Interview questions- What does it mean to grow up, why should we? What makes life worth living?
Preface- Were here at Philosophy Central, and the year is 2060. We were just able to approve the projection of spirits using the latest technology. This is the first time we've been able to do something like this, and I'm beyond excited. Today we have some of the most well-known philosophers with us, Susan Neiman and John Kaag. Thanks to that technology I previously mentioned, we were also able to get one of the most famous Japanese philosophers from the 13th century- Eihei Dogan. Now, welcome to this week's podcast.
Interviewer: So, you all know why you came here today. The two questions presented are asked by many, but it's difficult to find an answer. I'm eager to hear your interpretations of the questions and I can tell this interview will go down in the history books someday- especially because this is the first interview ever with Eihei Dogan. In fact- Why don't you start us off Eihei? What does it mean to grow up, and why should we? What makes life worth living?
Eihei- Thank you for having me. I have to say, this is incredible being able to be here and talk with you, Susan, and John. The questions you ask, can be answered differently for everyone, but I'll try to answer as best as I can. Firstly, growing up is the way of life. It has whatever meaning you put to it. That being said, growing up should lead you to eventual enlightenment. I grew up in 13th century Japan, and even I went through trials and tribulations. I inherited the buddha religion and built my own teachings and beliefs centered around this. A major part of life, is death. I didn't truly understand the impermanence of our beings until my mother died when I was a young boy. Over the years, instead of running away from death, I embraced it with compassionate understanding that death is inevitable. For me, my life was dedicated towards the teachings of zazen.“The zazen I speak of is not learning meditation. It is simply the Dharma gate of repose and bliss, the practice-realization of totally culminated enlightenment. It is the manifestation of ultimate reality. Traps and snares can never reach it. Once its heart is grasped, you are like the dragon when he gains the water, like the tiger when she enters the mountain. For you must know that just there (in zazen) the right Dharma is manifesting itself and that, from the first, dullness and distraction are struck aside." Enlightenment is the reason for growing up. We must grow and learn to accept death, and put aside material things. Each moment we are given should not be wasted. “Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.” You must push aside vain, and take little from the opinions of others- but while being kind to all beings. “If you have compassion and are imbued with the spirit of the Way, it is of no consequence to be criticized, even reviled, by the ignorant. But if you lack the spirit of the Way, you should be wary of being thought of by others as having the Way. ”The way of the Buddha is all that should be seeked, and it's of utmost importance. The meaning you get from life can be acquired through the teachings of zazen and by becoming a Buddha. There is a simple way to become buddha: When you refrain from unwholesome actions, are not attached to birth and death, and are compassionate toward all sentient beings, respectful to seniors and kind to juniors, not excluding or desiring anything, with no designing thoughts or worries, you will be called a buddha. Do not seek anything else.”
Interviewer: The way of the Buddhas is so interesting and I too have integrated Buddhism into my life. I have noticed an improvement in my well being since I started meditating- which I know is a part of zazen, correct?
Eihei: Although that is correct, it is only a tiny piece of a whole. Susan, I am interested to hear your response.
Susan: Well tank you Eihei- It is a honor to talk to you, and I find your answers to the questions very intriguing. On that note, I think I'll take a swing at answering that question. “Growing up is more a matter of courage than knowledge: all the information in the world is no substitute for the guts to use your own judgment. And judgment can be leaned-… (WGU, 16) Growing up is harder than most people think. Society has instilled this idea that our youth is our prime, and from there it's all downhill. We hear and see things around us all the time that constantly keep this fantasy going. No one looks at growing up and maturing as a pleasant thing anymore. Maturity is viewed as "boring", and our youth is premised as the best time of our life. It shouldn't be the way we look at things, and in doing so we're setting ourselves up to be disappointed and bored at the end. "What better way to keep people in self-imposed immaturity than to present such a dismal picture of adulthood that no one with soul and spirit would want to be apart of it?" "What I'm arguing is that being grown up means to face the split between what the world is and what it ought to be." Growing up should be celebrated- We must allow ourselves to mature and think more clearly about the world around us.
What makes life worth living, you ask? Well, the connections we make, the people we influence, and the people that rely on us. Life can be really rewarding if you let it be. A side note-When Eihei talks about enlightenment, I must say I find the topic very interesting myself and have actually answered the question of "What Is Enlightenment", if you'd like to check that out.
Interviewer: I agree that in this age, maturity is something that is almost looked down upon. People are so caught up in trying to bend into what society wants them to be that they don't realize that life has passed them by. I think we can all resonate with getting older and embracing it. Thank you for answering. John, I think we're ready to hear you input on these questions.
John: I agree with Susan in that growing up is a matter of courage. Growing up should be seen as an opportunity to improve and discover ourselves. As we grow and learn, we must adapt to overcome life's challenges. In my book "Sick Souls, Healthy Minds", I dive into mental health and what makes life worth living is an essential question for those who are mentally ill. I encourage myself continue by reminding myself that there is still time to find meaning and create value in life. William James has played a large part in bringing me to these conclusions. “He wanted to craft a philosophy that was absolutely honest to the twisted, often contradictory, facts of life, but also to the desire that many of us have to transcend them. In his words, he wanted to provide a way of thinking between the ‘tough-minded’ scientist and the ‘tender-minded’ idealist, preserving what is valuable about both sides. ”James philosophy of the power of free will and the possibilities of life saved me- or more so encouraged me not to be afraid of living. To summarize my answer to your first question- It's important to grow up so we can find purpose, and gain knowledge. I've mentioned this subject in my other book "Hiking with Nietzsche: On becoming who we are", and I'd like to include a quotes I feel adds to this discussion. “Walking is among the most life-affirming of human activities. It is the way we organize space and orient ourselves to the world at large. It is the living proof that repetition—placing one foot in front of the other—can in fact allow a person to make meaningful progress.” As for why life is worth living, I've asked myself that question many times. In the end, I found that life is worth living if you believe it is. William James would say "maybe" to that question, but this answer is more encouraging than a simple yes or no. It gives us the opportunity to decide for ourselves. We all have the power of free will. If you simply believe your life is worth living, it will be, and that's that. “Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”- William James
Click on the picture below to listen to a podcast with John Kaag about his other book "Hiking with Nietzsche"
Additional links that are interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaineVZ2MD8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzPRjHPIPR0
Very nicely done. Inspired choice, bringing Eihei's perspective into the mix.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
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