During this talk, Peter describes the development of Access Concentration, the quality of consciousness that is not affected by the Hindrances.  This is cultivated through developing the procedure of aiming/sustaining attention intentionally to develop stability and tranquility in the mind, preparing for the practicing vipassana, insight into the conditioned nature of the mind.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Unifying A Dull And Distracted Mind

During this talk, Peter reviews the 5 Hindrances, which he describes as “energy dumps”–setting them aside frees up energy for further development of the 7 Awakening Factors, creating more opportunities to liberate the mind from dukkha, the distress and confusion resulting from the action of the Hindrances.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  The Five Hindrances

The next evening’s discussion recording focuses on how the cultivation of concentration and tranquility overcomes distractedness, agitation and dullness in the mind, preparing for the cultivation of the Awakening Factors