Ep. 143 – Doubt And The Path to Awakening with Gil Fronsdal
Aug 21, 2023
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Exploring doubt as the fifth hindrance of mind, the podcast discusses the different forms of doubt and its usefulness as an indicator of necessary change. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing doubt, embracing discomfort, and trusting the walkway. The speakers also delve into the concepts of wholesome and unwholesome actions in Buddhism, stillness and sensitivity in mindfulness practice, and the significance of honesty and integrity.
49:52
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Quick takeaways
Doubt can be both a hindrance and a useful indicator for necessary change.
Mindfulness practice helps in recognizing doubt and navigating through it.
Developing sensitivity and being comfortable with discomfort are valuable skills for personal growth.
Deep dives
The Importance of Therapy and Self-Improvement
Therapy is emphasized as a valuable tool for improving communication skills, developing coping strategies, and increasing self-awareness. It is described as a way to map out one's future and find the best way forward in areas such as career changes and relationship improvement.
The Role of Doubt in Personal Growth
Doubt is discussed as a potential hindrance or support in personal growth. Wise doubt, characterized by openness and curiosity, is seen as a way to question societal norms and beliefs. However, excessive doubt can hinder progress and lead to indecisiveness. Mindfulness practice is presented as a means to recognize and navigate doubt.
The Power of Mindfulness and Sensitivity
A deep source of knowing and sensitivity is highlighted as a guide to distinguishing between what is wholesome and unwholesome. Mindfulness is seen as a way to develop sensitivity to one's experiences, including discomfort, joy, and the recognition of harmful patterns. The ability to be comfortable with discomfort and uncertainty is portrayed as a valuable skill in personal growth.
Trusting the Inner Wisdom and Letting Go
The podcast encourages trust in one's inner wisdom and the ability to recognize what is wholesome and beneficial. The importance of relaxation and letting go of attachments, including clinging to beliefs or self-definitions, is emphasized. The significance of recognizing doubt, without needing to completely understand it, is highlighted as a key aspect of mindfulness practice.
The Value of Being Your Own Teacher
The podcast concludes by emphasizing the importance of becoming one's own teacher and finding the wisdom and guidance within oneself. The notion that all the needed information about Buddhism can be found through personal sensitivity and experiential understanding is presented as a way to prioritize what is wholesome and live a life of integrity and wisdom.
Exploring the hindrances of mind, Gil Fronsdal offers a Buddhist perspective on the many forms of doubt and how we can embrace it.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
In this Guest episode recorded at the Te Moata Retreat Center, Gil Fronsdal uncovers:
Doubt as the fifth hindrance of mind
The many forms of doubt (self-questioning, spiritual confusion, indecisiveness)
Recognizing when we are in a hindrance of mind
Having an uncompromising acceptance of the moment
The usefulness of doubt and doubt as an indicator of necessary change
Becoming comfortable with discomfort
Naming what we feel and moving on as a method of mindful acceptance
The zen practice of know, feel, relax
Trusting the walkway and knowing that things work themselves out
Acknowledging what is beneficial and what is not (the 'ouch' vs. the 'ahhh')
Reactivity as an instinctual way of responding with greed, delusion, resistance, etc.
“It turns out there’s always a walkway right next to you. Whatever the hindrance is, there’s always a walkway just a breath away.” – Gil Fronsdal