10 Feb 2019
Executive Summary
Sam Harris’ Waking Up is as much of a theoretical text, synthesizing a multi-level analysis of the spectrum of Inner vs Outer, as it is a practical manual of how to move along that continuum and achieve wellbeing.
Inter-cultural analysis of the mindset of the West and the East illustrate the difference between Outer and Inner perfectly: While the West is focused on the Outer world in the form of rationalism and materialism, the East is concerned with the Inner – self-transcendence and contemplation are the norms.
Harris utilizes a careful scientific analysis of the concepts of consciousness and the self to make three strong points: 1) Consciousness is the one thing in the world that cannot be an illusion; 2) The Self is an illusion; 3) Consciousness and its contents are the only things that matter when it comes to achieving wellbeing.
Once the points are clear on logical grounds, Harris offers the reader an experiential way to reach the same conclusions: Meditation. Whether in the form of mindfulness or eye-gazing, anything that allows you to realize your “headlessness” and return to a prior, default position, before the influx of judgements or thoughts is the path to achieve a “healthy mind”. Harris also gives a ‘cheat code’ to realize that there is something to experience – drugs. Specifically, non-addictive psychedelics, such as DMT, psilocybin or LSD, can give you a short-term glimpse to the concept of self-transcendence (but are definitely NOT long-term solutions!).
The text is mostly directed to readers in the West and presents the benefits of Eastern practices but does not come without warnings. Some practices in the East can tilt towards exploitation due to the nature of giving yourself up to your guru. To avoid that, Harris recommends watching out for the element of consent – similar to the training of the navy seals, does the guru give you a way out of your practice?
