10% Happier Podcast: Dan Harris

Introduction

• Host: Dan Harris
• Main Question: How to deepen meditation and learn about Buddhism?
• Current Solution: Audio series on the Waking Up app featuring Joseph Goldstein, Sam Harris, and Dan Harris.
• Content: Four-part conversation (~8 hours) on the Buddha’s eight-fold path.
• App Link: wakingup.com/110percent for a 30-day free trial and to support the show.

Context

• Dan recently separated from the 10% Happier meditation app.
• Collaboration with Sam Harris on the Waking Up app as a new content partnership.

Episode Overview

• Guests: Joseph Goldstein (Buddhist teacher) & Sam Harris (neuroscientist and proprietor of Waking Up app).
• Topic: Discussion of the Buddha's eight-fold path.

Discussion Highlights

Eight-Fold Path

1. Right View

   • Sets the direction of the path towards enlightenment.
   • Two levels:
     • Mundane Right View: Understanding actions have consequences (karma), promoting happiness through ethical behavior.
     • Supermundane Right View: Understanding liberation through the Four Noble Truths.
   • Emphasis on letting go and impermanence.

2. Understanding Enlightenment

   • Concept of uprooting greed, hatred, and delusion.
   • Psychological freedom from the illusion of self.
   • Skepticism and science-based understanding of enlightenment.

Key Concepts Discussed

• Suffering (Dukkha)

  • Defined as the inevitability of unwanted experiences.
  • Relationship with impermanence.

• Clinging and Letting Go

  • Clinging as a major cause of suffering.
  • Letting go (or letting be) to experience freedom.

• Mental Suffering vs. Physical Pain

  • Mental suffering, often worse due to its pervasive nature.
  • Mindfulness as a tool to reduce mental suffering.

• Identification with Thoughts

  • Recognizing the ephemeral nature of thoughts can reduce their power over us.
  • Mindful awareness helps in reducing identification with persistent thoughts or emotions.

Sam Harris’ Perspective

• Acknowledgement of the grandiose potential of human well-being.
• Skepticism towards magic powers and omniscience attributed to enlightenment in Buddhist doctrine.
• Recognizes meditation as a tool for reducing psychological suffering.

Joseph Goldstein's Personal Reflections

• Personal experience with fear and how mindfulness helped alleviate it.
• Emphasis on ongoing practice and the gradual expansion of comfort zones.

Practical Tips for Practitioners

• Exploring Right View: Seeing thoughts as ephemeral and understanding the role of karma.
• Generosity Practice: Acting on impulses to give without second-guessing.
• Dealing with Parents: Navigating complex relationships with parents using Buddhist teachings.

Closing Thoughts

• Emphasis on consistency in practice.
• The goal of lightening up and fostering ease in life.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to download the Waking Up app for additional sessions and meditations.
• Acknowledgment of the collaborative effort behind the 10% Happier Podcast.
• Reminder of the supportive nature of subscribing through the promo link.