by Peter Carlson | Sep 4, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this dharma dialogue, the awakening factor of mindfulness was described. Peter referred to a Wikipedia definition of metacognition, a psychological term developed without reference to Buddhist psychology, that seems to be synonymous with mindfulness. The neurological research describing which parts of the brain activated in the process of mindful awareness was described as well. Following this, there was a brief guided meditation to emphasize recognition of the present function of mindfulness of the body as a stable point of reference supporting vipassana practice.
Here is the .doc file of the notes prepared for this week’s discussion: SATI As A Factor For Awakening
Next week’s discussion will explore dhamma vicaya bojjhanga, the awakening factor for the investigation of mental phenomena.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Aug 28, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first of several dialogues exploring the bojjhangas, the seven factors of awakening. During this talk, Peter describes the relationship between the awakening factors and the five powers. He also described the evolution of the factors through the process of setting aside the hindrances preparatory to the practice of vipassana. The awakening factors that comprise vipassana were described. Next week’s dialogue will explore the individual factors in detail, with guided meditations to facilitate recognizing their function.
Here are the notes prepared for this presentation and for the next few meetings: BOJJHANGA-7 AWAKENING FACTORS
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Jan 24, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Much of the transformation in the brain during a retreat occurs outside of conscious awareness. We’ve realized over the years of retreat experience that talking about it, “thinking out loud”, with a group of well-informed people helps integrate the learning and insight, making it more clearly understood and accessible in daily life. This dialogue reviewed various retreat participant’s experience during the retreat and upon returning home.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jan 17, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter explained how these seven factors, led by mindfulness, function. Initially, in their undeveloped, weakest form, they apply a counter to the action of the five hindrances. As the hindrances are set aside and the function of the mind becomes clarified, coherent and energized, the seven factors are matured in their function: “During the first stages of practice, they function to ward of the demons; as that is accomplished, they function to feed the angels!” The angels are mental clarity, compassion, generosity, kindness, etc.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Jan 16, 2014 | Listen to Dharma Talks
During this talk, Peter described the relationship between the various factors that support the development of yoniso manasikara, wise attention. Attention that is wise manifests as mindful, tranquil, equanimous, tranquil, agile, pliant wieldy, proficient and accurate. This well-developed attention is capable of investigating emerging self-states, turning away from the unwholesome and nurturing the fulfillment of the wholesome.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
