by Peter Carlson | Sep 5, 2019 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Sati Sampajanna (Mindful Clear Comprehension) is a core concept and practice regarding mindfulness of the body in the Satipatthana Sutta, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse. It may not be clearly understood that in the Buddhist commentaries on Sati Sampajanna describe the “four clear comprehensions” as a way of living using this formula for setting goals and reaching them, determining: 1-a worthy goal; 2-suitable means for attaining this goal; 3-mindful awareness of the application of suitable means while making appropriate adaptations when circumstances change, and 4- weaving these comprehensive practices into the process of Awakening. During this talk Peter described these four practices in detail and the discussion that followed clarified how these practices and be beneficially applied to the complexities and stresses of contemporary life–a new sort of “decision tree” that is self-aware and capable of assessing and adapting to the changing circumstances and uncertainties we all are confronted with.
This talk is meant to provide a framework for upcoming discussions of the various stressful aspects of contemporary life experiences such as managing strong consumerist conditioning, adapting to global warming, being able to have working relationships with others whose beliefs may counter one’s own, etc. The disciplined application of the Four Clear Comprehensions can be a useful strategy for a less stressful life, providing a foundation for deeper liberation from dukkha.
Apologies for the quality of the recording–technical difficulties necessitated the use of a backup recording that is not of the same clarity.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Clear Comprehension
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:54 — 115.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Apr 27, 2018 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The focus of this talk continues to explore the Satipatthana Sutta, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, more specifically the First Foundation, Mindfulness of the Body. Sati Sampajanna (sah-tee sahm-pah-jahn-yah) is typically translated as Mindful Clear Comprehension, and is particularly focused on awareness of how we move through the day. This practice focuses on cultivating mindful awareness of the intentionality of everyday thoughts and behaviors. The relatively simple investigation of intentions associated with behavior trains the mind to be more alert and appropriately responsive the the intentionality accompanying each thought as regards Right Action, part of the Noble Eightfold Path.
The commentaries about sati sampajanna describe four considerations regarding this practice: suitability of purpose, suitability of means for achieving the intended purpose, mindfully monitoring the process of activating the suitable means and how this activity will be conducive to realizing the process of Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Clear Comprehension
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:58 — 115.3MB)
by Peter Carlson | Feb 14, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this dialogue, Peter described the core Buddhist concept of sati-sampajanna, usually translated as mindful, clear comprehension. He quoted from the Satipatthana Sutta the stanzas associated with mindfulness of breathing, mindfulness of posture and mindfulness of movement. He then described the “four clear comprehensions” from the Buddhist commentaries, which comprises what amounts to an ongoing process of setting goals, ways and means to achieve them, keeping in mind impermanence, non-self and the distress that arises as the result of craving and clinging. This was followed by dialogues with various folks in the group, with the intention of using their daily routines as ways to illustrate the value of sati-sampajanna.
