In a captivating conversation, Jay Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and expert in Buddhist philosophy, dives into the nature of suffering and the self. He discusses whether overcoming craving and aversion can liberate us from suffering and how personal perception shapes our experiences. Garfield explores the concept of self as an illusion and the implications of interconnectedness in achieving true happiness. He also contrasts Buddhist ethics with Western perspectives, emphasizing compassion and community over self-centered pursuits.
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Quick takeaways
Suffering is deeply rooted in our desires and aversions, implying that eliminating craving can lead to a profound reduction in suffering.
Pain can exist independently of suffering, as our reactions and perceptions significantly influence whether we experience additional emotional turmoil.
Buddhism's concept of no-self encourages empathy and interconnectedness, allowing individuals to diminish feelings of separateness and enhance relationships.
Deep dives
Understanding Suffering and its Roots
Suffering is primarily rooted in our desires and aversions, according to Buddhist philosophy. We suffer when we yearn for things that we cannot obtain or when we are resistant to experiences we encounter. This perspective implies that if we could eliminate craving and aversion from our lives, we could potentially free ourselves from suffering altogether. Examples, such as a singer lamenting the absence of a luxury item or an individual wishing for someone to leave, illustrate how personal desires lead directly to the experience of suffering.
The Nature of Pain versus Suffering
Pain can exist without suffering when individuals alter their perception and reaction to discomfort. Pain, as encountered by athletes during their performances or when receiving vaccinations, can be experienced without aversion leading to suffering. In contrast, the suffering emerges when there's a strong desire to avoid pain or to change an unwanted experience. The practice of mindfulness and detaching from immediate reactions can cultivate a response to pain that is devoid of additional suffering.
The Illusion of Self and Detachment
Buddhism posits that the concept of a permanent 'self' is an illusion, advocating for a view of the self as a series of interconnected processes. Recognizing that our identity is not fixed, but fluid and influenced by interactions with the environment can reduce suffering. Instead of perceiving ourselves as isolated subjects, adopting an understanding of interconnectedness with others can foster empathy and diminish feelings of separateness. This philosophical shift can help alleviate the stress associated with self-identity and reinforce healthier relationships.
The Importance of Interdependence
Buddhism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, suggesting that our happiness is intrinsically linked to the well-being of others. By shifting focus away from self-centered desires and towards the happiness of others, individuals can cultivate a sense of joy stemming from communal success. This perspective implies that genuine fulfillment arises not from individualistic pursuits, but from fostering happiness in the wider community. The moral imperative thus becomes one of altruism, which can lead to a reduction in personal suffering.
Ethics Rooted in Perception
Unlike Western ethical systems grounded in obedience to divine commands, Buddhist ethics centers on the perception of suffering and the importance of alleviating it. The practice of ethics in Buddhism is less about following rules and more about understanding the nature of reality and our role within it. By altering our perceptions toward compassion and interdependence, we can develop a more profound ethical insight that aligns with reducing suffering for ourselves and others. This moral phenomenology invites individuals to engage with the world more holistically, recognizing their role in the collective experience of suffering and joy.
Why do we suffer? Would we still suffer if we got rid of all craving and aversion? Is pain the same thing as suffering? How is suffering connected to the concept of self? Should people in horrible situations attempt to remove themselves from those environments or try to improve their plights in any way; or should they merely free themselves from suffering by releasing their "craving" for well-being and their "aversion" to misery? Why would the dissolution of the self free someone from suffering? Are we identical to our bodies and/or minds? Is attention the same thing as the self? Is the concept of "no-self" analytical or empirical? How does "flow" differ from distraction? Is it irrational to pursue our own happiness without regard for others? How and where do Buddhist ethics overlap with the ethics taught by (e.g.) Abrahamic religions? What are the roles of meditators in Buddhist monasteries? What do Buddhists believe about god(s)? What do they believe about reincarnation? Is reincarnation different from rebirth? What is the role of the Buddha himself in Buddhism? Can these concepts be understood and/or experienced without meditating or studying Buddhist texts?
Jay L. Garfield is Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy and Buddhist Studies at Smith College, Visiting Professor of Buddhist philosophy at Harvard Divinity School, Professor of Philosophy at Melbourne University, and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. Garfield’s research addresses topics in the foundations of cognitive science and the philosophy of mind; metaphysics; the history of modern Indian philosophy; topics in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of logic; the philosophy of the Scottish enlightenment methodology in cross-cultural interpretation; and topics in Buddhist philosophy, particularly Indo-Tibetan Madhyamaka and Yogācāra. He is the author or editor of over 30 books and over 200 articles, chapters, and reviews. A few of his most recent books include How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go (with Maria Heim and Robert Sharf 2024), Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live without a Self (2022), and Knowing Illusion: Bringing a Tibetan Debate into Contemporary Discourse (with the Yakherds 2021), and Buddhist Ethics: A Philosophical Exploration (2021). Learn more about him at his website, jaygarfield.org.