Making Sense of Meditation | Episode 10 of The Essential Sam Harris | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of “Making Sense with Sam Harris,” Sam explores the topic of meditation and its various approaches. The compilation focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of meditation for both beginners and skeptics. Sam delves into different techniques, the goal of meditation, and shares personal experiences from himself and renowned meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein. Additionally, he discusses the transformative teachings of Richard Lang and Douglas Harding. Join Sam as he uncovers the profound insights and benefits of meditation.

Main Takeaways

Meditation Techniques

• There are thousands of ways to meditate, each prescribing different techniques.
• Two popular approaches are Zobchen and Vapasana.
• Zokchen techniques aim to recognize the openness of the mind and the illusory nature of thoughts and perceptions.
• The goal of meditation is to dissolve the idea of self and identification with thoughts and concepts.

Personal Experiences

• Sam Harris shares his first encounter with meditation, which was extraordinary to him.
• Joseph Goldstein, Sam’s longtime friend and meditation teacher, recounts how meditation changed the course of his life.
• Sam had a transformative experience during his Peace Corps stay, described as a momentary experience of zero.
• Richard Lang helps people discover their true nature through Douglas Harding’s teachings.

Douglas Harding’s Headless Insight

• Douglas Harding challenges the notion of self by asking people to look for their head and realize their true nature.
• Harding’s spiritual journey involved rejecting the dogma of his strict Christian upbringing and recognizing his multi-layered existence.
• Harding identifies as the space in which all experiences occur, including thoughts and feelings.
• Opening our eyes reveals a world full of colors and shapes, but the single space that contains everything remains the same.

Summary

Exploring Meditation Techniques

Sam Harris emphasizes the multitude of meditation techniques available, with Zobchen and Vapasana being popular choices. Zokchen techniques aim to shift the mind’s focus towards recognizing the openness of the mind and the illusory nature of thoughts and perceptions. The ultimate goal of meditation is to dissolve the notion of self and detach from identification with thoughts and concepts. Different paths lead to this realization, often described as nothingness, emptiness, non-being, transparency, or non-occurrence. By exploring these techniques, individuals can deepen their understanding of meditation and its transformative potential.

Personal Insights and Transformations

Sam Harris shares his own journey into meditation, recounting his initial encounter with the practice and the impact it had on him. Joseph Goldstein, a renowned meditation teacher, shares his own experiences and how meditation transformed his life. These personal stories highlight the profound effects meditation can have on one’s perspective and well-being. Additionally, Richard Lang’s teachings, inspired by Douglas Harding, offer a unique approach to self-discovery through recognizing the true nature of existence. These personal insights serve as inspiration for listeners to explore meditation and its potential for personal growth and transformation.

Douglas Harding’s Headless Insight

Douglas Harding’s teachings challenge the conventional notion of self by inviting individuals to look for their head and realize their true nature. Through experiments and introspection, Harding guides people to recognize that their head doesn’t exist within their own universe. This realization prompts a deeper understanding of the self and the indivisible space in which all experiences occur. By identifying as this space, individuals can transcend limited perspectives and recognize the interconnectedness of all things. Harding’s teachings offer a unique and powerful approach to self-discovery and self-realization.

Conclusion

This episode of “Making Sense with Sam Harris” delves into the world of meditation, exploring different techniques and personal experiences. Sam Harris encourages listeners to embrace meditation as a means of self-discovery and personal growth. Through the teachings of Joseph Goldstein, Richard Lang, and Douglas Harding, individuals can gain profound insights into the nature of the mind and the self. Whether you are a beginner or a skeptic, this episode offers valuable insights and resources to deepen your understanding of meditation and its transformative power.