plato's cave, buddhism, and the choice to return for the others

Timestamps00:00 landing in the body06:24 two lenses to view the world: spiritual and material 08:26 theme 1: plato's cave (refer to image below; start at bottom left hand corner) 11:40 prompt 113:04 theme 2: plato, buddhism and the choice to return15:50 prompt 216:10 thoughts from the room18:06 how to create your own worldview 19:35 closingReflective Writing PromptsUsing the metaphors of the shackles that bind the prisoners and the illusions projected on the walls, what shackles and illusions hold you back?Thought starters: shackles could be social expectations, fear of judgement, financial pressure, identity roles; illusions could be beauty standards, productivity culture, news cycles, influencer/celebrity culture, economic systems.If you were freed from the cave, would you go back for the others? Do you feel more aligned to Theravada or Mahayana Buddhism?Further readingTo read Plato’s works in English, I recommend David Horan’s translations at the Foundation for Platonic Studies. The allegory of the cave is from Republic: Book VII – read here.For a primer on Buddhism and the religions of the world, I recommend reading The World’s Religions by Huston Smith (1958). One of my favourite books by a rare soul who traversed the worlds of academia, religion, and psychedelics. Rest in peace, H.S. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yunshu.substack.com