Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg cover image

Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Suffering and the self (with Jay Garfield)

Oct 30, 2024
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.
01:10:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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.

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.

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