The Imperfect Buddha Podcast Anne C. Klein on Becoming a Buddha & Being Human too
May 21, 2025
Anne C. Klein, a Professor of Religion at Rice University and a lama in the Nyingma tradition, dives deep into the intricate balance of being human and a Buddha. She discusses the evolving landscape of Buddhism in the West and the challenges of integrating traditional teachings with contemporary experiences. Klein explores the nuances of translating Buddhist concepts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal experience in spiritual practice. Her insights on the interplay between scholarship and lived experience provide a rich perspective on navigating the complexities of modern Buddhism.
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Scholar Practitioner Balance
- Anne Klein balances academic scholarship and Buddhist practice simultaneously from early in her career.
- She learned from esteemed teacher scholars who embodied both rigorous study and relaxed, deep practice.
Hearing, Thinking, Meditating Explained
- Hearing, thinking, and meditating are distinct yet interrelated stages in Buddhist learning and practice.
- Meditation involves conceptual activity and progresses toward irreversible realization beyond mere thought.
Experience Versus Realization
- Direct experience (meditative experience) is ephemeral, like morning mist, but realization is irreversible understanding.
- Scholarship and practice complement each other, as deep understanding grounds experiential insight.