https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YTkfP5dd8SY8a9QcPDrkr?si=tFoaMXPpShisw_tZFKTvqg
Throughout history, philosophers, mystics, and spiritual teachers have sought to understand the fundamental principles or forces that underlie all of existence. From the Taoist concept of the Tao to Schopenhauer's theory of Will, these concepts have offered insights into the nature of reality, the human condition, and the path to spiritual fulfillment.
Today will explore three such concepts: Schopenhauer's Will, Bankei's Unborn, and the Tao. It will examine how they relate to one another and to larger themes of philosophical and spiritual inquiry. By delving into these concepts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of reality and the human experience. We can also learn how to cultivate greater spiritual awareness and fulfillment in our lives.
Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) emerges as a prominent figure in the landscape of German philosophy, renowned for his profound insights into metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics. His intellectual oeuvre represents a distinctive fusion of diverse philosophical traditions, drawing inspiration from the likes of Kantianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. At the core of Schopenhauer's philosophy lies a radical proposition: that the world, in its essence, is inherently irrational and marked by pervasive suffering. To Schopenhauer, the pursuit of genuine happiness and fulfillment necessitates a radical departure from conventional desires, advocating instead for the cultivation of inner peace.
Central to Schopenhauer's philosophical framework is the concept of the Will – a pervasive, inscrutable force that underpins all phenomena, distinct from mere whims and aspirations. According to Schopenhauer, this primal Will propels all living entities towards the quest for satisfaction and completion, yet its nature is such that it remains perpetually insatiable, engendering a cycle of suffering and discontent. The only viable exit from this labyrinth of anguish, as posited by Schopenhauer, entails embracing asceticism and renouncing the trappings of desire.
In his magnum opus, "The World as Will and Representation," Schopenhauer expounds upon the notion that the world as we perceive it is fundamentally tied to this metaphysical, unconscious force – the Will. This Will, devoid of reason or discernment, serves as the foundational essence of reality, manifesting itself in the ceaseless striving and conflict that permeate both nature and human existence. Schopenhauer articulates how the Will's relentless pursuit renders all worldly endeavors ultimately futile, offering nothing but fleeting moments of respite before plunging back into the void of longing. This perpetual dissatisfaction, born of the insatiable Will, forms the bedrock of Schopenhauer's philosophy.
The crux of Schopenhauer's prescription for liberation lies in the renunciation of the Will through acts of self-denial and ascetic discipline. He extols virtues such as justice and compassion as embodiments of this denial of the will-to-live, heralding a departure from the relentless cycle of desire and suffering. By turning away from the temporal realm of existence, one can transcend the confines of individuality and align themselves with a higher, more profound reality.
In essence, Schopenhauer envisages the Will as an omnipresent, unconscious force that governs the very fabric of existence, driving all beings towards an unattainable ideal. This metaphysical edict, he argues, engenders a perpetual state of suffering, only to be assuaged through the renunciation of the Will itself. Schopenhauer's enduring influence echoes through the annals of philosophy, psychology, and literature, resonating with seekers of truth and wisdom across generations.
Bankei Yōtaku (1622 – 1693), a Japanese Zen master who founded the Bankei Zen school, was born in Matsuyama, Japan. Embracing a monkhood in his youth, Bankei stood out for his unorthodox teachings that accentuated direct experience and intuition over scholarly inquiries or dogma. Central to his philosophy was the conviction that every being possesses an innate purity and perfection, and the key to spiritual emancipation lies in recognizing and embracing this inherent essence. Bankei's teachings have left a lasting impact on Japanese Zen, resonating through continued study and practice to this day.
At the heart of Bankei's Zen philosophy lies the concept of the "Unborn." This notion posits that all beings are originally pristine and flawless, yet this natural purity is clouded by the transient thoughts, emotions, and desires that arise within the mind. According to Bankei, liberation comes from acknowledging these mental constructs as fleeting and illusory manifestations, distinct from the authentic self.
By focusing on the "Unborn" or "Uncreated" aspect of one's true nature, individuals can attain deep peace and liberation from suffering. Bankei's teachings prioritize direct experience and intuitive insight as pathways to uncovering spiritual truths in contrast to rigid doctrinal analysis.
Interestingly, Bankei's concept of the "Unborn" finds resonance with Arthur Schopenhauer's theory of the "Will" as the foundational metaphysical force permeating all existence. Both thinkers identified the transient and illusory nature of individual phenomena, striving to unveil a deeper, unchanging essence beyond surface appearances.
Schopenhauer posited that the visible world is but a representation of a blind, irrational "Will" driving beings towards fulfillment yet ultimately leading to perpetual dissatisfaction and suffering. His solution lay in renouncing this insatiable Will through ascetic practices.
Conversely, Bankei espoused that the true essence of beings is the "Unborn" – a pristine, perfect awareness that precedes and underlies fleeting thoughts and emotions. By transcending attachment to the ever-shifting stream of mental constructs, individuals can awaken to the timeless, uncompounded reality of the "Unborn," liberating themselves from the cycle of discontent and anguish.
In essence, both Bankei's "Unborn" and Schopenhauer's "Will" point to a transcendent reality beyond the transient realm of appearances and desires, offering a path to liberation from suffering through recognition of the unchanging essence that underpins all phenomena.