TOPIC: The group will discuss the book “The 4 Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Gunaratana. The Satipatthana Sutta, traditionally translated as “The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse”, is perhaps the most comprehensive conceptual and practice teaching of Theravada Buddhism. Gunaratana, also known as Bhante G., is an excellent writer as well as an important commentator on Buddhist concepts and practices.
Peter is currently participating in an intensive study group that is organized by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, a preeminent contemporary institute for research on Buddhist history and how Buddhist concepts can be successfully integrated into contemporary culture.The focus is “Satipatthana Meditation -A Practice Guide” by Analayo, who resides at the Barre center for Buddhist Studies and is perhaps the most important contemporary scholar/practitioner/teacher of this era. The discussion during this local weekly study group will be enhanced as a result of Peter’s participation in that group.
The Orlando Insight Meditation Group’s teacher, Peter Carlson, has been facilitating Intensive Study Groups for several years with the following format:
- Eight meetings, 90 minutes each
- 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 working toward it). There will be no meditation during the meetings in order to maximize the opportunities to talk about the topics.
- Meetings are held via Zoom
- 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. Please also indicate your phone number so that Peter can contact you in case a meeting has to be cancelled. NOTE: Peter will be on retreat from April 12 to April 26. He will respond to your email when he returns.
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 don’t 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.