Adam interviews Mark Epstein, a psychiatrist and author, discussing the complex nature of desire from both a Buddhist and psychotherapeutic perspective. They explore how desire is often misunderstood as an obstacle, when in fact it can serve as a vehicle for spiritual growth and understanding. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing and embracing desire rather than suppressing it, the role of the ego, and the lessons learned from personal experiences and stories, including the Ramayana and the parable of the strawberry.
Buy the Book: Open to Desire – The Truth About What The Buddha Taught
Support the Podcast: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf
Mark Shares
· Desire is not inherently negative; it's often our perception of it that limits us.
· Suppressing desire can lead to greater dissatisfaction and emotional issues.
· Desire can be a pathway to spiritual growth and understanding.
· The ego plays a crucial role in our awareness and spiritual practice.
· Meditation helps us to understand and transform our desires.
· The middle path involves finding a balance between indulgence and suppression of desires.
· Personal anecdotes can illustrate the complexities of desire and satisfaction.
· Understanding the nature of desire can lead to greater empathy and connection with others.
· The Ramayana serves as a metaphor for the journey of desire and its true purpose.
· Self-awareness is key to transforming our relationship with desire.
Find Mark
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/markepstein108
Website: www.markepsteinmd.com
Keen on Yoga
Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/
Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga
Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats
Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mark Epstein
01:01 Desire: A Different Perspective
05:55 Desire as a Vehicle for Growth
11:55 The Nature of Desire and Suffering
18:04 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned
24:06 Empathy and the Objectification of Desire
30:46 Exploring Desire and Unsatisfactoriness
33:42 The Middle Path: Balancing Indulgence and Suppression
36:09 Understanding Desire: The Role of Self and Shame
37:12 The Ramayana: A Story of Desire and Purpose
40:37 The Strawberry Parable: Appreciating Desire
43:43 The Ego: Our Greatest Obstacle and Hope
