In this podcast, the speaker discusses the art of diving into new experiences like relationships and jobs. They share stories about embracing discomfort, the concept of dependent arising, and the relevance of Buddhist teachings. The episode also includes a Zenko story about a blind man and a lantern.
The art of diving in involves fully embracing all aspects of life without attachment to specific outcomes, allowing for a deeper appreciation of each unique moment and the recognition that the path itself is the goal.
Embracing both the pleasant and unpleasant moments without attachment to specific outcomes or expectations can lead to a greater understanding of oneself, a sense of satisfaction, and a finding beauty in the unique moments of life.
Deep dives
The Art of Diving In
The podcast episode explores the concept of the art of diving in and relates it to various aspects of life. The host starts by sharing a Zenkoan about a blind man and a lantern, which sparks a discussion about the nature of life and the absurdity of the human condition. The host emphasizes that life is a mixture of pleasant and unpleasant experiences, and the art of diving in involves fully embracing all aspects of life without attachment to specific outcomes. This mindset allows for a deeper appreciation of each unique moment and the recognition that the path itself is the goal. The host also addresses common misconceptions about practicing mindfulness and emphasizes the importance of skillfully acting and adapting to the ever-changing circumstances of life.
Learning Through Experience
The host shares a personal anecdote about teaching his daughter to dive into a swimming pool, which serves as a metaphor for approaching life. He highlights the value of diving in and experiencing life fully, regardless of whether the experience is pleasant or unpleasant. The art of diving in involves embracing both the pleasant and the unpleasant moments without attachment to specific outcomes or expectations. The host encourages listeners to shift their mindset from seeking only pleasant experiences to appreciating the entirety of their existence, including the discomforts. By doing so, he suggests that individuals can develop a greater understanding of themselves, cultivate a sense of satisfaction, and find beauty in the unique moments of life.
The Futility of Control
The podcast episode focuses on the futility of striving for complete control over one's life. The host discusses the Zenkoan's message of the blind man, recognizing that no matter how much effort is put into avoiding certain outcomes, life can still present unexpected challenges. The host acknowledges that while individuals can make plans and take precautions, there is always an inherent unpredictability to life. This realization invites a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to let go of attachment to outcomes and surrender to the uncertainty of existence. By accepting the inherent absurdity of the human condition and embracing life's inevitable ups and downs, individuals can discover a deeper sense of peace and adaptability in navigating life's challenges.
In this podcast episode, I will discuss my thoughts on the idea of the art of diving in. Life is a lot like a pool and we are learning to dive in, we dive into new relationships, jobs, and countless other experiences but how do we do the actual diving in?
