Joining the conversation is Roshi Norma Wong, a Zen master, abbot of Anko-in Zen temple, and former state legislator from Hawaii. They explore the profound concept of oneness, questioning existence and our connection to the universe. Wong emphasizes the need for personal transformation before tackling societal issues and discusses the balance between humility and pride. The chat also highlights meditation as a vital tool for fostering interconnectedness and navigating today’s complex challenges.
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insights INSIGHT
Wholeness in Separation
We seek wholeness in our identities, but these are often built by excluding others.
This exclusionary approach has reached its limits and no longer serves us.
insights INSIGHT
Binary Thinking's Emptiness
Historical human evolution has favored hierarchical, binary thinking over indigenous, non-binary views.
This hierarchical approach has created an emptiness that people try to fill.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Oneness in NYC
Roshi Norma Wong, with Hawaiian and Hakka heritage, felt a sense of oneness in a New York City canyon.
This unexpected experience expanded her sense of responsibility for the world.
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Today we’re diving into a concept that is simultaneously one of the oldest contemplative cliches and one of the most profound head scratchers — oneness. Can *you* be one with everything if *you* don’t really exist? And, even if we manage to grok this idea, what are the practical ramifications? Actually, this is just one of the many riddles and paradoxes we’ll be exploring today. My guest is Roshi Norma Wong. She was recommended to us by frequent guest and friend of TPH, The Reverend angel Kyodo Williams. Roshi Norma is a Zen Master, a life-long resident of Hawaii, a former State legislator, and abbot of a Zen temple called Anko-in. In this conversation, we talk about: • Understanding -- and experiencing -- oneness • Removing the binary between relaxation and focus • Why she thinks we need to cultivate pride and humility simultaneously • Why she thinks that before we try to solve the world’s problems, we need to become better people • And why our current moment of compounding global catastrophes presents us with an unprecedented opportunity Speaking of transformation in the face of crisis, we’ve always done our best to use this podcast as a place to figure out how to navigate our ever-shifting world. Over the last year, for example, we’ve spoken with experts about how to cope with the coronavirus, from dealing with anxiety and grief to parenting in a pandemic to worries about money. The practice of meditation undergirds all of the practical takeaways you hear us discuss on this podcast–and many of our podcast guests have contributed to our companion meditation app. Our app helps you understand both how to practice meditation and how meditation can help you navigate our ever-changing world. We hope that you'll subscribe to our app to learn how to care for yourself and others during crises (which are, after all, inevitable). To make it easier, we're offering 40% off the price of an annual subscription for our podcast listeners. We don’t do discounts of this size all the time, and of course nothing is permanent—so get this deal before it ends on April 1st by going to www.tenpercent.com/march, for 40% off your subscription. Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/roshi-norma-wong-331
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