Philosophize This!

Episode #217 ... Religion and Nothingness - Kyoto School pt. 2 - Nishitani

Dec 6, 2024

Explore the expanding view of religious quests, challenging dualistic thinking. Dive into the critique of utilitarianism and technology’s impact on our understanding of existence. Discover Nishitani's insights on self-emptying and interconnectedness, emphasizing a transformative spiritual approach. Engage with the philosophical tension between consciousness and nihilism, promoting a holistic existence. Finally, embrace the concepts of shunyata and compassion as remedies for societal pressures of perfection.

47:08

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Quick takeaways

Nishitani's interpretation of 'God is dead' recontextualizes it as an invitation for transformative engagement with religion rather than a mere rejection.

He criticizes traditional definitions of religion for emphasizing its utilitarian aspects, advocating instead for understanding it as an intimate, subjective journey.

The spiritual evolution in a religious quest requires moving from dualistic thinking to an appreciation of one's interconnected role within existence.

Deep dives

The Challenge of Understanding Philosophy

The episode addresses the difficulties listeners have faced in grasping Keiji Nishitani's philosophical perspectives, particularly regarding existence and religion. Many have reported profound shifts in their thinking, while others admit to struggling with the concepts presented. Stephen West emphasizes the need for context in understanding Nishitani, urging listeners to engage deeply with the material presented in previous episodes. He stresses that a simple, superficial understanding may obscure the transformative potential of these ideas.

Intro

7min

Transcending Utilitarian Views on Religion

14min

Consciousness vs. Nihilism: A Philosophical Exploration

6min

Nishitani’s Perspective on Self and Interconnectedness

16min

Embracing Shunyata: Compassion and Self-Emptying

6min

Today we talk about expanding our view of what a religious quest includes. The limits of dualistic thinking. Technological enframing and obsession with utility. Self-emptying. Consciousness, Nihility and Sunyata. Sunyata as immanence. Hope you love it! :)

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