How Buddhism Could Change Your Life (The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying)
Dec 7, 2023
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In this podcast, the guest discusses the teachings of 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying'. They cover topics such as doubt, our fear of change, the goal of meditation, and the concept of karma. They also explore the importance of developing a healthy relationship with death, finding balance and accepting impermanence, and integrating meditation into daily life. Overall, it provides valuable insights into Buddhism and its potential impact on our lives.
Exploring ancient teachings can fill gaps in our understanding and improve our lives.
Developing a healthy relationship with death can transform our perspectives and embrace life more fully.
Deep dives
The Power of Noble Doubt
Instead of dismissing mystical teachings, the speaker encourages doubting ourselves and our assumptions, as a form of noble doubt. It is important to recognize our ignorance and avoid grasping for shallow explanations. By exploring ancient teachings, we can fill gaps in our understanding and find valuable ideas to improve our lives and well-being.
Changing Our Perception of Death
The Western view of death as annihilation or a naive nonchalant attitude is discussed. Emphasizing the significance of death, the speaker suggests that by developing a healthy relationship with death, we can transform our perspectives and embrace life more fully. This perspective also promotes long-term thinking and caring for the future of the world.
Embracing Impermanence and Overcoming Distractions
The challenges of accepting impermanence and overcoming Western laziness are addressed. Recognizing impermanence helps us surrender to the flow of life and reduces stress. Overcoming distractions through meditation and simplifying our lives allows us to discover our true selves and find calmness and clarity amidst the busyness of everyday life.
Developing Buddha Nature: Meditation and Karma
Becoming a Buddha does not require divinity but practicing meditation to awaken our true nature. The importance of meditation is highlighted as it helps us connect with our unchanging awareness and overcome the habitual tendency towards distraction. Karma is described as the law of cause and effect, reminding us of the consequences of our actions and the importance of pursuing positivity.
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Timestamps
[00:58] Doubt Yourself [03:08] Hiding from Death [07:47] We Don’t Know Ourselves [10:51] Western Laziness [14:34] Our Fear of Change [16:38] Becoming a Buddha [20:10] You Are Fundamentally Perfect [22:29] The Goal of Meditation [25:36] How to Meditate [27:26] How Long to Meditate [30:01] What is Karma [33:26] How to Practice [36:36] Asking for Help
If you enjoyed this show, please let me know on Twitter (@nateliason) or Instagram (@nat_eliason)
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