During this talk, April reviews how the cultivation of mindfulness can be understood as an art form that creates a more beautiful self-experience.  This is supported by contemporary research regarding how the hemispheres of the brain interact and how meditation training benefits the art of living.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  The Art and Science of Meditation

The Second Noble Truth describes attachment to views as a primary cause of dukkha, the experience of distress and confusion.  During this talk, Peter extends this understanding to review how the current circumstances of life–political divisiveness, the relentless demands of consumerism, and the increasing disruption of earth’s atmosphere–are challenging our views regarding what is considered to be a life well-lived.  He suggests how skillful application of the Four Noble Truths concepts and practices that focus on identifying and managing craving and clinging, the primary cause of unwholesome views, can foster effective adaptation to the changing values and beliefs of human culture.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Attachment to Views

During this talk, Peter responded to various questions about mindfulness of breathing meditation practice, understanding how to cultivate insights regarding the self-creating process, and the body scanning practice taught by S. N. Goenka.

We live during stressful times, and the Buddhist concept of dukkha seems appropriate to review in this context.  During this talk, Peter describes three aspects of dukkha–the physical experience of dukkha, the uncertainty we are confronted with regarding unexpected cultural and environmental changes, and the essential but unreliable nature of how the internal and private “selfing story” is a common human affliction.

The talk was preceded by a guided meditation entitled “Contemplating Dukkha”, which is intended to complement the contents of this talk.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Understanding Dukkha

We live in trying times, and it may be useful to increase our ability to observe and effectively manage the levels of distress and confusion that are termed Dukkha from a Buddhist perspective.  The comments during the guided meditation provide ways to recognize and contemplate three aspects of Dukkha–the physical experience of pain and muscle tension, the uncertain and unpredictable nature of the rapid cultural and ecological changes of this time, and the vulnerability to dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors that humanity is confronted with.  The foundational concepts and practices that Buddhism provides can, with dedicated meditative training, support our efforts to not be so afflicted by Dukkha, and this contemplation includes suggestions about how to apply these practices.

This guided contemplation is intended to support the Dharma talk that followed this recording entitled “Understanding Dukkha”.

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 “stuck” 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 Trungpa’s 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.

This talk presented by Peter is intended to provide information regarding three very important mental “skill sets” 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 “Contemplating Mindfulness, Investigation, and Right Effort” 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