Professor and author Guy Newland chats with Chris about religious studies as they get down into conventional truth versus ultimate truth.
This episode was originally recorded in April 2014
Early Years
Guy briefly discusses his early years on the spiritual path, studying mystic Christianity, Hinduism, Sufism, his interest in experience rather than doctrine, cultivating compassion within ourselves and finding his home in the Buddhist lineage.
Traditions
Guy discusses some of the similarities and differences between Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.
Perception
Guy breaks down the teaching of the two truths—conventional truth and ultimate truth—using various examples that include MacBook’s, Apple Corporation and Steve Jobs, mountains, animals, office buildings, telephones and more.
The Ground of All Being
Quantum Physics, the human mind, the Tao and seeing reality as it actually is are all discussed.
Emptiness and Universal Happiness
In life we suffer unnecessarily because we don’t see things the way are, looking to external things for lasting peace and happiness, however, things don’t have a graspable nature. Guy discusses the importance and benefit of understanding the Buddhist teaching of Emptiness and how it’s a peace in accordance with seeing things the way they are. We also cover practicing as a way of service for others as well as ourselves.
Books and Music!
Guy talks about some of his favorite authors and books including Zen Master Raven, Practice of the Wild and more. Guy and I also discuss our love of music including Hendrix, Radiohead, The Pixies, Sonic Youth and more.
About Guy Newland:
Guy holds a Ph.D. in the History of Religions from the University of Virginia. He has worked with a great many Tibetan scholars and taught at five Dharma centers–all within the Dalai Lama’s school of Tibetan Buddhism. Since 1988 he has been a professor at Central Michigan University. His publications include The Two Truths (Snow Lion), Appearance and Reality (Snow Lion), Introduction to Emptiness (Snow Lion) and, in collaboration with others, Moonshadows: Conventional Truth in Buddhist Philosophy (Oxford).