This episode's on one of our favourite authors and thinkers, Sam Harris' book 'Waking Up'.

This is a unique and pertinent piece of writing for us both in understanding meditation and mindfulness on a deeper level. We go beyond the commonly taught dualistic mindfulness techniques into more self-transcendent practices (non-dualistic). We discuss the the helpful and suggested ways of relating to suffering, our thoughts, and the nature of consciousness. Topics covered include the sense of self being an illusion, being lost in thought, and theory of mind. This one tested our ability to articulate a personal and experiential practice that we are both seeking to deepen.

Hope you enjoy.

Will & Luke

  • 00:15 Introductions
  • 4:25 The feeling of 'I' as an illusion and sources of psychological suffering
  • 5:45 Religious perspectives (Eastern spiritual practices)
  • 10:45 Vipassna (dualistic) vs Dzogchen (non-dualistic)
  • 15:05 Psychological continuity - concept of self
  • 19:45 Consciousness is all we have - 'Theory of Mind'
  • 21:15 Being lost in thought (and decision making)
  • 26:00 Embracing the contents of consciousness (relax, accepting things as they are as we strive to change ourselves)
  • 30:30 Glimpses
  • 33:45 'Having no Head'
  • 40:15 Loss of self and separateness of self
  • 50:25 Waking Up app and current practices
  • 1:02:00 Impacts of meditation for us
  • 1:09:45 Conclusions

Purchase the book at: https://samharris.org/books/

This specific episode can also be seen on: https://youtu.be/juOcP8Mv5eo

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