On Being with Krista Tippett

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[Unedited] Pico Iyer with Krista Tippett

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Nov 29, 2018

Guest

Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer, a celebrated journalist and novelist, discusses the concept of happiness through absorption and stillness. He shares insights from his journeys across the globe and his experiences in a Benedictine hermitage. The conversation delves into the distinction between spirituality and religion, emphasizing kindness as a crucial aspect of human connection. Iyer reflects on the importance of finding stillness in our fast-paced world, advocating for deeper self-discovery and mindfulness amid modern distractions.

01:26:38

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Episode notes

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ANECDOTE

No Formal Practice

Despite his interest in spirituality, Pico Iyer does not formally meditate or attend services.
He believes in rigorous study before claiming belonging to any tradition, inspired by figures like the Dalai Lama.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Finding Stillness

After a personal loss, Pico Iyer found solace at a Benedictine hermitage.
This experience led him to value stillness and silence as a way to see the world with renewed clarity.

insights

INSIGHT

Stillness in Motion

Pico Iyer views stillness not as an escape, but as a way to enhance engagement with the world.
He emphasizes bringing the calm of stillness into the commotion of everyday life.

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The Intimacy of Voice: A Conversation on Radio's Unique Connection

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A Tapestry of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage

03:08 • 3min

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Cartography of Inner Exploration

05:52 • 23min

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Exploring Spirituality and Religion: The Essential Versus the Enhanced

28:43 • 3min

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Monastic Life in a Modern Context

31:45 • 4min

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Navigating the Global Soul

35:31 • 5min

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The Global Soul: Finding Meaning in Stillness

40:42 • 20min

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The Importance of Stillness in a Fast-Paced World

01:00:18 • 26min

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#23450

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Open Road

The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama

Pico Iyer

The Open Road is a detailed and insightful book that delves into the life and global journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Pico Iyer, who has been friends with the Dalai Lama for over three decades, provides an exceptionally intimate portrait of this singular figure. The book explores the Dalai Lama's thoughts on politics, science, technology, and religion, as well as his daily challenges and the complexities of the Chinese relationship with Tibet. It also touches on the Dalai Lama's role as a spiritual leader, a political figure, and an ordinary human being, highlighting his humility, self-effacing character, and ability to communicate basic human and religious values to people of all backgrounds.

#11853

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

THE ART OF STILLNESS

ADVENTURES IN GOING NOWHERE

Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer's "The Art of Stillness" explores the transformative power of slowing down in our increasingly fast-paced world. Iyer advocates for the importance of cultivating stillness and mindfulness in our daily lives, arguing that it is essential for personal growth and well-being. He shares his personal experiences of finding stillness in various settings, from bustling cities to remote monasteries. The book encourages readers to embrace moments of quiet reflection and to find joy in the simple things. Through insightful anecdotes and reflections, Iyer provides a practical guide to incorporating stillness into our lives, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

#38120

The global soul : jet lag, shopping malls, and the search for home

Pico Iyer

In this book, Pico Iyer explores the cultural ramifications of globalization through his personal experiences traveling to various locations such as California, Hong Kong, Toronto, Britain, Japan, and the Olympic Games. Iyer identifies himself as a 'global soul,' an individual who cannot fully adopt a single nationality and often feels like a permanent alien. The book delves into themes of marginalized cultures, the loss of traditional identities, and the shifting sense of home in a rapidly changing world. Iyer's essays offer a highly introspective view of his own personhood and the broader implications of globalization on personal identity and belonging.

#17589

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Autumn Light

Season of Fire and Farewells

Pico Iyer

In this memoir, Pico Iyer reflects on the themes of impermanence, mortality, and grief as he navigates the death of his father-in-law in Japan. The book delves into Japanese culture and traditions, particularly during the autumn season, and explores how Iyer and his wife Hiroko cope with loss. It also touches on family dynamics, including Hiroko's estranged brother and her ailing mother, and the author's interactions with his ping-pong club, which consists of older Japanese individuals. The narrative is a moving meditation on how to hold onto the things we love despite the inevitability of loss and change.

#12134

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

A Beginner's Guide to Japan

Observations and Provocations

Pico Iyer

In 'A Beginner's Guide to Japan', Pico Iyer draws on his years of experience living in Japan to craft a book that provides insightful and provocative observations about Japanese culture. Iyer recounts his adventures and observations as he travels from various locations, including a meditation hall, a love hotel, West Point, Kyoto Station, and even a dinner with Meryl Streep. The book is designed to pique the interest and curiosity of those who don’t know Japan and to remind those who do of its myriad fascinations.

[Unedited] Pico Iyer with Krista Tippett

Absorption as a definition of happiness. “To bring that calm into the motion, the commotion of the world.” Traveling not in order to move around but in order to be moved. His friend Leonard Cohen. Stillness & silence as a recharging station for the soul.

Pico Iyer is one of our most eloquent explorers of what he calls the “inner world” — in himself and in the 21st century world at large. The journalist and novelist travels the globe from Ethiopia to North Korea and lives in Japan. But he also experiences a remote Benedictine hermitage as his second home, retreating there many times each year. In this intimate conversation, we explore the discoveries he’s making and his practice of “the art of stillness.”

Pico Iyer is a journalist and writer. He’s written over a dozen books including “The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls, and the Search for Home,” “The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama,” and “The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere.” He has two books on Japan upcoming in 2019: “Autumn Light” and “A Beginner’s Guide to Japan.”

This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Pico Iyer — The Urgency of Slowing Down.” Find more at onbeing.org.

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