The Origins and Growth of Soka Gakai

In the third episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, hosts John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti engage with Lou Marinoff, a renowned figure in practical philosophy and philosophical counseling. The episode provides a rich tapestry of discussions, starting with Marinoff's initiation into meditation during the 1960s' counterculture, leading to his profound integration of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Marinoff elaborates on the transformative role of meditation in personal development and virtue ethics, emphasizing its impact on philosophical counseling and its empowerment of individuals as architects of their futures. The conversation also covers the global influence of the philosophical counseling movement, highlighting Marinoff's interactions with key figures and the practical application of philosophical and meditative practices in daily life. This episode offers listeners deep insights into meditation's philosophical underpinnings and its potential for personal growth and wisdom. It is a fascinating listen for anyone interested in exploring the depths of meditation and its philosophical connections.

Lou Marinoff, a Canadian-born academic and Commonwealth Scholar, is a prominent figure in philosophical counseling. He initially studied theoretical physics before earning a doctorate in philosophy of science. Marinoff is a Professor of Philosophy and Asian Studies at The City College of New York and the founding president of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. He is best known for his groundbreaking book "Plato, Not Prozac," which popularized practical philosophy and significantly contributed to the philosophical counseling movement in the U.S.

Glossary of Terms

TM: Transcendental Meditation

APPA: American Philosophical Practitioners Association

ICPP: International Conference on Philosophical Practice

John Vervaeke:

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Rick Repetti:

Website: https://www.rickrepetti.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickrepetti/ 

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Lou Marinoff:

Website: https://www.loumarinoff.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/loumarinoff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.marinoff​​

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-marinoff-2933

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The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/

Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/

Books, Articles, and Publications

• Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti 

https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X

• Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems - Lou Marinoff https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Not-Prozac-Applying-Everyday/dp/0060931361

• The Inner Philosopher: Conversations on Philosophy's Transformative Power - Daisaku Ikeda, Lou Marinoff https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Philosopher-Conversations-Philosophys-Transformative/dp/1887917098

• Choose Hope: Your Role in Waging Peace in the Nuclear Age - David Krieger, Daisaku Ikeda 

https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Hope-Waging-Peace-Nuclear/dp/0967469767

• The Middle Way: Finding Happiness in a World of Extremes - Lou Marinoff https://www.amazon.com/Middle-Way-Finding-Happiness-Extremes/dp/1402743440

• Philosophy, Humor, and the Human Condition: Taking Ridicule Seriously - Lydia Amir https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Humor-Human-Condition-Seriously/dp/3030326705

• Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: Revised and Updated Second Edition - Robert Kennedy https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Spirit-Christian-Place-Life/dp/0826409199

• A resolution of Bertrand's paradox. Marinoff, Louis (1994). Philosophy of Science 61 (1):1-24.

https://www.academia.edu/44669146/A_Resolution_of_Bertrands_Paradox

Quotes

"You can't do anything with your body unless your mind is calm... It's all about meditation." - Lou Marinoff

"One can take any practice and use it as a basis of meditation." - Lou Marinoff

"The purpose of philosophy is counsel." - Lou Marinoff, referencing Seneca

Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction and Lou Marinoff's Background

[00:03:30] - Lou's Journey into Meditation and Philosophy

[00:13:18] - The Influence of Martial Arts on Lou's Philosophy

[00:28:13] - Exploring the Practical Applications of Philosophy

[00:42:58] - Meditation as a Philosophical Concept

[00:51:03] - The Philosophical Nature of Meditation Practices

[00:54:25] - Key Meditative Experiences and Philosophical Insights

[01:02:09] - Intersections of Meditation, Science, and Geometry

[01:09:18] - Visualization in Science and Philosophy

[01:17:50] - Humor in Zen and Buddhist Practices

[01:23:00] - Closing Reflections on the Dialogue