Letter to a Buddhist Nation: Rebirth, Refuge, & the Limits of Skepticism | Sam Harris Q&A

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Sam Harris. Watch PART TWO on Wednesday, Nov. 26th.

00:00:07 Introduction

00:01:50 Is it okay to choose what one takes from Buddhism?

00:12:25 Is Sam a Buddhist? What is Sam's relationship to faith in the Triple Gem?

00:30:03 Faith in the Sangha? Is there value in living a monastic life?

00:43:02 The advantages of monastic baldness and robes?

00:44:06 Belief in rebirth? What was Sam's past life relationship with Joseph Goldstein?

00:50:31 Does Sam know Bhante Analayo?

00:50:58 How should secular scientists relate to evidence suggestive of rebirth?

00:57:17 Agnosticism about psychic powers?

01:00:10 If you had the Buddha on your podcast, what would be your first question?

01:03:25 What Pāli Buddhist word deserves to be more widely known?

01:12:36 The meaning of "vedana"?

01:14:20 How has Sam kept his center while becoming famous?

01:21:29 Where does Nibbāna figure in the "Moral Landscape"? Rigpa?

01:30:19 The meaning of "Rapid Fire - Lightning Round" for Sam?

01:30:43 Sam's most treasured personal Buddhist imagery? A shrine?

01:32:42 How does Sam decompress after a 3-hour interview?

01:34:08 Would Sam take temporary ordination with Jordan Peterson?

01:34:33 Has Sam ever considered ordaining as a monk?

01:37:44 Sam appreciates Clear Mountain and monastics!

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with neuroscientist and author Sam Harris about the intersection of Secularism and Buddhism.

To learn more about the Clear Mountain Monastery Project, visit: https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!

Sam Harris' Bio:

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, author, and podcaster whose work explores the intersection of science, morality, religion, and contemplative practice. He holds a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.

He is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including The End of Faith, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion. Sam hosts the Making Sense Podcast and is the creator of the Waking Up app, which offers a secular and scientific approach to meditation and the good life. With more than three decades of meditative practice - including a cumulative 2 years on silent retreat - he has studied under such teachers as Sayadaw U Pandita, Punjaji, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and with his friend, Joseph Goldstein.

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)