The Imperfect Buddha Podcast

Tom joins us to discuss his book Speaking Philosophically: Communication at the Limits of Discursive Reason (Bloomsbury, 2023). Western philosophy has often claimed for itself not just a distinct sphere of knowledge, but a distinct form of communication, set against ordinary speech. For some philosophers, authentic philosophizing demands a specific manner of speaking or writing, adoption of which enables one to gesture toward truths that propositional speech will never grasp. Drawing on a variety of thinkers – Heraclitus, Plato, Kant, Fichte, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Weil, Foucault, and Irigaray – Sutherland argues this emphasis on the form of philosophical communication can function as an exclusionary mechanism, determining who is deemed capable of speaking philosophically. We discuss Plato, Nietzsche, Weil, Laruelle and applied philosophy in Hadot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne C. Klein, a Professor of Religion at Rice University and a lama in the Nyingma tradition, dives deep into the intricate balance of being human and a Buddha. She discusses the evolving landscape of Buddhism in the West and the challenges of integrating traditional teachings with contemporary experiences. Klein explores the nuances of translating Buddhist concepts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal experience in spiritual practice. Her insights on the interplay between scholarship and lived experience provide a rich perspective on navigating the complexities of modern Buddhism.

Today’s guest is Dr Thomas Sutherland, author of the Bloomsbury title, Speaking Philosophically: Communication at the Limits of Discursive Reason (Bloombury, 2024), lecturer in digital media at the University of Southampton, and researcher into digital culture and the humanities, the history of philosophy and contemporary continental philosophy, and technologies of the self.We discuss three areas that concern the odd character that is Peter Sloterdijk; namely, spheres, the practising life and his rehabilitation of philosophy as wisdom.Dr Thomas Sutherland is a deep dabbler in Sloterdijk’s thought, having written various papers on his work, including Peter Sloterdijk and the ‘security architecture of existence’: immunity, autochthony, and ontological nativism, and Ontological co-belonging in Peter Sloterdijk's spherological philosophy of mediation. He is also familiar with a regular mention here on the podcast, François Laruelle and his non-philosophy.We touch on; Sloterdijk’s original work on Cynicism and why it is still relevant today Spheres, co-existence & interdependence The Practising Life & why ‘You Must Change your Life’ The Art of Philosophy as Wisdom The strengths and weaknesses of Sloterdijk’s insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glenn’s latest, Non Buddhist Mysticism: Performing Irreducible and Primitive Presence (Eyecorner Press, 2022), presents a radical reorientation to “spiritual” practice.Drawing from François Laruelle’s concept of future mysticism and the author’s own previous work on non-buddhism, Glenn Wallis galvanizes a materialist spirituality for the twenty-first century.Liberated from the punctilious gaze of the masters, delivered into the hands (and hearts) of the reader, this is a spirituality “born in the spirit of heresy rather than sanctity.”The intended outcome is a subject “fit for the clash with Hell” – a person equipped, lovingly and compassionately, to confront the injustices of the world.We also look at the great work taking place at INCITE Seminars, a place of practice which all listeners are invited to.Order at EyeCorner Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Shodhin Geiman, a Sensei and Abbot at the Chicago Zen Center, shares deep insights from his books on Dharma and activism. He discusses the challenges of mixing Buddhism with activism and the importance of patience and forbearance in practice. Geiman emphasizes the need for a reflective approach rather than reactionary politics, relating personal growth to societal change. His critiques of the desire to 'fix' both the world and ourselves shed light on American Buddhism's complexities, urging a focused understanding of liberation.

Nietzsche Now! Now? Really, you might ask. Isn’t he dead already? The Great Immoralist on the vital issues of our time. Hmm, how is that you might ask. Find out in this conversation with Glenn Wallis, returning guest and author of Nietzsche Now! We discuss the role Nietzsche might play today in helping all of us exit the culture war bubble and start to think again. For regular listeners, don’t worry, we do touch on Buddhism too!The Press Release does much of the work in explaining the appeal of this book.‘For readers both acquainted with and new to the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, Nietzsche NOW! (Warbler Press, 2024) frames and explains Nietzsche’s thinking on topics of immediate contemporary concern and relevance. Wallis unpacks Nietzsche’s complex philosophy with a deft, empathetic, and brilliantly subtle analysis of the views of the Great Immoralist on democracy, identity, civilization, consciousness, religion, and other momentous topics.Throughout, Wallis includes ample extracts from Nietzsche himself. Rather than skirting what is controversial or editing for easy consumption, Wallis invites readers to exercise a courageous curiosity that yields a rich, nuanced understanding of Nietzsche. He takes readers on a sometimes counterintuitive, always revelatory journey to grasp the relevance of Nietzsche for our contentious times.“Clearly written, relevant accounts are rare in the world of Nietzsche scholarship. Nietzsche NOW! is immensely readable. Our ‘now’ is as pessimistic as Nietzsche’s ‘now’ but Wallis guides us, through Nietzsche's writings, towards coping with the same problems Nietzsche tackled, including truth, democracy, morality, and identity. The same problems but not the same. All now wear modern dress. Wallis’s deep knowledge of Buddhism feeds into the transfigurative nature of the Übermensch, the radical figure who realizes the possibility for personal and social change, the figure whom we can all—why not?—strive to become.”—Sue Prideaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Jundo Cohen, a Zen Buddhist teacher, discusses the intersection of Buddhism, ethics, and future technologies in this captivating podcast. Topics include the impact of AI, genetics, virtual reality, and medical advancements on the future of Buddhism. The conversation delves into utopian ideas and ethical concerns, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving nature of the ancient tradition.

Professor William Waldron discusses Yogacara Buddhism, highlighting its constructivist nature and emphasis on interdependence. He explains the liberational concepts of the three natures, storehouse consciousness, and mere perception. Waldron challenges misconceptions about Yogacara and explores how its insights can aid in understanding liberation in modern times.

Christian Coseru, a professor of philosophy, discusses perceiving reality in Buddhist philosophy, debates on consciousness, the role of mediation, and the relationship between panpsychism and Buddhism. The podcast explores the reliability of perception, the intersection of Buddhist and contemporary philosophical approaches, and the active nature of perception. It also touches on personalizing Buddhist principles, alternative practices in coaching, and the complexity of perception in the Buddhist perspective.

In this podcast, David McMahan, a professor of religion, discusses his book 'Rethinking Meditation,' which uncovers the history and context behind popular ideas about meditation. The conversation explores the variety of meditation practices, the concept of social imaginary, the purpose of meditation in the world, different approaches to practice, and the freedom to follow personal interests in academic studies.