Scott Snibbe

A Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment

Dr. Jan Willis

  • Are We Fundamentally Good? with Dr. Jan Willis

Are We Fundamentally Good? with Dr. Jan Willis

Tuesday 17th October 2023

Join Dr. Jan Willis as she explores Buddha nature, innate goodness, and the power of compassion in a compelling chat with Scott Snibbe.
49 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

A Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment
Author:
Scott Snibbe
Overview:
Categories:
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Mindful Recovery
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Entrepreneurship for Personal Growth
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Are We Inherently Good? Dr. Jan Willis Weighs In

Episode Overview

  • Dr. Willis provides an in-depth exploration of Buddha nature and its historical significance within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition
  • She emphasizes the experiential aspect, encouraging listeners to recognize the innate potential for goodness within themselves and others
  • The conversation delves into the complexities of human nature, addressing the role of self-worth, empathy, and the interplay of identity politics
  • Dr. Willis eloquently weaves together scholarship and experiential wisdom, offering a compelling perspective on embracing our intrinsic potential for positivity and growth
  • Her insights and reflections provide a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, inspiring listeners to consider the profound implications of recognizing and nurturing the inherent goodness within themselves and others
Buddha nature is a fact, I think. And it's meant to encourage us to practice, not to say, oh, we're all Buddhas, which they used to say in the 70s and 80s. We're all Buddhas anyway, why should we practice? Well, because we don't know that, but we haven't realized it.
What if our true nature is fundamentally good? In this thought-provoking episode of 'A Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment', Scott Snibbe sits down with the esteemed Buddhist scholar and practitioner, Dr. Jan Willis, to tackle this profound question. Dr. Willis, a seasoned expert in Tibetan Buddhism, returns for a third time to share her deep insights into the concept of Buddha nature and its implications for our everyday lives.
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the historical and philosophical roots of Buddha nature, a core tenet in Buddhism that suggests we all possess an innate potential for goodness. Dr. Willis skillfully balances scholarly analysis with personal reflections, making complex ideas accessible and relatable. They discuss how recognizing this inherent goodness can transform our relationships and interactions, emphasizing the roles of compassion and empathy.
The episode doesn’t shy away from challenging topics, including the interplay of identity politics and self-worth in understanding human nature. Dr. Willis even touches on the controversial idea of finding goodness in figures as destructive as Vladimir Putin, prompting listeners to reconsider their views on morality and human potential. Through her eloquent storytelling and deep knowledge, Dr. Willis invites us to see beyond our flaws and connect with our intrinsic capacity for positivity and growth.
Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to Buddhist philosophy, this episode offers valuable insights that encourage a more compassionate and empathetic outlook on life.