Exploring the Distinction between Meditation and Contemplation

In this first episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, Rick Repetti and John Vervaeke take listeners on an engaging exploration of the intricate world of meditation and its deep roots in philosophical thought. John shares his transformative journey from a strict fundamentalist Christian background to finding solace and depth in Eastern philosophy and the practice of mindfulness. Rick and John’s conversation navigates through the nuances of meditation and contemplation, shedding light on how these practices enrich the pursuit of wisdom and self-awareness. The discussion also bridges the gap between academic and practical philosophy, illustrating their vital role in understanding and cultivating wisdom. For listeners, this episode offers a deep, reflective insight into the philosophy of meditation, providing a comprehensive view of how these ancient practices are relevant and transformative in the modern world. The outcome is a rich tapestry of ideas, encouraging listeners to explore their own paths toward wisdom and self-realization.

Glossary of Terms

Dialogos: A form of dialogue that affords a reciprocal flow state.

Mindfulness: The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences.

Cognitive Science: An interdisciplinary field exploring the mind and its processes.

Neoplatonism: A philosophical system developed as a version of the teachings of Plato.

DIME Model: an ecology of practices for philosophical wellbeing: D=Dialogue, I=Imaginal, M=Mindfulness, and E=Embodied practice.

John Vervaeke:

Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke  

X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/

Rick Repetti:

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

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

X: https://twitter.com/rickrepetti 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophicalpractitioner/

Join our new Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

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

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

John Vervaeke YouTube

• Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ

• After Socrates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC

• AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist

https://youtu.be/A-_RdKiDbz4

Books, Articles, and Publications

• Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti 

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

• Experimental Phenomenology: An Introduction - Don Ihde https://www.amazon.com/Experimental-Phenomenology-Introduction-Don-Ihde/dp/0887061990

• Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne https://www.amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/1645010821/

• Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CH8W8XLF

• The Republic by Plato - The Internet Classics Archive

https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.html

• Relevance, Meaning and the Cognitive Science of Wisdom Vervaeke, J., & Ferraro, L. (2013)

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286508333_Relevance_Meaning_and_the_Cognitive_Science_of_Wisdom

Quotes

"Mindfulness and philosophy converge in cognitive science, enriching our understanding of wisdom." - John Vervaeke

 "Meditation and contemplation are integral for a holistic philosophical understanding." - Rick Repetti

"The journey to wisdom involves integrating academic philosophy with life practices." - John Vervaeke

Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to the Series

[00:03:00] John's Personal Journey to Philosophy and Meditation

[00:06:00] The Convergence of Mindfulness and Academic Philosophy 

[00:11:40] Defining Meditation and Contemplation 

[00:19:24] Discussion on Academic Philosophy and Its Practice 

[00:22:20] Exploring the Philosophy of Meditation 

[00:41:00] The Impact of Meditation in Personal Life 

[00:52:00] Neoplatonic Levels of Meditation 

[00:55:50] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Practices 

[01:17:16] Exploring the Verveke Foundation and Its Role 

[01:24:00] The Importance of Community and Shared Practices 

[01:28:00] Final Thoughts and Reflections 

Timestamped Highlights

[00:01:00] - Introduction to the Philosophy of Meditation series.

[00:02:01] - Rick's reflection on how the series began.

[00:03:13] - John's journey to meditation, philosophy, and philosophy of meditation 

[00:07:12] - Integration of academic philosophy and mindfulness practices.

[00:11:48] - Defining meditation and contemplation.

[00:14:39] - Deepening the understanding of consciousness.

[00:19:49] - The role of academic philosophy.

[00:22:29] - The philosophy of meditation within cognitive science.

[00:31:02] - Can meditation contribute to philosophy?

[00:41:00] - The importance of meditation in personal life.  

[00:52:00] - Explanation of Neoplatonic meditation levels.

[00:55:50] - John Vervaeke discusses integrating Eastern and Western practices.

[00:58:19] - Discussion on balancing personal idiosyncrasies and universal challenges.

[01:00:38] - John shares his mystical experience of Plato's forms.

[01:02:41] - Reflection on the transformative impact of mystical experiences.

[01:06:40] - Critical perspective on the current state of mindfulness practices in North America.

[01:09:00] - The need for a deeper understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and wisdom.

[01:14:22] - Advice for practitioners of meditation and mindfulness.

[01:17:16] - Introduction to the Verveke Foundation and its objectives.

[01:24:00] - Emphasizing the need for community and shared wisdom practices.

[01:28:00] - Closing remarks and gratitude for the podcast series.