The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology #20: Headless Way Meditation - Richard Lang
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Sep 3, 2019 Richard Lang, a primary teacher of the Headless Way meditation and a longtime friend of philosopher Douglas Harding, shares insights into his unique meditation technique. He leads listeners through engaging experiments that reveal the 'headless' perspective. They discuss how this method enhances relationships and transforms ego, as well as tackling complex ideas like solipsism in self-inquiry. Lang also highlights the practical applications of the Headless Way in modern courses, showcasing its relevance in today’s world.
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How Richard First Discovered Headless Way
- Richard Lang met Douglas Harding at a Buddhist summer school in 1970 and immediately experienced the Headless Way pointing experiment.
- He visited Harding many times and never paid for teachings, forming a lifelong connection and commitment to sharing the method.
Apply Relativity To Selfhood
- Douglas Harding applied the principle of observer-dependent descriptions (like relativity) to the self, asking "What am I at center?".
- He concluded the nearer you look, the less you find, suggesting a void-like, non-object center that is experienced from inside.
Try The Two‑Way Pointing Exercise
- Do the pointing experiment: point outward at objects, then point back at where others see your face, and notice nothing like a face appears.
- Repeat the hand-blinder experiment by moving hands past the head to experience open space where your head would be.