The paradox of free will vs. determinism has been one of great philosophical questions of all time. Su and Johana look at this from a perspective of freeing ourself and living a life of less suffering. At first glance, it is threatening to even think that we do not have the free will we think we have. From an eastern enlightenment perspective, where the existence of a separate self is seen through, the idea of free will can easily be deconstructed. When looked at more deeply, it can be seen, not as a lack but as a way to see that Reality functions as a whole, and everything is inter-dependent. There is a great relief from the suffering of blame, shame and taking credit for anything. It is a paradox as we will always have the experience that we are making free choices, but as always, things are not what they seem.
References:
Sam Harris - Making Sense Podcast #241, Final Thoughts On Free Will
In Search of the Miraculous by P.D. Ouspensky
The Strange Life of Ivan Osokin by P.D. Ouspensky
The paradox of free will vs. determinism has been one of great philosophical questions of all time. Su and Johana look at this from a perspective of freeing ourself and living a life of less suffering. At first glance, it is threatening to even think that we do not have the free will we think we have. From an eastern enlightenment perspective, where the existence of a separate self is seen through, the idea of free will can easily be deconstructed. When looked at more deeply, it can be seen, not as a lack but as a way to see that Reality functions as a whole, and everything is inter-dependent. There is a great relief from the suffering of blame, shame and taking credit for anything. It is a paradox as we will always have the experience that we are making free choices, but as always, things are not what they seem.
References:
Sam Harris - Making Sense Podcast #241, Final Thoughts On Free Will
In Search of the Miraculous by P.D. Ouspensky
The Strange Life of Ivan Osokin by P.D. Ouspensky