Ulrich Baer, a Professor of comparative literature at NYU and a talented translator and novelist, dives deep into the philosophies of Rilke and Heidegger. He explores their emotional and existential themes, connecting them to the modern search for meaning. The discussion also touches on personal growth through the lens of Buddhism and the arts, showcasing how poetry provides insight into human experiences. Baer critiques individualism in today’s society, celebrating how literature fosters self-awareness and social ties.
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Shaolin Practice
Ulrich Baer practices Shaolin Kung Fu with a 36th-generation monk.
He considers himself an aspiring Buddhist practitioner.
insights INSIGHT
Literature's Voice
Ulrich Baer is interested in how literature gives voice to often unheard experiences.
He believes literature offers a richer view of daily life, both beautiful and painful.
insights INSIGHT
Art as Knowing
Literature and art offer distinct ways of knowing and being, not just philosophical ornaments.
Language, as a medium that can pierce and transpire, becomes the meeting point of philosophy and poetry.
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In 'Being and Time', Heidegger delves into the fundamental question of what it means to 'be'. The book is divided into two main divisions: the first analyzes the existentials of Dasein, or 'being-in-the-world', while the second grounds these existentials in temporality. Heidegger introduces key concepts such as 'Dasein', 'Being-with', and the three temporal ecstases (having-been, present, and to-come), emphasizing that Dasein's existence is essentially futural and characterized by its possibilities and projects. The work challenges traditional philosophical notions of subject and object, instead positing that Dasein is inseparable from its world and historical context[2][4][5].
Letters to a Young Poet
Rainer Maria Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet" is a collection of letters written to a young aspiring poet, offering profound insights into the creative process and the nature of life. The letters explore themes of patience, perseverance, and the importance of embracing doubt and uncertainty. Rilke emphasizes the significance of living authentically and finding meaning in the everyday. He encourages the young poet to delve deeply into his own experiences and emotions as a source of inspiration. The letters are not just about poetry but about the human condition, offering timeless wisdom applicable to all aspects of life.
Welcome to a new project. The Imperfect Buddha podcast is collaborating with Incite seminars by bringing you short podcast interviews with workshop facilitators at their upcoming events. This is done to promote such seminars, but more importantly, to spread the good word, and collaborate with like-minded folks. Incite seminars act as a breeding ground for intense engagement and enquiry into the humanities. They feature a range of speakers who are experts in their field. These podcast interviews will be shorter and feature just 10 questions with some space for discussion. They will give you a sense of what you will find by participating in the Incite seminars as well as an introduction to an important topic that you may wish to go off and read about on your own afterwards. The first podcast features Ulrich Baer introducing listeners to the themes of his seminar: Rilke & Heidegger and notions of being and presence. The themes are all wonderfully relevant to Buddhists, traditional or otherwise.
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