Link to original video by Plum Village

Don’t Wait For Science To Tell You Where Consciousness Is, Find Out In Your Mindful Steps

Short Summary:

This Dharma talk centers on the concept of "denaturalization" – how Western thought has distorted both Christianity and potentially Buddhism. The speaker explores how the integration of Greek philosophy into Christianity led to dualistic views (spirit/matter, soul/body, heaven/earth, sacred/profane), ultimately contributing to the devaluation of nature and alienation from the body. This dualism is further exacerbated by scientific materialism, which prioritizes the measurable and leaves little room for non-dual experiences. The speaker advocates for an embodied Buddhist practice that transcends these dualistic tendencies, emphasizing a direct, non-instrumental approach to mindfulness and a renewed reverence for the natural world as sacred and alive. Specific practices like walking meditation and mindful engagement with nature are highlighted as methods to achieve this non-dualistic state.

Detailed Summary:

The talk begins with an introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh's Dharma talk from December 6th, 2012, focusing on the potential for the West to "denaturalize" Buddhism, mirroring how it altered Christianity. The speaker explains "denaturalization" as removing the essence of something.

Section 1: The Denaturalization of Christianity: The speaker traces the history of Christianity's encounter with Greco-Roman philosophy and imperial power. The simple, relational teachings of Jesus were gradually transformed into an abstract, doctrinal system emphasizing dualisms like spirit/matter and soul/body. Key figures like Thomas Aquinas and Descartes further solidified these divisions, leading to a devaluation of nature and the body, and a distant, abstract concept of God. The speaker contrasts this with Spinoza's more holistic view, which saw God immanent in creation.

Section 2: Consequences for Western Consciousness: The speaker outlines the consequences of this dualistic worldview: the devaluation of nature, alienation from the body, and a belief in an afterlife that diminishes the present moment's sacredness. These tendencies are linked to human desires to believe in an immortal soul and a higher power, potentially stemming from a reluctance to accept personal responsibility. The speaker also discusses the influence of scientific materialism, which further reinforces the belief that only the measurable is real, potentially leading to nihilism.

Section 3: Embodied Buddhist Practice as an Antidote: The core argument is that embodied Buddhist practices can help transcend these dualistic tendencies. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking meditation as a way to reconnect with the living earth and experience the world as inherently sacred. Personal anecdotes illustrate the challenges of overcoming ingrained dualistic thinking and the gradual shift towards a more holistic worldview through practice. The speaker highlights the importance of listening to the natural world and recognizing its inherent consciousness and mystery.

Section 4: Avoiding the Denaturalization of Buddhism: The speaker warns against instrumentalizing mindfulness, using it as a tool for achieving external goals like success or optimizing performance. This approach, the speaker argues, misses the essence of Buddhist practice. The speaker also cautions against diluting or extracting parts of Buddhist teachings, citing examples such as the appropriation of mindfulness in military settings or its commercialization through apps. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ethical context of the Eightfold Path and avoiding the reduction of Buddhism to a mere technique. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of finding skillful means to adapt Buddhist teachings to contemporary contexts without losing their essence, drawing on Thich Nhat Hanh's own evolution of understanding and his eventual letting go of his own preconceived notions of Buddhism. A quote from Schrödinger emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the earth, reinforcing the call for a non-dualistic approach to life.