The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice[2][4][5].
The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet" is a collection of letters written to a young aspiring poet, offering profound insights into the creative process and the nature of life. The letters explore themes of patience, perseverance, and the importance of embracing doubt and uncertainty. Rilke emphasizes the significance of living authentically and finding meaning in the everyday. He encourages the young poet to delve deeply into his own experiences and emotions as a source of inspiration. The letters are not just about poetry but about the human condition, offering timeless wisdom applicable to all aspects of life.
In 'Joseph and the Way of Forgiveness', Stephen Mitchell offers a vivid and lyrical retelling of the biblical tale of Joseph, exploring themes of forgiveness, humility, and redemption. The novel delves into Joseph's transformation from a youth of folly to a mature leader, using a style that blends elements of midrash and Zen insights. Mitchell's narrative expands on the Genesis story, providing fresh insights into one of Western culture's foundational legends.
Stephen Mitchell is an author and translator who has dedicated much of his life to Zen practice. Eric and Stephen have an in depth discussion about the questioning mind as well as his work of translating many famous texts, including the Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad Gita, and Rilke’s “Letters To a Young Poet”. Stephen has also co-authored many books with his wife, Byron Katie, who is a former guest on the show.
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In This Interview, Stephen Mitchell and I Discuss the Questioning Mind and…
- The parable: how reality cannot be broken into good or bad, it’s just what is.
- When authentic action that is true to yourself becomes second nature, it’s an expression of your own reality.
- His wife Katie’s words, “when we believe our thoughts, we suffer; when we question our thoughts, we don’t.”
- Suffering can end when we awaken to the truth
- Distinguishing between pain, a physical phenomenon, and suffering, a mental phenomenon
- Suffering often comes from being stuck in an imagined past or imagined future
- His translation of the Heart Sutra that is about openness rather than emptiness
- The “don’t know” or questioning mind and how it doesn’t get stuck in judgement
- Being immersed in an intense formal Zen practice for 7 years
- His Koan studies that helped him get to a state of stillness and learn to hold the questioning mind without any content.
- Defining Koan studies as an existential problem meant to catapult the student into a space of questioning.
- If you can rest in that space of not knowing, the answer will present itself to you.
- The mind’s relationship with it’s contents
- Difference between the mind and what it thinks.
- We don’t suffer because of what happens to us, but rather how we think about what happens to us.
- Self inquiry and asking yourself the question, “Is it true”?
- How he learns the language of the text he’s translating.
- His work of translating is more than just learning the meaning of words, but also the music of the words.
- When translating text, his allegiance is to the spirit of the text and not just the literal meaning of the text.
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Joseph and the Way of Forgiveness: A Biblical Tale Retold is discussed in the post show conversation.
Stephen Mitchell Links:
stephenmitchellbooks.com
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Stephen Mitchell on the Questioning Mind, you might also enjoy these other episodes:
Byron Katie
Loch Kelly
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