Lecture Notes: Comparing the Philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche and Dogen Zenji

Introduction

• Purpose of Lecture: Explore the philosophies of two thinkers: Friedrich Nietzsche and Dogen Zenji, focusing on their views on the self.
• Key Quote: "To study the Buddha way is to study the self; to study the self is to forget the self." - Dogen Zenji

Philosophers Overview

• Friedrich Nietzsche:

  • 19th-century German philosopher.
  • Philosophy centered on self-overcoming and revaluation of values.

• Dogen Zenji:

  • 13th-century Japanese Zen Buddhist monk.
  • Philosophy focused on self-understanding and interdependence of all things.

Concept of Self

Nietzsche's Philosophy

• Dynamic Self:

  • Rejects the notion of a static, unchanging self.
  • Self is influenced by cultural, social, psychological, and physiological factors.
  • Core Concept: Self-overcoming - continual questioning and transcending existing values and beliefs.

• Becoming Who You Are:

  • Process of self-discovery and actualization.
  • Involves embracing inherent potential without societal constraints.

• Critique of Christianity:

  • Nietzsche's declaration of "the death of God" signifies the end of absolute values.
  • Calls for individuals to create new values grounded in real human experiences.

• Ubermensch (Overman):

  • Represents the ideal human who transcends conventional morality and embraces a new set of life-affirming values.

Dogen's Philosophy

• Zen Understanding of Self:

  • Devoted to realizing the no self or anata.
  • Self is part of a constantly changing tapestry of existence; interdependence is key.

• Forgetting the Self:

  • Not about annihilating self but transcending an ego-centered existence leading to true self-awareness.

• Zazen (Seated Meditation):

  • Primary method for understanding the self; observing thoughts and actions to deepen self-awareness.

Suffering in Nietzsche vs. Dogen

Nietzsche's Perspective

• Suffering as Catalyst:
  • Essential for personal growth and a key element of self-overcoming.
  • Emphasizes strength derived from suffering; "What does not kill me makes me stronger."

Dogen's Perspective

• Denunciation of Suffering:
  • Views suffering as unnecessary; can be eliminated through understanding the true nature of reality.
  • Associated with attachment, ignorance, and the illusion of a separate self.

Intersection of Philosophies

• Both philosophers see the self as empty or devoid of fixed essence.
• Nihilism Risk in Nietzsche’s Philosophy:
  • Nietzsche's ideas could lead to despair without the grounding in Dogen's teachings of interconnectedness.

Integrating Both Philosophies

Key Concepts by Ken Wilber

• Waking Up vs. Growing Up:
  • Waking Up: Realization of unity beyond the ego (Dogen's teachings).
  • Growing Up: Individual development and creativity (Nietzsche's philosophy).

Need for Balance

• True development requires nurturing both aspects (spiritual awakening and personal growth).

Conclusion

• Integrating the insights of Nietzsche and Dogen can foster a life that is both contemplative and creative, grounded in true self-understanding while engaged in the continuous journey of becoming.

Additional Information

• Visit the online bookstore, asangamhambooks, for curated lists on spirituality and philosophy.
• Relevant themes include mindfulness, the nature of change and impermanence, and embracing the interconnectedness of existence.