195. The Life Wisdom Project | Aesthetics and Philosophy in Chinese Spirituality | Special Guest: Dr. Jonathan Weidenbaum

GOD: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher - The Podcast

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In this episode of The Life Wisdom Project, philosopher Dr. Jonathan Weidenbaum joins Jerry to explore the fascinating world of Chinese spirituality and its connections to Western philosophy. Jonathan shares his transformative journey to Mount Jiuhua, one of China's sacred mountains, offering insights into how nature and spirituality are deeply intertwined in Chinese thought.

The discussion bridges Eastern and Western philosophies, including Heidegger's idea of Gelassenheit (letting go) and Buber's concepts of I/It vs. I/Thou relationships. These ideas are unpacked to reveal how they shape our understanding of desire, values, and the importance of suspending desire.

Listeners will also enjoy a powerful Zen parable about a master and a thief, which uncovers profound spiritual truths. The conversation extends to the Taoist principle of Wu Wei, or effortless action, highlighting the significance of aligning with the natural world.

Jonathan and Jerry further discuss the Ethics of Care and virtue ethics, connecting these ideas to Confucian ethics, where context and flexibility are valued over rigid rules. This episode offers practical insights into applying these philosophical concepts in everyday life.

Relevant Episodes:

• [Dramatic Adaptation] God Shares His Earliest Interactions In Chinese Spirituality

Other Series:

• From God To Jerry To You- A series calling for the attention of spiritual seekers everywhere, featuring breakthroughs, pathways, and illuminations.
• Two Philosophers Wrestle With God- Sit in on a dialogue between philosophers about God and the questions we all have.
• What's On Our Mind- Connect the dots with Jerry and Scott over the most recent series of episodes.
• What's On Your Mind- What are readers and listeners saying? What is God saying?

Resources:

• READ: "These Have Been My Most Faithful Servants"
• THE LIFE WISDOM PROJECT PLAYLIST

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1. 195. The Life Wisdom Project | Aesthetics and Philosophy in Chinese Spirituality | Special Guest: Dr. Jonathan Weidenbaum (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to God: An Autobiography, The Podcast (00:00:17)

3. Introducing The Life Wisdom Project | Special Guest Dr. Jonathan Weidenbaum (00:01:11)

4. Aesthetics in Chinese Spirituality: Spiritually Resonating to Nature (00:02:52)

5. Jonathan’s Experience in China: Climbing Mount Jiuhua (00:05:50)

6. Philosophical Dialogues: Heidegger's Gelassenheit and Buber's I/It vs. I/Thou Relations (00:06:37)

7. Desire, Values, and Suspension of Desire (00:09:27)

8. Zen Parable: Master and Thief (00:10:39)

9. Nature, Harmony, and Wu Wei: The Flow of Effortless Action (00:12:47)

10. Ethics of Care and Virtue Ethics (00:15:39)

11. Context Over Rules: Confucian Ethics (00:17:26)

12. Ethical Dilemmas: Personal Reflections (00:18:32)

13. Outro and Contact Information: Stay Connected (00:29:33)