Every Now & ZenEvery Now & Zen

Is There a Role for Meditation & Contemplation In Philosophy?

Streams of Practice & Thought

Tradition• Eastern

– Hindu– Taoist

• Judaeo-Christian-Islamic

• Indigenous American• Fusion

Dimensions• Esoteric

– Religious– Spiritual

• Scientific (Material)– Altered States– Biofeedback– Biochemical

Comparison & Contrasts

Differences• Breathe/Thought• Focused/Oscillating• Concentration &

Stress• Sensory Triggers• Stillness & Motion

Parallels• Awareness• Gentleness• Openness• Uniqueness of

Experience• Insight

Meditation/Contemplation Is Not ...

• Mainly for relaxation, although relaxation is possible a side-effect, so can depression.

• A charismatic gift/talent, anyone can, if they choose to, do so.

• Parapsychological phenomena, but unusual things may (or may not) happen.

• Mystical phenomena, because even those who don’t believe in God may engage.

Realm of Philosophical

• Zen Parable of Emptying a Cup Before It Can Be Filled

• Thinking Outside of the Box

Taking Precedence

• Can I smoke while I’m praying?– Suspend logic?– Accept that not

everything is logically explainable?

– Field of Dreams: If you build it, they will come

– Distraction from purpose

• Can I pray while I’m smoking?– Focus on purpose– Suspending

preconceived notions & judgments

– Admitting knowledge & ignorance

– Returning to the logical connection

Areas of Compatibility

• Resorting to the practice of meditation & contemplation in philosophical activity– No guaranteed results– No two individuals are

exactly the same

• It isn’t at all an admonishment to abandon logic & reason but an invitation to think outside the box of biases & preconceived notions & reconnect later.

The Prospective Roles

• Meditation & Contemplation are Optional & not Essential Instruments to the practice of Philosophy

• If you meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him; never meant to be an obstacle

• In the experiences in meditation & contemplation arises experiences that are even better understood & appreciated by the practice of philosophy

• Philosophy is also an option