In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Benjamin B. Olshin, a philosophy and science scholar and author, dives into the intriguing parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism. He explores how both philosophies advocate for a virtuous life and shared concepts like logos and dharma. The conversation highlights their practical applications in managing emotions and navigating existence. Olshin also touches on the cultural influences shaping these philosophies and their profound relevance in today’s fast-paced world, offering insight into achieving a balanced and meaningful life.
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insights INSIGHT
Virtue as Core Value
Stoicism and Buddhism both emphasize virtue as a core value for living well.
Buddhism outlines virtue through the Eightfold Path while Stoicism focuses on specific virtues like temperance.
insights INSIGHT
Different Views on the Self
Buddhism teaches that the self is an illusion and temporary.
Stoicism views the self as a temporary conglomeration of atoms but does not deny its existence.
insights INSIGHT
Existence and Metaphysics
Both philosophies accept existence as natural cycles of arising and dissolution.
Buddhism avoids metaphysical speculation, focusing instead on pragmatic living.
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Rodger Kamenetz documents a 1990 interfaith dialogue between eight Jewish leaders and the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, exploring how Jewish traditions of survival and mysticism intersect with Tibetan Buddhist practices. The book examines Jewish identity through encounters with 'JUBUs' (Jewish Buddhists) and reveals hidden Jewish meditative traditions, while chronicling Kamenetz's personal journey toward a deeper connection with his heritage.
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The mysteries of the Marco Polo maps
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Lost Knowledge
Lost Knowledge
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What the Buddha Taught
Walpola Rahula Thero
This book provides a foundational understanding of Buddhism, particularly from the Theravada tradition. It covers key concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Doctrine of No-Self, and the practice of meditation. The book also includes important Buddhist texts from the Pali Canon, offering insights into how Buddhist teachings apply to contemporary life.
How did two different philosophies - that have seen a resurgence of interest in the Western world - both arrive at such similar conclusions for how to live a happy life?
Despite being separated by hundreds of years and thousands of miles, Stoicism and Buddhism have striking similarities...so much so some have wondered if there was some exchange of ideas between the forefathers of each ideology.
But how exactly are these philosophies alike? What are the critical differences? And perhaps most importantly of all, what can these philosophies teach us today so we can be better people?
Watch Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom and Dr. Benjamin B. Olshin, Research Associate at Bryn Mawr College, discuss Stoicism and Buddhism and see if they are truly two sides of the same coin...
You can find all of Benjamin’s books and art here: https://benjaminbolshin.net/publications
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