Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Buddha
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos10/05/20 • 28 min
The Buddha was born to a royal family... and it shocked him when he found out that no amount of money or power could keep suffering and loss at bay forever. The quest to accept that life brings us pain was key to the development of Buddhism as a major religion.
Dr Laurie Santos is joined by Liz Angowski and Robert Wright (author of 'Why Buddhism is True') to explore The Buddha's teachings about unhappiness and how mindfulness meditation can help us come to terms with the negative feelings we all experience from time to time.
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10/05/20 • 28 min
3 Listeners
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos - Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Buddha
Transcript Summary
In the podcast episode titled "Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Buddha," the host explores the intersection between Buddhism and evolutionary theory in understanding human psychology. They highlight the concept of suffering and craving as the first noble truth in Buddhism, which aligns with the idea that gratification is short-lived according to Darwinian perspective. The episode delves into how Buddhism offers a way to transcend suffering through meditation, which leads to transformative experiences and the development of an objective perspective on emotions and thoughts. By accepting impermanence and practicing daily mindfulness, individuals can find a deeper sense of happiness. The episode emphasizes the Buddha's recognition of suffering and impermanence through observations of old age, sickness, and death, and how his teachings provide a path to enlightenment and cessation of suffering by addressing the root causes. These teachings are compatible with scientific research on human psychology and emphasize the importance of clarity to become happier and better individuals. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into how Buddhism can help cope with the pain and disappointment of life and provide tools for personal transformation.
Transcript
Pushkin. One of the biggest lies our minds tell us is that happiness will be ours if we can just get the next thing we really want. That if we only got that new promotion, or that new love interest, or that new outfit, then we'd finally be eternally happy. I mean, it's true that all of those things will give us some joy, but the effects are more fleeting than we think. Many things we yearn and strive for are fragile. Dresses, rip companies, fold,
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Buddha Top Questions Answered
What were the Buddha's teachings on the nature of suffering and happiness?
The Buddha taught that suffering is inherent in life and is caused by cravings and attachments. The path to ending suffering and finding happiness involves understanding the impermanence of all things and cultivating mindfulness and compassion.
How did the Buddha achieve enlightenment?
The Buddha achieved enlightenment by leaving his opulent life, becoming a wandering ascetic, and ultimately attaining enlightenment under a tree.
How does Buddhism align with scientific research on human psychology?
Buddhism aligns with scientific research on human psychology by recognizing that human psychology is influenced by the drive to pass on genes and seek gratification, which can lead to suffering. Buddhism offers practices such as meditation to transform our consciousness and perception.
What is the concept of hedonic adaptation and how does it relate to Buddhism?
Hedonic adaptation is the tendency of humans to constantly crave more without finding lasting satisfaction. Buddhism teaches that suffering comes from wanting more and not finding lasting gratification, which aligns with the idea of hedonic adaptation.
What are the benefits of practicing meditation?
Practicing meditation can bring about a transformative shift in consciousness and perception. It helps in developing a more objective perspective on emotions and thoughts, allowing for greater detachment and control. Meditation can also change one's relationship with negative sensations, improve relationships, and provide a clearer view of the world.
How does mindfulness help in daily life?
Practicing mindfulness in daily life can bring about greater appreciation and happiness. It allows us to observe our feelings and accept them, leading to a sense of impermanence, resilience, and an understanding that emotions will pass.
How does Buddhism align with evolutionary theory?
Buddhism aligns with evolutionary theory by recognizing that human psychology is influenced by the drive to pass on genes and seek gratification. It acknowledges the role of these biological factors in shaping our experiences and teaches practices to transcend them.
What is the role of cravings and attachments in suffering?
The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by cravings and attachments. The desire for more and the inability to find lasting gratification contribute to human suffering.
How can meditation change our relationship with pain and judgments?
Through meditation, one can develop a more objective perspective on negative sensations like pain and judgments of others. By observing these sensations and accepting them, one can cultivate greater detachment and control.
Is enduring happiness possible through the Buddha's teachings and meditation?
Yes, the Buddha's teachings and meditation provide a path to enduring happiness. By understanding the nature of suffering, cultivating mindfulness and compassion, and practicing meditation, one can attain a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.
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