Mu

Bernardo Kastrup and Shinzen Young on Mysticism and Science

Dec 14, 2023

Shinzen Young and Bernardo Kastrup explore mysticism, science, and liberation. They discuss the alignment of philosophy, science, and mystical experience, the paradox of cultivated improvement, Spinoza's mystical experiences, and the relationship between mystical traditions and science. They also delve into the method and purpose of science, profound insights, and the value of paying attention to life.

01:13:13

Episode guests

Shinzen Young

Bernardo Kastrup

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Science and mysticism should not be unified but utilized separately with different tools and methods.

The 'spirit of science' integrates reason, empirical evidence, critical thinking, and sensory-focused practices for personal growth.

Deep dives

The Paradox of Science and Mysticism

The podcast episode explores the intersection of science and mysticism and the potential for them to work together. The speaker emphasizes that science and mysticism should not be unified to avoid diluting their individual strengths. Rather, different tools and methods should be used in different circumstances. The importance of evidence and logic in scientific inquiry is highlighted, along with the recognition of the limits of individual expertise and the need to rely on credible authorities. Additionally, the podcast discusses the freedom that comes from accepting one's role as a servant of nature and the valuable insights gained from paying attention to life's challenges and suffering.

Introduction

3min

Alignment of Philosophy, Science, and Mystical Experience

15min

Original versus Cultivated Enlightenment in Mystical Traditions

18min

Spinoza's Mystical Experiences and Worldview

8min

Exploring the Historical Context and Proto-Science of Mystics and Meditation Masters

3min

Exploring the Relationship Between Mystical Traditions and Science

16min

The Method and Purpose of Science

5min

Profound Insights and the Value of Paying Attention to Life

5min

This is an exploration between Shinzen Young and Bernardo Kastrup on mysticism, science, and liberation. Shinzen Young is a mindfulness teacher, the author of the Science of Enlightenment, and is the co-director of the SEMA lab at the University of Arizona. Bernardo Kastrup is an analytic philosopher, computer engineer, metaphysical idealist, and executive director of the Essentia Foundation.

Essentia Foundation: https://www.essentiafoundation.org/

Shinzen Young: https://www.shinzen.org/

Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mu_Podcast

Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lucasperry

Video episode: https://youtu.be/syb-oSaDZZE?si=ShNPJXXmuEBHGVDC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LucasFMPerry

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
2:46 Can philosophy, science, and mysticism align?
7:39 What does liberation consist of?
11:38 Bernardo’s path to insight
17:43 The paradox of cultivated improvement vs. nothing to improve
31:16 Blocking ourselves from life’s teaching
36:01 Did Spinoza have mystical experience?
48:58 The truth is not vulnerable
51:29 Training people in the spirit of science
1:06:59 Reflecting on Bernardo’s insight

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