Unveiling the Self: A Philosophical Journey | Philosophy of Meditation #2 with Pierre Grimes

Dr. John Vervaeke

In the second episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, hosts John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti welcome Pierre Grimes, a profound figure in the world of philosophical counseling. This episode delves into Grimes' journey, starting from his transformative experiences in WWII and leading up to his significant contributions in philosophical midwifery. Grimes shares insights from his encounter with divine illumination and explores the critical distinction between 'the light of being' and 'the one' in philosophy and Buddhism. The discussion also touches upon the integration of rational thought and spiritual practice, the concept of logos, and the transformative power of realizing the 'one' within oneself. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the interplay between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, as well as the practical applications of these philosophies in personal growth and self-understanding. This episode offers a rich exploration of philosophical and meditative practices, providing invaluable insights for anyone seeking deeper self-knowledge and enlightenment.

Pierre Grimes, Ph.D., a distinguished philosopher and founder of the Noetic Society, has revolutionized the Socratic dialectic with his development of philosophical midwifery, a cornerstone of contemporary philosophical counseling. His influential work, particularly in the United States since the 1960s, is encapsulated in his book, "Philosophical Midwifery." A board member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA), Grimes has been pivotal in integrating Neoplatonism with Zen Buddhism, showcasing his mastery of Eastern and Western philosophies. His role as a Dharma teacher and successor in the Korean Chogye Buddhist order further illustrates his profound impact on philosophical counseling and spiritual development, contributing significantly to both personal and collective enlightenment.

Resources and References

John Vervaeke:

Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/

Rick Repetti:

Website: https://www.rickrepetti.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickrepetti/

X: https://twitter.com/rickrepetti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophicalpractitioner/

Pierre Grimes:

Website: https://www.noeticsociety.org/

Join our new Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/

Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/

John Vervaeke YouTube

• After Socrates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC

Books, Articles, and Publications

• Socrates and Jesus: A Dialogue in Heaven - Pierre Grimes https://www.amazon.com/Socrates-Jesus-Dialogue-Pierre-Grimes/dp/B0CP5ZQLSK

• Philosophical Midwifery: A New Paradigm for Understanding Human Problems With Its Validation - Pierre Grimes, Regina L. Ulianan https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Midwifery-Paradigm-Understanding-Validation/dp/1667878352/

• Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti

https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X

Quotes

"Real philosophy needs a language. Greek has the language." - Pierre Grimes

"Every person is a problem, brings forth a problem." - Pierre Grimes

"Philosophy can subsume within itself all religious traditions, spiritual systems." - Pierre Grimes

"Our problem is that we have imported a philosophy that doesn't do us any good." - Pierre Grimes

Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background

[00:03:07] Insights from Military Service and Education

[00:11:40] Pierre's Spiritual Awakening and Exploration

[00:33:32] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Traditions

[00:51:00] The Nature of Self and Enlightenment

[01:00:00]Philosophy as a Tool for Personal and Collective Transformation

[01:17:12] Concluding Thoughts

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and welcome to guest Pierre Grimes by John Vervaeke.

[00:03:07] - Pierre Grimes recounts his military service and breakthrough, reflecting on a profound question: "Who are we? What are we? What am I?"

[00:11:14] - Pierre shares his entry into philosophical studies and discusses the inception of philosophical midwifery.

[00:20:02] - Pierre explores the connection between meditation, philosophy, and language, arguing that true understanding of the self and reality requires a deeper grasp of Greek philosophy, transcending traditional Western concepts.

[00:37:06] - John Vervaeke and Pierre discuss the integration of Eastern and Western philosophies, focusing on the distinctions between Greek and Buddhist concepts of enlightenment, the role of the mind, and the potential for a philosophical synthesis in Zen Neoplatonism.

[00:50:57] - The trio discusses the integration of meditation and Socratic dialogue in teaching, drawing parallels between Platonic and Buddhist approaches to understanding the self and the ineffable.

[01:00:39] - John inquires about Pierre's meditation practices, leading to a discussion where Pierre elaborates on the profound impact of philosophical midwifery in understanding and transforming oneself

[01:06:45] - The conversation shifts to explore the concept of pathologos in Buddhism, its universal aspects, and the transformative role of philosophy in human society, as emphasized by Pierre.

[01:14:01] - The episode concludes with a discussion on Socrates' comprehensive approach to life and philosophy, along with mentions of the Noetic Society, the Vervaeke Foundation, and Awaken to Meaning.