Secular Buddhism 59 - "Escape Into Discomfort" - A discussion with Shinzen Young
Nov 20, 2017
Shinzen Young, a meditation teacher and author, explores the concept of escaping into discomfort and the transformative effects it can have. They discuss the Buddhist perspective on discomfort, the cause of suffering, and the importance of mindfulness in navigating different options. The conversation also touches upon Japanese culture and the metaphor of H2O in pain and pleasure experiences.
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Samurai Movie Spark
- Shinzen Young's interest in Eastern culture began at 14, sparked by a samurai movie.
- This led to exploring Japanese language, food, and ultimately, Buddhism.
100-Day Winter Retreat
- During a 100-day winter retreat in Japan, Shinzen Young faced extreme cold and discomfort.
- This experience taught him the power of concentration in managing suffering.
Two Escapes
- Discomfort is inevitable; we can choose how we respond.
- We can escape "from" discomfort or escape "into" it.