Secular Buddhism 110 - Unhappily Headed Towards Happiness
Sep 29, 2019
This podcast explores the concept of being unhappily headed towards happiness, delving into the definition of self and identity. It reflects on Zen teachings and personal experiences of unhappiness, and discusses finding inner peace by examining aversion to judgment. The importance of accepting and embracing unpleasant emotions is emphasized, along with the essence of Zen being found in the simple acts of eating and drinking.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Absurd Questions Unsettle Fixed Identities
- The Bodhidharma's beard koan flips obvious identity assumptions by asking an absurd question to reveal deeper self-inquiry.
- The exercise invites investigation into who or what truly 'possesses' traits we identify with.
Flight Delay Reveals Carrying Unhappiness
- Noah describes waiting in Dallas for a delayed flight and watching an upset passenger loudly demand to get to Cancun.
- He uses this story to illustrate how people bring unhappiness with them even when heading to a desired place.
Happiness Chased Is Often Still Unmet
- Wanting to be happy can itself create unhappiness because we invest hope in a future 'there' that doesn't fix present suffering.
- Noah suggests arrival often fails to end the cycle because we carry the same seeds of unhappiness with us.