Making Sense with Sam Harris #181 — The Illusory Self
Jan 13, 2020
In this conversation, Richard Lang, a longtime student of Douglas Harding, dives into the intriguing concept of the 'illusory self.' He challenges listeners to explore awareness beyond personal identity, sharing insights from his experiences in meditation. Lang discusses how examining this illusion can reveal deeper truths about consciousness and free will. Highlighting the profound idea of living with 'no head,' he emphasizes how such realizations can transform one’s perception of self and foster profound connections with others.
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Podcast vs. App
- Sam Harris discusses the confusion between his Waking Up app and the Making Sense podcast.
- He clarifies their distinct focuses and occasional content overlap.
Illusory Self
- Harris introduces the concept of the illusory self, a topic explored in the podcast.
- He argues that meditation can help one understand and experience the nature of mind beyond this illusion.
Blind Spot Analogy
- Harris uses the analogy of the optic blind spot to explain how easily overlooked aspects of experience can reveal deeper truths.
- He connects this to the experience of "no-self," suggesting it can be similarly discovered through focused attention.