Steve Hagen: Understanding Enlightenment and the Mind's Nature
Knowing the true meaning of these ideas will give you great freedom as you seek the enlightenment that is your true nature.
Imagine finding peace by simply understanding your own mind. In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer chats with Steve Hagen, founder and teacher at the Dharma Field Zen Center. Hagen, a well-respected author on Buddhism, dives into often-misunderstood concepts like Wholeness vs Unwholesomeness, Perception vs Conception, and Belief vs Knowledge. Hagen’s wisdom aims to clear the fog around these ideas, offering a path to enlightenment that feels more accessible and grounded.
Eric kicks things off with the Two Wolves Parable, setting the stage for a deep discussion on how our choices shape our inner lives. Hagen then takes us through his teachings, explaining how perception (our direct experiences) differs from conception (our mental constructs). He highlights how our natural state is one of enlightenment, but it often goes unnoticed because we are caught up in our own mental fabrications. Listeners will find Hagen’s insights on wholeness particularly enlightening.
He explains that every experience has an inherent wholeness, challenging the way we typically judge events as good or bad. The conversation also touches on the Buddhist concept of 'no self', which Hagen clarifies isn't about being selfless in the Western sense but about understanding the fluid nature of identity. Hagen also shares practical advice on avoiding dualistic thinking, helping us see beyond the binary of good vs bad.
He introduces the idea of 'the Great Way without Preference', urging us to notice how our minds lean towards certain preferences and how this affects our peace of mind. Wrapping up with the story of the 84th problem, Hagen leaves listeners with a powerful message about letting go of our constant search for solutions and finding peace in acceptance. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to understand their mind better and walk a path towards enlightenment.