

Ep. 30 - Buddhism, the Self, and Boundaries | Dr. Janet Gyatso
Nov 6, 2016
Dr. Janet Gyatso, a Hershey Professor of Buddhist Studies at Harvard University, dives deep into the complexities of Buddhist philosophy. She challenges the concept of the 'self,' suggesting it’s a mental construct rather than inherent. The conversation highlights how interconnectedness and empathy shape our understanding of identity. They also explore Zen koans, which encourage transcending conventional thought, and discuss the 'unity of opposites' in Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of contrasts in grasping existence.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Illusion of Self in Buddhist Thought
02:32 • 8min
Fluid Perspectives and the Nature of Self
10:34 • 11min
Exploring Zen Koans and the Nature of Transcendence
21:23 • 2min
Understanding the Unity of Opposites in Buddhist Thought
23:44 • 2min
Exploring Consciousness and Subjectivity
25:36 • 8min