object formation) and chanda, (will to do, that is, the activating of the emerging mind object formation).
These mind conditioners co-operate with the Universal Cetasikas; these combinations are then aligned either with unwholesome cetasikas (producing dukkha, that is, confusion and distress) or wholesome cetasikas (producing liberation from dukkha).
Peter talked about how the simple practice of mindfulness of breathing supports liberation because mindfulness (a wholesome mind conditioner), when combined with vitakka, vicara and viriya supports deeper insights into how self-state organization is manifested, in the moment of becoming a self.
This was followed by discussion by the other meditators regarding how this understanding of self-organization processes is of benefit for dedicated meditators.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: the-occasional-cetasikas
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 22, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk continues to explore the functioning of the cetasikas, the categories of factors that condition the mind. The focus this week in on the “Universal Cetasikas”, that is, the cetasikas that cooperate in the formation of a self in every moment of consciousness: Contact, Volition, Concentration, Vitality and Attention. The remaining universal cetasikas, Feeling and Perception, were discussed in depth during the last talk, September 14. Peter emphasized that these conditioners align and cooperate with other cetasikas, whether they are wholesome or unwholesome in their function.
The explanations were followed by group discussion to clarify the functions and application of the cetasikas during the process of awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this week’s talk: universal-conditioning-functions.
Additionally, here is the .doc file listing the 52 cetasikas in total: CETASIKAS POSTER
Next week’s talk will function on the group of cetasikas called “Occasional” or “Particular” cetasikas, which may or may not be included in a moment of self-state organization.
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 9, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described the Abhidhamma, the Buddhist approach to psychology. A distinction was made between the term cetasika, which is a category where memories are “stored” and sankhara, the content of the stored memory. This analysis was followed with a lively discussion period.
The next talk will begin more in-depth exploration of the cetasika categories, leading to ways to understand how Abhidhamma can foster deeper understanding of the awakening process.
Here are the notes for this talk: abhidhamma-cetasikas
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by Peter Carlson | Sep 1, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk follows on the preceding exploration of paticca sammupada, traditionally translated as dependent origination, a foundational concept of Buddhist liberation practices. During the previous talk, the organization of the 12 elements of the process of “selfing” was described, using non-linear terms. This talk reviewed the 12 elements, emphasizing how clear awareness of the transition from unprocessed sensory data through the mental conditioners to the misperception of an enduring, separate self can be resolved. The resolution emerges through mindful, non-reactive awareness of feelings and perceptions as just phenomena, not constituting an enduring self. During the discussion period, two levels of awakening were described: personal/psychological, and ultimate/spiritual.
Those interested in further study of this talk should go to the prior talk entitled “How Selfing Operates August 24 2016 and download the two .doc files on paticca sammupada and cetasikas.
Next week’s discussion will begin to elaborate understanding regarding the cetasikas, the categories withing which personal karmic potential are organized, with an emphasis on how this understanding can support the process of awakening.
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by Peter Carlson | Aug 25, 2016 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This talk adds to the discussion from last week, which focused on the Five Aggregates With Clinging doctrine. This week’s topic is paticca sammupada, typically translated as dependent origination. Peter applies a new translation, contingent provisional emergence, which connects the ancient Buddhist doctrine to modern theories regarding the complexity of the brain’s functioning. The twelve functions of paticca sammupada were listed and briefly reviewed to clarify how the brain creates a meaningful self organizing process relative to what external circumstantial stimulation provides. This review was followed by discussion about the implications of this conceptual understanding for fostering a less stressful self experience.
This exploration continues next week with a further elaboration of paticca sammupada, which is regarded as a core concept on the Buddhist path towards liberation from distress and confusion. Here are the notes prepared for this discussion: Contingent Provisional Emergence. Participants are encouraged to read the notes to further familiarize with the twelve functions of this concept in order to understand this complex concept more thoroughly. Next week’s talk will “dive deeper” into the doctrine to clarify the ways it might be psychologically and spiritually beneficial.
Here is an additional .doc file that replicates the Cetasikas poster on the wall of the meditation hall, referred to during the discussion: CETASIKAS POSTER
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