As someone who has been diagnosed with PTSD..anxiety...depression.. OCD..and Bopolar 2...along with being a recovering addict/alcoholic... Mindful Meditation has changed my life in more positive ways than I can fully express with words. It will be a part of my every day life...for the rest of my life.
Life really is a moment to moment flow. Psychologically, there is no need to bring the thousands of yesterdays into now. The self is the conditioning of all that, all those yesterdays, labels created and identified with, "I am this" or "I am that". How strange it is that we humans do this! And in the doing of this we cover now with all that conditioning, filtering through ideologies, politics, economics, religion, nationalism, all the labels we wear, etc. and lose the ability to truly see. As long as there is a me, a self, an ego, that which identifies with and lives in and through the past, we will never be able to see what is actually going on and therefore go beyond it to create a better world. After all, conditioned thought, which is the self(!), has made the world what it is. What we humans are is what the world is.
@@chamicels J Krishnamurti once said these words: The words seeking and searching have extraordinary significance. The act of searching or seeking implies that you are moving from the periphery to the centre. This seeking or searching depends upon one’s temperament, environment, pressures and strains, the calamities of experiences, the distresses of life and the innumerable travail of one’s existence. All these pressures force one to seek. If there was no pressure at all, if there was no challenge, calamity or misery, I wonder if we would seek anything at all.
"you're in your mind even though you're in the world" Sam has great insights that are just spoken off the cuff like he's ordering lunch, I wonder how many people actual hear him.
That line actually caused me to open up a note file and copy so as not to forget! Nice observation :-) I also grabbed (may not be exact) "if you direct your attention in certain ways, something interesting might show up" and some others! edit: goes without saying, but, I hadn't seen your comment yet :- |
Sam says many things of value, but this is for me a "deepity": while it may sound profound, it's actually trivial. Does anyone think they're in the world but not in their mind? Who (other than a schizophrenic) thinks they're in their mind but not in the world? You cannot escape being both in both your mind and in the world. It's been this way all your life. You should be used to it by now, know it intuitively, and not be surprised to hear it.
Hector Peabody I disgreee that this is a deepity. A Deepity is defined as a statement which is true but trivial on one level, and deep but false on another level. Deepities can (and are intended to) be interpreted in two ways. That's not true for Sam's statement. "You're in your mind even though you're in the world" only has one interpretation in the context he said it. The literal meaning.
Hector Peabody I think it's interesting you can explain how schizophrenics think (just kidding) my point is, Sam is making distinctions which on the surface are obvious but I'm curious how many may not get it and it just goes right over thier head, "if you are you're mind, then who's listening" subtle stuff...
We are possessed by thoughts and emotions we have no or little control over. its like he says we are constantly in our own heads having boring negative conversations with ourselves and a lot of people in western civilization are miserable. Ive done 3 sessions and I couldnt believe how much im in my head. But I've so much prgrresa slapdash Considering I've always suffered from depression since I was diagnosed and the prescribed tablets at 15 for depression. Weernr 3b3nn but my anxiety the last couple years has been noticeably g worse. what a fucking lad sam harts it though I thought he was the shirt and tie atheist 2bo I still love 4j2 bnn31g but now he's like this master of consciousness and is about to give meditation one of the biggest social pushes it's possibly ever?
@@2fast2block dude their are several evidence and explanations that tells you how the universe came to be. But even if we don’t know it wouldn’t make scenes to just assume it’s just supernatural. Weather you consider it to be supernatural or not it still doesn’t affect the fact that their are several people that are going to try and figure it out.
@@2fast2block when someone like you can’t take criticism you keep repeating the same thing over and over again because it helps you deflect and dismiss the persons without giving any solid counter argument. You know... like a toddler. Also Science is knowledge gained by systematic and logical study in any branches of physical, chemical or natural sciences, which is gained through observation and experimentation, as facts or principles or hypothesis, to open up new areas of knowledge. You can’t just randomly assume something, claim it’s true, and accuse any one that opposes you of being wrong because they can’t prove it, despite the fact that you can’t prove it either. Also who are you to assume am “empty” what does that even mean? As for the “shut up” part what do you think this comment section is for? Instead of telling people what to do why don’t you try leading by example.
The relentless refrain of the self makes us feel separate, isolated from experience. Losing it allows for a connected expansive experience of everyday life. Simple but not easy.
"No distance between themselves and the task." - I have felt this many times while developing software. It's called "getting in the zone" and it's that state where you are so fully absorbed into what you're doing that hours can pass without any awareness of them having done so. And it's usually when we produce our best work.
Somewhat ironically, in his previous talk one of the questioners said that unfortunately this sort of state doesn't seem to work whilst programming. I think maybe you're talking about something slightly different. Or you're just talking about really simple software?
chebob2009 Can you point me in the direction of that previous talk? It's hard to respond when I don't have full context, because I don't know what the questioner had in mind. Sure, it's possible I'm talking about something different, but it doesn't feel different to me. I meditate, and have experience with the sort of thing Sam's talking about, and I've felt that way while programming. Perhaps it's my experience in the field itself - I've been programming as a hobby for 27 years, and professionally for almost 15. Those attentional states are rare, but when they occur it feels just like how athletes describe similar experiences, complete with the bliss that accompanies them. When it happens, it's like my sense of self drops away completely, and there is nothing but the problem and the solution coming together with me as the conduit between them. I have 'lost' hours of time this way - in one instance, an entire night from sundown to sunup passed in what felt like a few minutes because I was so deeply concentrated into the task. You mention simple programs - it's actually the more complicated work that brings me to this state. I don't really do simple programs anymore, mostly because I don't enjoy that sort of work. Simple problems are shallow problems - there is no room for me to absorb myself into.
Erik Forbes Not sure if what's experienced during programming is the same thing, but not sure it's different either. It seems like during intense programming it may be that you're completely focused and "lost" in thought. So much so that you don't notice the self, passage of time, distractions around you, that you need to eat, etc.. There's actually a lot of thinking going on though. When you have that feeling in sports, there's really no thinking whatsoever, and usually only happens in short bursts (i.e. during big plays or difficult plays). So might be a slightly different thing. I'll have to ponder that one.
Erik Forbes Great description; have you read up on Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's work by any chance? He describes exactly what you're sensing (i.e. "flow).
Sam Harris absolutely nails it! This interview is a great summary of his latest book and he perfectly integrates it into the foundations he laid with The Moral Landscape and Freewill. The man has his shit together in ways that most people don't even understand is possible. Thanks so much for sharing this video
Wow! So grateful for this. I studied Zen Buddhism and took some meditation courses many years ago. As an atheist this is the closest I get to a form of "spirituality" which is relevant to me. Great to hear a reference to Harding's On Having no Head. Also a reference to "living in the present moment" is highly significant for me. I practice this every day. Don't live in the regrets of the past. Leave the past where it is; in the past. Also, don't live in the hopes of the future; the future is in the future. Always live in the present moment. Fully live what you are are experiencing now.
It is so strange to hear Sam Harris talk about Douglas Harding. I stayed at his house when I was 19 year's old, back in 2000. His workshops were life-changing. I didn't think he was that well known so it is great that Sam is bringing him into people's awareness.
What Sam said about feeling like you’re behind your eyes riding around in your body is so on point… especially relating to meditation. I used to meditate on a regular basis, and totally feel like a passenger in my own body, using my eyes like windows. Yet my wife, who has never meditated, says that she doesn’t feel that way at all. Interesting stuff, that’s why I love these guys! So thought provoking and fun.
We need to have wise , intelligent and enlightened people like Sam as a president and as a world leader who has experienced the underlying principle of the unity of consciousness and being ! We desperately need to bring about this transcendental experience to all so we can put a stop to the divisive alienations and feelings of separateness as this has brought about so much misunderstanding , prejudice and misery on our world !
22:14 - 30:00 YES! Especially 26:38!! I've had this switch occur in a meditation having never heard of any of this. I just discovered Sam and I'm blown away that this type of mindfulness is being experienced by others. He has a way of putting this stuff in perspective that is pure genius! If you don't get it, please continue to look. It's not hard it only seems that way.
Sam Harris is one of the great enlighteners of our times, a scientist who provides, with unique eloquence, fascinatingly profound insights into the nature of the mind.
Although I haven't formally pursued mindfulness meditation, it sounds very much like the feeling one gets as a musician, or even from distance running. The pure focus that excludes every other sensation and thinking without noticing you are thinking.
I think Sam Harris is brilliant and has opened up my eyes on many issues. I really think that his voice and sophisticated, calm way of getting his point across actually might be a detriment to getting these brilliant ideas over to the mainstream, simply because our culture is so influenced by image. They would be much more easily influenced by some hollywood movie star (i.e. Ben Affleck) who has NO IDEA how deeply complicated yet significant this conversation is.
His last example of free will and how it plays into our neuroscience makes so many things clear. I understand why we are in the place we are in America and all over the world.
My basis for defending my atheism and secular humanism is based, not on denial or doubt in the existence of God, but on a lack of faith in Him and in religion. I identify more with the philosophy of Socrates and Lao-tzu than with Christianity and Islam. Thanks Sam, I admire you and your books: - The End of Faith - Atheist Manifesto
I was an atheist for most of my adult life, I'm 54, and I followed Sam because his argument to religious people as to why there's no God was exactly why I thought there's no God, he's great, but I hvn't watched him for 2 yrs cuz I had a spiritual awakening. When it happened I didn't believe in God, like I sd, I knew nothing about spirituality or meditation and had never heard of an awakening, I found out that my experience was called an awakening abt a week later when all these videos on spirituality showed up on utube. Religjon/Christianity was the the reason I didn't believe, their idea of God made no sense, but God is real, I saw and felt what it is. This is only the 2nd time I've seen Sam and both times the title of the videos were abt awakening, but I can't figure out from this video or the other if he believes in God, now or is he still an atheist? BTW, the philosophy of Lao tzu, Buddha, Alan Watts, Wayne Dyer... is exactly what God is, in my opinion, or at least what I saw, felt, remembered it is when I woke up.
@@lizzettorres1111 It seems great to me, I'm glad for you, and if that makes you happy, as Walt Disney said: "In this place we don't waste too much time looking back. Walk towards the future, opening new doors and trying new things, be curious, because our curiosity always leads us down new paths". I believe that the spirituality of each one, whether religious or not, believes in a deity or not, is something personal and, at the same time, public and / or private, what displeases me is when it becomes a "tyrannical dogma" , as happens with the Amish in the USA, with the Satmar in Israel or the Taliban in Afghanistan. Thanks for your comment. I believe that the spirituality of each one, whether religious or not, believes in a deity or not, is something personal and, at the same time, public and / or private, what displeases me is when it becomes a "tyrannical dogma" , as happens with the Amish in the USA, with the Satmar in Israel or the Taliban in Afghanistan. Thanks for your comment. PS: Although I consider myself a supporter of scientific skepticism, I am a great admirer of esotericism.
I continue to learn via replaying Sam's former talks and immersing in his on going new ones. He is brilliant - a rare mind to open issues and our mind.
Yes yes yes. I'm so excited listening to you. This awesome tool to be able to see another being sharing this expirence. It is difficult to explain but I find more and more this is what we must embrace. Yes yes yes. I need more quantum smashing going on.
I recall being in that zone for more than a decade, i.e., when a healthy child at play, whether wildly, outside with our tribe of kids, or under the sheets with only a flashlight and a HardyBoy mystery. We were not listening to the narration nor telling it, we WERE it. Total awareness without an interrupting thought in our heads!
Right on! Me too. When I was about 10 years old my Dad showed me 3 open guitar chords. G, C, and D. He said, "Here u go son." If u truly have the desire and passion to become a skilled guitar player, u can build on these 3 simple chords and take it as far as u wanna go with it. I'm 35 now, Dad died from an overdose over 5 years ago, but I still think about him, and miss him every single day. Dad's OD death, DID scare me enough to get myself clean and sober tho. I've worked really hard at it, and it damn sure ain't been easy, but I did become a proficient enough guitar player to live my dream, and actually make a living just playing it. Mostly just as a session musician these days. But to this day, NOTHING still moves, inspires, or feels me with a sense of awe and wonder like playing music does. It's like it just comes from some mysterious, transcendent and ethereal, realm that I can only access thru Music. Not thru church, not thru religion, but thru music. Music is my life, and my religion. I love and miss u Dad! 🤘🏼😞🤘🏼
I know what you mean. Trouble is he doesn't go deeply enough. Or as Nietzsche once said, "Why trust Reason? Why not believe in apoearances?" Harris, Peterson, et.al. are limited hangouts...😊
Thanks to “The Four Horsemen”, though mostly Christopher Hitchens, I am a now former Roman Catholic priest. Sadly, I am now like “Brooks” from Shawshank Redemption upon his departure from prison after so long, though I’m “only” 55. Where do I belong now? I know that Christopher Hitchens did not advocate a “community” for Atheists, but are there any?
The Harris twins have cooperated on getting me into meditation :-) Thanks to both of you, but especially Sam; your work and thoughts are always welcome in my mind.
Legend Length Nice. And please keep in mind that you are always meditating anyway. This is it, and bringing your attention to what is .... is meditation. Maybe you are washing the dishes,or driving your car or talking to your friend, child, neighbor, etc. It's all meditation ..... and when this is seen, one might be called to just sit and breath it all in. In other words, if we make meditation a thing that we must do or learn, we have lost meditation. There is an ease to life that is seen. It does not exist in the future or the past ..... it is always now, and now, and now. xo
If you are more interested in understanding the concept of the illusion of the self you can refer to Jiddu Krishnamurti who has spoken very thoroughly about this. Or any other of his talks for that matter.
The cure for unhappiness is not to think unhappy thoughts. It takes practice, but you can actually train your mind not to focus on negative thoughts, usually to do with the past, and stop yourself when you start going there. It works! I suffered from depression, but not anymore. I could listen to this man all day long. Thanks for the upload.
ziikzaaak Errr, by the way it makes you feel? What an interesting question! You are either so far out of touch with happiness you don't recognise it, or you are fond of bad memories, which could be a twisted version of happiness for you. Which is it?
***** Which completely negates the notion that we have free will. We can't help the thoughts that pop into our head, my point was not to dwell on them. Acknowledge them, then move on.
***** Yes, that was my point. Mired thought can be broken and can actually end, but it takes practice. Being aware of what is happening is the first step.
Yes, there are physical sensations I notice when I enter this state. Thank you for your interpretation. So much fun....wow. I feel that I hear my friends repeating me in their language. Image and frequency being delivered instantly. The energy is truly addictive. I feel anxiousness right before entering this holy place. No wonder the priests had to be pulled out of the Tabernacle. Lol. The head is a light that is searching and receiving. You should see my notes while in this state, later they seem like ideas, leads....mindfulness just happens. Definition of mindfulness. The practice of maintaining a non-judgemental hightened state that is hightened. Moment to moment basis.
No one can function right when lost in thought. I believe everyone needs to have a rhythm in their life. Everyone's rhythm may be different, but you need to be able to have a steady rhythm, and develop methods to help you calm down in times of extreme anxiety
Absolutely delightful! I especially enjoyed Sam's insight on the criminal mind/brain & mental illness. Perhaps this mindfulness meditation technique could enlighten our political "leaders" into a realm of understanding various dynamics at play, instead of reacting with revenge while watching the polls . . . ?
(48:53 - END) is all brilliant and I like the "cure" analogy, although I've made the same point of compassion without it. This actually sounds like me talking, dare I try to make me feel intelligent (assuming Sam Harris is, I suppose), which is something I rarely do, heh. It's so fucking refreshing and comforting to realize that something as against the grain as I feel and believe as this notion of determinism has been felt and believed by someone else. I haven't had it happen too often in my life, but when it happens it may fuel me to continue living for another 10 years.
Yeah. But he's literally walking on egg shells here during the process of explaining it lest he be likened to "one of those nut cases from the East". Only those who had the experience will fully understand what he's talking about, rest will stay skeptical or bemused. All said and done it's good to have more presentable ambassadors like Sam for this, he packages it way better for the western audience. Also I'm sure he regrets, having hit that state, as is clearly evident from his talk, he is slightly regretful of having doubted others who talked about it before him. All in all good.
When I heard Harris using words like Spiritual and mystical I was thinking "Oh man not this guy, he is the one guy that should know better" but in typical Harris style he convinced me that these types of words really mean something and religion has hijacked them and added a bunch of crap on to them.
@Richard Horrocks I'm kinda with you here with all the concepts they elaborate about the nature of consciousness , but there is a lot of mythology in buddhism that you can't really say they are more true than so many others mythologies, right?
Weird, the pointing at my self kind of worked. Then I suddenly caught myself trying to sense or feel my ears, and the feeling grew somehow stronger.. and then it went away because I wanted to comment on youtube.. jeez. :\
I love the ending (knowing vs unknowing in the minefield of language). It IS fair to point that out. We have to use language in "this" reality (and then again some people take a vow of silence on this very point). Why can't we just say that relative/transitional reality (dealing with the pandemic) is as real as absolute/ultimate reality (unconditional love and boundless freedom). There both just "what is". It's never either/or is always both/and. There ultimately "isn't" such a thing as a separate subtle body that needs to dissolve itself through using language to comprehend that it really doesn't exist but "there is".
Mentioned from 5mins to 10mins he has touched a little on Bhaktiyog (devotion of which is easier to perform on such ancient mythical characters mentioned) and Karmayog working in devotion (giving up the results to the fruit to action away as a sacrifice to a personality of that ultimate element of truth or as described as That mythical character). Explained through various batches of texts in the Bhagavad Gita. Basically what his book is saying is a re-engineered Bhagavad Gita
I wonder if people blind from birth feel like they're behind their ears? And I wonder if they do feel so, do people who were born with vision but now blind also feel themselves that way. Also, I wonder when the last time Sam got really angry was. He's one of the most grounded people I've been interested in.
Backfromthestorm First.. Great question.. that is really interesting. Also, look up "The Best Podcast Ever" on Sam's channel, it's an ironically named episode where he basically comes as close to losing it as I've ever heard him.. though still never screaming or truly going off the rails.
Around a month lasted for me the first time after a simple prayer, the love was boundless, from having really low grades at math, physics and science in general I became one of the top students in my class, from then on my journey continued to unfold but it took me over 11 years to realize the no-self, 3 years ago I started meditating. At 16 had my first out of body experience, came from school, decided to sleep a little and woke up floating above my physical body, was able to see the room, the sun rays hitting the room, heard my family talking in the house, when I was close to pass through the ceiling I woke up, took me 8 years to realize what happened to me that day. This is how it happened for me, one day I became aware that I am, I became aware of being aware and then after months of meditation I suddenly had the realization that there's no me, that the self is a mental construct, an appearance that rises and fades back into that which is, the background, pure presence. In my out of body experiences I met the free masons and then they came in real life and proposed me to be part of their group, of course, I said no, but that proved to me that there's more than we are told, how could they have found me after just meeting them in that dimension of reality. I think consciousness is the underlying essence of all existence and that it has no beginning and no end, it just is, the interpretation is the job of the self, the drop of water that looks at the ocean from its own perspective lacking the realization that it is the ocean.
Again, listening further, I can't believe this silliness about yoga and Harris's pointing at his own nose to illustrate, though it seems "paradoxical" to him, haha, is taken seriously by viewers! He can barely keep from laughing himself. This is the perfect video for viewers to bake cookies by. C'mon! Wake up indeed! Unite. Mobilize. And take action to build a better world.
@@keithboynton Thanks Keith for your reply. As I said I appreciate much of SHs critiques of religion and free will, but he assures his well heeled audiences that political mobilization and active mass opposition aren't desirable or necessary, and everyone is free to go home in good conscience to work.on their dissertations. He creates a kind of intellectual gated community of the self appointed elect, ala John Winthrop, and a feeling of class entitlement. And he knows that is exactly what he's doing, on the subject of yoga and meditation. Imagine Sam saying, as quoted below, "you are in your own mind and in the world at the same time" to Eugene Debs or Mother Jones or Malcolm X as what their reaction would be. Its very close in approximation to having ones head up ones ass. Thanks Keith. In spite of my disagreement with you, we are friends comrades and brothers. Terry
I love listening to Sam. He makes so much sense, even though I do not agree with his religion. Yes, what he believes is a religion of sorts. The part where he loses me is when he says, in essence, that nothing is anyone's fault. Jeffrey Domer, who he mentioned, is not at fault according to Sam which I cannot agree with since, in interviews, he clearly understood right from wrong but could not or did not want to control his desires. Even though Domer mentioned influences he felt led to his actions, one has to wonder what might have happened had he not acted on his impulsiveness. If all we are is pond scum reacted to by the environment over billions of years, there is no personal responsibility; if that's the case, how can a society be formed, let alone managed?
***** Basically it's like this: take a seat. It's best to sit upright, spine erect, and be seated more or less symmetrically (if your posture is crooked it will be at best distracting, and at worst painful).. Notice how feel overall. Take a few deep breaths to get settled. Close your eyes. Then begin to focus your attention on your breath as it flows over your nostrils. Just notice how that feels as you inhale and exhale. If you get distracted by any other appearances in consciousness : sights, sounds, moods, sensations, thoughts (internal talk, imagery, memories etc), then just notice them. Once you've noticed them, return to the feeling of breath. Continue to do this for a set period of time. When you first start out, just try 5-10 minutes. You won't be able to sit for long with getting distracted by thoughts. As you practice, you will get better and better. Over time, you'll get the ability to sit for long periods like 1 hour. In the long run, this practice has the potential to radically transform your life.
Jacob A it's called a wedding band, lol! They are all very similar. Their suits re similar because that's what suits look like. Have you never gone somewhere and unplanned, you were wearing the same color shirt or pants, or shirt and pants of someone?
Where does the "self" end and the physical universe begin? If the self is an illusion, then at what point does what I call "me" truly end? Surely I am as much that tree over there (since that tree is connected through the same endless chain of chemical processes that allowed my existence) as I am this body, brain, and the electrical firings within it. Reading/watching Sam Harris has made me ask questions about who/what I am that I would never have even considered prior to his introduction. Self inquiry should be taught in schools!
I'm actually happy it's not taught in schools - they'd botch it :) . BTW In my understanding "me" is kind of a film reel that keeps going - feeling of consciousness to tie it up together into cohesive narrative, with thoughts, emotions, sensory information etc layered with it. Reel gets produced by other parts of the brain that deal directly with outside information. So when you get knocked out it's just not existing as it's not being produced. Though in a different sense there's never been any "me" that can be completely delineated. Conscious contents in the brain don't just work on their own - they get feedback from all the other processes in the brain, and they get feedback from the body (if I'm hungry it will cause different activity in the brain), and the body gets feedback from environment... so it is all always connected.
Peteruspl Interesting stuff. Thank you. The thing I really struggle to get my head around is why this profound sense of I-ness, whatever its source, is present within this form (my body, brain etc.) to begin with. In other words, I know that every single one of us experiences this same sense of I-ness, that "this is me, I am here and I exist", so there's a uniformity there, yet here I am and there you are, both of us equally convinced of our own self yet completely separated by the simple fact that "I am not him/her". Even if I can see that there is in fact no singular entity in the brain called self, there's an undeniable feeling of separateness that confirms in every moment: "I am me". If this feeling is shared by every conscious "me" on this planet, then what has made my "me" take on the vantage point of this particular "me" and not another? Regardless of how experiences have constructed my sense of self, there's something underneath that, watching it all from this specific vantage point without any clue as to why it occupies this vantage point and not another. Terribly explained, but words escape me on this subject!
This is exactly the reason why I am going in education. More precisely, in philosophy. I want to teach to the youngest group possible (in my area it's 17-18 years old... I'm 19 so it's kind of funny thinking that I want to educate my friends, but that is exactly what it feels) and I would want to make my students realize that feeling of mindfulness. I want to allow them to open their minds so that they are capable of accepting the fact that different mental states are possible, and the mental state of mindfulness is one that we should try to obtain.
"If the self is an illusion, then at what point does what I call "me" truly end? Surely I am as much that tree over there" Alan Watts held exactly this viewpoint. Losing the self lets you realize that, as he used to like to say, "the experience and the experiencer are the same thing... The real 'You' is the whole works"
well Sam Harris is specific when he uses the term "self".... he says there is this incorrect notion that somehow there is a self that is apart from the body...like he says that many people think "I am in my head and I have a body"...instead of "I am my head, body, mind,...all of it is me". He is not claiming that there is no such thing as human bodies....but that the whole body, brain, and "mind" together is the real "self".
Doesn't Sam Harris look like Ben Stiller, Agent Smith from Matrix movies, and Toby from "The Office TV series? I swear, while watching this video, I saw all three of these people right where he is sitting.
We are all pink bags of skin, with a feeling of 'I' within. Congregations of atoms, blithely dancing. This is me, and where the sky kisses my skin I end and the world begins. The genetic blueprint of the seed, when invigorated with the breath of life, can grow to a full plant. Like undefined energy collapsed into a defined body. We are everybody, but we can only experience it one at a time. Haiku -- The 'I' molecules and cells inanimate separate ensouled matter whole
What?? lol That came out of nowhere hahaha Sexist?? Sam Harris has a very wide and even headed view on humanity as a whole. Calling him a sexist is like calling the Dalai Lama a Nazi, or Elon Musk an anti environmentalist. Sam fights for the equality of man and women in regimes that view women as second class citizens. He sees that the more rights women have in a society the better that society does.
How can one focus on the contents of consciousness without thinking? Is the focus of attention, itself, not a thought? Also, in the rare moments that I have felt a loss of self or ego, I am overwhelmed with fear and begin to panic, presumably because I have preconceived notions of the nature of existence. Is mindfulness the only tool to wade through this? Always liked reading Sam's work, and I'm particularly digging this new stuff.
The attention of the consciousness is rather an energy than a thought in itself. You can focus this attention on something (thoughts) without thinking about it. When you feel fear or panic it’s usually reinforced by thoughts as well. Try to stay calm and keep observing these thoughts and feelings and not get lost in it. For me it helps to tell my mind ‘that everything is fine in this moment and I accept what comes next’. Almost always the fear and panic flows away very quickly. The more I allow my mind to think about it however, the longer these feelings stay or intensify
When you continually hunt or pursue "transcendence" and celebrate it as "hard won" achievement, you totally miss the point. You don't "get" transcendence...when you think you have received it, you're lost. You are mindfulness. Drop the distraction. Period.
I took my time to read what you suggested and I can see there is some jealousy involved.Maybe not. Success is something a lot of people get jealous about. Please read Otello of Shakespeare. I'm looking forward to your rebuttal on Sam's works.
I consider motorcycle riding a form of meditation because when I ride, I don't think about anything. I concentrate on what I am doing in efforts not to crash.
People who take the teaching of the Buddha (which is what meditation/vipassana is) and give little credit to the Buddha are annoying. They write books and make money but all one has to do is get it straight from the teaching and one better, exact understanding of the why and where of the technique. Making it secular so as to be palatable to the masses is like making a cake with half the ingredients.The Buddha goes one better in that he teaches a path to the purification of mind (enlightenment) as a goal not just to reduce stress (a band aid solution.) I know same is a closet Buddhist but, please come fully out of the closet.
***** Couldn't disagree more. Teaching it in the context of Buddhism can actually hinder people. This happens in several ways. For one, it can become ego-enhancing, as we see with people who identify as "spiritual seekers" and like to show off how unique and special they are because they say "namaste" and dress up in Indian-style clothing. The you have the opposite effect, people, particular secularists, who are aversed to religious language, and will never be receptive to hearing it. No, the Buddha never claimed that his philosophy was about himself and you have to learn from him. Mindfulness is universal, and is found in indigenous native American religions , Chinese philosophy predating Buddhism, Hinduism, and Greek philosophy, people who knew nothing about Siddartha Guatama. What's important is that people are exposed to the core message in a way that resonates with them. Don't be a Buddha-nazi!
So mindfull meditation can temporarily remove the psychological construction of the conscious self. That is pretty much what he is saying. I would like to hear or read Sam Harris thoughts about Damasio's book "constructing the conscious brain - self comes to mind"!!!
![[DRAGON BALL LEGENDS REVEALS ＆ STUFF] LEGENDS FESTIVAL 2024 Special Edition Part 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mV5bGIswTtQ/mqdefault.jpg)
As someone who has been diagnosed with PTSD..anxiety...depression..
OCD..and Bopolar 2...along with being a recovering addict/alcoholic...
Mindful Meditation has changed my life in more positive ways than I can fully express with words.
It will be a part of my every day life...for the rest of my life.
Life really is a moment to moment flow. Psychologically, there is no need to bring the thousands of yesterdays into now. The self is the conditioning of all that, all those yesterdays, labels created and identified with, "I am this" or "I am that". How strange it is that we humans do this! And in the doing of this we cover now with all that conditioning, filtering through ideologies, politics, economics, religion, nationalism, all the labels we wear, etc. and lose the ability to truly see. As long as there is a me, a self, an ego, that which identifies with and lives in and through the past, we will never be able to see what is actually going on and therefore go beyond it to create a better world. After all, conditioned thought, which is the self(!), has made the world what it is. What we humans are is what the world is.
@@kennethfurr7397 I wish I could get there
@@chamicels J Krishnamurti once said these words: The words seeking and searching have extraordinary significance. The act of searching or seeking implies that you are moving from the periphery to the centre. This seeking or searching depends upon one’s temperament, environment, pressures and strains, the calamities of experiences, the distresses of life and the innumerable travail of one’s existence. All these pressures force one to seek. If there was no pressure at all, if there was no challenge, calamity or misery, I wonder if we would seek anything at all.
You better flee to JESUS CHRIST now!
@@messiahapostle8239 😂😂😂😂😂
"you're in your mind even though you're in the world" Sam has great insights that are just spoken off the cuff like he's ordering lunch, I wonder how many people actual hear him.
That line actually caused me to open up a note file and copy so as not to forget! Nice observation :-)
I also grabbed (may not be exact) "if you direct your attention in certain ways, something interesting might show up" and some others!
edit: goes without saying, but, I hadn't seen your comment yet :- |
Sam says many things of value, but this is for me a "deepity": while it may sound profound, it's actually trivial. Does anyone think they're in the world but not in their mind? Who (other than a schizophrenic) thinks they're in their mind but not in the world?
You cannot escape being both in both your mind and in the world. It's been this way all your life. You should be used to it by now, know it intuitively, and not be surprised to hear it.
Hector Peabody I disgreee that this is a deepity. A Deepity is defined as a statement which is true but trivial on one level, and deep but false on another level. Deepities can (and are intended to) be interpreted in two ways. That's not true for Sam's statement. "You're in your mind even though you're in the world" only has one interpretation in the context he said it. The literal meaning.
Legend Length The world is real, but your experience of it is a mere simulation.
Hector Peabody I think it's interesting you can explain how schizophrenics think (just kidding) my point is, Sam is making distinctions which on the surface are obvious but I'm curious how many may not get it and it just goes right over thier head, "if you are you're mind, then who's listening" subtle stuff...
The mental health of world leaders is incredibly, incredibly important. We really, really need to keep that in mind and try to help wherever we can.
"The feeling of the self or ego is the feeling of thinking without knowing that you're thinking." That's such a brilliant way of putting it.
sounds to me to be utter nonsense.
William Burts Yeah I have no idea what he means by that
William Burts observe the thoughts and take a step back from it. Notice that usually you’re just caught up in thinking perpetually.
We are possessed by thoughts and emotions we have no or little control over. its like he says we are constantly in our own heads having boring negative conversations with ourselves and a lot of people in western civilization are miserable. Ive done 3 sessions and I couldnt believe how much im in my head. But I've so much prgrresa slapdash Considering I've always suffered from depression since I was diagnosed and the prescribed tablets at 15 for depression. Weernr 3b3nn but my anxiety the last couple years has been noticeably g worse. what a fucking lad sam harts it though I thought he was the shirt and tie atheist 2bo I still love 4j2 bnn31g but now he's like this master of consciousness and is about to give meditation one of the biggest social pushes it's possibly ever?
@@TurtleMC1993 uhhh... what?!
I wish i was as articulate as Sam. Everything he says is so clear.
I agree. Mellifluous.
@Vinnie G I did that joke a week ago.
@@2fast2block dude their are several evidence and explanations that tells you how the universe came to be. But even if we don’t know it wouldn’t make scenes to just assume it’s just supernatural. Weather you consider it to be supernatural or not it still doesn’t affect the fact that their are several people that are going to try and figure it out.
@@2fast2block when someone like you can’t take criticism you keep repeating the same thing over and over again because it helps you deflect and dismiss the persons without giving any solid counter argument. You know... like a toddler.
Also Science is knowledge gained by systematic and logical study in any branches of physical, chemical or natural sciences, which is gained through observation and experimentation, as facts or principles or hypothesis, to open up new areas of knowledge.
You can’t just randomly assume something, claim it’s true, and accuse any one that opposes you of being wrong because they can’t prove it, despite the fact that you can’t prove it either.
Also who are you to assume am “empty” what does that even mean? As for the “shut up” part what do you think this comment section is for? Instead of telling people what to do why don’t you try leading by example.
What you said is perfectly articulate.
sam harris is an absolute gift to the world
and most people take advantage of these occurances
I agree. Sam Harris is always worth listening to. He is extremely wise.
So is Richard Groyper...
Whether we realize it or not, so is DAN Harris
Absolutely, it's embarrassing that people compare him to an idiot like Christopher hitchens
Another priceless contribution by Sam. Thank you.
The relentless refrain of the self makes us feel separate, isolated from experience. Losing it allows for a connected expansive experience of everyday life. Simple but not easy.
"No distance between themselves and the task." - I have felt this many times while developing software. It's called "getting in the zone" and it's that state where you are so fully absorbed into what you're doing that hours can pass without any awareness of them having done so. And it's usually when we produce our best work.
Somewhat ironically, in his previous talk one of the questioners said that unfortunately this sort of state doesn't seem to work whilst programming.
I think maybe you're talking about something slightly different. Or you're just talking about really simple software?
chebob2009 Can you point me in the direction of that previous talk? It's hard to respond when I don't have full context, because I don't know what the questioner had in mind.
Sure, it's possible I'm talking about something different, but it doesn't feel different to me. I meditate, and have experience with the sort of thing Sam's talking about, and I've felt that way while programming.
Perhaps it's my experience in the field itself - I've been programming as a hobby for 27 years, and professionally for almost 15. Those attentional states are rare, but when they occur it feels just like how athletes describe similar experiences, complete with the bliss that accompanies them.
When it happens, it's like my sense of self drops away completely, and there is nothing but the problem and the solution coming together with me as the conduit between them. I have 'lost' hours of time this way - in one instance, an entire night from sundown to sunup passed in what felt like a few minutes because I was so deeply concentrated into the task.
You mention simple programs - it's actually the more complicated work that brings me to this state. I don't really do simple programs anymore, mostly because I don't enjoy that sort of work. Simple problems are shallow problems - there is no room for me to absorb myself into.
Erik Forbes Not sure if what's experienced during programming is the same thing, but not sure it's different either. It seems like during intense programming it may be that you're completely focused and "lost" in thought. So much so that you don't notice the self, passage of time, distractions around you, that you need to eat, etc.. There's actually a lot of thinking going on though. When you have that feeling in sports, there's really no thinking whatsoever, and usually only happens in short bursts (i.e. during big plays or difficult plays). So might be a slightly different thing. I'll have to ponder that one.
Erik Forbes
Great description; have you read up on Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's work by any chance? He describes exactly what you're sensing (i.e. "flow).
chebob2009 I don't think so, because I'm a programmer and that sort of state absolutely works. When it comes to me, it's bliss.
Sam Harris absolutely nails it! This interview is a great summary of his latest book and he perfectly integrates it into the foundations he laid with The Moral Landscape and Freewill. The man has his shit together in ways that most people don't even understand is possible. Thanks so much for sharing this video
and yet is smeared horribly by the left
@@2fast2block you’re too far gone
yes, i agree too, "the man has his SHIT together"...nothing more or less but just the poo....lol
@@mgulzar5617 not funny idiot
He has a way of putting into words things that people have thought about but are not able to communicate, like the description of "self".
You better flee to JESUS CHRIST now!
Wow!
So grateful for this.
I studied Zen Buddhism and took some meditation courses many years ago. As an atheist this is the closest I get to a form of "spirituality" which is relevant to me. Great to hear a reference to Harding's On Having no Head.
Also a reference to "living in the present moment" is highly significant for me. I practice this every day.
Don't live in the regrets of the past. Leave the past where it is; in the past.
Also, don't live in the hopes of the future; the future is in the future. Always live in the present moment. Fully live what you are are experiencing now.
We're glad you have found this video useful! Thank you for watching.
That is the secret of happiness
It is so strange to hear Sam Harris talk about Douglas Harding. I stayed at his house when I was 19 year's old, back in 2000. His workshops were life-changing. I didn't think he was that well known so it is great that Sam is bringing him into people's awareness.
The last 6mins of this interview were my "waking up" moment. Thank you.
@@2fast2block Can you please stop fucking spamming this everywhere?
What Sam said about feeling like you’re behind your eyes riding around in your body is so on point… especially relating to meditation.
I used to meditate on a regular basis, and totally feel like a passenger in my own body, using my eyes like windows.
Yet my wife, who has never meditated, says that she doesn’t feel that way at all.
Interesting stuff, that’s why I love these guys!
So thought provoking and fun.
… only thing is… what he says is that you are NOT there behind the eyes… ;)
We need to have wise , intelligent and enlightened people like Sam as a president and as a world leader who has experienced the underlying principle of the unity of consciousness and being ! We desperately need to bring about this transcendental experience to all so we can put a stop to the divisive alienations and feelings of separateness as this has brought about so much misunderstanding , prejudice and misery on our world !
Sam Harris I enjoy listening to your soothing way of expressing analytic philosophical thoughts.
Sam do not know analytic philosophy. I don't see do not analytic philosophy like wittengenstein
Sam, you are amazing. I follow your work. Thank you. Om shanti. Jakob
Just listening to his voice is bloody meditative ❤
yes, i listen to his podcasts while going to sleep :D
Great. One of the best I have heard Harris talk
Fascinating. I’m so grateful this content is shared. 🙏❤️
Thank you for sharing!
22:14 - 30:00 YES! Especially 26:38!! I've had this switch occur in a meditation having never heard of any of this. I just discovered Sam and I'm blown away that this type of mindfulness is being experienced by others. He has a way of putting this stuff in perspective that is pure genius! If you don't get it, please continue to look. It's not hard it only seems that way.
This is somewhat freaky.
I once awoke in a totally dark room and for an instant did not know where, why , when or who I was.
Sam Harris is one of the great enlighteners of our times, a scientist who provides, with unique eloquence, fascinatingly profound insights into the nature of the mind.
Nah he's a no effort fatalist. A philosophical conman.
@@tsriftsal2329 can you please explain why Sam Harris is a "conman"? I am all ears.
My vocabulary expands each time I listen to Sam Harris
Thanks Sam for sharing your understanding on self/world
Listening to Sam Harris never disappoints!
Although I haven't formally pursued mindfulness meditation, it sounds very much like the feeling one gets as a musician, or even from distance running. The pure focus that excludes every other sensation and thinking without noticing you are thinking.
Actually mindfulness means thinking WITH noticing you're thinking. What you're talking about is the flow state.
I think Sam Harris is brilliant and has opened up my eyes on many issues. I really think that his voice and sophisticated, calm way of getting his point across actually might be a detriment to getting these brilliant ideas over to the mainstream, simply because our culture is so influenced by image. They would be much more easily influenced by some hollywood movie star (i.e. Ben Affleck) who has NO IDEA how deeply complicated yet significant this conversation is.
Wow! Fantastic talk from a fantastic mind! Emaho!
His last example of free will and how it plays into our neuroscience makes so many things clear. I understand why we are in the place we are in America and all over the world.
My basis for defending my atheism and secular humanism is based, not on denial or doubt in the existence of God, but on a lack of faith in Him and in religion.
I identify more with the philosophy of Socrates and Lao-tzu than with Christianity and Islam.
Thanks Sam, I admire you and your books:
- The End of Faith
- Atheist Manifesto
I was an atheist for most of my adult life, I'm 54, and I followed Sam because his argument to religious people as to why there's no God was exactly why I thought there's no God, he's great, but I hvn't watched him for 2 yrs cuz I had a spiritual awakening. When it happened I didn't believe in God, like I sd, I knew nothing about spirituality or meditation and had never heard of an awakening, I found out that my experience was called an awakening abt a week later when all these videos on spirituality showed up on utube. Religjon/Christianity was the the reason I didn't believe, their idea of God made no sense, but God is real, I saw and felt what it is. This is only the 2nd time I've seen Sam and both times the title of the videos were abt awakening, but I can't figure out from this video or the other if he believes in God, now or is he still an atheist?
BTW, the philosophy of Lao tzu, Buddha, Alan Watts, Wayne Dyer... is exactly what God is, in my opinion, or at least what I saw, felt, remembered it is when I woke up.
@@lizzettorres1111
It seems great to me, I'm glad for you, and if that makes you happy, as Walt Disney said:
"In this place we don't waste too much time looking back. Walk towards the future, opening new doors and trying new things, be curious, because our curiosity always leads us down new paths".
I believe that the spirituality of each one, whether religious or not, believes in a deity or not, is something personal and, at the same time, public and / or private, what displeases me is when it becomes a "tyrannical dogma" , as happens with the Amish in the USA, with the Satmar in Israel or the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Thanks for your comment.
I believe that the spirituality of each one, whether religious or not, believes in a deity or not, is something personal and, at the same time, public and / or private, what displeases me is when it becomes a "tyrannical dogma" , as happens with the Amish in the USA, with the Satmar in Israel or the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Thanks for your comment.
PS: Although I consider myself a supporter of scientific skepticism, I am a great admirer of esotericism.
Currently listening to Sam Harris's audiobook Waking Up. It's awesome. Love this man.
His waking up meditation app is the best one I have seen
This man's insights are brilliant
I continue to learn via replaying Sam's former talks and immersing in his on going new ones. He is brilliant - a rare mind to open issues and our mind.
Yes yes yes. I'm so excited listening to you. This awesome tool to be able to see another being sharing this expirence. It is difficult to explain but I find more and more this is what we must embrace. Yes yes yes. I need more quantum smashing going on.
Brilliant as always, Sam.
To me, Sam is semi -brilliant
I recall being in that zone for more than a decade, i.e., when a healthy child at play, whether wildly, outside with our tribe of kids, or under the sheets with only a flashlight and a HardyBoy mystery. We were not listening to the narration nor telling it, we WERE it. Total awareness without an interrupting thought in our heads!
are u still there amigo?
Ah, yes, the second childhood is well underway!
The way people react to you or view you creates a view of oneself that is part of your identity.
Wow, this is *the* most amazing talk I've ever heard. Sam Harris is just an amazing person
Ur moms an amazing person
@@fioafionawright8604 I'm sure she is amazing...you pathetic puke!
@@bharris0128 I mean ... no argument here 😂👀
@@fioafionawright8604 awww what a nice thing to say!
Thank you Sam, beautiful.
Just in case people here don't know of alan watts, you should check him out. I also really enjoy the alan watts chillstep mixes. ENJOY!!!!
I experience that self-transcendence every time I play music live.
Same here, every time I make films.
@@topsword6534 😂
Yup. Do whatever you gotta do to be in the moment
Right on! Me too. When I was about 10 years old my Dad showed me 3 open guitar chords. G, C, and D. He said, "Here u go son." If u truly have the desire and passion to become a skilled guitar player, u can build on these 3 simple chords and take it as far as u wanna go with it. I'm 35 now, Dad died from an overdose over 5 years ago, but I still think about him, and miss him every single day. Dad's OD death, DID scare me enough to get myself clean and sober tho. I've worked really hard at it, and it damn sure ain't been easy, but I did become a proficient enough guitar player to live my dream, and actually make a living just playing it. Mostly just as a session musician these days. But to this day, NOTHING still moves, inspires, or feels me with a sense of awe and wonder like playing music does. It's like it just comes from some mysterious, transcendent and ethereal, realm that I can only access thru Music. Not thru church, not thru religion, but thru music. Music is my life, and my religion. I love and miss u Dad! 🤘🏼😞🤘🏼
@@justinlaw9336 nice comment appreciate you sharing that
Amazing. I looked over Sam Harris for too long. Maybe I had to reach a level of mind to understand him?
I know what you mean. Trouble is he doesn't go deeply enough. Or as Nietzsche once said, "Why trust Reason? Why not believe in apoearances?"
Harris, Peterson, et.al. are limited hangouts...😊
Thanks to “The Four Horsemen”, though mostly Christopher Hitchens, I am a now former Roman Catholic priest. Sadly, I am now like “Brooks” from Shawshank Redemption upon his departure from prison after so long, though I’m “only” 55. Where do I belong now? I know that Christopher Hitchens did not advocate a “community” for Atheists, but are there any?
The Harris twins have cooperated on getting me into meditation :-)
Thanks to both of you, but especially Sam; your work and thoughts are always welcome in my mind.
That's awesome, but they're not actually related ;)
Legend Length Nice. And please keep in mind that you are always meditating anyway. This is it, and bringing your attention to what is .... is meditation. Maybe you are washing the dishes,or driving your car or talking to your friend, child, neighbor, etc. It's all meditation ..... and when this is seen, one might be called to just sit and breath it all in. In other words, if we make meditation a thing that we must do or learn, we have lost meditation. There is an ease to life that is seen. It does not exist in the future or the past ..... it is always now, and now, and now. xo
@@shamrocktrinity1614 exactly
This is so refreshing to listen to.
We're glad you enjoyed this talk!
If you are more interested in understanding the concept of the illusion of the self you can refer to Jiddu Krishnamurti who has spoken very thoroughly about this.
Or any other of his talks for that matter.
The cure for unhappiness is not to think unhappy thoughts. It takes practice, but you can actually train your mind not to focus on negative thoughts, usually to do with the past, and stop yourself when you start going there. It works! I suffered from depression, but not anymore. I could listen to this man all day long. Thanks for the upload.
How do you determine if the thought is happy or unhappy? Do they come with a sign? ;)
ziikzaaak
Errr, by the way it makes you feel? What an interesting question! You are either so far out of touch with happiness you don't recognise it, or you are fond of bad memories, which could be a twisted version of happiness for you. Which is it?
*****
Which completely negates the notion that we have free will. We can't help the thoughts that pop into our head, my point was not to dwell on them. Acknowledge them, then move on.
*****
Yes, that was my point. Mired thought can be broken and can actually end, but it takes practice. Being aware of what is happening is the first step.
Yes, there are physical sensations I notice when I enter this state. Thank you for your interpretation. So much fun....wow. I feel that I hear my friends repeating me in their language. Image and frequency being delivered instantly. The energy is truly addictive. I feel anxiousness right before entering this holy place. No wonder the priests had to be pulled out of the Tabernacle. Lol. The head is a light that is searching and receiving. You should see my notes while in this state, later they seem like ideas, leads....mindfulness just happens. Definition of mindfulness. The practice of maintaining a non-judgemental hightened state that is hightened. Moment to moment basis.
No one can function right when lost in thought. I believe everyone needs to have a rhythm in their life. Everyone's rhythm may be different, but you need to be able to have a steady rhythm, and develop methods to help you calm down in times of extreme anxiety
Agree thanks for sharing
Agree, help🙏❤️.........
Absolutely delightful! I especially enjoyed Sam's insight on the criminal mind/brain & mental illness. Perhaps this mindfulness meditation technique could enlighten our political "leaders" into a realm of understanding various dynamics at play, instead of reacting with revenge while watching the polls . . . ?
These guys have great voices, especially Dan.
(48:53 - END) is all brilliant and I like the "cure" analogy, although I've made the same point of compassion without it. This actually sounds like me talking, dare I try to make me feel intelligent (assuming Sam Harris is, I suppose), which is something I rarely do, heh. It's so fucking refreshing and comforting to realize that something as against the grain as I feel and believe as this notion of determinism has been felt and believed by someone else. I haven't had it happen too often in my life, but when it happens it may fuel me to continue living for another 10 years.
From about 48:20 till the end….. totally life changing information!
We're so glad you enjoyed this conversation! Thank you for watching.
It's like euphoria. Being in a state of bliss. Unconsciously surfing.
Yeah. But he's literally walking on egg shells here during the process of explaining it lest he be likened to "one of those nut cases from the East". Only those who had the experience will fully understand what he's talking about, rest will stay skeptical or bemused. All said and done it's good to have more presentable ambassadors like Sam for this, he packages it way better for the western audience. Also I'm sure he regrets, having hit that state, as is clearly evident from his talk, he is slightly regretful of having doubted others who talked about it before him. All in all good.
The No-Self, pure presence, no interpretation, pure bliss. Experienced this a few times lately, incredible experience...
Religion like dream is another mode of thought. The best elements in every religion can be found in all of them.
That is true... a lot of religions (going back to ancient Egypt) are threatening you with a lake of fire.
You may meditate with your eyes open or closed, but you cannot meditate without first opening your mind
Dodgeball was a classic. 1hour 32 mins of pure gold.
One of the biggest transformative experiences of my life was when I watched Harris' speech about free will.
Me too :-)
Link?
Thank you for the delightful talk Sam
When I heard Harris using words like Spiritual and mystical I was thinking "Oh man not this guy, he is the one guy that should know better" but in typical Harris style he convinced me that these types of words really mean something and religion has hijacked them and added a bunch of crap on to them.
Try his book: Waking up, he actually explained his wording
@Richard Horrocks I'm kinda with you here with all the concepts they elaborate about the nature of consciousness , but there is a lot of mythology in buddhism that you can't really say they are more true than so many others mythologies, right?
Amen
@@2fast2block What you wrote is not even close to being relevant to the topic at hand.
@@2fast2block Have you noticed how hateful you sound?
He discussed advaita vedanta and Tibetan Buddhism in book wakig up and said there is core of truth in these traditions which i cant deny
Weird, the pointing at my self kind of worked. Then I suddenly caught myself trying to sense or feel my ears, and the feeling grew somehow stronger.. and then it went away because I wanted to comment on youtube.. jeez. :\
Heh, heh. But now you know.
it's when you get that everything and nothing become the same, impossible to explain, only lives experientially
*smile*
I love the ending (knowing vs unknowing in the minefield of language). It IS fair to point that out. We have to use language in "this" reality (and then again some people take a vow of silence on this very point). Why can't we just say that relative/transitional reality (dealing with the pandemic) is as real as absolute/ultimate reality (unconditional love and boundless freedom). There both just "what is". It's never either/or is always both/and. There ultimately "isn't" such a thing as a separate subtle body that needs to dissolve itself through using language to comprehend that it really doesn't exist but "there is".
I'm meant (knowing vs emptiness) as acceptable language/terms, in the first sentence.
"I've been kidnapped by a most boring person..." -Sam Harris
Brilliant observation!
"for pure will, unassuaged of purpose, delivered from lust of result, is everyway perfect
What?
If Ben Stiller plays Sam Harris in the biopic, will Ben Affleck play himself?
affleck will not because he is still in flames from the harris roasting on islam
Mentioned from 5mins to 10mins he has touched a little on Bhaktiyog (devotion of which is easier to perform on such ancient mythical characters mentioned) and Karmayog working in devotion (giving up the results to the fruit to action away as a sacrifice to a personality of that ultimate element of truth or as described as That mythical character). Explained through various batches of texts in the Bhagavad Gita. Basically what his book is saying is a re-engineered Bhagavad Gita
I wonder if people blind from birth feel like they're behind their ears? And I wonder if they do feel so, do people who were born with vision but now blind also feel themselves that way. Also, I wonder when the last time Sam got really angry was. He's one of the most grounded people I've been interested in.
Backfromthestorm First.. Great question.. that is really interesting. Also, look up "The Best Podcast Ever" on Sam's channel, it's an ironically named episode where he basically comes as close to losing it as I've ever heard him.. though still never screaming or truly going off the rails.
great video thanks
Thank you for watching!
They share not only the same last name, they also have identical clothes and very similar body build.
+JJ Kent Harriseption
+anon ymous -__-
Suits vary in color only. Have you not gone somewhere in a tshirt and found others there in the same color shirt?
They could probably fuse then!
Hey - thanks for explaining the duplication of colors in the world Mrs. Obvious
Read both their books. Dan Harris is consistently funny while Sam Harris is hyper-insightful. Both eloquent speakers. A must watch.
Sam Harris is one of the wisest men alive on earth at present............
Most the time I experienced the flow was when playing music, and the time I experienced the flow for two months strait was after a psychedelic trip
Around a month lasted for me the first time after a simple prayer, the love was boundless, from having really low grades at math, physics and science in general I became one of the top students in my class, from then on my journey continued to unfold but it took me over 11 years to realize the no-self, 3 years ago I started meditating. At 16 had my first out of body experience, came from school, decided to sleep a little and woke up floating above my physical body, was able to see the room, the sun rays hitting the room, heard my family talking in the house, when I was close to pass through the ceiling I woke up, took me 8 years to realize what happened to me that day. This is how it happened for me, one day I became aware that I am, I became aware of being aware and then after months of meditation I suddenly had the realization that there's no me, that the self is a mental construct, an appearance that rises and fades back into that which is, the background, pure presence. In my out of body experiences I met the free masons and then they came in real life and proposed me to be part of their group, of course, I said no, but that proved to me that there's more than we are told, how could they have found me after just meeting them in that dimension of reality. I think consciousness is the underlying essence of all existence and that it has no beginning and no end, it just is, the interpretation is the job of the self, the drop of water that looks at the ocean from its own perspective lacking the realization that it is the ocean.
In yoga the mindstate is called “dhyana”, where observer and observed merge.
Again, listening further, I can't believe this silliness about yoga and Harris's pointing at his own nose to illustrate, though it seems "paradoxical" to him, haha, is taken seriously by viewers! He can barely keep from laughing himself. This is the perfect video for viewers to bake cookies by. C'mon! Wake up indeed! Unite. Mobilize. And take action to build a better world.
@@keithboynton Thanks Keith for your reply. As I said I appreciate much of SHs critiques of religion and free will, but he assures his well heeled audiences that political mobilization and active mass opposition aren't desirable or necessary, and everyone is free to go home in good conscience to work.on their dissertations. He creates a kind of intellectual gated community of the self appointed elect, ala John Winthrop, and a feeling of class entitlement. And he knows that is exactly what he's doing, on the subject of yoga and meditation. Imagine Sam saying, as quoted below, "you are in your own mind and in the world at the same time" to Eugene Debs or Mother Jones or Malcolm X as what their reaction would be. Its very close in approximation to having ones head up ones ass. Thanks Keith. In spite of my disagreement with you, we are friends comrades and brothers. Terry
I love listening to Sam. He makes so much sense, even though I do not agree with his religion. Yes, what he believes is a religion of sorts. The part where he loses me is when he says, in essence, that nothing is anyone's fault. Jeffrey Domer, who he mentioned, is not at fault according to Sam which I cannot agree with since, in interviews, he clearly understood right from wrong but could not or did not want to control his desires. Even though Domer mentioned influences he felt led to his actions, one has to wonder what might have happened had he not acted on his impulsiveness. If all we are is pond scum reacted to by the environment over billions of years, there is no personal responsibility; if that's the case, how can a society be formed, let alone managed?
Not a religion of sorts...check the definition of religion and faith and try to understand what Sam Harris is trying to get across
Amazing video! Thanks!
You really should not have edited out the 2min meditation. @ ~12 minutes.
Yeah, just a few minutes before that I had thought, "I wanna know exactly what Sam is talking about... how does HE meditate?"
***** www.samharris.org/blog/item/mindfulness-meditation
:)
Thanks :-D, This is exactly of what I wanted to know!
***** Basically it's like this: take a seat. It's best to sit upright, spine erect, and be seated more or less symmetrically (if your posture is crooked it will be at best distracting, and at worst painful)..
Notice how feel overall. Take a few deep breaths to get settled. Close your eyes. Then begin to focus your attention on your breath as it flows over your nostrils. Just notice how that feels as you inhale and exhale.
If you get distracted by any other appearances in consciousness : sights, sounds, moods, sensations, thoughts (internal talk, imagery, memories etc), then just notice them. Once you've noticed them, return to the feeling of breath.
Continue to do this for a set period of time. When you first start out, just try 5-10 minutes. You won't be able to sit for long with getting distracted by thoughts. As you practice, you will get better and better. Over time, you'll get the ability to sit for long periods like 1 hour. In the long run, this practice has the potential to radically transform your life.
Agreed. He has a mindfulness walkthrough in his speech "Death and the Present Moment" if you're interested.
Good explanation of non-duality...
They even have very similar rings on their left hands.
Jacob A it's called a wedding band, lol! They are all very similar. Their suits re similar because that's what suits look like. Have you never gone somewhere and unplanned, you were wearing the same color shirt or pants, or shirt and pants of someone?
another brilliant talk by Sam Harris... love his smile! especially in the part about Ben Stiller, haha
The eye contact experiment blew my mind
Where does the "self" end and the physical universe begin? If the self is an illusion, then at what point does what I call "me" truly end? Surely I am as much that tree over there (since that tree is connected through the same endless chain of chemical processes that allowed my existence) as I am this body, brain, and the electrical firings within it.
Reading/watching Sam Harris has made me ask questions about who/what I am that I would never have even considered prior to his introduction. Self inquiry should be taught in schools!
I'm actually happy it's not taught in schools - they'd botch it :) .
BTW In my understanding "me" is kind of a film reel that keeps going - feeling of consciousness to tie it up together into cohesive narrative, with thoughts, emotions, sensory information etc layered with it. Reel gets produced by other parts of the brain that deal directly with outside information. So when you get knocked out it's just not existing as it's not being produced.
Though in a different sense there's never been any "me" that can be completely delineated. Conscious contents in the brain don't just work on their own - they get feedback from all the other processes in the brain, and they get feedback from the body (if I'm hungry it will cause different activity in the brain), and the body gets feedback from environment... so it is all always connected.
Peteruspl Interesting stuff. Thank you. The thing I really struggle to get my head around is why this profound sense of I-ness, whatever its source, is present within this form (my body, brain etc.) to begin with. In other words, I know that every single one of us experiences this same sense of I-ness, that "this is me, I am here and I exist", so there's a uniformity there, yet here I am and there you are, both of us equally convinced of our own self yet completely separated by the simple fact that "I am not him/her".
Even if I can see that there is in fact no singular entity in the brain called self, there's an undeniable feeling of separateness that confirms in every moment: "I am me". If this feeling is shared by every conscious "me" on this planet, then what has made my "me" take on the vantage point of this particular "me" and not another? Regardless of how experiences have constructed my sense of self, there's something underneath that, watching it all from this specific vantage point without any clue as to why it occupies this vantage point and not another.
Terribly explained, but words escape me on this subject!
This is exactly the reason why I am going in education. More precisely, in philosophy. I want to teach to the youngest group possible (in my area it's 17-18 years old... I'm 19 so it's kind of funny thinking that I want to educate my friends, but that is exactly what it feels) and I would want to make my students realize that feeling of mindfulness. I want to allow them to open their minds so that they are capable of accepting the fact that different mental states are possible, and the mental state of mindfulness is one that we should try to obtain.
"If the self is an illusion, then at what point does what I call "me" truly end? Surely I am as much that tree over there"
Alan Watts held exactly this viewpoint. Losing the self lets you realize that, as he used to like to say, "the experience and the experiencer are the same thing... The real 'You' is the whole works"
well Sam Harris is specific when he uses the term "self".... he says there is this incorrect notion that somehow there is a self that is apart from the body...like he says that many people think "I am in my head and I have a body"...instead of "I am my head, body, mind,...all of it is me". He is not claiming that there is no such thing as human bodies....but that the whole body, brain, and "mind" together is the real "self".
Doesn't Sam Harris look like Ben Stiller, Agent Smith from Matrix movies, and Toby from "The Office TV series? I swear, while watching this video, I saw all three of these people right where he is sitting.
acid is a dangerous drug...
Other people become the "mirror" that creates the sensation of who "you" are.
We are all pink bags of skin, with a feeling of 'I' within.
Congregations of atoms, blithely dancing.
This is me,
and where the sky kisses my skin
I end and the world begins.
The genetic blueprint of the seed,
when invigorated with the breath
of life, can grow to a full plant.
Like undefined energy
collapsed into
a defined body.
We are everybody, but
we can only experience it
one at a time.
Haiku -- The 'I'
molecules and cells
inanimate separate
ensouled matter whole
20:00
22:00
24:25
26:12
30:00-...
32:18
34:17 with Mindfulness 35:53
36:55
48:10 the sense of self and moral accountability
Gratitude for the less painful experience of now..helps to be reminded of lessons @ the 35 and 36 min. mark.
Sam Harris is the most sexiest man in the world!!
agreed:)
yeah but have you seen Ben Stiller? :P
WoundrousMindTrick
yea its probably the latter:P
Totally.
What?? lol
That came out of nowhere hahaha
Sexist?? Sam Harris has a very wide and even headed view on humanity as a whole. Calling him a sexist is like calling the Dalai Lama a Nazi, or Elon Musk an anti environmentalist.
Sam fights for the equality of man and women in regimes that view women as second class citizens. He sees that the more rights women have in a society the better that society does.
How can one focus on the contents of consciousness without thinking? Is the focus of attention, itself, not a thought? Also, in the rare moments that I have felt a loss of self or ego, I am overwhelmed with fear and begin to panic, presumably because I have preconceived notions of the nature of existence. Is mindfulness the only tool to wade through this?
Always liked reading Sam's work, and I'm particularly digging this new stuff.
The attention of the consciousness is rather an energy than a thought in itself. You can focus this attention on something (thoughts) without thinking about it. When you feel fear or panic it’s usually reinforced by thoughts as well. Try to stay calm and keep observing these thoughts and feelings and not get lost in it. For me it helps to tell my mind ‘that everything is fine in this moment and I accept what comes next’. Almost always the fear and panic flows away very quickly. The more I allow my mind to think about it however, the longer these feelings stay or intensify
When you continually hunt or pursue "transcendence" and celebrate it as "hard won" achievement, you totally miss the point. You don't "get" transcendence...when you think you have received it, you're lost. You are mindfulness. Drop the distraction. Period.
It's not a hard won achievement?
I was there. In the front row.
Two Harrises this must be heresy.
Nice
Heresy or Harrisy?
I took my time to read what you suggested and I can see there is some jealousy involved.Maybe not. Success is something a lot of people get jealous about. Please read Otello of Shakespeare. I'm looking forward to your rebuttal on Sam's works.
same clothes, same name but not related ... ;)
I consider motorcycle riding a form of meditation because when I ride, I don't think about anything. I concentrate on what I am doing in efforts not to crash.
People who take the teaching of the Buddha (which is what meditation/vipassana is) and give little credit to the Buddha are annoying. They write books and make money but all one has to do is get it straight from the teaching and one better, exact understanding of the why and where of the technique. Making it secular so as to be palatable to the masses is like making a cake with half the ingredients.The Buddha goes one better in that he teaches a path to the purification of mind (enlightenment) as a goal not just to reduce stress (a band aid solution.) I know same is a closet Buddhist but, please come fully out of the closet.
***** Couldn't disagree more. Teaching it in the context of Buddhism can actually hinder people. This happens in several ways. For one, it can become ego-enhancing, as we see with people who identify as "spiritual seekers" and like to show off how unique and special they are because they say "namaste" and dress up in Indian-style clothing. The you have the opposite effect, people, particular secularists, who are aversed to religious language, and will never be receptive to hearing it.
No, the Buddha never claimed that his philosophy was about himself and you have to learn from him. Mindfulness is universal, and is found in indigenous native American religions , Chinese philosophy predating Buddhism, Hinduism, and Greek philosophy, people who knew nothing about Siddartha Guatama.
What's important is that people are exposed to the core message in a way that resonates with them. Don't be a Buddha-nazi!
So mindfull meditation can temporarily remove the psychological construction of the conscious self. That is pretty much what he is saying. I would like to hear or read Sam Harris thoughts about Damasio's book "constructing the conscious brain - self comes to mind"!!!