Reviewing Right Understanding

This talk continues reviewing the Four Noble Truths, beginning a series of talks focusing on the Fourth Noble Truth, emphasizing the first element of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Understanding.  The talk begins with  an overview of the conceptual benefits of the Dharma Wheel icon, emphasizing the dynamic interactions between the elements.  The 8 elements of the Path are studied conceptually, but can only be realized through careful introspective investigation, discovering the impermanent and impersonal nature of subjective experience.  Further discussion reviews how full realization of the integrated actions of the Noble Eightfold Path transforms Right Understanding into Right Knowledge, and Right Intention into Right Liberation, transforming the Eightfold Path into the Noble Tenfold Path.  The recorded talk is longer than usual, as there were interesting questions to be explored during the discussion.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Right Understanding and the Noble Eightfold Path

The next talk will review Right Intention, the other element of the Wisdom aggregate within the Noble Eightfold Path.

 

Play

The Awakening Process

This talk summarizes the series of of explorations of Buddhist psychology with discussion about what are called “The Progressions of Insight”, which describe observable mental experiences that show progress in the the process of liberation from distress and confusion, known as dukkha.  The process culminates with the experience of nirvana, the unconditioned flow of experience.  This talk was followed by discussion about how these progressive insights can be realized through meditation practice integrated into daily life routines.

Here are the notes prepared for this discussion:  THE AWAKENING PROCESS

Peter will be on retreat for the rest of December, so the next meeting will be January 4, 2017, at which time he will review what was beneficial for the awakening process.  During the time he on retreat, the recorded Dharma talks from the weeklong retreat in February of 2016 will be posted in sequential order.

May everyone enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday season.