10% Happier with Dan Harris Buddhist Themes in The White Lotus, Explained | Josh Bearman
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Apr 10, 2025 
Josh Bearman, a Los Angeles writer and film producer and co-host of The White Lotus Official Podcast, dives into the Buddhist influences in HBO's acclaimed series. He shares how Mike White's interest in Buddhism shaped the show's narratives. Topics include identity, attachment, and the pitfalls of pleasure-seeking, alongside the concept of craving certainty. Bearman also examines character transformations and the role of community in navigating the complexities of selfhood, emphasizing mindfulness and acceptance of uncertainty in life's journey.
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Josh's Buddhist Journey
- Josh Bearman's Buddhist insights came from his therapist, a Buddhist nun named Anila Tenzin Lamo.
- He only spoke with her on the phone for 10 years during a personal crisis.
Caveats and Shared Interests
- Dan Harris and Josh Bearman acknowledge their limitations discussing Buddhism as white men.
- They are not scholars, but find the topic interesting.
Identity as a Prison
- Identity is presented as a prison, especially in the context of the show.
- The characters' strong identities will be challenged and potentially subverted.
