Secular Buddhism Podcast

#159

When Things Fall Apart

In this episode, I explore the Buddhist understanding of impermanence and interdependence, drawing from Pema Chödrön's concept of "when things fall apart." I discuss how the core of the Buddha's awakening was the realization that all things come together and fall apart, and that this is the fundamental nature of reality. A key takeaway is that instead of resisting difficulties, pain, or sorrow, we should learn to become intimate with these experiences, much like befriending the "sticky hair monster" in a Buddhist story. This means leaning into discomfort, honoring our emotions, and letting down our defenses rather than fighting against what we feel. The practical application is finding greater peace by embracing uncertainty and understanding that while we can influence our experiences through intention, we cannot control the inevitable cycles of things coming together and falling apart, much like the ongoing process of washing dishes.

Nov 21, 2021

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