Patterson in Pursuit

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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