Orlando Insight Meditation Group: Recent Episodes
Peter Carlson
Constantly stressed? Shift from Chaos to Calm in 6 weeks đ§
Do you ever feel like you are spending your entire life on automatic pilot?
You rush through your morning, jump from meeting to meeting, answer endless emails,
and handle daily hasslesâonly to collapse at night feeling completely drained, yet too
wired to sleep. Your body is moving, but your mind is miles away, trapped in a loop of
planning, worrying, and mental chatter.
Living in a constant state of survival is exhausting. But you donât have to keep trying to
fix the chaos of the outside world to find internal peace.
Introducing our brand-new virtual course: From Chaos to Calm: A 6-Week Journey to
Mental Clarity.
This is not a course about turning your mind into a blank slate or forcing yourself to
stop thinking. Instead, it is a practical, evidence-based program designed to help you
build the neurological resilience needed to anchor yourself amidst lifeâs inevitable
storms.
The 1-Hour Format
We know you are busy. That is why each weekly session is exactly 60 minutes long and
structured to give you high-utility, actionable tools without the fluff:
⢠20 Mins: An interactive talk unpacking the science of stress, focus, and emotional
intelligence.
⢠20 Mins: A live, guided experiential mindfulness meditation practice.
⢠20 Mins: A facilitated group Q&A to help you integrate the practices directly into
your real life.
The 6-Week Roadmap
⢠Week 1: Waking Up from the Storm (Breaking free from autopilot)
⢠Week 2: Finding Your Anchor (Using the physiology of the breath to reset your
nervous system)
⢠Week 3: Calming the Body in Motion (Releasing physical tension on the go)
⢠Week 4: Sorting the Mental Chatter (Stepping out of negative thoughts and
storylines)
⢠Week 5: Riding the Waves of Emotion (Navigating anxiety and frustration safely)
⢠Week 6: Sustainable Calm for Real Life (Defeating the inner critic with self-
compassion)
Course Details
- Taught by Susan Baxter
- đ Dates: Every Thursday, August 13 to September 17
- â° Time: 6:30pm â 7:30 pm ET
- đ Location: Hosted entirely online via Zoom, Zoom room opens 15 minutes
early. - đ Skill Level: Designed for absolute beginners, but open to all experience
levels. - She is offering this freely. Registration is directly through her. Please see below.Whether you are looking to lower your daily stress levels, improve your focus, or simply
learn how to be more present with the people you love, this course provides a
progressive, step-by-step pathway back to yourself.
`
Spaces are limited to ensure we maintain an intimate, supportive online community for
our Q&A sessions.
If you are ready to transition from overwhelmed to centered, email me to sign up or
hold your spot. Let me know if you have any questions about the schedule, and I will
get back to you with the registration confirmation and your live link details.
Warmly,
Susan Baxter
susan@scbaxter.com
Periodically, Peter provides comments and suggestions to those in the meeting about Buddhist concepts and their meditation practice derived from his more than 40 years studying and practicing mindfulness meditation. This recording begins with feedback about the meditation experience of Brandon during the meditation period prior to this conversation. Brandon left the meeting for a prior commitment after the conversation, and the remainder of the meeting includes several dialogues between Peter and the remaining participants.
A basic Buddhist concept acknowledges that the mind is in a constant flow state, changing from moment to moment. This day of practice provides support for training the mind to more skillfully manage how these changes occur, interrupting unwholesome self-creating processes and building new processes that are more wholesome, through practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation. The retreat is suitable for beginning as well as more practiced meditation students.
Please bring your own lunch. There is a refrigerator and microwave on-site. A limited number of meditation cushions will be available; it is recommended that if you have your own, please bring it. There will also be chairs available.
The retreat will be led by Peter Carlson who has been teaching meditation for over 30 years. For more information about Peter, click here.
When: Saturday, September 19th, 2026 9:00am â 5:00pm
Where: Oneness Yoga Retreat Center located at 218 W. Lewis Road, Apopka, FL (not far from Kelly Park)
Fee: $60 to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group; the fee will be split evenly between OIMG and the retreat center. (NOTE: The teacher takes no fee. Those attending will have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to him at the end of the day to express gratitude for the teaching and what was learned.)
For questions: please email April.
How to Change Your Mind-a One Day Retreat in Apopka (7) "*" indicates required fields
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During this talk, Susan Baxter describes the cultivation of self-compassion, using the work of Dr. Kristin Neff and Sharon Salzberg as references. Susan invites those participating to consider how contemporary culture fosters self-doubt and self-loathing and provides some of the exercises recommended by Dr. Neff for transforming these harsh ways of being towards kindness regarding self and others.
During this talk, Peter responds to questions and comments related to the practice of mindfulness of breathing. Just previous to the talk, he led a guided meditation titled âGuided Anapanasati Contemplationâ, which is posted in the Audio archive under Guided Meditation.
During this guided meditation Peter provides suggestions that can associate the practice of mindfulness of breathing meditation with the 4 Tetrads of the Anapanasati Sutta. It is intended to supplement the review of the Anapanasati Sutta he provided during the meeting of July 15, 2026 which is posted on this website. Following this contemplation, he will answer questions participants may have about their meditation practice.
This is the first of two talks on the importance of anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing meditation) for training the mind to realize the concepts described in the Four Noble Truths and Satipatthana (Four Foundations of Mindfulness). During the talk, Peter reviews these teachings and also describes how contemporary psychological insights on Operant Conditioning can be associated with anapanasati practice on the path toward Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Anapanasati In Relationship with Satipatthana
Here is Analayoâs translation of the Anapanasati Sutta: Anapanasati Sutta translated by Analayo
Next week, Peter will lead a guided 45 minute meditation, focused on anapanasati practice. During the talk afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to talk to Peter about their anapanasati experience and he will provide feedback based on their comments.
During this talk, Allie provides a review of the Five Clinging Aggregatesâform, feeling, perception, mental conditioning factors, and consciousnessâas a way to understand how personality operates from a Buddhist perspective. She relates this self-creating process to another fundamental Buddhist concept, Dependent Origination, which provides us with a way to understand how to reduce and eventually disregard craving and clingingâthe aggregates continue to interact and create personality but without distress and confusion.
This talk continues to review how contemporary neuroscientific research supports the validity of important Buddhist concepts and practices, focusing on the first three of the Four Noble Truths. Peter refers to a previous talk titled âNeuroplasticity and Non-Selfâ, posted September 4, 2025 as a precursor to this review. A future talk will focus on reviewing how neuroscientific research validates the fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, which provides the ethical and functional training necessary for realizing the potential for liberating the mind from distress and confusion, the focus of the Third Noble Truth.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Neuroscience and the Four Noble Truths
During this talk, Lezlie reviews the characteristics and effects of the five hindrancesâdesire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and doubtâand several approaches to setting them aside. She intends to devote future talks to these different meditative skills, as described in âUnhinderedâ by Gil Fronsdal and âBeyond Distractionâ by Shaila Catherine, among others.
During this talk, April describes real life occurrences to emphasize the unwholesome consequences of actions shaped by what are called âthe three poisonsâ, greed, hatred and delusion. She associates this with the uncertainties associated with the current actions being taken through the medium of Artificial Intelligence. She then reviews the relevant ethical values that shape Right Action, one of the virtues to be developed through practicing and applying the Four Noble Truths.
This talk, presented by Allie Vaknin, is the second of a series of reviews during which she focuses on the Perfection of what are called Paramis, qualities of consciousness that, when fulfilled in their potential, nurture the realization of Nirvana. Tonightâs talk focuses on the Parami of Sila, virtuous thoughts and deeds, reflected in what are called the Five Precepts.
Proposed Topic for the October 2025 Study Group
As many of you know, we have enjoyed the benefits of an ongoing series of 8-week Dharma study groups for several years, and it is time to organize the next one. There have been several requests for a repeat of an excellent book, âStepping Out of Self-deceptionâ, by Rodney Smith, so we will again focus on it. During previous study groups, I have described the book as a series of chapters that invite repeated interested contemplation and discussion, so it is worth revisiting, even for those who have previously read it. I know of two well-respected committed meditators who gave themselves a year to read, contemplate, and discuss the contents.
For those of you who were in the most recent series of meetings, I regret not giving you âfirst dibsâ on this series, as my email group addresses were lost when I had to transfer everything to the new computer, so this is a general announcement rather than in the past about the next series, which I plan to start on the weekend of October 11, ending the weekend of November 29. There are two options, Saturday or Sunday, from 3-4:30 PM, through Zoom meetings. The number of participants in each group is capped at 7, so if you want to participate, let me know which day you prefer via email, but understand that if attendance is low, the meetings will only occur on one of those days, and you may have to be more flexible if necessary. Donât assume that because you were in the recent groups, that you are automatically in one of the next groups alsoâyou must confirm the commitment via email, and include your phone number. I will respond to your email confirming your participation and send a document with more specific information about the group process and discussion trajectory.
My plan is to have a âmini-consultationâ with every participant during each meeting. Circumstances may not allow that, but I will do my best to speak with each person. We can talk about a concept from the book or your meditation practice. I strongly encourage each person to commit to 45 minutes of meditation every day during the courseâif that is challenging for you, that can be a fruitful opportunity to develop consistency of practice. Real success integrates the concepts we read or hear about with the direct experiential confirmation available through dedicated meditation practice.
As in previous groups, the fee for the series is recommended to be $160, payable to OIMG, either through the website or via check sent to me, Peter Carlson, 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789. If you donât have $160, pay what you can afford, knowing that this contribution is a core funding project for our Sanghaâs activities. I am offering my facilitation services freely, as has been the case for a few years now.
Please contact me with any questions and email your commitments with your phone number ASAP in order to enroll even if I already have that information; I need the email address and phone number in case we need to reschedule a meeting.
I look forward to getting started with the meetings and I wish you well. Peter
For more information call 407 339-5444 or email peter@orlandoinsightmeditation.org
During this talk, Peter describes his research and contemplation regarding how contemporary neuroscientific research can increase understanding of anatta, the principle that asserts the absence of an enduring and autonomous self. He explains the processes of neuroplasticity and long-term potentiation during the interactions between various networks of neuronal connection as supportive of insights regarding the insubstantiality of subjective experienceâthere is no âcontrol centerâ, no self to defend or gratify. He reports that this presentation provides an overview of the impersonal interactions among the neuronal networks and anticipates future Dharma talks that correlate the neural networks with important Buddhist concepts and practices. These efforts are intended to further Western understanding of ancient Dharma teachings away from abstract philosophical underpinnings and towards a more scientific understanding of anatta and sunnata.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: NEUROPLASTICITY AND ANATTA
During this talk, Allie begins a series of reviews she will provide focusing on the Paramis, the skills and virtues to be perfected on the path to Awakening. The topic for this talk is generosity, both material and non-material, as a way to cultivate kindness and renunciation of greed and miserliness. She responds to questions and comments from those participating.
During this talk, April provides a review of Right Speech as a basic element of the Noble Eightfold Path, cultivating a clear conscience as the platform from which the process of Awakening develops. An element of Right Speech, truthfulness, is associated with the challenges presented by media disinformation and Artificial Intelligence in contemporary life. This recording includes comments coming from those participating in the meeting.
Here are quotes from the talk; of particular interest is a response ChatGPT created to a question April presented inquiring if ChatGPT has a personality like a human: Quotes for Right Speech Dharma talk
We often provide an opportunity for those among us who have just completed a significant retreat to âthink out loudâ about the experience. This can be beneficial for that person and perhaps inspiring for those listening. This was the first retreat for Lezlie that involved the intense training provided by the teaching of S. N. Goenka, who has had a significant impact on many contemporary mindfulness meditators. She describes the structure of the retreat and some significant insights she realized about herself. Her presentation is followed by several comments and questions from participants in the meeting.
During this talk, April reviews current neurological information associated with habituation, describing how our minds and bodies develop patterns that allow us to function more efficiently in regard to energy utilization, but can interfere with our ability to effectively adapt to changing circumstances. She then talks about how Buddhist concepts and practices such as the Four Noble Truths can interrupt dysfunctional habit patterns and provide relief from being âstuckâ within a distorted self-image and provide support for more creative and beneficial responses during these difficult times.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Waking Up To Habituation
During this talk, Peter responds to various questions from those participating regarding their understanding of Buddhist concepts and their meditation experiences. Examples of questions include clarification regarding how aiming and sustaining attention on breath sensations matures into investigation of what arises in the mind, consideration regarding Chogyam Trungpaâs comments on gradual rather than sudden Awakening, and how to cultivate non-reactive awareness of craving and clinging.
During this talk, Lili describes the progressions of faith that can be cultivated within Buddhism: Bright Faith, Verified Faith, and Abiding or Unwavering Faith. Faith is also the antidote for doubt. Her comments are followed by comments provided by those participating that describe their experience of faith.
Here are the notes she prepared for this talk: FAITH IN BUDDHISM
During this talk, Allie Vaknin shares her research on a basic element of Buddhist doctrine, Right Intention. Part of the presentation involves questions and insights about this important part of the Noble Eightfold Path provided by those participating in the meeting.
Taught by Andy Quinn
The Lakeland Insight Meditation Group invites you to a one-day retreat taught at Bok Tower Gardens on Saturday, September 28, 9am to 4:30pm. Your $50 donation to LIMG includes retreat teaching, lunch provided by LIMG Sangha members , and Bok Tower Gardens admission. Financial assistance is available.
To register, please contact Leah McCormick at leahretreat2024@gmail.com or 863-397-0362.
Participants can pay this wayhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/L6EC8CEJE5C4Q
This talk presented by Peter is intended to provide information regarding three very important mental âskill setsâ that are necessary for developing effective mindfulness meditation practice. First, defining characteristics of each mind-conditioning function are reviewed, followed by suggestions for integrating their combined effects. There is a guided âContemplating Mindfulness, Investigation, and Right Effortâ meditation preceding this talk, which was recorded and posted in the Audio folder, under Guided Meditations. It is intended to provide a practice mode to accompany this conceptual presentation.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindfulness Investigation and Right Effort
This guided meditation provides opportunities to become more clearly aware of three important mind-conditioning functions and how to cultivate their functioning, which provides the basis for experiencing high degrees of mental clarity and stability, benefiting the practice of vipassana, insight meditation. The coordinated and integrated effects of these three factors will be reviewed during a talk occurring just after this meditation training exercise, recorded and posted as âReviewing Mindfulness, Investigation, and Right Effortâ.
Join Lezlie Laws as she facilitates LifeArt Book Group conversations on books that âcultivate the conditions, skills, and attitudes that support artful, passionate, and purposeful living and creating.â
In collaboration with The Yoga Shala and Orlando Insight Meditation Group, the first book of the fall will be Thich Nhat Hanhâs lovely little book Our Appointment with Life: Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone (available on Amazon).
Date: September 29, 2024, 1:45-3:45pm
Location: The Yoga Shala 40 Circle Drive #4, Maitland, FL 32751
Participation is free, but registration required as space is limited. Contact Lezlie at Lezlielaws@gmail.com to reserve your space.
Peter has decided to open one meeting each month to discussion in response to any questions or observations by the participants at that meeting, focusing on Dharma and practice oriented issues. Questions and comments focused on the importance that the practice of mindfulness of feelings, along with the role of concentration in the practice of vipassana, insight into the conditioned nature of experience. Peter shared some insights he experienced on a retreat that revealed the moment-by-moment arising and passing away of mental phenomena, and the powerful impact it has had on his dedication to daily, diligent mindfulness of breathing meditation.
Sympathetic Joy is listed as the third of the Four Divine Abidings, and Equanimity is the fourth. During this talk, Peter reviews the characteristics of Sympathetic Joy as a celebration of anotherâs success and happiness in an unselfish way. It represents the spiritual development of empathy, which is hard-wired into the bodies of humans, but can be distorted when not effectively monitored by Mindfulness and Investigation of Mental Phenomena, and regulated by Right Effort. The result of this skillful application of attention and action is Equanimity, which provides balance, avoiding what are called the ânear enemyâ or âfar enemyâ of Sympathetic Joy.
This talk is intended to be supplemented by a recorded guided meditation posted in the archives of this site titled âContemplating Sympathetic Joy With Equanimityâ, which was presented by Peter just prior to this talk.
Here are the notes prepared for the Dharma talk: Cultivating Sympathetic Joy With Equanimity
The next talk, scheduled for August 28, 2024, will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions about Buddhist concepts and practices, with discussion provided by Peter, who has been studying and practicing Buddhism for over 40 years.
Sympathetic Joy is one of the Four Divine Abidings, and this guided meditation provides instructions on how to integrate Mindfulness, Investigation of Mental Phenomena, and Right Effort to cultivate Equanimity, another of the Divine Abidings, which functions to bring balance and clarity to the experience of appreciating another beings happiness and success in unselfish ways. This recording is intended to provide experiential support for the Dharma talk delivered the same night entitled âCultivating Sympathetic Joy With Equanimityâ. Both recordings are posted within the archives of this website.
This talk reviews the characteristics of compassion from a Buddhist perspective, including the ânear enemyâ and âfar enemyâ of this manifestation of lovingkindness which is focused on relieving the mind from distress and confusion. Compassion is described as the combined effects of cultivating the âhardwiredâ experience of empathy, supported by mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena, and Right Effort, and associated with equanimity, which provides a balanced manifestation of this wholesome state of mind. Preceding this talk of August 14, 2024, Peter provides a guided meditation titled âGuided Compassion With Equanimity Contemplationâ, the recording of which is posted within the Guided Meditations page of the website.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Integrating Compassion with Equanimity
The topic for the next meeting will provide a review regarding the integration of Sympathetic Joy with equanimity. Sympathetic Joy describes the empathetic enjoyment of the happiness and success of another, balanced by equanimity.
This guided meditation provides support for identifying the characteristics of compassion as well as the ânear enemyâ and âfar enemyâ of this wholesome state of mind. The training also suggests how to use mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena, and Right Effort to cultivate the balancing effect of equanimity, which functions to purify the benevolent intentions associated with compassion.
This meditation was recorded just prior to the Dharma talk presented on August 14, 2024, with the intention to provide opportunities to train the mind to be more able to apply what is reviewed during the talk.
During this talk, Peter reviews the characteristics of lovingkindness, one of the Four Divine Abidings within Buddhist doctrine. When lovingkindness is not clearly understood, oneâs experience becomes contaminated by what are called either the ânear enemyâ or âfar enemyâ, both of which are manifestations of ignorance. The fourth of the Divine Abidings is equanimity, which is produced through the cultivation of mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort, is explained during the talk. The review also includes a suggestion that the capacity for empathy, a fundamental characteristic of lovingkindness, is âhardwiredâ into our nervous systems, and that Benevolent Intention represents an evolutionary trend away from greed or hatred, emotionally potent instincts we all share, towards altruism and societal peace.
Previous to this talk, Peter provided a guided meditation titled âIntegrating Lovingkindness With Equanimityâ, which is intended to provide practical contemplative training that uses mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort to protect the flow of lovingkindness from becoming contaminated by the near enemy or far enemy states of mind. This has been posted and can be found in the archives of the website in the category of Guided Meditations
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Balancing Lovingkindness With Equanimity
The topics for the next two weeks focus first on the integration of equanimity with compassion, then next the integration of equanimity with sympathetic joy, the remaining elements of the Four Divine Abidings.
This guided meditation provides the opportunity to monitor the cultivation of lovingkindness with equanimity, avoiding what are called the ânear enemyâ or âfar enemyâ, mental dysfunctions that interfere with the flow of benevolent intention. This integrative process is facilitated with the application of mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena, and Right Effort, which function to purify the experience of lovingkindness. It is intended to be associated with a Dharma talk entitled âIntegrating Equanimity With Equanimityâ, provided during the meeting following this meditation that describes the characteristics of lovingkindness and the ways that the concept is clarified and made accessible skillfully.
During this talk, Allie reviews the elements of the Noble Eightfold Path and then describes the transition of Right Understanding to Right Knowledge and Right Intention to Right Release, in effect changing the Eightfold Path to the Tenfold Path. Her comments are supplemented by Peter, who describes this direct subjective confirmation of the concepts within the Eightfold Path as the result of the perfection of the Seven Awakening Factors. Right Knowledge and Right Release can manifest ultimately as Nirvana, but each time the mind is momentarily freed from craving and clinging, the benefits of this Knowledge and Release bring momentary relief.
During this talk, participants got feedback from Peter regarding their meditation practice and understanding regarding Buddhist concepts. Peter intends to provide opportunities for these reviews on a monthly basis in the future.
This guided meditation was created to provide an introduction regarding basic mindfulness of breathing practice for a new meditation student during the meeting of July 24, 2024.
This talk continues a review by April of the Seven Awakening Factors, focusing on how Mindfulness supports the full development of Tranquility, Concentration, and Equanimity. The recording and notes from the previous presentation are found in the archives. This talk includes questions and comments from those attending the meeting.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Orlando Insight Meditation The Seven Factors of Awakening part 2
This guided meditation focuses on the use of body awareness (middle of the chest), along with the repetition of the lovingkindness mantra, to cultivate Right Intention, which, along with Right Understanding, constitutes Wisdom. This was recorded during a one-day lovingkindness meditation retreat.
Here are the notes associated with the retreat that support the meditation practice, including the mantra: LOVINGKINDNESS course packet
During this talk, April provides her research and insights regarding the Seven Awakening Factors, emphasizing the importance of the factors of Mindfulness, Investigation of Dhammas, Energy and Joy. Investigation, Energy and Joy activate the Wholesome Mind Conditioning Factors, monitored by Mindfulness. Next weekâs talk will provide Part 2 of the review, focusing on the moderating Awakening Factors, Tranquility, Concentration, and Equanimity, once again monitored by mindfulness.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Orlando Insight The Seven Factors of Awakening
This talk continues a review of what are called the cetasikas, which operate like filters during the process of self-formation, producing either wholesome or unwholesome self-state organizations. The primary focus of attention and discussion during the talk are those cetasikas that form wholesome self-states. There is particular attention given to the âSix Beautiful Pairsâ of cetasikas that operate to produce the extraordinary qualities of attention, such as tranquility, lightness, pliancy, wieldiness, proficiency and uprightness in the mind that can be developed through persistent and skillful mindfulness of breathing meditation practice.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Buddhist Personality Theory Part Two
As was the case during the previous talk, here is a full listing of the 52 cetasikas: CETASIKAS POSTER
The talk next week will begin a two-part review of the Seven Awakening Factors
The Five Aggregates can be considered as perhaps the first personality theory in human history. During this talk and one the following week, Peter reviews the Mind Conditioning Factors Aggregate with a focus on the cetasikas, a comprehensive listing of the multitude of âfiltersâ in the mind that work to create each moment of consciousness. The first review will provide insight regarding those cetasikas that occur in every moment of consciousness, along with those that create suffering.
The next talk will continue the review, focusing again on the universal cetasikas and those that nurture the process of Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Buddhist Personality TheoryâPart One
Here is one page document listing the cetasikas: CETASIKAS POSTER
Reviewing and setting aside the five aggregates is described as the first of the contemplations found within the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness. Lezlie provides quotes and comments that explain the characteristics of these obstacles to a mind that is alert and serene enough to support insights that liberate the mind from craving and clinging.
Considering the Third Foundation of Mindfulness as if it were a sheet of paper, and the First as a pen, then the Second as ink; the Fourth Foundation, mindfulness of mental phenomena, is what is written on the paper, creating our experience of being an enduring/autonomous self. During this talk, Peter reviews the categories of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness and the role they play in the development in the process of Awakening, dissolving oneâs belief in an enduring/autonomous self. During subsequent talks, each of the categories within the Fourth Foundation will be reviewed individually as to their functions and how to work with them skillfully.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Creating A Self
The focus of next weekâs talk will be a review of the Five Hindrances and how to effectively set them aside to further the process of Awakening.
This talk focuses on cultivating a deeper and more useful understanding of two important Buddhist concepts: Non-self and Emptiness. The concepts donât translate well into English from the original Pali teachings, so Peter uses various contemporary scientific and psychological research results to clarify the terms. Non-self is a way to understand what contemporary neuroscience calls neuroplasticity, while Emptiness is better understood as the quality of attention that is not dominated by the urgent demands of craving and clingingâa maturation of the quietness and stability that can be associated with the development of neutral feeling towards equanimity.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Fullness or Emptiness
The focus of next weekâs talk will be on the Second Foundation of Mindfulness, which focuses on understanding and working with pleasant, unpleasant and neutral feeling tones more skillfully.
Mindfully contemplating the subjective experience of the Four Elements: Earth, Wind,Fire, and Water is mentioned in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse as part of the category âMindfulness of the Bodyâ. During the talk, Peter describes the characteristics of each Element, along with how they can be useful for interrupting internal âselfing storiesâ. This talk is meant to be accompanied by the recording in the archives entitled âFour Elements Contemplationâ. Those present for the meeting shared their experiences during the meditation and sought clarification regarding the topic.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With the Four Elements Contemplations
This guided meditation provides suggestions for contemplating what are called the Four Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. These contemplations are embedded within the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse. Peter describes the subjective characteristics of each of the Elements and suggests different areas of the body to mindfully investigate their nature. This guided meditation is intended to accompany the Dharma talk entitled â Working With The Four Elements Contemplationâ, which explains how developing proficiency in this training exercise interrupts hindering internal chatter and supports differentiating the separate characteristics of physical sensational awareness and co-occurring fabricating function of the mind. This understanding increases oneâs ability to âdeconstructâ belief in an enduring/autonomous self.
Short Moments, Many Times a Day.
In this meeting of our sangha, we learn a variety of ways to incorporate moments of meditation throughout the day. This is not a substitute for our daily sitting practice, but a way to extend that practice throughout our daily activities. The format of the session will veer from our usual practice, as we practice a 4-5 short meditations. So make sure to join us at 7:00 for a brief commentary on mindfulness which will be followed by a variety of short-form practices. This session was facilitated by Lezlie Laws.
This weekâs dharma talk explores the 7th step in the teaching of the Buddha called âThe Noble Eightfold-Path.â This 7th step is Right Mindfulness. We will explore this key practice that has been described as the watch guard of the mind and an aid to recognize, prevent and release craving and clinging that causes suffering. We will also present an overview of the four foundations of mindfulness discussed in the Buddhaâs teachings that are documented in the Satipatthana Sutta. Each of these foundations will be explored in further depth in the upcoming weeks. April Koester gave this talk.
This weekâs dharma talk explores the 6th step in the teaching of the Buddha called âThe Noble Eightfold-Path.â This 6th step takes us into the âdiscipline aggregateâ of the eight steps. Here we learn how to cultivate beneficial qualities of mind and how to disarm unbeneficial qualities of mind. The talk this week was given by Lezlie Laws.
In this course, Allie will teach students the fundamentals of mindfulness and meditation. The content will introduce students to the basic elements of meditation, as well as different forms of meditation, such as mindfulness of the body, mindfulness of feelings, and loving-kindness. The course will teach students the benefits of these practices and how to integrate meditation into oneâs daily life.
Allie is teaching this class as part of obtaining her certification as a meditation teacher and the course is offered free of charge.
Dates: May 4, 11, 18 and 25; 11am to noon
Where: via Zoom; the link to join the class will be shared prior to the first class
Fee: There is no fee for this class.
Register: Email Sharon to register for this class. Please include your name, email address, and phone number.
The next week-long residential retreat is planned for March, 2025. Registration will open a few months prior. Thank you.
The traditional rendering of samma ajiva in english is Right Livelihood; during this talk, Peter revises this part of the Noble Eightfold Path as Right Lifestyle, as life is more complex and more stressful psychologically in contemporary American culture. He describes the demands of work, finances, societal conflict, physical well-being, and environmental disruption through the way we live from waking to sleeping each dayâour lifestyle patternsâand how the Four Noble Truthâs concepts and practices can be effectively applied to create a lifestyle that is more resilient, more serene, and more responsible. His presentation is followed by comments from those participating in the meeting.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk, which include several relevant quotes from Theravada Buddhist suttas that support the cultivation of Right Lifestyle: Creating Right Lifestyle
The topic reviewed next week by Lezlie Laws will be the first aspect of the Mental Discipline Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Effort.
This talk continues a thorough review of the Four Noble Truths, focusing on the second attribute of the Fourth Truth, within the Virtue Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold PathâRight Action. During the talk, Lili describes the characteristics of the Precepts, which are the ethical guidelines to be understood and acted upon to further the path of Awakening. This recording also includes additional questions and comments from thos3 attending related to the topic.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: RIGHT ACTION
The topic for next weekâs talk will continue to review the Virtue Aggregate, focusing on Right Livelihood. In and effort to apply the principles of the Virtue Aggregate to contemporary life, the topic will be represented by an alternative term, âRight Lifestyleâ, focusing on how a virtuous lifestyle addresses the complexities and challenges presented by health and well-being, global warming, and the iniquities of cultural imbalances.
During this talk, Peter provides an overview of Sila, the Buddhist Virtue Aggregate, which is found within the Noble Eightfold Path, with an emphasis on the importance of mindfully recognizing the non-virtuous elements of contemporary cultural conditioning, which create disharmony and dysfunction with significant negative consequences for social cohesion and the environment, renouncing them, and instead orienting oneâs thoughts and actions through the filter of Virtueâharmlessness, compassion, generosity and equanimity. He then focuses on Right Speech in the context of a personâs internal self-talk, as well as interpersonal communications. He adds another consideration he calls Right Listening, the ability to bring skillful attention and discipline to bear on the cognitive distortions that prevail in contemporary media and counter their effect on oneâs clarity, purpose and peace of mind.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: THE VIRTUE OF RIGHT SPEECH The contents of these notes are more expansive and descriptive than the verbal recording of the talk.
Next weekâs talk will focus on another function of the Virtue Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path: Right Action.
This talk by Allie Vaknin continues an ongoing review of the Four Noble Truths, specifically focusing on a function of the Wisdom Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Intention. Allie describes different manifestations of Right Intention: Renunciation of unwholesomeness, Kindness, and Compassion. This recording includes several comments and questions posed by those participating in the group.
Next weekâs talk will begin a review of the Virtue Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, during which Peter will focus on Right Speech, including the value of bringing Right Intention to our internal self-talk as well as what we say interpersonally.
During this talk, April continues the ongoing review of the Noble Eightfold Path by sharing her research about the Wisdom Aggregate, specifically Samma Ditthi, translated as Right View or Right Understanding. This part of the Path provides the conceptual basis for understanding the law of Karmaâcause and effect. Her presentation includes several questions and comments from others participating in the meeting.
Next weekâs talk will review the other half of the Wisdom Aggregate. Right Intention.
This talk continues an ongoing review of the Four Noble Truths, with emphasis on the Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path. This overview describes the general structure of the Path categories, which represent the ways and means for realizing the spiritual aspirations developed in the first three Noble Truths. Peter describes a more contemporary view of Buddhist teachings called Secular Buddhism, which avoids ritualistic practices and integrates modern neuroscientific and psychological research that validates some basic concepts found within the original teachings that have great significance during these trying sociocultural and ecological times.
There will be an extensive and more detailed review of the eight subcategories of the Noble Eightfold Path over the next several meetings. Here are the notes prepared for this talk: OVERVIEW OF THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
The focus for next weekâs talk will be a review of Right Understanding, the first subcategory of the Noble Eightfold Path.
This is intended to be a resource for cultivating mindfulness of breathing meditation, providing several suggestions during the experience to support developing more skill and confidence in the practice of a fundamental Buddhist training for self-awareness and self-discipline.
During this talk, Allie Vaknin provides insights regarding the four stages of Nirvana experience: Stream Entry, Once-Returner, Non-returner, and Arahant. The recording includes comments from various participants in the meeting.
Next weekâs talk will provide an overview of the Fourth Noble Truth, The Noble Eightfold Path; subsequent talks will address each element of the Noble Eightfold Path in more depth.
During this talk, Allie Vaknin continues the review of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, focusing on the 4th of the 7 Awakening Factors, Joy. Her comments include the characteristics of joy as the result of concentration as well as the manifestation of joy as one cultivates vipassana, insight into the conditioned nature of subjective experience. During the talk, participants are invited to share their experiences of joy related to the characteristics she describes.
The focus of next weekâs talk will be the 5th of the Awakening Factors, Tranquility..
The Lakeland Insight Meditation Group invites you to a one-day retreat taught at Bok Tower Gardens entitled The Breathing Body with Love: Body-Focused Loving Kindness Meditation and taught by Andy Quinn.
When: Saturday, September 30th, 2023, 9am to 5pm
Fee: $50 donation to the Lakeland Insight Meditation Group, includes retreat teaching, lunch, and Bok Tower Gardens admission
Registration: Email Roxy or call at 863-604-2011
Visit www.lakelandinsightmeditationgroup.org for more information.
Lakeland Insight Meditation Group is a nonprofit tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
During this talk, April Koester reviews the third of the seven Awakening Factors, the Energy Awakening Factor, which represents the wholesome channeling of the energy of attention, which, when cooperating with the other six Awakening Factors, provides liberation from dukkha. Her presentation is followed by comments made by those attending the meeting.
Next weekâs talk will continue reviewing the seven Awakening Factors, focusing on the Joy Awakening Factor.
This talk provides a review of the second of the seven Awakening Factors, Dhamma Vicaya, which can be translated as the Investigation of Mental Phenomena. In the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness there are instructions that describe how to contemplate this Awakening Factor. During the talk, Peter describes how this Awakening Factor begins with the basic [âŚ]
This guided meditation provides instructions regarding how to contemplate various focused applications of the Investigation of Mental Phenomena Awakening Factor. It is intended to complement a Dharma talk recorded the same night and posted on the website as âReviewing The Investigation of Mental Phenomenaâ
During this talk, April Koester reviews the Seven Awakening Factors, with a specific focus on the primary factor, Mindfulness, which is considered to be the âguardianâ of the other six factors. The focus for next weekâs talk will be a review of the second of the Awakening Factors, Investigation of Mental Phenomena.
Continuing a review of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, this talk describes how the Six Sense Bases contemplations further the process of âdeconstructingâ the belief in an enduring/autonomous self. The first five basesâseeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and sensations in the bodyâare interpreted and made meaningful by the sixth sense, consciousness, creating a self. Transitions between [âŚ]
Intensive Study Groups are for anyone wishing to spend some time with an experienced teacher learning more about meditation practice in order to further their understanding and application of the dharma to their daily practice and life. TOPIC: The book âStepping Out of Self-Deception-The Buddhaâs Liberating Teaching of No-Selfâ, by Rodney Smith. Peter is re-reading [âŚ]
This talk is presented by Allie Vaknin, who reviews the Five Aggregates, an important category of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness. During the talk, she reviews each of the aggregates in detail: Form, Feeling, Perception, Mind Conditioning Factors, and Consciousness. The review includes a period for questions and comments by participants. This talk can be [âŚ]
This guided meditation provides suggestions for identifying the characteristics of each of the five aggregates described in the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness Discourse: Form, Feeling, Perception, Mind Conditioning Factors and Consciousness. it is intended to complement the Dharma talk entitled âReviewing the Five Aggregatesâ, recorded on August 2, 2023.
During this talk, Lezlie Laws initially provides an overview of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Mental Phenomena. She then describes how the Five Hindrances are recognized and effectively set aside. This talk also includes a period of time for questions to be discussed. The focus for the next talk will be the next [âŚ]
In addition to our weekly Sangha, we invite you to join the monthly LifeArt Meditation Group, offered on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. In these sessions we explore the habits of the mind and the structures of living that allow us to live with more presence, more clarity about what [âŚ]
This review, provided by April Koester, focuses on the Third Foundation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, which is intended to describe how the characteristics of various states of consciousness can affect our self-experiences. The mind operates like a filter, âcoloringâ perceptions through various states such as desire, aversion, dullness, agitation, etc. The goal of [âŚ]
This talk first focuses on reviewing the Second Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Feelings; the second focus is on a core concept of Buddhist psychology, Dependent Origination, within which mindfulness of feelings plays a key role. Peter Carlson provides a contemporary rendition of dependent origination, Contingent Provisional Emergence, which describes the ancient concept using more [âŚ]
This guided meditation provides training in monitoring how feelings affect the mind and the ways mindfulness of feelings can regulate impulsive reactivity.
In the First Foundation of Mindfulness there is a section focusing on postural awareness and mindful movement, which is the focus of this talk. In addition to reviewing these contemplations, the concept of the Four Clear Comprehensions is reviewed, comparing the traditional practices for renunciates with the related practices available for lay practitioners. Here are [âŚ]
The five hindrances are a set of mental factors that hinder progress in meditation and in our daily lives. This group of five hindrances is identified in the Pali tradition and the Sanskrit tradition as well as the contemporary Insight Meditation tradition. Sensory desire: A type of wanting that seeks for happiness through the five [âŚ]
This talk provides an overview of the conceptual structure of the Four Foundations of MindfulnessâRight Mindfulness, within the Noble Eightfold Path. The overview is accompanied by a review of the practice of anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing meditation, focusing on the traditional concepts of this practice, then contemporary neuroscientific studies that validate how the meditation practice [âŚ]
This guided meditation provides a âmenuâ involving sections of the Satipatthana Sutta, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, which can be contemplated through the practice of mindfulness of breathing meditation. Examples include contemplating the Four Elements, Feelings, Consciousness, and the Seven Awakening Factors. This recording is intended to accompany the Dharma talk of June 28, [âŚ]
Continuing a review of the Noble Eightfold Path, this talk focuses on Right Effort, emphasizing the importance of avoiding or letting go of unwholesome mind states and supporting the arising and fulfillment of wholesome mind states. The teacher for this talk is Lezlie Laws. The next talk will begin an extensive review of Right Mindfulness, [âŚ]
This talk, provided by April Koester, focuses on how virtue manifests as Right Livelihood. April discusses how Right Livelihood can guide us not only in our personal choice of vocation but how we interact with other businesses as a consumer, in addition to how we interact with each other as bosses, employees, and anyone we [âŚ]
This talk, provided by Lili Fernandez, focuses on how virtue manifests as appropriate behavior, guided by the Five Precepts: Harmlessness, Not Speaking Falsely, Not Stealing, Avoiding Sexual Misconduct, and Avoiding Intoxication. Lili describes the characteristics of each of the precepts in depth. The talk for next week will focus on Right Livelihood, another element of [âŚ]
This talk provides an overview of the Virtue Aggregate within the Noble Eightfold Path, followed by a review of Right Speech, the first of the three elements constituting virtue. The review reflects the traditional characteristics of Right Speech as well as providing a more contemporary psychological and cultural perspective on the topic, including the value [âŚ]
Riding the Waves of ChangeLed by Peter CarlsonThis retreat is suitable for beginning and more advanced meditators. The practice will progress from cultivating mental tranquility with mindfulness of breathing meditation to developing vipassana, the Buddhist term for ongoing awareness of the changing nature of mind states, with the goal of reducing distress and developing a more joyful engagement with life, no matter what the circumstances might be. The retreat will be held in noble silence.
The teacher has been actively practicing vipassana since 1982, and brings a rich mixture of Eastern and Western psychology to his teaching.
WHERE:
Deerhaven Retreat and Conference Center located at the southern end of the beautiful Ocala National Forest. All rooms are private with private bath.
Deerhaven website and directions
WHEN:
The retreat begins with dinner at 5pm on Sunday November 12 and ends with lunch on Sunday November 19.
FEE:
- $800 Private Room & Vegetarian Meals
- $200 non-refundable deposit due upon registration, non-refundable after October 15, 2023
- Some partial scholarships may be available
Email Sharon Wright for more information.
REGISTRATIONPLEASE NOTE: Please complete the registration form AND the payment section. You are not registered until you submit your registration form AND submit the payment.
REGISTRATION FORM
PAY WITH CREDIT CARDPAY $200 DEPOSIT
PAY $550 IN FULL
PAY $350 BALANCE
PAY BY MAILEmail Sharon for further information to pay by check in the mail.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As a review of the Noble Eightfold Path continues, Allie Vaknin provides insights about the characteristics of Right Intention: Renunciation, Kindness, and Non-Harmfulness. During the talk, participants in the meeting are invited to provide examples of their own experiences regarding these characteristics, personalizing the review.
Next weekâs Dharma talk will include an overview of the Virtue Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, along with a specific focus on Right Speech.
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.
The Third Noble Truth describes the fundamental intention and goal of Buddhist principles and practicesâthe release from the bonds of craving and clingingâtotal and direct knowledge that there is no enduring, autonomous self. This talk reviews how concentrationâsamadhiâ and investigationâvipassanaâlead to a progression of insights that are recognizable on the path towards Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Reviewing the Third Noble Truth
The next talk will provide an overview of the Fourth Noble TruthâThe Noble Eightfold Pathâwith an emphasis on the first of the eight concepts, Right Understanding.
TOPIC: A primary goal of spiritual development involves the development of compassion for oneself and all life. This goal is a core element of all spiritual traditions around the world. This series of meetings will focus on Lojong practice; an ancient Tibetan training regimen involving 59 slogans, which are intended to be first studied and then, more importantly, applied as focal points for oneâs daily spiritual development. Two primary resources are recommended for study as well as some optional reading. Peter will provide his notes that are his renderings of the reading he did from several sources. Also recommended is the book by Pema Chodron: âThe Compassion Book-Teachings for Awakening the Heartâ.
The Orlando Insight Meditation Groupâs teacher, Peter Carlson, has been facilitating Intensive Study Groups for several years with the following format: Eight meetings, 90 minutes each to discuss an area of interest regarding Buddhist concepts and practices * Seminar format-Peter has individual interview with each member followed by a brief question and answer as time permits * Each group will begin when there are at least seven committed participants * Participants commit to meditate for 45 minutes daily using the slogan of choice. There will be no meditation during the meetings in order to maximize the opportunities to talk about the topics. * Meetings are held via Zoom (The Zoom format increases the opportunities for participation beyond the immediate Orlando area and saves driving time, gas and the environment!) * Two groups-Saturday from 3pm-4:30pm and Sunday from 3pm-4:30pm* (If number of participants warrants two groups. Please designate which day or days you can participate. Please understand the group you are assigned may be designated based on numbers between the groups. It is helpful if you can accept either day. If there are not enough participants, one day will be designated.) * Voluntary donation of $160 to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group via check or PayPal; the funds are used to support scholarships and to keep costs low for annual one-week residential retreats.The teacher takes no fee. If this amount is not workable for your budget, a lesser amount is acceptable. Donations should be made using the donate button to the right. Checks can be made out to Orlando Insight Meditation Group and sent to Peter Carlson at 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789.
This is not group therapy, but because it is intended to be about how one lives, not philosophy, it is requested that what is discussed in the meetings remain confidential.
For more information and/or to sign up, please email Peter at Peter@OrlandoInsightMeditation.org. Please also indicate your phone number so that Peter can contact you in case a meeting has to be cancelled.
Please respond as soon as possible. The target start date to begin is mid-May. It is understood that there may be times when your schedule requires you to miss a meeting, so donât let that prevent you from committing. Once the start dates are finalized, an email will be provided describing the sequence of readings in the book recommended during the eight weeks.
This review of the Second Noble Truth is presented by Lili Fernandez, one of the teachers who are being introduced to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group. During this talk Lili describes the characteristics of craving and clinging, the two interactive elements that create the experience of dukkha, the First Noble Truth. She also describes how cultivating mindfulness of breathing meditation can provide relief from craving and clinging using examples from her experiences as the mother of two preschool boys.
The topic for the next talk will be a review of the Third Noble Truth, which is the process of Awakening from dukkha, and will be presented by Peter Carlson.
This talk reviews a just completed 12 day self-retreat that focused on cultivating strong and persistent levels of focused intention in order to realized the potential of experiencing nimitta, mental phenomena that emerge in consciousness when the mind is almost entirely free of distraction. Nimitta experience is preliminary to entering into jhana, highly purifying states of mind that are characteristic of the traditional Theravada Buddhist approach to Awakening. Peter provides a detailed description of the meditative procedures that produce these mental phenomena, which he was able to directly know during the retreat.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Peterâs April 2023 Retreat Report
A recording of the guided meditation that preceded this talk can be found in the Audio tab under the Guided Meditations tab, entitled âGuided Diligent Mindful Clear Comprehension Meditationâ. The guided meditation is intended to provide additional support for understanding the practices described in this talk.
The focus for next weekâs talk will be on the Second Noble Truth, the cause of dukkha, presented by Lili Fernandez.
This recording provides support for enhancing the ability to focus attention persistently with increasing clarity on the sensations noticeable practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation. This focused investigative awareness begins at the rim of the nostrils, moving attention systematically up through the interior of the nose to the tube extending down to the uvula, the fleshy appendage at the back of the roof of the mouth, then forward across the roof of the mouth to investigate the changing sensations noticeable at the gums and teeth as the air swirls around with every breath. Finally, you can cultivate clear awareness of the sensations in the flesh of the upper lip. This routine of investigative awareness keeps interest alive and penetrates into the depths of sensations available in these areas, thereby increasing concentration.
Allie Vaknin discusses the meaning and implications behind the First Noble Truth. Deepening oneâs understanding of the first truth is essential for understanding the subsequent truths, which collectively represent the Buddhaâs core teachings. As a Counselor Intern, Allie also draws from her experiences in counseling and weave in relevant concepts that resonate with the First Noble Truth. She loves dialogue, so she makes room for discussions throughout, in order to explore how these concepts relate to our sangha membersâ own experiences.
Lezlie Laws gives us background on the historical period that shaped the Buddhaâs early life up to the point of his Enlightenment in 528 BCE. She reviews the predominant characteristics of what is now called the âAxial Ageâ and show how this unique time in history created a context for the Buddha to shun the political life that was planned for him and to take up the life of a ârenouncer,â a spiritual seeker.  By examining his early life,  we see how his core teachings were taking form in his mind long before he became one of the most influential spiritual teachers of his age.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Buddhaâs Early Life
This talk focuses on reviewing some of my personal collection of Dharma books, divided into various categories. This recording provides my comments about the books, and the accompanying notes provide specific titles and suggestions for either purchasing copies or downloading free .pdf eBook copies from various sources. Progress on the path to Awakening requires both studying the books and diligently practicing the various meditative techniques, and i hope these offering are helpful for that integrative effort.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Buddhist Studies Resources
A core concept within Buddhist psychology is sunnata, translated as emptiness; this talk reviews this often mystified and misunderstood aspect of Buddhist doctrine. Early Buddhist schools emphasized that sunnata is synonymous with anatta, the absence of an enduring/autonomous self. Later, the Mahayana teachers emphasized that sunnata applies to everything in the universe, building on the doctrine of interdependence. Contemporary psychological and sociological research has validated the concept of emptiness.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Understanding Buddhist Emptiness
The topic for next weekâs talk will be focused on the general areas of research that suggest the benefits of Buddhist meditation practices in terms of mental health and other life skills, such as financial management, relationship enhancement, etc.
This talk reviews the Buddhist underpinnings of the book âEmotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQâ, by Daniel Goleman, who has practiced mindfulness meditation for over 50 years. Emotional intelligence, often termed as EQ, has been considered a more important characteristic of a successful personality than IQ. The five characteristics of EQ mentioned in the book are reviewed: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Skills, Empathy and Motivation, along with any correlations .associated with mindfulness of breathing meditation practice. The talk was followed by descriptions by some of the participants regarding how EQ applies to their lived experience.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
The topic for next weekâs talk will be sunnata (soon-yah-tah), translated as emptiness. This concept is typically misunderstood, and will be more thoroughly described and related to the effects of well-developed mindfulness meditation.
It is our custom to provide an opportunity for anyone who recently completed a significant retreat to reflect upon their experience, because âthinking out loudâ about it helps integrate their insights. Lezlie has practiced Ashtanga Yoga for decades and is certified to teach yoga. She recently completed a one-week retreat that integrated yoga, longevity practices, and mindfulness meditation. She reviewed the characteristics of the site and organization of the retreat, which emphasized the importance of using breath awareness while practicing hatha yoga, as well as during other daily activities. She also reviewed Ashtanga Yoga, which uses âThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjaliâ as a primary resource for study, and this discourse has significant parallels to the conceptual structures associated with Buddhism, Her review was followed by questions from those participating in the meeting.
The topic for next weekâs talk will review the association between what is called âemotional intelligenceâ, (The ability to cultivate self-awareness and self-discipline to more fully realize oneâs social, professional and spiritual development) and the application of mindfulness and Right Effort.
This talk focuses on reviewing the 16 stanzas of the Anapanasati Sutta, one of the core teachings of Buddhism. The stanzas are typically organized into four tetrads, which mirror the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, another key Buddhist discourse. The talk of March 1, 2023 reviewed how the practice of anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing meditation, restructures important neural pathways in the brain, supporting the process of Awakening, and this presentation is intended to complement that talk. There are several references within this talk from an important book on the subject: âMindfulness of Breathingâa practice guide and translationsâ by Bhikkhu Analayo, a contemporary authority on this topic.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Anapanasati 16 Steps Review
Here is a translation of the Anapanasati Sutta by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, another respected scholar/monk: Anapanasati-Thanissaru Bhikkhu
The talk planned for next week will provide an opportunity for another of our teachers, Lezlie Laws, to review a residential retreat she attended that integrated intensive hatha yoga practice with mindfulness of breathing meditation.
This talk provides a review of how the practice of mindfulness with breathing meditation changes the structure of those areas of the brain that beneficially affect consciousness for better mental health and to promote the process of Awakening. There is an accompanying âGuided Mindfulness With Breathing Meditationâ, recorded prior to this meeting and posted in the Audio archives.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Breathing With Mindfulness
The focus of next weekâs talk will provide a review of the 16 stages found in the Anapanasati Sutta, the Mindfulness With Breathing Discourse. The stages provide experiential âmarkersâ that can help meditation practitioners confirm their progress during the process of Awakening.
This meditation provides training for cultivating persistent attention to breath sensations, ending with a contemplation of spaciousness.
Equanimity is the quality of present-moment awareness and behavior that is highly valued in all spiritual endeavors. Theravada Buddhism has developed an extensive analysis of equanimity to support the process of Awakening conceptually, and this talk reviews those concepts, using the Visuddhimagga, translated as âThe Path of Purificationâ, as a guide. Two primary areas of practice that will be reviewed are associated with the cultivation of lovingkindness, compassion and sympathetic joy, along with the function of equanimity as one of the Seven Awakening Factors.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Cultivating Equanimity
Next weekâs talk will âGo back to the basicsâ with a guided training meditation focusing on mindfulness of breathing meditation, followed by a Dharma talk that will provide an insightful review of how mindfulness of breathing meditation beneficially affects the neural structures of the brain and the function of that practice for advancing the process of Awakening.
After anyone in our community participates in a significant retreat experience, the meeting that follows is dedicated to providing an opportunity for those attending to âthink out loudâ about her or his experience. It is well-known that much of what is experienced during a retreat is more thoroughly integrated when a person attempts to describe what insights occurred to a well-informed and supportive audience. This recounting might also remind others who were at the retreat of insights that occurred for them, and additionally provide inspiration for others to commit to a residential retreat in the future. Shaila Catherine is a very well respected teacher and author regarding Buddhist psychology and meditation training. Peter, who has been on dozens of long retreats, reports on the powerful impact her Dharma talks had on his practice experience and insights during the retreat. His comments are followed by others, several of whom report this to be their first retreat, who then describe their own insights.
The topic for next weekâs talk will review the characteristics of equanimity, which functions to balance the practice of lovingkindness, compassion and sympathetic joy, collectively known as âThe Four Divine Abidingsâ.
Sympathetic Joy, Mudita in Pali, is the quality of consciousness that happily celebrates the success and happiness of others, regardless of any material or status benefit for oneself. The cultivation of mudita involves integrating lovingkindness with the in-born capacity we all have for empathy. This talk reviews the classical understanding of mudita and how contemporary psychological research supports how this awareness is formed in the brain through the practice of mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Working With Mudita
Next weekâs talk will be provided by Lezlie Laws, one of the teachers who is being mentored by Peter. The topic she reviews will focus on how the core teaching of Buddhism about impermanence affects our contemporary issues of time management.
This talk reviews the characteristics and cultivation of compassion, which results from the developed application of mindfulness, investigation and Right Effort on the built-in capacity of humans for empathy. Contemporary research shows that the parts of the brain associated with internal awareness and interpersonal empathy, essential components of compassion, are developed and matured through ongoing mindfulness meditation practice. Following the talk, there was discussion about the usefulness of cultivating compassion in oneâs life.
here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Working With Compassion
The topic for next weekâs review will focus on the intersection between empathetic joy and generosity.
This talk provides a review of a contemporary non-religious practice of Buddhism called Secular Buddhism, which represents an attempt to understand the original teachings of Buddhism without the cultural religious add-ons that have accumulated over the centuries that are not appreciated as relevant for these transitional times. It is well-known that the percentage of the population who identifies with current religious traditions is diminishing significantly, especially among younger people, while this population largely identifies with spiritual inclinations. An important aspect of this practice that is being reviewed includes the close association between contemporary concepts and practices involving mindfulness and lovingkindness that are being taught and current neuroscientific and psychological research that largely validates the beneficial effects of regular meditation practice for physical, mental and social well-being. Also reviewed is the impact of the internet on the world-wide dispersal of this information.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: What Is Secular Buddhism
The topic for next weekâs talk will be a review of how Buddhism understands and practices cultivating compassion, including contemporary research that demonstrates the benefits derived from this training.
Typically, the meeting after Peterâs annual year-end retreat is dedicated to his recounting of the retreat experience, with the hope his review will help him integrate the experience as well as provide others more insights about what can happen on retreat. This retreat was significantly disrupted by the unusually 3-day freeze that occurred over Christmas, as the plants in the yard where the retreat cottage is needed to be covered, and then uncovered after the freeze. This created the opportunity for Peter to contemplate the nature of dukkha, the First Nobel Truth, a fundamental concept within Buddhism. There are three aspects of dukkha that are reviewed during the talk: The dukkha of inhabiting a body, the dukkha of experiencing unexpected changes, and the dukkha of how the mind fabricates a self. The third aspect is the primary focus of mindfulness meditation.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Understanding Dukkha
The topic for next weekâs talk will focus on reviewing what is called Secular Buddhism.
This talk expands a review of the Four Clear Comprehensions, an important Buddhist concept, that was mentioned during the talk entitled âMindful Consumerismâ on December 7, 2022 and found in this siteâs archives. The Four Clear Comprehensions provides a formula for decision making that originated as a spiritual pathway towards Awakening; this is still valid and important, but the emphasis during this talk is focused on using the formula for decision making regarding mundane lifestyle issues related to personal, social, environmental as well as spiritual issues. During the talk, participants are invited to write down the four aspects and then apply themâsome participants shared their efforts.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Mindful Decision Making
The topic for next weekâs talk will be on how Buddhist practice can be associated with the Winter Solstice, as the meeting will occur that day.
Contemporary life is inescapably affected by sophisticated indoctrination to create a reliable population of consumers, and the Christmas season is the strongest manifestation of this conditioning. While we canât avoid the presence of advertising, product placement and social media conditioning, the application of the Four Noble Truths can be effectively applied to foster Awakening from compulsive consumption. This talk reviews the varieties of dukkha we and the world at large experience as the First Noble Truth, not only as distress and confusion in terms of material goods and services, but also through social media, such as Q anon. Dukkha also manifests in terms of global warming and environmental degradation. The nature of craving and clinging, the Second Noble Truth, is described as lifelong exposure to unquestioned propaganda in our lifestyles through commercial marketing as well as the misinformation and propaganda embedded in entertainment and social media. The Third Noble Truth can be realized as effective adaptation to changing world circumstancesâa diminished âcarbon footprintâ and wiser choices regarding sociocultural issues. The Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, is reviewed as a way to effectively adapt through the cultivation of Wisdom, Virtue and Training.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindful Consumerism
The topic for next weekâs talk is how atapi sati sampajanna, diligent mindful clear comprehension, can be effectively and beneficially applied to the issues of consumerism described during this talk.
Intensive Study Groups starting in JanuaryTopic: Beyond Distraction-Five Practical Ways to Focus the Mind by Shaila Catherine
The Orlando Insight Meditation Groupâs teacher, Peter Carlson, has been facilitating Intensive Study Groups for several years with the following format: Eight meetings, 90 minutes each to discuss an area of interest regarding Buddhist concepts and practices * Seminar format-Peter has individual interview with each member followed by a brief question and answer as time permits * Each group will begin when there are at least seven committed participants * Participants commit to meditate for 45 minutes daily, or, if that is difficult, commit to the intention of increasing time towards 45 minutes. There will be no meditation during the meetings in order to maximize the opportunities to talk about the topics. * Meetings are held via Zoom (The Zoom format increases the opportunities for participation beyond the immediate Orlando area and saves driving time, gas and the environment!) * Two groups-Saturday from 3pm-4:30pm and Sunday from 3pm-4:30pm* (If number of participants warrants two groups. Please designate which day or days you can participate. Please understand the group you are assigned may be designated based on numbers between the groups. It is helpful if you can accept either day. If there are not enough participants, one day will be designated.) * Voluntary donation of $160 to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group via check or PayPal; the funds are used to support scholarships and to keep costs low for annual one-week residential retreats. If this amount is not workable for your budget, a lesser amount is acceptable. Donations should be made using the donate button to the right. Checks can be made out to Orlando Insight Meditation Group and sent to Peter Carlson at 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789.
For this series of meetings, the primary study resource will be the bookBeyond Distraction-Five Practical Ways to Focus the Mind by Shaila Catherine. Readings and discussions will be subdivided in workable ways among the chapters of the book.
This is not group therapy, but because it is intended to be about how one lives, not philosophy, it is requested that what is discussed in the meetings remain confidential.
For more information and/or to sign up, please email Peter at Peter@OrlandoInsightMeditation.org. Please also indicate your phone number so that Peter can contact you in case a meeting has to be cancelled. (Please note that Peter will be on retreat from December 16-30 and unavailable to respond to any questions during that time. If you email your commitment while he is on retreat, he will respond after December 30.)
Please respond as soon as possible. The target start date to begin is the weekend of January 7, 2023, and meet through the weekend of March 11, 2023, with a break the weekend of February 3, 2023. It is understood that there may be times when your schedule requires you to miss a meeting, so donât let that prevent you from committing. Once the start dates are finalized, an email will be provided describing the sequence of readings in the book recommended during the eight weeks.
This talk introduces several new teachers who are either certified or entering certification training as Dharma teachers: Lezlie Laws, April Koester, Alli Vaknin and Lili Fernandez. Peter has been looking for additional teachers for our group for quite awhile and expresses gratitude for this opportunity to increase the benefits of Secular Buddhist concepts and practices in Central Florida. The expanded geographic and demographic advantages of additional teachers is described. Following this, each person is given the opportunity to describe her background and motivation for teaching the Dharma.
This talk was recorded on Thanksgiving Eve, as it is customary for our group to have the opportunity to reflect on gratitude regarding the benefits of studying Buddhist concepts and cultivating mindfulness of breathing meditation. Various excerpts were quoted that validate the health and mental well-being that is developed through daily gratitude reflections and how [âŚ]
This guided contemplation begins with integrating mindfulness of breathing meditation with the repetition of a âshort formâ lovingkindness meditation. After this practice is established, a series of gratitude contemplations are offered, for example, the benefits of meditation practice, the convenience of electricity and potable water, the joys of friendly companionship, etc. The goal is to [âŚ]
This guided lovingkindness contemplation uses this mantra: âMay I be wise, happy and peaceful, with an ease of well-beingâ, and was recorded during the 2022 Deerhaven retreat.
This talk introduces the first obstacle that must be contended with in the process of liberating the mind from distress and confusionâthe Five Hindrancesâdisturbances in the ability to clearly perceive how the mind creates a self-experience, either through cognitive distortion or an imbalance of energy flow in consciousness. Various ways to redirect the energy of [âŚ]
This talk describes a conceptual structuring of four aspects of subjective experience: mindfulness of bodily stimuli, mindfulness of feelings, mindfulness of states of mind, and mindfulness of those factors that condition self-organization. This structuring provides a way to carefully investigate how the âselfingâ process operates in a detached way, which supports liberating the mind from [âŚ]
This talk reviews the characteristics of what can be described as a Buddhist theory of personalityâThe Five Aggregatesârepresenting how the mind is stimulated by physical experience to create a meaningful self-state organization. The aggregates, when affected by greed, hatred and ignorance, create the distress and confusion that interferes with human happiness, creating the distress and [âŚ]
The focus of this talk provides descriptions of the Seven Awakening Factors, qualities of attention that can be fully nurtured and realized once the Five Hindrances are set aside. The Awakening Factors represent the potential for full liberation from human greed, hatred and ignorance. Here are the notes prepared for this talk: THE SEVEN FACTORS [âŚ]
This talk provides a review of how the previous descriptions of concepts and practices support the wholesome integration of oneâs personality, creating the conditions suitable for a progression of insights leading towards the liberation of the mindâAwakening. Here are the notes prepared for this talk: SELF STATE INTEGRATION AND LIBERATION
This talk is intended to support the ability to integrate what was learned about the process of Awakening to daily life experience. Here are the notes prepared for this talk: AWAKENING AT HOME
In following a long-established tradition, this meeting is dedicated to providing those who attended the recent one-week residential retreat to review their experience during the retreat. After such an event, it is difficult to be able to express the insights gained during such an immersive experience without the support of those who were at the [âŚ]
This talk reviews a system developed over several centuries after the life of the Buddha that describes various levels of conscious awareness that can be experienced during the process of Awakening. The Progressions of Insight, as they are often called, begin with developing an ethically integrated lifestyle and the cultivation of the basic skills of [âŚ]
This talk reviews the remaining two of the Seven Awakening Factors, Concentration/Unification and Equanimity/Balance. The first three factors, Mindfulness, Investigation of Mental Phenomena and Energy/Effort/Persistence (In the form of Right Effort), monitor and regulate the other factors. The next two factors, Joy/Enthusiastic Engagement and Tranquility, provide appropriate interactions between emotionsâthe manifestation of mental energy without [âŚ]
This talk reviews the Awakening Factors Joy and Tranquility. The understanding of the review is that the first three Awakening Factors, Mindfulness, Investigation Of Mental Phenomena and Energy/Effort/Persistence, which were reviewed during the talk of October 5, 2022, support the development of the remaining Awakening Factors. The traditional understanding of these two factors is reviewed, [âŚ]
Once the mind has settled because the Five Hindrances have been conditionally disabled, the full realization of Awakening becomes possible because of the effect of the Seven Awakening Factors: Mindfulness, Investigation of Mental Phenomena, Energy/Effort/ Persistence, Joy/Engaged Interest, Tranquility, Concentration/Unification and Equanimity/Balance. This talk focuses on a review of the first three of the factors, [âŚ]
Once the mind has settled because the Five Hindrances have been conditionally disabled, the full realization of Awakening becomes possible because of the effect of the Seven Awakening Factors: Mindfulness, Investigation of Mental Phenomena, Energy/Effort/ Persistence, Joy/Engaged Interest, Tranquility, Concentration/Unification and Equanimity/Balance. This talk focuses on a review of the first three of the factors, [âŚ]
The Six Beautiful Pairs of Wholesome Cetasikas represent the fulfillment of wholesomeness in the mind. The integrated and unified functions of the Universal, Particular and seven Wholesome mind conditioning factors manifests as 12 integrated characteristicsâsix factors being among various aggregations of the wholesome factors and six representing their beneficial effects on consciousness. The value of [âŚ]
The Six Beautiful Pairs of Wholesome Cetasikas represent the fulfillment of wholesomeness in the mind. The integrated and unified functions of the Universal, Particular and seven Wholesome mind conditioning factors manifests as 12 integrated characteristicsâsix factors being among various aggregations of the wholesome factors and six representing their beneficial effects on consciousness. The value of [âŚ]
There are 25 wholesome mind conditioners described in Buddhist psychology; this talk reviews the first 7 of these functions. They are present in each moment of consciousness, operating to free the mind from distress and confusion. The value in reviewing them comes from first being able to identify them conceptually, then to recognize their operation [âŚ]
There are 25 wholesome mind conditioners described in Buddhist psychology; this talk reviews the first 7 of these functions. They are present in each moment of consciousness, operating to free the mind from distress and confusion. The value in reviewing them comes from first being able to identify them conceptually, then to recognize their operation [âŚ]
This talk reviews the 14 Unwholesome Cetasikas, categories of mind conditioning functions that create dukkha, the distress and confusion that constitute the âdefault modeâ of oneâs personality. The core functions are ignorance regarding karma, desire for pleasurable experience and aversion to unpleasant experience. The talk begins with a quick review of the Universal and Particular [âŚ]
This talk reviews the 14 Unwholesome Cetasikas, categories of mind conditioning functions that create dukkha, the distress and confusion that constitute the âdefault modeâ of oneâs personality. The core functions are ignorance regarding karma, desire for pleasurable experience and aversion to unpleasant experience. The talk begins with a quick review of the Universal and Particular [âŚ]
This is a first of a series of talks that review the cetasikas, âThose factors that condition the mindâ. There are 52 mind conditioners in Theravada Buddhist doctrine, and this review focuses on the first two subsections, the Universal and Particular cetasikas. The remaining subsections, the Unwholesome and Wholesome cetasikas will be covered in future [âŚ]
This talk provides a view of a core Buddhist concept that describes how karma is formed that differs from the traditional Theravaden understandingâinstead of the terminology of Dependent Origination, a case is made for an alternative rendering, Contingent Provisional Emergence, which includes more contemporary concepts and research regarding the formative drives that create our personality [âŚ]
This talk continues an extensive review of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, focusing on a Buddhist theory of personality, the Five Aggregates of Clinging. This concept provides a way to investigate the impersonal nature of oneâs subjective experience, leading to insight regarding anatta, the absence of an enduring and autonomous self. The concept does not [âŚ]
This guided meditation provides an experiential review of the characteristic elements found in the section of the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness dedicated to contemplating what is regarded as a Buddhist theory of personality. it is intended to supplement the talk of October 18, 2022 titled âReviewing the Five Aggregates of Clingingâ.
This talk begins an extensive review of Dhammanupassana, the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, first with an analysis of Mindfulness of Mental Phenomena, followed by a review of the Five Hindrances. Cultivating insight into the way these factors condition the mind is a core practice that fosters the process of Awakening. Future talks will review the [âŚ]
The Third Foundation of Mindfulness, cittanupassana, is a contemplation of the various ways consciousness reflects subjective experience; the goal of this contemplation is to realize that the mind is impersonal, not a self. This review also includes discussion of contemporary scientific concepts such as complexity theory, which validate the concepts about how the mind operates [âŚ]
Mindfulness of Feelings is the second area of focus within the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse. During this review, the importance of understanding the way pleasant or unpleasant feelings drive thoughts and behaviors through direct observation is emphasized. Contemporary psychological research uses the terms affect approach to describe pleasant feeling and affect avoidance in describing [âŚ]
In the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, Mindfulness of the Body is the first of the four foundations. This talk reviews important elements of this teaching, including mindfulness of breathing meditation, mindfulness while involved in everyday activities and mindfulness of breathing integrated with whole body awareness. The fundamental value of cultivating mindfulness of the body [âŚ]
This talk provides an overview of what most Buddhist practitioners consider to be the most comprehensive teaching, the Satipatthana Sutta, typically translated as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse. During the talk, the history of this discourse is reviewed, along with various key conceptual elements that are embedded within the context of the sutta. It [âŚ]
The Satipatthana Sutta, often translated as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, is a key teaching in the various forms of Buddhism around the world. This guided meditation is intended to provide a contemplative review of the four categories: mindfulness of the body, of feelings, of the mind and of mind conditioning factors. It is [âŚ]
Sati, the Pali word we translate as mindfulness, functions as a compositeâpresent moment awareness combined with investigation and Right Effort. This interactive process is reviewed during this talk. Additionally, there is an interesting quote included in the talk that was downloaded from Wikipedia describing the contemporary term metacognition in ways that are strikingly similar in [âŚ]
It is customary for our Sangha to provide the opportunity for those members who recently completed a residential retreat to talk about their experience.   It fosters the integration of the meditative experience through âthinking out loudâ and responding to questions and comments from those participating in the meeting. Lezlie recently participated in a one-week residential [âŚ]
This talk is part of a series reviewing the Four Noble Truths. Right Effort is an important element of the Noble Eightfold Path and can be understood as a process of channeling the energy of attention away from unwholesome self-states towards wholesome self-states. The cooperation among the first three of the Seven Awakening FactorsâMindfulness, Investigation [âŚ]
This guided meditation offers a different approach to cultivating Right Effort by suggesting that, while meditating, we can view the flow of experience as metabolic energy derived from food and oxygen, that feeds the brainâs activities. Rather than trying to âstopâ unwholesome self-states, we can redirect the energy of attention away from the âweedsâ (the [âŚ]
This talk reviews the third attribute of the Virtue aggregate in the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Livelihood. in addition to traditional renderings of this topic, contemporary considerations of âRight Lifestyleâ are described, including the importance of physical and financial balance in oneâs life to support meditative development and integration of the Dharma into daily living [âŚ]
Right Action is a category of the Virtue Aggregate within the Noble Eightfold Path. This talk reviews the various traditional aspects of virtueâharmlessness, not stealing and not in ways that are sexually harmfulâincluding commentaries that focus on contemporary social issues such as behavioral addictions, which has a large impact on current life. Here are the [âŚ]
This talk continues a review of the Four Noble Truths with a focus on the first of the Virtue Aggregates contained within the Fourth Noble Truth, Right Speech. In addition to the traditional rendering of Right Speech, Peter adds his insights as a psychotherapist regarding how our internal âselfing storyâ has a defining function in [âŚ]
This talk continues a series of reviews of the Four Noble Truths and specifically addresses the first two elements of the Fourth Noble Truth, known as the Noble Eightfold PathâRight Understanding and Right Intention. Each of these elements are reviewed, emphasizing how they are coordinated as âtwo sides of the same coinâ. In their functioning, [âŚ]
This guided meditation reviews the characteristics and development of the Wisdom Aggregate of the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes Right Understanding and Right Intention. It is intended to complement the recorded Dharma talk entitled âReviewing the Cultivation of Wisdomâ presented during the same meeting on May 18, 2022
This talk continues a review of the Four Noble Truths, with a focus on how the mind is liberated from dukkha through dissolving the potency of craving and clinging, the topic of the Second Noble Truth. Various views relevant to the Third Noble Truth are described, such as sunnata, translated as emptiness, and anatta, the [âŚ]
This talk continues a review of the Four Noble Truths, perhaps the most fundamental and universally accepted Buddhist teaching. The characteristics of the Second Noble Truth, craving (tanha) and clinging (upadana) are reviewed regarding traditional understandings as well as more contemporary Buddhist scholarship and neuropsychological research which supports the traditional teaching. Here are the notes [âŚ]
This guided meditation brings mindful investigation to the experience of craving and clinging. During the meditation you are invited to also mindfully investigate the absence of craving and clinging, as well as the transitory nature of all subjective experience. This contemplation is intended to complement the Dharma talk entitled âReviewing the Second Noble Truthâ, which [âŚ]
This talk reviews the characteristics of dukkha, traditionally translated to mean suffering or dissatisfaction. The Buddha is understood to have described his mission to be understanding the nature of dukkha and the ways and means for overcoming it. The three varieties of dukkha are described as well as ways skillful application of mindfulness, investigation and [âŚ]
This talk is the first of several that reviews what is considered to the be the first teaching of the Buddha after his Awakening. The historical context of the teaching is reviewed as developing during a time of significant cultural transformation, on a much less impactful level than what is occurring in todayâs world. Using [âŚ]
This talk provides an opportunity for Will to review his most recent 10-day retreat experience, the third of three Zoom retreats organized and led by Analayo, a German Theravaden monk who is both a well respected contemporary scholar and accomplished meditator. Will reviews the theme of the three retreats, the first of which was themed [âŚ]
There is great benefit in providing opportunities for those recently completing a significant retreat to âthink out loudâ about the experience, as this âconnects the dotsâ regarding the experience to support integrating the insights and skills acquired during the retreat. Andy has been meditating for decades and is the founding teacher of the Lakeland Insight [âŚ]
This talk completes a series beginning February 16, 2022, which was titled âHow Do You Want To Live?â, that encourages reevaluating lifestyle choices in response to the significant changes created by the pandemic, ecological disruption and other emerging disruptions in cultural norms. There is increasing concern about a lack of proactive individual approaches to physical [âŚ]
This talk continues the series entitled âHow Do You Want to Live?â, which began February 17, 2022. âRight Relationshipâ is not a true Buddhist conceptual category, but is applicable to our lived experience. At the beginning of the talk, a quote from the Suttas states that Sangha, meaning spiritual relationship, âis the whole of the [âŚ]
This continues a series of Dharma talks focused on the theme âHow Do You Want to Live?â, which began February 17, 2022. Using the concepts included in the Four Noble Truths, the discussion provides information describing the emerging world environmental crisis as an example of Dukkha that will afflict the biosphere, likely for centuries. The [âŚ]
With apologies to the quality of the recording, this talk is one of a series which continues to address the theme âHow Do You Want to Live?â, which was introduced during the Dharma talk on February 16, 2022 and is found in the archives. There is a review of the sociocultural impact of consumerism, which began in the late 19th century and is now the dominant driver of our lives, whether we are mindful of this issue or not. During the discussion, consumerism is related to the Four Noble Truths: 1) The distress and confusion we currently experience and the effects on the biosphere as a result of indiscriminate consumption, 2) The delusional craving and clinging characteristic of commercial advertising, 3) The opportunity that Buddhist principles and practices offers to provide alternatives to thoughtless and undisciplined consumption, and 4) the practices of the Noble Eightfold Path that will facilitate liberation from the distress and confusion of consumerism.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindful Coping With Consumerism
The topic for the next talk will be on how Mindfulness practices can be effectively applied to promote environmental responsibility.
In this talk, part of the series âHow Do You Want To Live?â, the focus is on how prevalent addiction is in American culture, especially if âbehavioral addictionsâ involving the internet, gambling, overeating, etc., are included. During the talk, the correlation between the Buddhist craving and clinging concept and contemporary scientific understanding of how the brain operates âaddictivelyâ is emphasized, and how the effects that practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation can be of great benefit in overcoming addiction. The 11th step of the recovery oriented 12 steps, such as found in Alcoholics Anonymous, involving daily meditation and prayer, is correlated with basic mindfulness meditation practices.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND ADDICTION NOTES
The focus for the next talk will focus on any broadly unbeneficial effects of consumerism as a follow-up to this talk, and how Buddhist principles and practices can contribute to building a more adaptive and spiritual lifestyle.
This is the second of a series entitled âHow Do You Want to Live Your Life?â, with a focus on disorders of moodâanxiety and depressionâwhich are increasing as a percentage of people are stressed by the multiple disruptions in normal life over the last several years. Peterâs 30+ year career as a mindfulness-based psychotherapist brings his experience to the descriptions of how the body and mind are affected, followed by discussion regarding how regular mindfulness of breathing meditation practice can overcome these dysfunctional ways of living.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Mindful Coping with Distress and Confusion
The focus for the next talk will describe how contemporary consumer culture creates a variety of âaddictionsâ, both substance related as well as behavioral. The talk will also describe how the principles and practices of Buddhism can effectively address these issues.
This talk focuses on the challenges we face as we are affected by the pandemic, disrupted weather patterns due to global warming and the cultural conflicts of this era, and how Buddhist principles and practices can be an effective coping strategy. Peter focuses attention on how different elements of the Four Noble Truths can be beneficially applied to a variety of topical areas: stress resilience, relationships, health, our responses to environmental degradation, and finances, among others. Each of these aspects of life will be explored during separate meetings over the next several weeks.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â How Do You Want To Live
The topic for next weekâs talk will be a review of how mindfulness and lovingkindness can improve stress resilience, with Peter using his decades of professional training and practice as a psychotherapist helping people find relief from anxiety and depression.
This talk reviews the concepts and practices associated with cultivating Mudita, translated as Sympathetic Joy, one of the four Divine Abidings. Mudita is the empathetic cognitive and emotional response shaped by lovingkindness which celebrates the success and happiness of others in an unselfish way. The description also clarifies the characteristics of the far enemy and near enemy of sympathetic joy, along with suggestions for reflecting on the value of gratitude and generosity in the cultivation of Mudita. There is a recorded meditation posted in the archives of this website entitled âGuided Contemplation Of Sympathetic Joyâ, which is intended to supplement the concepts and practices reviewed in this recording.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â CELEBRATING HAPPINESS FOR OTHERS
This guided meditation focuses attention the cultivation of empathetic joy, which supports and celebrates the success and happiness of another sentient being. This experience is most often related to the joy of another human, but can also be experienced regarding pets or other animals we encounter. During the contemplation you are invited to recall the feelings experienced while being the recipient of another personâs generosity or good will as the memory resource, which is then accessed while celebrating the happiness of others. Comments during the meditation are provided to support recognizing and disregarding what are called the far enemy or the near enemy of sympathetic joy, through applying mindfulness, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort.
This meditation is intended to accompany the Dharma talk entitled âCelebrating the Happiness of Othersâ recorded and posted the same day, February 9, 2022.
This talk reviews the second of the four Divine Abidings, Karuna, which emerges from the cultivation of lovingkindness. Compassion involves developing mindful awareness of empathy regarding the experience of dukkha, distress and confusion, in oneâs subjective experience. The characteristics of the âfar enemyâ and ânear enemyâ of compassion are reviewed, as well as how contemporary psychological research supports the personal and social benefits of cultivating effective actions to bring relief from dukkha for oneself and others. The Tibetan Buddhist practice of Tonglen is reviewed as a way to integrate mindfulness of breathing, investigation of mental phenomena and Right Effort with the expression compassion.
This talk is intended to be supplemented by the recording entitled âGuided Compassion Contemplationâ, which can be found in the archives of this site.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Cultivating Compassion
The topic for next weekâs talk will be on cultivating Sympathetic Joy, another of the four Divine Abidings.
This guided meditation provides a review of how to cultivate compassion through developing targets of focused attention: First, establish stability of attention and emotional tranquility through mindfulness of breathing meditation; second, cultivate lovingkindness; third, generate an empathetic awareness of distress and confusion that others are experiencing, and then generate a sincere desire for them to be liberated from these conditions. This contemplation is intended to accompany the recorded posting entitled âCultivating Compassionâ; both recorded on February 2, 2022.
This talk is the third in a series that review what are termed the âDivine Abidingsâ. The first talk is entitled âReviewing the Brahma Viharasâ, and the second âManifesting Equanimityââboth can be found in the archive. Lovingkindness is an over-arching contemplation, as the contemplations focusing on Compassion and Sympathetic Joy emerge from the cultivation of Lovingkindness. During the talk, the traditional understandings of this practice are reviewed, with additional support from contemporary research commentaries regarding the neurological underpinnings of the contemplation, which changes the way the brain and body function, particularly the beneficial effects of the practice that enhances what is called âvagal toneâ, a high level of functioning for the important neural link between the heart and the brain. The emotional potency of sincere repetition of the lovingkindness mantra is also described.
There is an accompanying âGuided Lovingkindness Contemplationâ found in the archives.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Cultivating Lovingkindness
The topic for next weekâs review will focus on cultivating Compassion.
This guided meditation is intended to accompany the Dharma talk entitled âCultivating Lovingkindnessâ recorded on January 26, 2022 and posted on the website. During the meditation, a series of suggestions are offered that cultivate focusing benevolent intention towards oneâs own self-experience, followed by focusing lovingkindness towards a traditional hierarchy of persons, and then contemplating radiating lovingkindness towards all creatures that we share life with on the planet.
This is the second of a series of talks reviewing the Divine Abidings, with emphasis on understanding the characteristics of Equanimity as a balancing factor, to avoid what are called the Far Enemy and Near Enemy of the four factors. The talk also includes suggestions for cultivating the factors of Mindfulness, Investigation of Mind Conditioning Factors and Energy/Right Effort to support the functioning of Equanimity.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Balancing Lovingkindness Compassion and Sympathetic Joy
The topic for the next talk in the series will be a review of Lovingkindness, the primary focus in the cultivation of the Divine Abidings.
The Brahma Viharas are better known as the Four Divine Abidings and include lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. Future meetings will review each of these qualities of consciousness individually, while this talk reviews the factor of skillfully managing empathy as the basic characteristic they represent. During the talk, Peter suggests that the cultivation of these qualities represents an evolutionary development of human history and is cultivating theme provides a very important way to function effectively in these trying times.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â THE FOUR BRAHMA VIHARAS
The topic for next weekâs review is equanimity, which provides balance in the cultivation of lovingkindness, compassion and sympathetic joy.
Peter has committed to two-week self-retreats for the last 15 years. This talk reviews that experience during the retreat last December, using excerpts from Analayoâs âMindfulness of Breathingâa practice guide and translationsâ to complement what occurred during the retreat, as that book was the primary reference source during the retreat. The intention of this review is to provide ways to understand how a meditative progression through the Four Tetrads of the Anapanasati Sutta, the Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse, was useful for deepening his practice and insights regarding the process of Awakening during the retreat. This presentation also includes questions posed by those participating in the meeting regarding the information in the Sutta.
Here are the extensive excerpts from the book provided by Peter for reference during the talk and for further inquiry by those interested in the approach used by Analayo to improve understanding and practice issues regarding this important discourse: 2021 Year end retreat review Analayo can be considered as one of the preeminent authorities of our era regarding the doctrines and practices found in the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
The topic for next weekâs discussion will be a review of Lovingkindness, the first of what are called the Four Divine Abidings.
This last Dharma talk of 2021 builds on the previous weekâs review, âWorking With Intentionsâ, recorded on December 5th, 2021. That talk emphasizes the core importance of intention, which can be associated with wholesomeness or unwholesomeness, depending upon the other conditioning factors involved. This talk expands that view to include how we value what is important in life and whether the valued goals that we seek to realize are manifesting a life that is truly valuable from the Buddhist perspective of VirtueâRight Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood. The Buddhist concept of Four Clear Comprehensions, combined with Right Mindfulness and Right Effort can be applied in various areas on oneâs life: physical health and well-being, finances, relationships and the environment, the goal being a life that is healthy, financially secure, socially engaged and environmentally sound. The goal of cultivating a well-integrated personality with a wholesome lifestyle creates the conditions that promote the process of spiritual Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Cultivating An Intentional Life
There will not be another meeting or posting until January 5, 2022, as Peter will be on his annual 2-week self-retreat; the topic of the January 5th meeting will be a review of that retreat experience.
This talk reviews the function of intention, which coordinates and initiates each moment of self-experience, whether wholesome or unwholesome. The ability to monitor and effectively manage intention to promote liberation from greed, hatred and ignorance is considered to be one of the most important goals to master on the path to Awakening. The talk reviews the concepts associated with intention as well as various ways to mindfully cultivate intentional awareness and action, primarily through mindfulness of breathing meditation, but also including various opportunities that might arise during daily routines.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Working With Intentions
The end of the old year and onset of the new year can be a time of personal renewal as the solstice, occurring on December 21, signifies the transition from the past to the future, so the focus for next weekâs talk will be on how intentions guide our daily life decisions, with emphasis on cultivating a wholesome lifestyle in the midst of contemporary consumerist and internet-oriented cultural conditions.
Buddhism presents a perspective from other religions regarding faith as a characteristic of a spiritually wholesome mind, emphasizing validation through direct experience rather than faith in an externalized Higher Power. This view places value on developing mental discipline that is informed by kindness and clarity, which produces confidence regarding oneâs growth towards Awakening. This talk describes various levels of faith and the different ways the suttas and commentaries provide understanding, both conceptual and through direct experience.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk:Â Understanding Faith
The topic for next weekâs review is the importance of being mindful regarding intentions, which play a crucial role in the process of self-organization and action.