15th April - Buddhism, Emptiness & Idealism #1

As I'm sure you know, Idealism and Non-Duality claim that awareness is fundamental - but some Buddhists say that even awareness is empty of inherent existence. Dependent on causes and conditions just like everything else. They claim that advanced meditation and rigorous logic can show this to be inevitably true. Here is an example of a conversation I've had on this topic, with Buddhist teacher Yahel Avigur.

This debate has raged for centuries, and has profound implications to how we understand these ancient philosophies and spiritual practices. In December 2023, Bernardo debated Buddhist scholar Jay Garfield on this topic, which you can watch here.

I then followed up with Jay to try better understand Buddhist objections to Idealism. You can watch that interview here.

The session with Bernardo on the 15th of April will follow on from these conversations, with Bernardo elaborating on how Analytic Idealism defends against the critiques that Jay raised, and those that have historically emerged from Buddhism against mind-only philosophies.

Questions that emerge from these last two conversations are welcome in the comments below... here is a guide to submitting questions.

I recommend watching this, (and the follow-up conversation with Jay if you have time) before joining the session. Also before submitting questions, if you can, as the topic will be focused on the themes from the debate!

If you want to watch an ad-free version of this conversation, you can purchase access at https://dandelion.events/e/f3myp

There is a code for free access for With Reality in Mind members below.

With deep appreciation for your engagement in this community and these topics!

Amir