The Zen Studies Podcast 196 - Death and the Emptiness of Self: What's the Meaning of Life If You've Got No Soul?
Feb 27, 2022
Explore the Soto Zen perspective on consciousness and its implications for life after death. Delve into the complexities of self-perception and how shifting focus can alleviate existential suffering. Discover the interplay between Buddhist views on rebirth and the concept of an empty self. Unravel Zen Master Dogen's insights on existence and the transformative nature of life. Finally, challenge the search for meaning by recognizing the significance inherent in every moment and our interconnected existence.
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Zen's Stance on Death Questions
- Zen de-emphasizes questions about life after death as they lead to suffering and distraction.
- Focusing on practice and ending suffering is more beneficial than pondering consciousness persistence.
Buddha Avoids Speculative Queries
- The Buddha avoided answering speculative metaphysical questions about existence.
- He emphasized dealing with suffering practically rather than contemplating unverifiable mysteries.
Rebirth as Causal Continuity
- Rebirth is understood as causal continuity, not transfer of a permanent self.
- Consciousness is impermanent and not-self, like a candle lighting another candle's flame.