Life With And Without Beliefs
In this episode, I explore the nature of beliefs and how they shape our perception of reality, often leading to suffering. I introduce the idea that our beliefs create a narrative or "story" about what is, which can conflict with reality itself, using the example of mistaking a woman for a man due to a preconceived belief. To navigate this, I discuss the Zen koan, "The great way is not difficult if you just don't pick and choose," suggesting that peace comes from accepting reality as it is, rather than constantly trying to make it fit our beliefs or desires. This wisdom of adaptability, similar to scientific paradigm shifts, allows us to be present with what is, whether it's nature, other people, or ourselves, without the tension of wanting things to be different. The practical application lies in recognizing that suffering often stems from resisting reality and that true peace is found in acceptance and non-attachment to our narratives.
