The World's a Mess, But Don't Freak Out | Norman Fischer

Dec 11, 2019

Norman Fischer, a poet, Zen priest, and founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation, shares insights on expanding our self-perception and worldviews. He discusses the transformative power of Zazen meditation and the importance of personal experience in a modern context. Fischer dives into concepts of enlightenment, advocating for a broader perspective that embraces life's unpredictability. He emphasizes the need for imagination and interconnectedness in tackling global challenges, promoting compassion and communal identities in uncertain times.

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ANECDOTE

Norman Fischer's Path to Zen

Norman Fischer's early interest in death and unfairness led him to explore existentialism and Zen Buddhism.
Initially, he perceived Zen as a philosophy rather than a practice, until he learned about zazen in San Francisco.

INSIGHT

Zazen vs. Mindfulness Meditation

While Zazen and mindfulness meditation share similar techniques, their contexts differ significantly.
Zazen is viewed as a religious practice, where meditation occurs within Buddha's mind.

INSIGHT

Enlightenment in Soto Zen

Soto Zen views enlightenment as the fundamental nature of time itself.
Every moment, including those in meditation and daily life, is a moment of awakening.

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Essays in Zen Buddhism

D.T. Suzuki

Essays in Zen Buddhism, written by D.T. Suzuki, is a seminal work that introduced Zen to the Western world. It explores the origins of Zen as a unique Chinese interpretation of the Doctrine of Enlightenment, aiming for Satori or 'Sudden Enlightenment'. The book delves into the history of Buddhism, the daily life of a Zen monk, and the path to enlightenment, presenting Zen as a way of perceiving, acting, and being rather than a religion.

The Order of Time

Carlo Rovelli

In this book, Carlo Rovelli delves into the mysteries of time, combining physics, philosophy, and art to explain how modern physics has transformed our understanding of time. The book is divided into sections that cover the theory of relativity, space-time, loop quantum gravity, and thermodynamics. Rovelli argues that at the most fundamental level, time disappears, and our perception of its flow is subjective and influenced by our brain and emotions. He uses metaphors and simple language to make complex concepts accessible to a broad audience[2][4][5].

The World Could Be Otherwise

Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path

Norman Fischer

In this book, Norman Fischer explores how imagination can transform our understanding of the world by applying the six paramitas—generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful effort, meditation, and understanding. He presents imaginative spiritual practice as a vital resource for navigating challenging times, offering practical steps to cultivate compassion and wisdom.

Zen mind, beginner's mind

Shunryū Suzuki

In 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind', Shunryu Suzuki explores the core principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the concept of 'shoshin' or 'beginner’s mind'. This mind is empty, free of the habits of the expert, and open to all possibilities. The book discusses various aspects of Zen practice, including zazen (sitting meditation), breathing techniques, and the importance of maintaining a non-dualistic and compassionate mindset. Suzuki uses simple language and everyday examples to illustrate how to apply Zen principles in daily life, emphasizing the need to approach each experience with freshness and openness, rather than preconceptions or a sense of achievement.