Making Sense with Sam Harris

#227 — Knowing the Mind

Dec 7, 2020
Stephen Laureys, a Belgian neuroscientist and expert in consciousness, joins Sam Harris to delve into the fascinating intersection of meditation and the mind. They explore the profound impact of mindfulness practices on emotional well-being and self-awareness. The conversation also navigates the hard problems of consciousness, the concept of a separate self, and how embracing mortality can lead to a more fulfilling life. Together, they uncover how emotional intelligence can enrich education and the vital role of compassion in caregiving.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

MDMA and the Path to Meditation

  • Sam Harris's interest in meditation began with an MDMA experience at age 18.
  • This experience, while not directly related to meditation, revealed the potential for transformative experiences beyond ordinary consciousness.
ANECDOTE

Exploring Meditation Practices

  • After his initial MDMA experience, Harris explored various meditation techniques, including Vipassana and Dzogchen.
  • He spent two years on silent retreats, eventually integrating his practices with neuroscience studies.
INSIGHT

Dualistic vs. Non-dual Meditation

  • Dualistic meditation involves a sense of a meditator (subject) observing an object, like the breath.
  • Non-dual meditation recognizes the illusion of this separation, focusing on the unity of consciousness.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app