Episode 30

E29 - Forge Your Own Path: Zen Lessons for True Independence

Here is a timeline summary of the conversation:

The Game of Zen: Finding True Independence

Scott Berman and Sensei Paul's "The Game of Zen" podcast explores the connection between professional, personal, and spiritual growth, drawing on Buddhist and Zen teachings. This episode focuses on independence and self-empowerment, especially relevant with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the USA.

True Emancipation and Intrinsic Power:

Paul introduces the idea that "there's no way to gain emancipation through another person." He explains that we often cede power to external factors. True power and independence come from discovering our innate ability to influence ourselves and others, residing within our consciousness.

Navigating External Influences and the Perils of Success:

While age often brings wisdom in discerning what we can control, Paul warns that increased external power can breed arrogance. The conversation then shifts to social media, highlighting how seeking external validation (like "dopamine spikes" from likes) can be a surrender of personal power. Scott shares an anecdote illustrating the mind's tendency to focus on negative validation.

Sovereignty, Interdependence, and Qualities to Avoid:

Drawing parallels between America's break from British rule and personal liberation, Scott emphasizes shedding negative influences. Paul introduces sovereignty—the ability to be "agentic" within oneself—and clarifies it doesn't mean isolation. He discusses the Buddhist progression from dependence to independence to interdependence, seeing the latter as the "most in accord with reality."

From Zen Master Kosho Roshi, six qualities to avoid are presented:

Opportunism: Being a "slave to the world presenting you with opportunities."
Passivity: Relying on external motivation.
Dependence upon others: Giving up sovereignty.
Arrogance: Insecurity disguised as superiority.
Lack of concentration: Draining energy.
Accepting what others say uncritically: Giving up discernment.

Cultivating Independence of Mind:

Paul's newsletter highlights positive characteristics arising from inner confidence: service, joyful action, independence of mind, humility, concentration, and critical thinking. Cultivating independence of mind, especially in today's "poly-crisis" world, involves maintaining an "open mind" and a multi-perspectival view, embracing dynamic critical thinking ("the 'no'") and open-mindedness ("the 'yes'").

Humility, Confidence, and Mindfulness:

Scott explores balancing outward humility with inner confidence. Paul clarifies that true humility acknowledges what's beyond our control, while false humility is "virtue signaling." True humility and confidence are mutually reinforcing. Scott stresses mindfulness and staying in the present to maintain perspective.

The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the USA as a work in progress, with individual and community effort driving continuous improvement.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

One Body Sangha -- https://www.onebodysangha.org/

Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

One Body Sangha - https://www.onebodysangha.org/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

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