This clip is from the Huberman Lab episode "Dr. Sam Harris: Using Meditation to Focus, View Consciousness & Expand Your Mind." The full episode can be found on KZfaq here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y915p8KI2LCrlqs.html

Listened to this twice, plus the last 40 seconds an additional time-I think Dr. Sam Harris is speaking to the yogic value of Aparigraha, which is non-attachment or non-clinging, and in this instance, to the concept of "I"; in other words, detaching from the identity of oneself. The deeper you go (and the more experienced/advanced you become) in the practice of meditation, you realize that all the classic benefits (stress reduction, anxiety management, more presence, feeling grounded, etc.) are of course positive and useful, however even greater than those, perhaps the best benefit is the increased ability to expand our perception beyond our self (physical body, ego mind) so our consciousness transcends to a state of full acceptance of the general "is-ness" of our existence... "it just is..." then experiencing enlightenment, peacefulness, and contentment with that deeper knowledge and acceptance. That's my takeaway. 🧘‍♀

I meditate 15 years every day morning and evening. That’s totally changed my life, my mind, my heart in best way…. I totally forgot about sickness…. We really don’t need any religion or philosophy… all is simple. Divine inside us and lead us. Who listen that voice?

He’s describing transcendence of the ego without using spiritual language.

He sounds just as hard to understand on the Waking Up app, but funnily enough, it starts making sense after a certain period of time. I'd highly recommend Waking Up to anyone and everyone, I think it does an excellent job of reframing the purpose of meditation and ensuring that meditation is not viewed as something supplementary to life, but rather should be a natural part of it (and the introductory course does it simpler than this clip). Tldr of my insight from a year of it: You can meditate any time you choose to do so. There are enough different kinds of environments that change what mindfulness can mean in your specific contexts. Take a moment to focus on the context and dedicate some moments of focus about what you're about to do without doing it yet. Even playing games or watching a KZfaq video - you can take a moment, to appreciate and experience that particular moment to the maximum you can. That's enough. Parsing those moments to consider them outside of their current time period - introspecting and reflecting with the INTENTION to do so - can be considered meditation. You can look back on any of your emotions or spatial experiences or internal state of being - it's up to you and it can be a different thing you choose to reflect on compared to what you may have focused on during the particular event.

This is all great - and…this is all what the Buddha taught. There is no separate self. Thich Nhat Hanh’s modern teachings of “Interbeing” offer a means to directly experience what Sam is speaking of…not for egoic purposes but for the benefit of all. Thank you Dr Huberman and Sam Harris for this conversation 🙏🏻

I'm not high enough to understand this

I practice self compassion meditation to relax, reset to stay in the present moment and reduce anxiety.

Good effort from Sam here at putting into words the inexplicable.

Came to check out the content after not listening for a few weeks, and I found this gem? I’m stoked to give it a listen! Of course for the meditation, which I’d like to start up again, but I’ve been very interested in hearing these 2 discuss free will.

I love this! It aims to explain this very deep sense of perception of our reality that we as humans all experience, but can very rarely put into words. Hats off to Sam Harris for this seamless and brilliant explanation of how we as humans try and comprehend our very existence. There is a definite emphasis on this very experience during a psychedelic experience, which is interesting too. I don't fully agree with the pursuit of meditating to come to a realization that we are not two parts but rather one so that we find some net result that benefits us. I believe the real answer to this experience is a lot more complex than our neural anatomy giving rise to these incredible states of consciousness that we have the ability to synchronize for our benefit. I believe we are spirit beings having a natural experience. In fact, spirit, soul, and a natural body. This branches into a topic very few like to speak about freely, Christianity. If humans have the ability to have supernatural experiences (which happen all the time) be they spiritual or psychedelic; we then cannot deny the possibility or in some cases the fact that we are spiritual beings that can interact in states of consciousness far beyond what we can imagine. In Christianity the purpose is not about trying to become one with yourself, the purpose is to synchronize yourself with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides our thoughts, actions, and decisions to live a life free of the past, focused on the present, and excited about the future by changing our hearts and affections completely. Christianity is by no means boring! Hope this perspective gets at least one soul to explore the Holy Spirit offered to all of us so that we can interact with this natural environment with no guilt, shame, or condemnation, but rather eternal peace given to us free of charge by the one God that died for it all. Hope this helps guide someone who is exhausted but looking to science, people, and the world for peace.

Imagine you are living inside yourself and the body you are living in is just a suit. Meditation allows you to be aware of your body so you are more connected to that inner peace. When you take time to listen to that inner self it shares insight into making your life easier. He's basically saying that you feel more sensitive to the subtle signs around you.

I could listen to this man talk for hours. Also his meditation app is awesome af.

A lot of comments under this video, and KZfaq comment sections in general, show how needed these meditative insights and practices are.

Man is the Eye that sees the Truth, The Heart that feels the Truth, And the Soul that realizes the Truth. -Enlightened master Sri Chinmoy I started learning meditation under Sri Chinmoy since 1989. It has been the best thing I learnt in my entire life.

Good effort to describe in words something that's beyond the realm of senses

some grt humans of our times. hugs to humanity who strive to make a better world

I’ve practiced meditation almost on a daily basis for years, this is probably one of the most cryptic descriptions on meditation that I’ve heard, and probably kind of a turn off for anyone Interested in trying meditation.. it’s actually quite simple, but difficult too

I love this man.I am a Muslim.But this man even as an atheist is amazing.I love his content and completely understand him

Sadhguru spoke about this concept in simpler terms - all of his life until his awakening - he knew what was “him” and what was everything else - upon awakening he wasn’t able to distinguish between the “I” and everything else - which is non-duality or union or being 1 with everything I get this at the level of basic mind intellect but definitely not at the level of actually experiencing this. This is what Sam is saying about meditation - it’s like climbing a mountain and non-duality is what you’ll find at the summit.

4 to 6 am best time for meditation and chant Om

Wow! This is the first video on KZfaq that I didn't understand anything!! 😒

Like he said there’s 2 reasons why one meditates. For the healthy benefits it brings and secondly to inquire about the nature of the self. Understanding how meditation leverages a subjective experience of the nature of the mind is critical. I very much support this kind of content. Keep it going, it’s the best kind of medicine, supplement and exercise one can do in order to achieve lasting happiness.

It's interesting how my logical reckoning of his language is sound regardless of the circumstance, yet I wouldn't actually understand what he said in this video had I not experienced it myself.

I love that he has 2 coffee mugs in front of him! I love the content!! ❤

I lost myself in meditation, i did it to find myself and understand, but it got me more lost bc i was asking an unknown source for it. I can identify when i set limits for myself i can feel my soul and god. But meditating made me be nobody and i saw that is possible to lose yourself if you want to. So I’m actually really puzzled about if meditating has any sort of benefit. To be honest i feel like it’s a scam. Like a drug I feel like i need some guidance in this

Sam Harris had a great conversation with Swami Sarvapriyananda about Vedanta and Nonduality. I would love to see Andrew and Jordan Peterson have a conversation with Swami Sarvapriyananda as well.

I found it difficult to understand. Luckily I have studied and watched various teachers so I know what he’s getting at. So those who are finding this difficult look to others who might be saying the same thing but in a way you understand. Rupert Spira is one that cleared it up for me with his analogy of us, being like a TV screen etc. Anyway, to get a better idea of what I’m trying to say it’s best to listen to Rupert yourself. Good luck.

When you turn to look for the observer while meditating you find nothing. Turns out you are not inside experiencing, you are the experience. When you are in the way with thoughts, you have diminished your awareness in the field of consciousness. In this way it is possible, like I did for decades, to live life on the surface, riding an endless stream of thoughts. Identifying with them in a personal way. The day I realized I am as much my next thought as I am the wind, and that I have as much control of one as the other, much of my anxiety and stress evaporated.

Please continue this content of mind science! Something so important for us all. If you’re interested in knowing about the Mind, check out Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics, Vol. 2: The Mind (2) A book by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, where science and a religion dating back more than 2500 years ago come together to investigate the nature of the Mind.

I had pain in my stomach last night, and I didn't know how to inform my stomach to stop doing whatever was going on.

sense of self is not illusory, centring in self makes everything illusory

Calling the self “illusory” isn’t necessarily accurate. There’s clearly an “agent” that makes choices of its own free will, so there is clearly a “self”.

I heard him say corticle thinning, that’s about all I remember

i use it to quite the mind and natural movement

I agree with @Achindia 💯 %. Why does he make it so complicated to understand.

Can someone break this down to me as if I was 5 years old please. Thank you

He's referring to Enlightenment.

I think he just means that when meditating you understand that the "I" or "me" that most people think of themselves as, does not exist.. It is an illusion. You feel instead part of something much deeper and fundamental of which we are all part. When I am meditating I am not Emmanuel, 48 years old, a father, a husband, in my pyjamas, stting on an armchair. I am part of something much bigger/deeper that is enabling this temporary human experience to happen. That's how it feels to me anyway. Now if I could feel that all the time, that would be something...

"Heed these words, you who wish to probe the depths of Nature: If you do not find within your Self that which you seek, neither will you find it outside. If you ignore the wonders of your own House, how do you expect to find other wonders? In you is hidden the Treasure of Treasures. Know Thyself and you will know the Universe and the Gods." --Oracle of Delphi

so interesting !

I do it because things bother me less.

Sam was right, but the problem had been rightly tackled by the Buddha, and his solution is called the 4 foundations of mindfulness. Despite all the benefits gained from the first foundation of Mindfulness of Body (more specifically, breathing,) a meditator should eventually get to the fourth foundation of Mindfulness of Dhamma, i.e., to realize the conceptual content of the brain. Then the meditator is able to know that self-consciousness is merely conceptual, and there is actually no self.

The point he is trying to make starts at 4:35.. "the deeper claim that if you look for this thing.." :)

That was something I certanly wasn't noticing

I'm a huge fan of meditation and have been using it as a detachment tool for more than 350 days in a row now and plan to keep going as the nature of my type of work means it can feel like days can blend into one and it lets me get out of the stresses of my body. But this explanation by Sam Harris is one of the most off-putting explanations for meditation - would suggest people look up Ray Dalio's thoughts on meditation or some Hindu spiritualists. There is such a thing as over-intellectualising a concept without setting a theme or framework beforehand to structure the thoughts which really harms the effectiveness of the message - this is a fantastic example of that.

I cannot understand, when I try to meditate I feel more drown to past trauma

I Love You All!

I need to watch this stoned❤

Rust Cohle would agree

At best, ambling with no point, at worst, a subtle diatribe with no subtance; come to think of it, that might have been the point.

In Buddhism we teach. "Meditate to meditate". or "Meditate for meditation" Don't expect other benifits (many people or sciencetists claim long list fo benifits) even calmness. We may or may not have these benifits but don't expect to have them. Karmar is about cause and consequences. What we can controll is the cause.

Following the advice of someone who is willfully blind to God about any spiritual practices makes about as much sense as taking nutritional advice from a cancer patient.

Dr. Huberman has patience of another level for putting up with this kind of talk. Our Indian spiritual gurus have explained meditation in such simple terms. Sam Harris is making it all sound so complicated and confusing !

Meditate on what?

In a rambling statement he identifies what many already know intuitively, but couldn't put words to. BUT the ending needs a clear call-to-action - or else why did he bother recording this. The subject line borders on clickbait - in that he in no way states what "The True Purpose of Meditation" is.

So the self is illusory so give all your money to other people, don't be selfish 😅 I could argue that destroying/dissolving our sense of self and ego can be bad for practical and survival purposes in this earthly world

Salute with intimidating attitude

After the entire 5:21 minutes I have no better knowledge of meditations true purpose. This was - for me - a whirlwind of vocabulary that stopped before the point.

It’s normal in buddhist practices.

3:45 if you didn’t take shrooms

This guy said absolutely nothing. wow

why does he have 2 cups...why?

We are avatars

Sam Harris should use visualisations to explain his thoughts... I am sure he in not blabbering, but....but..

he is speaking english.. but not the one i understand.. man needs to work on his skills to connect with an audience

So basically he is saying that self doesn't exist and It's just an illusion. That is so counter intuitive and depressing. As a theist i can easily explain subjective experience through soul. But because sam harris is a materliast and consciousness isn't something that can be empirically verified that's why he is calling it illusion.

Sam really can't look at someone without raising an eyebrow

Where is casualty hides? You cant find it by experience 😝

❤🙏

Why does this man sound like Nicholas Cage

In Islam we doing "Shalat"

Does meditation help cure TDS? Asking for a friend

I have no idea what he’s talking about

do you have the right to wonder more than 15min.?

You are not in control. The “I” you talk of Sam is in fact an illusion; ego. The is not dualism, logical or paradoxically. “ you; the person “ don’t exist.. you are trying to rationalise that which can not be spoke of. It’s not just interesting to go beyond it is truth. We are “ consciousness.” It’s like you are trying to explain God.. You can’t do it. 😊💚🙏✨🧬

So if we can't name "that thing" or that "I self" that doesn't exist, then why talk about it all???? Talking about implies that IT DOES exist, ie. "that thing" that Sam Harris states in this interview. I've heard this from countless others that explain Zen, Buddhism, meditation, etc. This is what I find so frustrating, this back and forth between the "mystical" side of Buddhism and meditation and the materialistic side of these these, ie. "the science". It's as if a handful of these experts know a secret, but yet that can't explain it because "this thing doesn't exist, therefore they talk in circles sounding smart. Sounds like a perfect example of a logical fallacy to me.

I am winning because I can take all pains

The most rudimentary explanation is: the “self” you feel like or what you are calling “I” doesn’t actually exist. It’s just the product of thought. Meditation is not about getting rid of it, meditation is about recognizing that it was never there to begin with. You can’t get rid of something if it’s not there. Once you no longer have a “self” to cling to, everything is open and free.

What the HELL DID HE SAY??

What

Folks pissed poor folks are all dismissed by Sudan Suleiman !

we're gamers

Always end up expecting more but get disappointed by Harris.

Sam Harris should meditate more. This dude got too many bugs in his head.

No one's talking about demons waiting to snatch a new body when you float out of it but the devil worshipers know this. Don't do it kids!

He is saying meditation helps you realize that the separation between mind(consciousness) and body is an illusion. He does meander but it's fun.

Sam is the GOAT

The major benefit of meditation is the ability to realize that you are not you...

Consciousness is best understood by joining the Mariens, trying out for the Navy Seals, or becoming an Army Ranger, both courses. Meditation is something one can try at an older age.

Just Pray, you'll get better results

Basically there's nothing there

I just realised that Andrew Huberman is just a reincarnation of Plato. Like if you agree P. S. ROFL

What!!!!!!!

uhhh.... what?

i clicked on this for the same reason everyone does. But, when i saw Sam Harris' face I lost all confidence. He is the individual who recently claimed that the entire RussiaGate hoax was rightfully necessary to ensure Trump would not be elected for a second term. Trump was a divisive polarising figure, clearly not fit for purpose. But Sam Harris believes it's necessary to deceive people who he evidently assumes aren't smart enough to draw their own conclusions by looking at the bare facts. Yet, here he is speaking to the virtues of meditation, which to the best of my knowledge does not align with his type of behaviour/conduct. I'll take my inspiration to meditate from elsewhere thank you.

jesus christ this was hard to follow.

I go Gym make the best version of myself and go hunt girls who with my boyfriend anniversary 😂

Way to confusing !

You will lose your false sense of self. As joseph goldstein has done for instance. Thats what sam is trying to say.