Sam Harris: A Rational Mystics Guide To Consciousness & Awakening | Know Thyself Podcast EP 47

Sam Harris joins the Know Thyself Podcast today for a deep dive into consciousness, free will, and artificial intelligence. He explains the illusory nature of self, our daily psychosis, and why it's essential to wake up from the 'dream' of our thoughts. Sam shares how the practice of meditation can help set us free, and how to break the spell of negative emotions.
He also dives deep on the pitfalls of the spiritual path, explaining the drawbacks of non-dual thinking, emptiness in Buddhism, and why some Gurus misbehave.
Sam gives a thorough explanation into his present thesis on solving the hard problem of consciousness, explains how the concept of free will can be limiting with understanding psychopaths, and if he believes that artificial intelligence will one day become conscious.
Download André's FREE Book Recommendation List: www.knowthyself.one/books
www.wakingup.com/knowthyself for free 30 days of Waking Up App
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Timecodes:
0:00 Intro
2:41 The Illusion of Self and the Process of Suffering
11:08 Our daily psychosis - Identification with thought
16:35 The Transitory Nature of Thought and the Benefits of Meditation
27:14 When ego is useful, and when to let go
32:40 Breaking the Spell of Negative Emotions
35:19 Understanding Impermanence and its Relation to Suffering
43:31 The concept of "Emptiness" in Buddhism
56:32 Pitfalls of the ‘goal’ of enlightenment
59:11 The Duality of the Spiritual Path
1:12:15 The Illusion of Seeking and False Beliefs in Meditation Practice
1:14:58 How non-dual teachings got twisted
1:17:31 Waking up vs embodiment
1:25:21 Why spiritual teachers misbehave
1:30:57 Sam’s Personal Pivotal Moments in the Journey of Self Inquiry
1:44:46 The hard problem of consciousness
2:09:24 Consciousness and Intelligence in AGI
2:17:42 Do we really have Free will?
2:29:57 Why Gratitude & Reason Heals Us
2:40:02 Conclusion
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Sam Harris is the author of five New York Times best sellers. His books include The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, Waking Up, and Islam and the Future of Tolerance (with Maajid Nawaz). The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics-neuroscience, moral philosophy, religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality-but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam’s work has been published in more than 20 languages and has been discussed in The New York Times, Time, Scientific American, Nature, Rolling Stone, and many other publications. He has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), The Annals of Neurology, among others. He also hosts the Making Sense Podcast, which was selected by Apple as one of the “iTunes Best” and has won a Webby Award for best podcast in the Science & Education category.
Sam received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA. He has also practiced meditation for more than 30 years and has studied with many Tibetan, Indian, Burmese, and Western meditation teachers, both in the United States and abroad. Sam has created the Waking Up app for anyone who wants to learn to meditate in a modern, scientific context.
www.samharris.org
www.wakingup.com/knowthyself for free 30 days of Waking Up App
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Know Thyself
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Website: www.knowthyself.one
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André Duqum
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Meraki Media
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/ merakimedia

[@quietlys]

Who else is binge watching themselves to enlightenment? 🙋

[@TehSakred]

I hope you’re consciously integrating all the knowledge you learn 🙏🏽

[@grm3243]

When you realize the binge watching that's stage one.. Binge watching is food for the mind. Just another indulgence . Then one-day you give up. ...

[@stephaniecritser7360]

Me 😅

[@grm3243]

@@marksackhaarberg1822 depends on your knowledge and experience of what eack person means by enlightenment.

[@ronamain8689]

Continuously! 😂

[@losbrooklyn8861]

The host is so calm doesnt imterrupt allows guest to speak...great flow. Unlike some other podcasts.

[@susydyson1750]

Very much love listening to Sam Harris’ explanations must listen to his podcasts ❤

[@susydyson1750]

Fundamentally!!

[@user-de4ty9kg6o]

Yes. Are you listening Bill Maher?

[@twilit]

@@user-de4ty9kg6o 🤢

[@gd705]

Yes, are you listening Rick Archer?

[@WickedIndigo]

One of the thoughts that helps keep me on track is “you don’t need to have an opinion on everything”. I don’t only mean this for political issues and situations with relationships but specifically my relationship with my thoughts and emotions. I don’t need to feel depressed that I’m angry about something silly, I can simply lightly touch the thought or emotion and return back to awareness. So if work is really getting under my skin I just tell myself that I don’t need to have an opinion on the fact that I’m being mistreated or whatever it may be. The Buddha has a quote that goes in tandem with this and it goes something like: “There are three solutions to every problem. Accept it, change it, or leave it. If you can’t accept it, change it. If you can’t change it, leave it.” Hopefully someone sees value in this. Sending love to all🙏❤️

[@zt6309]

Thanks

[@stranger2Utube]

Very wise, thank you ❤

[@timbaker266]

I just read your insightful comment, I want to encourage you to keep saying things like this, I'm in central KY and your comment pierced just where I needed, people like you make the world a better place

[@WickedIndigo]

@@timbaker266 hey man, I’m super glad you, as well as others, have found value in my comment. 🙌I’ve struggled and I continue to struggle but the least I can do is share what I’ve learned along the way. It’s all about spreading the love, that’s how we’re gonna go places as a people. Best wishes to you, my friend🙏

[@MLeibs]

Ty❤

[@louislovereality]

fantastic host as he navigates without interrupting the guest - so unusual a privilege to have had this pop up - thank you

[@irrelevant2235]

This video is an example of how conversations should be had.

[@XeL__]

oh reading comment before watching.. gonna watch and subscribe

[@BrentARJ]

Also a great navigator because he is one of the few people I've seen interview Harris on this topic who actually seems to understand what Sam is talking about.

[@jpmollic6973]

Francis Lucille, Rupert Spira, Eckhart Tolle, Sarvapriyananda and Sam Harris are providing a very beneficial service to humanity by offering their understanting of the Reality we all live in!

[@bananamiriam]

…such nuanced delivery from Sam

[@Jide-bq9yf]

Without question.

[@Jide-bq9yf]

@@bananamiriamhis got such a subtle mind . Always a privilege to have one’s intellect engaged by his .

[@jaredlivingston1347]

just wanted to recognize how refreshing it was to enjoy a full hour of this content without a single youtube ad 🙌🏼

[@lievenyperman9363]

If you use "Brave" to get on youtube you never get ads.

[@94nolo]

​@@lievenyperman9363 I just pay for premium. It's an unregretted purchase.

[@thaliagarcia9684]

@@lievenyperman9363 How do you do that?

[@sanekabc]

In the end, though, someone has to pay for it. I would rather have ads than no content.

[@nicholasborcic3605]

​@@94nolo 😊9y😊I your 09😅😊of 98

[@danareaves4813]

He is an amazing host!! An active listener! Very rare. Inspiring.

[@zzgeneralsearch1070]

I'm in awe of Sam's ability to explain complex phenomena in easy to understand terms.

[@Cogito2323]

Me, too. It’s a rare skill.

[@XeL__]

part i dont get from his logic is "i dont exist i see everyone else there is no self" but "only my egoism and personal preference and this pile of dead sentient being butchered for me is just imagined object and im the only one real" highly contractitive tho.. but yep hes super agile at explaining it, his voice is meditative itself too

[@robertjsmith]

@@XeL__ if you are aware of this sentence,you ARE all of existence

[@lcluff3649]

Yep. Such a turn on.

[@mauryanthony1961]

Yes, lies from his own imagination.

[@EvoBioChemical]

Sam Harris is a gift to humankind with his charity, spreading of wisdom, and endless eloquence.

[@rdgpromotions6087]

@@anjollanto9948 Just because you don’t like his views on religion doesn’t mean he doesn’t have some wisdom on certain topics.

[@anjollanto9948]

Does he have? 🤣

[@dave9547]

@rdgpromotions6087 go listen to his deranged opinions on covid and Trump. Sam the Malibu meditator is an unhinged authoritarian.

[@JPatelLive]

We are ALL a gift from the Creator, period! 🙌🏽 💝

[@anjollanto9948]

@@JPatelLive no! Not all, if we are all gift, we would go all to heaven.

[@Conversations970]

A thought for everyone. I started watching/listening to Sam Harris about 2019. I loved how HIGHLY intelligent he was, articulate and soft spoken. Forward to "vaccines", election stuff and a completely NEW and UNHINGED man appeared. He blundered, he tripped and tried to say that a statement he had made was taken out of context. IT IN FACT, WAS NOT. I listened to the entire podcast twice. I was glad to see that Sam then disappeared. However upon him returning to interviews, I noticed he was heavy on "I made a mistake........but its only because etc...etc...etc.. You see, Sam comes from a group of HIGHLY intelligent, educated men who used to sit and talk for hours about all things "world.....politics......education etc. They ALL let Sam know that he in fact "blew it" by saying............. he literally did not care if Hunter Biden had dead (correct) babies in his basement if it would stop Trump from winning. I have listened to Sam on three different podcasts since his return and unfortunately, he is STILL that Sam Harris. He is a Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The podcast previous to this one, had Sam "politely and ever so quietly" sharing that he thought that the "common" man is basically not smart enough to make decisions on vaccines or who should be president. He lays things out so "articulately" that one wonders if they are incorrect in what they are hearing. I heard correctly. My heart says that one cannot have it both ways. His peers (that he left) still discuss intelligent things, but NEVER try to act like they are someone else. I believe that Sam is now "worming" his way into this space, so when the timing is right, he will "lay his wisdom on the world" as to whom we should all vote for.. MAKE no MISTAKE, Sam is deeply embedding into pushing his thoughts on this new space of "open minded people". I give him snaps for his brilliance in trying to win over a new group of people who will look up to him...................as SO many of his past followers have turned their back. ONE CANNOT be seeking a quiet spirituality and yet be determined to HELP "ignorant" people know who to vote for. Mind you.................I am NOT a Trump supporter, but wrong is wrong. Sam is a politely deceptive person. Wait until some podcaster makes the mistake of asking him his thoughts on lockdowns, vaccines and politics. The "BLISSED" out man leaves in a breath and the man with an agenda is alive and well. Actually quite sad. I can respect anyone for who THEY are, but a fake is just deplorable, ESPECIALLY in these spaces where I believe people are very vulnerable as they seek for answers. MANY BLESSINGS to Andre' for his excellent conversations

[@sahaji108]

Good that you realized it. He is very popular and many people fall for his well spoken style. I STOPPED LISTENING TO HIM LOOOOONG AGO. CLOTHED EGO SHINES THROUGH. .... This I listened to because YT started to play it random and I have not stopped it because I like the host. When he talks about the "SELF" he gives it away that it is nothing but his ego talking.......

[@taralilarose1]

Thinking and dreaming are the same??? Lol.

[@hbinfinity]

I love that Harris, an outspoken atheist, is also included in modern spiritual/philosophical discussion. This is culturally really important. I hope we can all appreciate this moment as much as we appreciate what he has to say.

[@vade137]

really? he claims to be part of one of the most murderous groups on earth, showed he was a complete wimp and shill during covid...so bad that he got pulled out of the spotlight for humiliating himself.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

He's a grifter

[@joshboston2323]

@@TheGuiltsOfUs --oh really? In what way do you think?

[@MrCmon113]

@@TheGuiltsOfUs Just like everyone who disagrees with you.

[@junimeme5626]

@@TheGuiltsOfUs Try more than a sentence next time. Bonus points if you also provide accurate context and quotation.

[@lauderdalerobite3549]

Sam has been my philosophical nurturer since 2013, and now after 10 years hearing him consistently about his convictions in the world is really gratifying to me. It goes to show that his perspectives are grounded on what is really common in all people regardless of the religion or other beliefs they bestow upon themselves. I myself was a church-grown christian but I don't consider myself now wven though I still serve the church occasionally til this day since my family put up that church. I still don't consider myself a christian, not how Peterson and his definition of Christianity defines that religion. You're only a christian if you believe everything the bible says, you are not one if you only pretend as if he exists. That's why in all of the rationalists, Sam Harris has always been the most consistent in his arguments and the most eloquent but very very verryyyy comprehensible. I love you Sam Harris, keep doing what you do without caring about the volume of your audience... We are all still here listening to you and considering carefully every word you say. Appreciate all your work, thank you for what you do.

[@indigochild2.098]

ahahahaahahahahahah

[@Gouda_travels]

Sam is the reason why I got over so much of the noise that was going on in my head. His guided meditations and the anologies he brings during those mediations help you view things in your life differently. I started his waking up practise and whithin a few days things start to become different. I started writing about my observations during and after those meditation sessions. Things start to click automatically without too much force from my side. I really recommend his practise

[@h.hickenanaduk8622]

Analogies and within (that's as far as I got) - spellcheck used can make even dumb people sound smarter. Not used - well... you see the results. If you don't care about the things you post, why should we?

[@jadapinkett1656]

​@@h.hickenanaduk8622 Is the whittle boy triggered?

[@paulhorton4700]

Hey Hick you can get the message that was written without being a Richard and trying to pretend that your bodily waste doesn't stink

[@mayurshembekar6538]

"You're not in control of the storm,you're not lost in it , you're the storm " only sam harris can write articulate lines like this

[@h.hickenanaduk8622]

Yes, contrarian and unexpected, but wrong. There are things you can control and things you can't. Accept it and do the best you can to mediate the things you can control but realize there will always be things beyond not just your control but your ability to understand them. There are no failures because there are no set purposes other than what you decide in the moment. Purposes change. What doesn't change is one's moral duty - to respond to those elements in your life that detract from it directly and indirectly. Operate from that while knowing and exploring your limitations, and you can't go wrong even if your ship is tossed between Scylla and Charybdis the whole time.

[@amandaholley8717]

@@h.hickenanaduk8622 well ... thats what you think! lol ;-))) He does explain this illusion of control ... which is great!

[@marius7098]

A cliche?

[@anthonyjohnson1294]

Excellent interview Why? Because YOU stayed out of his way. Too many podcasters think THEY are the show. Not at all. We tune in for the GUEST, NOT the host. Thank you!!

[@gd705]

Well said!!

[@h1ph0p10]

Not only for the host 😎

[@Emma-fq9pv]

There is something so beautiful and reassuring about this interview. Feeling very grateful to have souls like these two in the world. Great job ❤

[@IAM-so9yh]

Consciousness, though expressed in an infinite series of levels, is not divisional. There is no real separation or gap in consciousness. I AM cannot be divided. I may conceive myself to be a rich man, a poor man, a beggar man or a thief, but the center of my being remains the same, regardless of the concept I hold of myself. At the center of manifestation, there is only one I AM manifesting in legions of forms or concepts of itself and "I am that I am". Trying to build my page up. Please let me know what you think! @IAM-so9yh .

[@ipsofactophoto]

Totally agree.

[@modisakgotlabokgosi4714]

Growing up I suspected things that I never heard any mention of in my milieu. Only after I was old and brave enough to seek my authentic path I met fountains of wisdom to drink from. This interview is most certainly reassuring and brilliant...a fountain to drink from.

[@garrettpeters2547]

It seems several commenters here think Sam's atheism and what he believes on self/consciousness are mutually exclusive. They aren't. Sam is still an atheist. He spent several years on silent meditation BEFORE becoming one of the "New Atheists." You don't need to believe in woo woo to work toward understanding your self.

[@jmc5335]

He does believe in miracles though

[@ASimoneau]

@@jmc5335 Which ones?

[@jmc5335]

@@ASimoneau That French Muslims have miraculous breeding capacities

[@Maxinator11-11]

@@jmc5335if the women are sequestered for breeding purposes ... dedicated to the task ... no working outside the home, cooking and eating lots of food, little stress, no responsibility for paying bills, lots of sex and absolutely no birth control ... constantly anticipating reproduction facilitates such miracl😂s

[@willbruce2126]

That any true answer to the hard question of consciousness will be a miracle

[@tommac93]

I will be going back to this interview many times going forward. Amazing job! Not once did you get in the way or disrupt the flow and this is more rare than some would think. Absolutely subbed.

[@stanleyklein524]

Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different outcomes (e.g., understanding). A symptom of insanity (or just stupidity).

[@zzgeneralsearch1070]

​​​@@stanleyklein524 think he is saying that he wants to remember the many gems Sam has given here.😮

[@h.hickenanaduk8622]

Will you be going back because you have memory problems or because you are grasping and clinging to anything that makes you feel better about the disjointed, hodge podge of thoughts you have in your own head, and when you hear a doctor fumble his way through a fairly simple topic, you don't feel so bad? Either is fine. Just curious.

[@tracyhill6166]

I really love Andre and I say this with love behind it. I wish that during his intro, the one he says every week about how we're to meet with a beautiful and brilliant mind, he needs to say that like he actually means it. It's beginning to sound very rote and I think it does a disservice to his guests. He's my favorite podcast and I appreciate him and the amazing guests he has on pretty much daily.

[@SaulEmersonAuthor]

(Lol - yes - & I _really_ want him to look more into the toxic backstory of BetterHelp - which I have heard him have as a sponsor at times)

[@MarcosRodrigues-zg6nz]

the minutes 30 to 36 are so enlightening. Omg thank you

[@STOIUM]

One of the best interviews with Sam Harris I've seen!

[@AlastairGames]

Resting in the silence, not thinking at all, is the best! I don't have to do any practice, I just relax. I recommend everyone try it!

[@meursault5861]

Meditation isn't not thinking. That's impossible. It's just paying attention to thoughts and recognising them as thoughts themselves.

[@AlastairGames]

@@meursault5861 Yes one can pay attention to the nature of thoughts, that is a part of meditation for sure, however meditation is more wider than that, there are many other things you can pay attention to. I can assure you my friend that is possible to not think, or at least it feels that way, when one is listening to the silent part of themself.

[@rickved]

@@meursault5861 I practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique for 54 years. It allows one to transcend thought where only the experiencer exists. There the mind is unbounded. But you are correct that you cannot have this experience using effort. TM is effortless because the Self is effortless.

[@MrCmon113]

That just means you're thinking without noticing it. Nothing wrong with relaxing, but that you actually think your thoughts stop when you do it, shows that you have minimal awareness of them.

[@AlastairGames]

@@MrCmon113 how do you know?

[@berkefeil5646]

“You can’t think a thought before you think it.” Sam never fails to display his language virtuosity… love it

[@Ashutosh5897]

If anyone wants to learn about what he is talking about than learn about Vedanta philosophy from Hinduism

[@Ashutosh5897]

@@willtribe636 If anyone wants to learn about what he is talking about than learn about Vedanta philosophy from Hinduism

[@Ashutosh5897]

@@willtribe636 Idiots always claim they know everything, my bad i thaught u belongs from other group.

[@MrCmon113]

@@willtribe636 Your bs was explicitly adressed in the video. You're just talking shit and 99.99% of the time, you're completely lost in thoughts.

[@stanleyklein524]

@@willtribe636 Then how are you talking to? Are you psychotic? Do not answer since I have no self to receive your sagacity.

[@kathrynholland2585]

Andre is a consummate interviewer, he listens, allows his guests to fully articulate their thoughts and asks and prompts deeper questions to paint a complete answer. Very rewarding podcast. Thank you.

[@Knowyourworth888]

Well put

[@truebryantcoaching]

I’ve always been a Sam Harris fan. Watching him go from the atheist days, to all the stuff on free will and morality, and now as he’s evolved. He seems calmer and more integrated… thanks Andre and Sam, appreciate y’all 🥂

[@Jacob-Vivimord]

He believed all of this stuff back in the atheist days. It's not new - although his ability to elucidate his perspective may have improved in that time.

[@QuickSticks8771]

Imagine how good he’ll be once he drops all the judgment of the people he doesn’t like

[@damlakaya5269]

@@Jacob-Vivimord und ich bin q

[@Jmriccitelli]

@@QuickSticks8771 You’re 100% on that…👍

[@coolexio]

​@@QuickSticks8771 he doesn't need to, what a fatuous sentence.

[@Theheadrest]

This interview is going to be so helpful for people who have felt the dissolution of the self but don’t have the words to describe their experience. Thank you both so much.

[@h.hickenanaduk8622]

"Dissolution of the self"? Do you mean Death? Or perhaps psychological dissociation? Because I really didn't hear anything about either. I suppose you could be just another pseudointellectual Millennial who likes to throw out concepts on KZbin to make himself feel like he's "really got it going on", but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you aren't.

[@RUWiser_Refined]

I am the thinker and the thought. 👏👏👏😇👏👏👏 Great conversation!

[@bennguyen1313]

Sam's explanation on the hard problem of consciousness is the best I've heard! Would love to hear a roundtable discussion with Sam, Swami Sarvapriyananda, Nick Lane/Bruce Lipton, and Jeffrey Mishlove.

[@saucysauce204]

Sam Harris. I love how he brings clarity and humor to these explorations.

[@dave9547]

Sam is an establishment mouthpiece.

[@aaronpannell6401]

​@dave9547 do you think we would be better off without establishments?

[@Dhibdic]

Sam Harris has been cracking me up for years with his down to earth insights. Love this guy

[@bananamiriam]

Same 🌻 And his podcast, Making Sense, is so good. He has a calm, middle road yet curious approach, is respectful of nuance… truly a treasure ⭐️

[@Graybeard_]

Sam Harris has grown up a lot. I recall a very brash, dominant personality that seemed drawn to decisively win a discussion as opposed to experiencing a discussion. I'm of the notion that we come here to experience, that this classroom is a place to generate experiences that contribute to a growing, expanding self. Recognizing this provides opportunities to become aware that this lifetime is not the sum of who we are but merely a chapter of a much larger anthology. When we accept that this lifetime is but one of many, we are much more likely to experience detachment in every day encounters. It opens the doors to not taking others and ourselves too seriously, to become more curious and less fearful of life, and to be more open to the experiences others are having and understanding that reality does not originate from our experience.

[@Cogito2323]

I’ve noticed his growth, too… I first heard him at Cal Tech about 15 years ago. He was obviously brilliant and growing, but he also seemed a little pugnacious and young. This is the first time I’ve heard him speak since then, and I find him amazingly articulate and grounded. What a pleasure to not only hear his profound thoughts and eloquence, but also to see the growth he’s made as a person.

[@honeyflo88]

What do yall mean by grown. I dont want to sound ageist but generally it means being stupid, out of touch, and indignantly neurotic and self centered and others conforming to you

[@Graybeard_]

@@honeyflo88 ? Or: "Personal growth is the process of an individual becoming aware of the ‘self’ in its entirety, followed by taking steps to address the behavior, attitudes, values, actions and habits that they wish to change. This process starts first with ‘self-awareness’ - which allows one to see themselves honestly - and culminates in targeted changes to the self that deliver positive outcomes to the life of the individual in question."

[@machinevsfascist]

The beautiful thing is, one is perfectly able to evolve in their temperament as a human being without reaching for the metaphysical and the supernatural. He is championing methods and techniques in order to experience life in a more meaningful and peaceful way without the typical metaphysical baggage that comes along with that, and it is such a beautiful thing. The experience of profundity is such a wonderful and life altering phenomenon. So to is detachment from the extraneous. Identifying things that take us away from immediate experience. There's no need for claims about deities or past lives or psychic phenomenon or anything else for which there's no evidence whatsoever.

[@robin100012001]

lol he was arguing against religion back then, still the same if he debates religious people

[@suzanne2680]

Recommended viewing and listening for absolutely everyone, and such a hopeful note to end on - thanks, Andre and Sam.

[@rinahgberg312]

One sentence can make a big difference! " The concentrated mind is incredible plessureble." I haven't been able to focus very well for a long time for many reasons,so with that sentence something fell into place in me. Thank you very much for sharing this great interview.💛

[@Nicoladen1]

I had my first meditation-induced mystical experience a couple years ago and when taking shrooms for the first time a year or two afterwards I wasn't surprised by how I felt. In fact, it was like a reminder of how I could feel if I just paid more attention to life and less to that ongoing stream of fundamentally unnecessary mental chatter. It's rather quite simple, and that's precisely why it's all so illusive.

[@h.hickenanaduk8622]

It's truly sad that you should equate finding harmony with drug use or deviation, (sorry, meditation), and that you can't experience things in a normal rational way. It's sad because you are part of a brainwashed culture that attaches so much significance to your own opinions and blathering it to the world, but in reality, your opinions are nothing more than some form of self-induced psychosis. I have taken substances that had similar effects on my consciousness, but I just experienced them as such and had some fun with it. I didn't try to justify it as some Grand Delusion. I hope down the road you will see these things are crutches and of limited use to your basic consciousness and, in fact, detract from it when used in even the slightest excess. If you can't get "high" without such things, you really show no respect for the plant or your experience.

[@Nicoladen1]

@@h.hickenanaduk8622 I had many such experiences and only one was ever drug-induced. Maybe you misunderstood my post but I'm not a regular drug-user at all. Rather quite the contrary. Also, you're not exempt from this form of self-induced psychosis hence why you felt the need to push your own viewpoints after having prematurely judged my whole way of life from a singular comment. Namaste

[@danielthornton9876]

Compassion and Gratitude, the balm to take the sting out of our disappointment in the status quo. Thank you both for sharing the wisdom needed to move the needle, and keep a glimmer of hope in everyone.

[@gardengirl6636]

Thanks for this conversation! I learn something new every time I hear SM speak.

[@jodie3339]

Sam is a treasure. His words have guided me through many challenges, internal and external. Thank you!

[@vade137]

Treasure? America would be better off if he left.

[@Think-dont-believe]

🙈😬cringe

[@dipshitfromtexas2916]

Jodi , don't be a moron. Sam's a tool

[@riffcaster]

You be better off being guided by the infallible.

[@UniversalSouls]

Lol

[@MrMattias87]

Sam is a true skeptic, because of him I too got myself into mindfulness and meditation.

[@Funkywallot]

Its the only way out in this hyperindividualistic world where just about everyone is burdened with worthless knowledge

[@vade137]

funny, we noticed the people that pratice "mindfulness" are the meanest and angriest people we know.

[@josend]

a true skeptic but the blindfully trusts the WHO, the FDA and the covid shots. Sam is full of shit

[@mirekcieslowski2134]

His is not sceptic He fsll right thru black hole of covid with zero questioning and zero retrospct after he was proven wrong.

[@Ashutosh5897]

If anyone wants to learn about what he is talking about than learn about Vedanta philosophy from Hinduism

[@gtandecki]

Fantastic host, simply allowing all the time needed to answer.

[@JohnBoen]

Great show. I haven't read Sam Harris for about 8 years. I need to read him again.

[@ChandaKhavari444]

André is getting the best guests on his show. They way he listens and has thoughtful responses and questions is all I want. This is my favorite podcast and that is saying a lot for how many I listen to. You don’t know me André but I’m so very proud of you. And thank you for this podcast. ❤️❤️❤️

[@sohara....]

I listen to the talks about authors such as Agatha Christie and Tolkien, and about ancient civilizations on *The rest is history* podcast, on Podbean & KZbin. The two historians are well informed & stimulating! Am mentioning this as a way of giving something as well as asking you what podcasts do you recommend? Thanks

[@steveneardley7541]

@@sohara.... Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out.

[@SolarisBali]

This was such a wonderfully calm, insightful and joyous watch. Thank you!

[@PaulFrancisBass]

So revealing and exactly what I need right now ….Thankyou ❤

[@rhitaakhardid5792]

The lighting brings out the chill that both host and guest inherently are.

[@PaulaDTozer]

This concept Sam is relating of losing ourselves in a tv show (or video) is beautifully illustrated by what we are doing right here. We can watch this video but can also pause it and walk away without a moment of anxiety that anyone is watching. We are not self-conscious. We are the voyeur. However, in a face to face encounter with Sam or Andre, or if we were the one interviewing or being interviewed, our mask would lead us. But I must say that sometimes the thoughts about it are MUCH better than the party! 😊

[@binathere2574]

Ah, but it doesn't have to.

[@Ashutosh5897]

If anyone wants to learn about what he is talking about than learn about Vedanta philosophy from Hinduism

[@Nooneself]

Sam has a wonderful ability to speak about the mind using examples that are very helpful/insightful

[@kahisawheel]

Great episode! I love Sam Harris. Love how his brain works.

[@Do_nz]

Your new setup and lighting is literally immaculate 👏

[@isaac1572]

Sam Harris has extensive knowledge of the mind and how we think. He explains thought processes clearly and with examples. this is an invaluable, 'free' conversation. Even an old man can learn from this. Thank you.

[@herminepursch2470]

I'm an old woman and I enjoy it

[@MM-yi9zn]

Sam is a genuine intellectual. He is massively brave to not fall into herd thinking & behaviour.

[@badreddine.elfejer]

Until these last years. He was so arrogant and full of scientism

[@badreddine.elfejer]

Until these last years. He was so arrogant and full of scientism

[@nerad1994]

@@badreddine.elfejerwhen did you notice his change?

[@thegreaterconversation]

@@badreddine.elfejer exactly, went full blown irrational.

[@samuelstreeter5780]

respect for this head to head talk. Makes one ask questions of themselves. Notice the diferences. I'll stay, offering a prayer that fits. Loved talking to you. I hope your travels are safe ones, without harm nor evil.

[@Hj61S827]

How many comments, in a row, will you write?

[@mariadelmardospasos]

What a great interview. You are fantastic at listening and mining for the best follow ups. A true delight, thank you!

[@JDTherrien]

Listening to the piece on free will I realized that I started understanding this when I was about 23 and serving 6 years in prison. I realized that without experiencing something you don't have reference. So how can you create something new without ever seeing anything or experiencing anything to base that creation off of. Even the learning of the art was seen/felt/heard first and then learned. Anyways, I've been a fan of Sam Harris for a bit, but I'm new to your podcast. I'll definitely give you a follow. Great content my man! I was learning to draw from my cellmate. His name is Carlos A. We got in two fights in the duration that we lived together. He taught me how to draw. And when I was learning how to draw I realized that you can't draw something without reference. I realized that we draw using symbols for things, and that we reference things in our mind. LOVE

[@VeritableVagabond]

This is my first time on this channel. I’m a fan of Sam from his work with ‘Waking Up’. This looks like it’ll be one of Sam’s greatest interviews. Thank you 🙏

[@julianbruce6504]

Wow that mirror analogy about the nature of mind is incredibly inspiring

[@jpmollic6973]

Sam's description of loosing our ordinary self in the presence of others and experiencing the full potential of the present moment is analogous in my opinion to the atomic subparticules remaining waves with their full potential (instead of changing into particules) when their state is undisturbed.

[@fazbell]

Harris is brilliant and has a gift for explaining things.

[@sabiduriavariaenespanol]

I can truly say that mindfulness helped me in a situation where I was being robbed. An agitated guy came up to me and asked for a 20 or else I would get stabbed (his words were mixed up, but I recall hearing the word "knife"), I connected with the experience and also with the person in front of me and asked him "what do you need brother?", and then he answered something in the lines of having to take care for his children and not using the money for drugs. I told him "ok, let me see how I can help" and went to search for my wallet which was in my backpack, all the while being aware of fear. He then told me to hurry up and I responded that "taking my wallet was not something I could do rapidly, only slowly"...he calmed down and nodded. I gave him a 10 or a 5 with change, definitely less than what he asked, and then told him if I can ask him something. He responded "what do you want? A hug?" and proceeded to hug me, and afterwards I said to him "please stop robbing", as he was walking away from me, he muffled something about it being the only way life had left him and I yelled to him "think about it!" Hahahahaha it's funny, but it actually happened, and I do say thay my mindfulness practice helped me in responding wisely and compassionate to that man. Hope he grasped something deep with that encounter...I certainly did.

[@mikebasketball11]

Truly a compassionate moment that avoided violence and hopefully helped shift this person towards seeking help. Good on you my friend.

[@floydwesberrysfcd3258]

Great questions, and great insights from the interviewer.

[@alastairhowie934]

Great interview and balance of insightful questions and listening for understanding and clarity.

[@lindaokekenwa2969]

Sam Harris, I enjoy your talk on consciousness than an your defense of atheism. Welcome on board

[@garrettpeters2547]

He is still an atheist. You don't need to believe nonsense to understand yourself. Buddha taught that.

[@Mephisophistry]

I've already listened a few times over, and have come to love what you two created here. Thanks for gifting us this conversation!

[@bethcorcoran9714]

THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME WITH SAM HARRIS ❤

[@pradeeplfernando4059]

All I can say in words...André... I love you. ❤️

[@susannahkelpyotter5595]

Was watering the garden. Winter sun shining causing rainbows. Absolutely perfect. Then the imposter interjectts and thinks about the water bill and potential drought and then a lack of orders and I find myself suffering. By grace I return to the birds, the water, the rainbows, the earth beyomd my feet. There is the self and then there is the selflessSelf

[@rosediamond39]

This is being in the light... This is being Christ consciousness.... Beautiful Susan thank you ❤ you are changing the world, heavenly angels are creating rainbows just for you sweet angel. Stand at the door and sow only the good seed, you are very close now....

[@margaretshepard9466]

My « imposter » would have commented on my experience before a minute of perfect had passed.

[@robmedina143]

A new KNOW THYSELF podcast ? Awesome! My day just got a whole lot better.

[@dinomiles7999]

ThaNk you both ... Love Sam ❤ . Eyes mind heart and soul wide open. NO FEAR

[@doreengrennan9612]

what a wonderful and deeply honest discussion...thank you both so very much.

[@kenshofalco8326]

That was an amazing interview. good job bro.

[@earthian3658]

Harris is at his best when discussing the self and spiritual ideas. I've had the waking up app for a couple years and it's such a gift of true north.

[@kay11441]

One of the best videos I've followed. Thank you.

[@paradeorange2900]

love his thoughts on Souls ..all Souls are beloved😍

[@nicholasfulford6753]

I was listening to Sam talk about non-duality, and how any particular moment can unlock the "aha" of non-duality, and it struck me that it is almost an ecstatic no-thing-ness, and for me - and maybe because I write poetry and have a sensitivity to beauty as a key to non-duality - that when the experience of non-duality occurs it is has a sudden quality. I can be listening to a Mahler symphony or walking in nature in early morning with the dew sparkling that coolness on my cheeks or even huffing and puffing myself up a hill carrying my bike on my shoulder and stop to catch my breath and there it is - or isn't as the case may be. It is, however, a type of altered state from the 'normal' in as much as the chatter of the interior stops briefly. it is also not a state that can be summoned on command, but with knowing my own sensitivities I can do things like walking in nature in the morning to as it were invite the change of state to a non-dual one for awhile. When not in a non-dual state I know what it is, and that I have experienced it, and that it can be made probable to enter through various modes. I don't think that is ever just an exercise of will, but of a type of surrender of effort and that various practices - some of which are highly ideosyncratic and others which are almost universal - place me in a vulnerable antechamber to it. Apprehension of extreme beauty works for me most reliably, as the "self" dissolves effortlessly under such splendor. One such moment occurred when standing in my aunt's cottage I looked out on the lake where morning fog was starting to lift as the 2nd movement of Barber's Violin concerto played me beautiful with tears rolling effortlessly down my face. The path of beauty like the path of love are very close and with it is a sublime gratitude to simply be. kzbin.info/www/bejne/enmvgKmKotikf6M

[@MauiViolinist]

Fasure i get that when i play Bach Inventions on my Violin with my classical guitarist at the BEACH. Counterpoint is DIVINE #Love My Musical Meditation J.O.B. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faqviGSqf86Weck

[@isaac1572]

I'm not enlightened and I don't get non duality, but I certainly know how to pause in bliss and enjoy the moment. Profound joy is momentary, but the warm glow of contentment lingers like a close friend.

[@nicholasfulford6753]

@@isaac1572 Absolutely

[@kukusnest65]

I have always thought of those moments as truly experiencing "God" . Not in the sense that religion tries to defines God - to me that is an exercise in futility. I just know those are the only times -even though they are very brief- that I feel whole, and complete. At that moment everything is as it should be

[@shelleysmith6667]

Excellent mind thoughts that lead us to our own awakening. NDEs are compelling on a conglomerate level to understand our soul separate from the mind. It feels good to hear their experiences and glean from it an overarching outline of our simulation once just out of it before fully integrating back into our true 'selves'

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

Ndes are bs

[@shelleysmith6667]

@@TheGuiltsOfUs if you say so

[@mattburgoyne5731]

This is amazing and was foundational for my current meditation practice.

[@user-kv7bs7ug8u]

I’m a work in progress with mindfulness . I just love the examination of mind .

[@skeletor7708]

Sam is truely an Icon.

[@anjollanto9948]

icon of fools

[@kxv210]

@@anjollanto9948 🤡

[@keithmetcalf5548]

Thank both you gentlemen for your time and wisdom, it helps me immensely...

[@vjartflow]

A month or so ago having this lucid dream trying to wrap my head around this feeling of "It's all and nothing at the same time and It's all here so there's no need to seek anything" experienced some ecstatic energy flows which I can "catch" finding out that I'm actually doing some (even though almost hard to sense) push and pulls to get into them and then suddenly I got to the point of here and now and all existence for a slight moment! but l was not alone there was this one who was like invisible. guiding me where to put my attention to and that gave me the possibility to realize that I was "trying" and that this is unnecessary. my brain than got so excited that it woke me up from the dream just to analyze the situation 😂

[@Fabboxmusic]

Thanks for this great interview!

[@FoxTiger]

This is so good! The best remedy for getting lost on the train of thought is the now moment! Deep breath.

[@lisanosek1876]

I haven't even watched this but YES you got Sam Harris that is amazing

[@haelshaddaiamarukaibey9656]

You present and embody truth..the purity of your love is proven by your actions..liberation and the return of everyone's true inherent power...i love u ..

[@WickedIndigo]

“To say that free will is an illusion is really just the flip side of saying that the self is an illusion”. 2:17:47 I’ve listened to Sam Harris’ talks on free will quite often and after reading some more philosophy and listening to others talk about the subject, I’ve been convinced and believe he is correct when he claims that it’s an illusion. So when he said this I was taken aback. One of those things you hear that just makes something click. Not that I understand my true nature and being but I understand the concept of what he’s talking about in a deeper way. I still have a lot of work to do with meditation and mindfulness to get to a point where I can be truly mindful. But hearing things like this helps in a massive way. Wishing all the best of luck with your journeys🙏❤️

[@spiritualawakening-ks2zf]

You just know its gonna be a great and amazing conversation if Sam Harris is there. I love the waking up app.

[@vade137]

If you enjoy being brainwashed. He humiliated himself during covid and got pulled out of the spotlight...he's back hoping you forgot how badly he freaked out.

[@damianedwards8827]

Sam, a man who says there is no spirit. Is having a speech on…Spirituality. Hahahaha Smh It’s a Shame. Atheists unnecessarily overcomplicate it God is simply the Existence of Love. Everybody Believes Love exists Including Sam

[@skepticalbutopen4620]

@@damianedwards8827when most people refer to “God” they are talking about more than love. They usually mean an entity with agency, which there is no evidence for. It’s not complicated.

[@damianedwards8827]

@@skepticalbutopen4620 Hold on. You said Love is Unimportant to you?

[@skepticalbutopen4620]

@@damianedwards8827 read my comment and see if I said that.

[@stevetatlow3584]

Fantastic work. Keep it up ❤

[@keedledee]

This was one of your best videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@JD..........]

Excellent structure to the interview. Good job staying out of the way. Good questions.

[@Dreamaster2012]

How warm and lovely everyone appears in the glowing light sanctuary of your studio Andre. Exquisite setting for introspective visionary exchange ❤🎉❤

[@mattyb808]

One of the most underrated podcasts in the game. This is gonna be good...

[@Blonde111]

This was a great talk by Sam, very understandable… and the host is great, doesn’t interrupt 🙏 Also, love Alan Watts too

[@thesouringgentleman]

Somebody over there is doing a great job with the audio.

[@chapterme]

Chapters (Powered by ChapterMe) - 00:00 - Coming Up 01:04 - Intro 02:41 - The Illusion of Self and the Process of Suffering 11:08 - Our daily psychosis - Identification with thought 16:35 - The Transitory Nature of Thought and the Benefits of Meditation 27:14 - When ego is useful, and when to let go 32:40 - Breaking the Spell of Negative Emotions 35:19 - Understanding Impermanence and its Relation to Suffering 43:31 - The concept of "Emptiness" in Buddhism 56:32 - Pitfalls of the ‘goal’ of enlightenment 59:11 - The Duality of the Spiritual Path 01:12:15 - The Illusion of Seeking and False Beliefs in Meditation Practice 01:14:58 - How non-dual teachings got twisted 01:17:31 - Waking up vs embodiment 01:25:21 - Why spiritual teachers misbehave 01:30:57 - Sam’s Personal Pivotal Moments in the Journey of Self Inquiry 01:44:46 - The hard problem of consciousness 02:09:24 - Consciousness and Intelligence in AGI 02:17:42 - Do we really have Free will? 02:29:57 - Why Gratitude & Reason Heals Us 02:40:02 - Outro

[@williammarino3049]

Thanks André for another amazing podcast, Sam Harris was wonderful.

[@user-ts5uj3sm2n]

The real cause of are modern problems is that we are living in a post enlightenment paradigm.The tabularraza that we are blank slates to be worked on. This idea is half false, its not true but it can be made to become true. This happens when, through various means, the people are made to take the symbolic representations of reality in place of actual reality and so everything becomes a social construct. The deeper you fall into it this the more your intire reality is manipulated. This cuts you of from your intuitions, from your human essence. And the deeper you go the more you have to rely on pure reason. This is what leave people feeling empty or like there is somthing profoundly wrong with the world. We have natural human intuitions why do you like deing hugged? Why do you not like deing hurt? etc... The idea of cause preciding effect, numbers, basic ideas of motion, morality and God are all human intuitions. All humans are born with these intuitions and so there is a deep understanding of the world of men of truth. Your analytical mind is supposed to use this as its foundation so a combinationof intuative and analytical thinking. From the enlightenment project as mentioned earlier the idea of the tabularraza, this is related to the sovereignty of the individual another enlightenment value. They go against human intuitions so the natural intuitions are attacked within the system and people are attomized. In this state any design can be worked on the people any story can be crafted this is reflected in modern political systems communism, capitalism, fascism and liberalism are all liberals experiments, diffrend designs that come out of enlightenment philosophy. You can think of culture as a kind of accumulated knowledge ment to help you quickly adapt to the reality of life. It is ment to be based in human experience. Modern culture is unnatural and constructed from the top dawn, it should be more properly called social engineering. Knowledge and awareness are whats important. Knowledge you accrue over time but your awareness can be limited or have blind spots which then effect your knowledge. The best exercise to help in all areas of life are exercises that expand awareness. We live in the fabric of society, businesses governments institutions, its all just people, human being just like you. When you expand your awareness you can intuitively gain knowledge of the world because its just knowledge of people, its intrinsic For example the extream stress of hatred meditation (our upbringing dose not acknowledge righteous anger-an easy blind spot) and its the easiest emotion to roots you in the body. This exercise is not about being hateful in your life. These ideas are from the book cultivating power: the art of self development its by khan khattak you can surch for it in amazon if you like but I don't recommend it if you don't have a solid grasp of haw the world works it very conspiratorial but hears the technique. In the book it say you want to amplify you would cume up with 3-4 scenarios where you would naturally feel anger. E.g. someone disrespecting you in public, another man trying to seduce your wife etc.. whatever it may be.now dont try to force the feeling aggressively just go through each of the 4 scenarios and then keep switching between them at RANDOM and the emotion running throughout will become amplifyed on its own. You can keep pushing it further antil you reach your limit then wave your hand as fast as you can so its blurred and naw amped up as you are try to see your fingertips clearly. It can help to be aware of your wrist use it to know there your fingertips are. repeat for 3 set, dont do the exercise again for at least 2 weeks. This simple exercise grounds you in the body and brings you awareness to the moment without having to go through a life or death situation.

[@sourcetext]

Sham Harris is just great ..... Love the show 😁

[@mikekisekka4375]

I would love for sam Harris to have a talk with Sadhguru🎉

[@catkeys6911]

Running through thoughts in your head can sometimes get you agitated or upset over something that has not yet become reality. This reminds me of a funny line from my favorite sit com “Mom”, in which one of the main characters, “Bonnie” is talking to her adult daughter “Christie” about something or other (I don’t remember what) and she’s prepared to argue vigorously about it with her daughter - but her daughter turns out to agree with her (which Bonnie wasn’t expecting) so she says to Christie “Really? Because I spent the whole drive over here arguing with you in my head about this - and I’ll never get over the things you said!”

[@mariog7213]

🤣🤣

[@steveneardley7541]

I was just talking to a friend yesterday, about how I spent three days actively dreading a task I had to do yesterday. Actually doing that task wasn't at all difficult, and afterwards I spent another couple of hours reflecting on it, Is this mental self-indulgence, or am I just overdramatizing my boring life in order to maintain a minimal level of interest?

[@robertjsmith]

@@steveneardley7541 Thought,creates stories,thoughts arn't facts

[@catkeys6911]

@@robertjsmith Oversimplification. I can think "gravity makes thigs fall to Earth" - which is a *fact* .

[@robertjsmith]

@@catkeys6911 gravity is a concept not an inherently real thing

[@nsbd90now]

I am kind of floored how you linked giving up the belief in free will with an increase in actual compassion. That is exactly where I am existentially right now. I assume compassion is so foundational it can be a guide to existential success, and if I abandon my belief in free will it seems I can become an actually compassionate person towards those I think are wrong, or evil, because then I see that little bit of awareness as trapped in a kind of Hell, while my little bit of awareness at least has some bit of freedom to see the transcendent. That's some validation from you!

[@youarewhatyourelookingfor4496]

You just expressed One of the byproducts of coming to understand lack of free will, compassion. A wonderful revelation indeed. Instrumental in living a healthy, happy life imo. It just feel natural and requires little to no effort whereas judgement, condemnation and or hatred all require effort. Love and compassion are easy, natural and flow freely and with little to no thought or effort. Their opposites however require thought, effort and creation.

[@bisbeekid]

When I first read Sam Harris' book "Letter to a Christian Nation" & Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" when first published, their wisdom and rational thinking drastically changed my perspective on life, nature, and the cosmos. Truly enlightening.

[@bobhemphut4011]

In 10 to 15 years you will looks back and say I can't believe i listened to that bs. Copium

[@bisbeekid]

@@bobhemphut4011 Already did that about fifty years ago. Couldn't believe and rejected the religious horse manure I had listened to for the first thirty years of my life.

[@alanbregovic8889]

first time seeing sam left to exaust his answer w/o interruption. kudos ad. ty gl