Recording - Buddhism, Emptiness & Idealism #1

Topics discussed in this session included:

• The difference between vicious and benign infinite regress
• How reality manifests the liars paradox, but we should still expect consistency
• Why you can measure objects but not thoughts
• Why introspection is superior to science for a meaningful life
• Bernardo's thoughts on Bosa Nova & MMA
• What about a chair exists when no one is in a room?

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.

This session with Bernardo on the 15th of April followed up on 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.

I recommend watching this, (and the follow-up conversation with Jay if you have time) before watching the recording of this session.

See you soon!

Amir