10% Happier with Dan Harris Buddhism Without Beliefs | Stephen Batchelor
Mar 4, 2020
Stephen Batchelor, a Buddhist teacher and author known for his secular approach to Buddhism, shares his transformative journey from Tibetan monk to Zen practitioner. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in meditation, advocating for modern interpretations of ancient teachings. Batchelor discusses the balance between traditional ethics and contemporary mental health challenges, alongside his experiences with plant medicine in the 60s. His insights encourage listeners to explore Buddhism as an evolving practice that helps navigate today's complexities.
01:18:55
Early Buddhist Journey
- Stephen Batchelor's interest in Buddhism stemmed from the 1960s counter-culture and books like "Be Here Now."
- At 18, he traveled to India, met the Dalai Lama, and immersed himself in Buddhist study and practice.
Crisis of Faith and Reason
- Stephen Batchelor's humanist background drew him to the Gelugpa school's emphasis on reason and logic.
- However, he found that doctrines like reincarnation didn't withstand critical scrutiny, leading to a personal crisis of faith versus reason.
Vipassana Revelation
- A Vipassana retreat led by S.N. Goenka, invited by the Dalai Lama, was a turning point for Stephen Batchelor.
- It opened up a new level of experiential awareness and grounded attention to the present moment.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Guardians of the Amazon and the Impact of Buddhist Practice
03:11 • 3min
Journey to Buddhist Monastic Life
06:14 • 21min
Zen, Art, and Modern Dharma
26:51 • 12min
Navigating Anxiety and Ethics
39:18 • 7min
Ethics and the Self: Embracing Solitude
45:53 • 27min
Transformative Journeys with Plant Medicine
01:12:23 • 10min
Mindful Driving: Practicing Meditation Behind the Wheel
01:22:28 • 3min
Buddhism without beliefs
Stephen Batchelor
In this book, Stephen Batchelor argues that the Buddha's teachings are not something to believe in but something to practice.
He suggests that Buddhism should be stripped of its metaphysical and religious elements, such as reincarnation and karma, to reveal a more existential, therapeutic, and liberating agnosticism.
Batchelor emphasizes that the Buddha's teachings are about understanding the nature of anguish, letting go of its origins, and creating a way of life that is available to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The book includes simple meditation exercises and encourages readers to engage with Buddhist principles in a practical and meaningful way.
Confession of a Buddhist atheist
Stephen Batchelor
Stephen Batchelor's "Confessions of a Buddhist Atheist" offers a critical examination of Buddhist traditions through a secular lens.
Batchelor challenges traditional interpretations and emphasizes the importance of reason and critical inquiry in Buddhist practice.
He explores the core tenets of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, while rejecting supernatural beliefs and theistic interpretations.
The book encourages readers to engage with Buddhist teachings in a way that aligns with their own values and understanding of the world.
It's a valuable resource for those seeking a modern and rational approach to Buddhist philosophy.
The book promotes a personal and intellectual engagement with Buddhist principles, encouraging readers to develop their own understanding.
Essays
None
Michel de Montaigne
Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form.
The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning.
Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration.
The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death.
Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality.
Be Here Now
Ram Dass
Be Here Now is a seminal book on spirituality, yoga, and meditation written by Ram Dass.
The book is divided into four sections: 'Journey', which details Ram Dass's transformation from a Harvard psychologist to a spiritual seeker; 'From Bindu to Ojas', a core section that includes spiritual themes and inspirational quotes; 'Cookbook for a Sacred Life', a manual for conscious living with practical advice on meditation, yoga, and diet; and 'Painted Cakes (Do Not Satisfy Hunger)', a list of recommended books for further spiritual exploration.
The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, shedding ego and material attachments, and finding unity with the divine through unconditional love and mindfulness.
Why Buddhism is True
The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
Robert Wright
In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy.
He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering.
The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators.
It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari
In '21 Lessons for the 21st Century', Yuval Noah Harari tackles the most pressing questions of our time.
The book explores issues such as the crisis of liberal democracy, the rise of nationalism, the impact of technological advancements, the threat of terrorism, and the challenges posed by climate change and nuclear war.
Harari presents these complex contemporary challenges clearly and accessibly, inviting readers to consider values, meaning, and personal engagement in a world filled with noise and uncertainty.
He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in navigating the future and suggests that individuals must identify strongly with a global community to confront global problems effectively.
Rules of civility
George Washington
This book contains a list of 110 rules that George Washington copied from a French etiquette manual written by Jesuits in 1595.
The rules, translated into English by Francis Hawkins in 1640, cover various aspects of social behavior, including respect for others, proper conduct in company, and general courtesies.
These rules were influential in shaping Washington's character and behavior throughout his life, and they remain relevant today as a guide to respectful and considerate behavior.
The Art of Solitude
Stephen Batchelor
In 'The Art of Solitude', Stephen Batchelor offers a multifaceted exploration of solitude, drawing from his experiences in meditation, art, and personal narratives.
The book weaves together stories from historical figures like the Buddha and Montaigne, highlighting the rewards of solitude in cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Thoughts without a thinker
Mark Epstein
Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective by Mark Epstein delves into the intersection of psychology and spirituality.
The book describes how Buddhist teachings have reshaped understandings of the mind and behavior, and it outlines a path to meditation-inspired healing.
Epstein draws on his experiences as a psychotherapist and meditator to provide a revolutionary understanding of what constitutes a healthy emotional life.
The book emphasizes the importance of inner development and the potential for mutual benefit between Buddhist assertions and modern psychotherapeutic findings.
Stephen Batchelor is a Buddhist teacher who takes an unconventional approach to the practice. He was more of a scholar, studying logic and philosophy rather than mantras and deities. In his early life, Stephen traveled to India and met the Dalai Lama, which led him to become a monk who practiced Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Throughout his practice, Stephen felt torn between reason and faith, which ultimately resulted in his secular approach to Buddhism. He follows it as an ever-changing awakening rather than as a religious belief. Stephen eventually transitioned from Tibetan to Zen practice, as he was drawn by the meditation and existential questions of the world. He says keeping an open and questioning mind is key to the practice, and Zen frees the mind from what holds it back, allowing creativity and the ability to embark on the arts. Stephen says that though it’s important to have a sense of where the Buddhist teachings come from, we shouldn’t get stuck trying to preserve or replicate something that has survived for hundreds of years already. Instead, we should take the risk of translating the insights of these traditions into new forms of language, expression and art form that engage with our modernity. Plug Zone Podcast Audience Survey: www.tenpercent.com/survey Dan’s Documentary: Guardians of the Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdTAbgPQuNI Stephen Batchelor Website: https://www.stephenbatchelor.org/index.php/en/ The Art of Solitude: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300250932/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Batchelor/e/B000ARBI4K Mara Opera: Santa Fe New Mexico, Thursday 5th of March with Stephen Batchelor https://santafevipassana.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mara-flyer.pdf Full Show Notes: http://tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/stephen-batchelor-229 Ten Percent Happier Podcast Insiders Feedback Group: https://10percenthappier.typeform.com/to/vHz4q4 Have a question for Dan? Leave us a voicemail: 646-883-8326