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THE PHIILOSOPHY OF MEDITATION - ALEXIS KARPOUZOS
The Paradox of Non-Striving in the Philosophy of Meditation: Agency, Awareness, and the Limits of Intentionality Meditation, a practice rooted in contemplative traditions, presents a paradoxical challenge for philosophical inquiry. In meditation, practitioners often aim for a state of effortless awareness—a state free from striving and intentional effort. Yet, meditation as a practice seems to require intentional effort to reach such a state. This paradox raises crucial philosophical questions about the nature of agency, intentionality, and selfhood. This paper explores the paradox of non-striving by examining the philosophical implications of meditation across different traditions, including Buddhist, Daoist, and phenomenological perspectives. The paper argues that the paradox invites a rethinking of agency as a dynamic, non-dualistic skill and suggests that non-striving is not the negation of effort but the cultivation of an effortless, fluid relationship to the present moment. The study of meditation, therefore, offers new insights into the nature of conscious experience, intentionality, and the self, challenging traditional distinctions between effort and non-effort. Meditation has become an object of both popular interest and philosophical inquiry, particularly in recent years. Beyond its applications in therapeutic and mindfulness practices, meditation has a long tradition as a path to self-awareness and liberation. A central theme across many contemplative traditions is the cultivation of effortless awareness, a state in which the practitioner is present in the moment without striving or attachment to goals. This ideal of non-striving is, however, paradoxical: in order to achieve such a state, one must often engage in deliberate effort. This tension forms the central paradox of meditation: how can one strive to reach a state of non-striving? This paradox is not just a theoretical curiosity; it points to fundamental questions about the nature of agency, intentionality, and the self. In particular, it challenges the dominant Western conception of agency as intentional, goal-directed, and willful. By examining the paradox from a variety of philosophical perspectives, this paper aims to illuminate the deeper philosophical issues at play and to reconsider how meditation might offer a new understanding of agency, intentionality, and the nature of consciousness itself.
By alexis karpouzos2 months ago in Education
Wormholes vs. Black Holes: Understanding the Key Differences
What Is a Black Hole? Definition A black hole is an extremely dense region in space where gravity is so strong that nothing—not even light—can escape. This boundary around it is called the event horizon, and anything that crosses it is permanently trapped.
By shahkar jalal2 months ago in Education
Understanding Black Holes: Definition, Formation, and Their Role in the Universe
What Is a Black Hole? A black hole is a region of space with gravity so intense that nothing—not even light—can escape its pull. Because they emit no light, black holes are invisible. Astronomers detect them by observing the effects they have on nearby stars, gas, and light.
By shahkar jalal2 months ago in Education
Understanding Galaxy Clusters: The Cosmic Neighborhoods of the Universe
What Are Galaxy Clusters? A galaxy cluster is a gravitationally bound collection of galaxies. These clusters can contain anywhere from a handful of galaxies to thousands packed into the same region of space. Because the galaxies are located so close together, clusters act as cosmic communities where interactions and transformations occur.
By shahkar jalal2 months ago in Education
The Real Reason So Many People Are Choosing to Learn Portuguese Today. AI-Generated.
Introduction In recent years, more and more people around the world have decided to learn Portuguese, turning it into one of the fastest-growing languages among international students. Although Portuguese has always been culturally rich and widely spoken, its global influence is now stronger than ever. Today, learners are discovering not only its beauty but also the countless opportunities it brings for travel, career, and meaningful human connection.
By Portuguese Native2 months ago in Education
Online Quran Course in London
London's Muslim community has witnessed a remarkable transformation in how religious education reaches families across the capital. Where previous generations relied exclusively on neighborhood mosques and community centers for Islamic learning, today's residents are increasingly embracing digital solutions that bring qualified instruction directly into their homes. This evolution reflects not a diminishment of faith's importance but rather an adaptation that honors both tradition and contemporary realities.
By Islamic Reflections2 months ago in Education
Online Quran Classes in London
London's diverse Muslim community has always placed great importance on Quranic education, but the way families approach this sacred learning has transformed dramatically in recent years. Traditional mosque-based classes still hold value, yet an increasing number of Londoners are discovering that digital platforms offer a practical and meaningful alternative for connecting with the Quran's teachings.
By Islamic Reflections2 months ago in Education
The Formation of Planets: How Worlds Are Born in the Cosmos (universe)
How a Solar System Begins 1. The Birthplace: A Nebula Every solar system begins inside a nebula—a huge cloud of dust and gas left over from older stars. These clouds contain hydrogen, helium, and trace elements that will eventually become planets, moons, and even new stars.
By shahkar jalal2 months ago in Education
Quran Courses in London for Kids, Adults & Ladies
The call to prayer echoes across London from numerous minarets, a testament to the city's thriving Muslim population that numbers well over a million people. Within this diverse community, the pursuit of Quranic knowledge remains a central priority for families and individuals alike. Parents want their children to develop a strong foundation in recitation and understanding of the sacred text, while adults seek to deepen their own connection with the words revealed over fourteen centuries ago. The quest for quality Quran Courses in London has become an important journey for many, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
By Islamic Reflections2 months ago in Education
Quran Classes in London for Kids, Adults & Women
The call to prayer echoes across London from numerous minarets, a testament to the city's thriving Muslim population that numbers well over a million people. Within this diverse community, the pursuit of Quranic knowledge remains a central priority for families and individuals alike. Parents want their children to develop a strong foundation in recitation and understanding of the sacred text, while adults seek to deepen their own connection with the words revealed over fourteen centuries ago. The quest for quality Quran classes in London has become an important journey for many, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
By Islamic Reflections2 months ago in Education
