by Peter Carlson | Aug 23, 2012 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the last dhamma dialogue that Peter will deliver before his 3 month retreat at the Forest Refuge in Massachusetts begins on September 1. The talk reviews the history and significant teachers he sat retreats with over the last 30 years, and Peter speculates about the approach he will take during the retreat: several weeks of intensive concentration practices, then vipassana practice, including the attempt to integrate insights gained from vipassana to the practice of lojong, the Tibetan training points. With no concrete goal in mind, Peter wants to be more present in relationships at the end of the retreat. During his absence, more senior students will provide the dhamma dialogues until he returns during the first week of December.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Oct 27, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This discussion summarizes the Satipatthana Sutta, focusing on how Mindfulness and the other Awakening Factors affects awareness of the Four Noble Truths, enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance. The relationship between tranquility and insight was associated with development of the jhana states, and how the heightened awareness derives from that practice increases the ability for the mind to be alert and non-attached, supporting awakening.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Oct 20, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This discussion begins a two-part exploration of the remaining three Factors of Awakening. The three factors were described and the ways of cultivating them were explained. Next week’s talk will relate the Seven Factors of Awakening to the practice of jhana and vipassana.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
by Peter Carlson | Oct 7, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Continuing the ongoing discussion of the Seven Factors of Awakening, this week the focus is on two of them: dhamma vicaya (Investigation of mind states) and viriya (Energy, or Right Effort). Peter pointed out that investigation, effort and joy are energizing factors, while tranquility, concentration and equanimity are calming factors; mindfulness monitors their action and coordinates their mutual influence of each other. Investigation and effort are linked to vitakka (bringing attention to a mind state) and vicara (sustained awareness of the mind state). Right Effort is explained in terms of four applications, in order to eliminate the unwholesome mind states and maximize the ongoing effect of wholesome mind states. The entire process is considered as the practical description of vipassana (insight into the true nature of reality).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
by Peter Carlson | Sep 22, 2011 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This dialogue begins an exploration of how to use wholesome mind conditioners to increase spiritual development. Using computer folders and files as metaphors, Peter explains the dynamics of identifying and enhancing the mind’s ability to more clearly understand the nature of reality, and cultivate benevolent intentions regarding life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)
