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10% Happier with Dan Harris

A Buddhist Recipe For Confidence | Ethan Nichtern

Aug 21, 2024
Ethan Nichtern, a contemporary Buddhist teacher and author of "Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds," shares insights on cultivating genuine confidence. He discusses the balance between humility and self-assurance, offering practical Buddhist techniques to boost resilience. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the interplay of pleasure and pain, and how mindfulness can transform experiences. Nichtern also delves into the importance of self-compassion in navigating praise and blame, encouraging listeners to find meaning in their challenges.
01:10:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Authentic confidence in Buddhism distinguishes trust in oneself and resilience from superficial self-confidence, promoting deeper self-awareness amidst challenges.
  • The Eight Worldly Winds framework illustrates the dual nature of human experiences, guiding individuals to maintain equanimity during life's fluctuations in success and failure.

Deep dives

Understanding Confidence from a Buddhist Perspective

Confidence, from a Buddhist viewpoint, is distinguished from mere self-confidence. It emphasizes trust in oneself and resilience, advocating a deeper understanding beyond surface-level bravado. This concept is crucial for understanding how to engage with life's challenges without being undermined by fears and insecurities. The idea that the 'self' is an illusion complicates traditional notions of self-confidence by prompting reflections on what individuals truly place their trust in.

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