Dr. Jay Forrest

The whole of Buddhism can be summarized in the Four Noble Truths. The first noble truth is the unsatisfactoriness of existence. Rebirth, old age, sickness, and death are unsatisfactory. We are not happy about being associated with the things and … Read the rest

Mystical experiences concern union with Ultimate Reality. They are consciously unitive and should not be confused with spiritual experiences more broadly. William James identified four marks that justify calling an experience “mystical,” and his framework has aged remarkably well.

First … Read the rest

There is a need for an umbrella term to encompass all experiences that alter consciousness, from simple illumination to full mystical union. “Spiritual experiences” serves best for this range.

Spiritual experiences include all experiences that affect consciousness. Mystical experiences, by … Read the rest

Ultimate Reality is described by Gotama as the “unborn, unbecome, unmade, unconditioned.” He does not view it as a supreme being, but as Being itself: something permanent, unchanging, and endless bliss. The deathless.

But Ultimate Reality is described in Judaism, … Read the rest

Reincarnation, or rebirth as Buddhists call it, is the idea that consciousness goes from one incarnation to another until it reaches Nirvana. Versions of this view were taught by Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Gotama Buddha, Mahavira, Śāṅkara, Plotinus, and a number … Read the rest

The cure for self-indulgence is self-discipline. But we do not like discipline. Asceticism is a bad word, and those who recommend it are seen as killjoys.

We live in the most self-indulgent time in world history, and I live in … Read the rest