Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this first episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, Rick Repetti and John Vervaeke take listeners on an engaging exploration of the intricate world of meditation and its deep roots in philosophical thought. John shares his transformative journey from a strict fundamentalist Christian background to finding solace and depth in Eastern philosophy and the practice of mindfulness. Rick and John’s conversation navigates through the nuances of meditation and contemplation, shedding light on how these practices enrich the pursuit of wisdom and self-awareness. The discussion also bridges the gap between academic and practical philosophy, illustrating their vital role in understanding and cultivating wisdom. For listeners, this episode offers a deep, reflective insight into the philosophy of meditation, providing a comprehensive view of how these ancient practices are relevant and transformative in the modern world. The outcome is a rich tapestry of ideas, encouraging listeners to explore their own paths toward wisdom and self-realization.
John Vervaeke:
Website: johnvervaeke.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
Rick Repetti:
Website: rickrepetti.com
Instagram: instagram.com/rickrepetti
X: twitter.com/rickrepetti
Facebook: facebook.com/philosophicalpractitioner
Join our new Patreon
patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.org
Awaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.com
John Vervaeke YouTube
Awakening from the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ
After Socrates
youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC
AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist
youtu.be/A-_RdKiDbz4
Books, Articles, and Publications
Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti
amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X
Experimental Phenomenology: An Introduction - Don Ihde amazon.com/Experimental-Phenomenology-Introduction-Don-Ihde/dp/0887061990
Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/1645010821
Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne
amazon.com/gp/product/B0CH8W8XLF
The Republic by Plato - The Internet Classics Archive
https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.html
Relevance, Meaning and the Cognitive Science of Wisdom Vervaeke, J., & Ferraro, L. (2013)
researchgate.net/publication/286508333_Relevance_Meaning_and_the_Cognitive_Science_of_Wisdom
Quotes
"Mindfulness and philosophy converge in cognitive science, enriching our understanding of wisdom." - John Vervaeke
"Meditation and contemplation are integral for a holistic philosophical understanding." - Rick Repetti
"The journey to wisdom involves integrating academic philosophy with life practices." - John Vervaeke
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction to the Series
[00:03:00] John's Personal Journey to Philosophy and Meditation
[00:06:00] The Convergence of Mindfulness and Academic Philosophy
[00:11:40] Defining Meditation and Contemplation
[00:19:24] Discussion on Academic Philosophy and Its Practice
[00:22:20] Exploring the Philosophy of Meditation
[00:41:00] The Impact of Meditation in Personal Life
[00:52:00] Neoplatonic Levels of Meditation
[00:55:50] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Practices
[01:17:16] Exploring the Verveke Foundation and Its Role
[01:24:00] The Importance of Community and Shared Practices
[01:28:00] Final Thoughts and Reflections
In this first episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, Rick Repetti and John Vervaeke take listeners on an engaging exploration of the intricate world of meditation and its deep roots in philosophical thought. John shares his transformative journey from a strict fundamentalist Christian background to finding solace and depth in Eastern philosophy and the practice of mindfulness. Rick and John’s conversation navigates through the nuances of meditation and contemplation, shedding light on how these practices enrich the pursuit of wisdom and self-awareness. The discussion also bridges the gap between academic and practical philosophy, illustrating their vital role in understanding and cultivating wisdom. For listeners, this episode offers a deep, reflective insight into the philosophy of meditation, providing a comprehensive view of how these ancient practices are relevant and transformative in the modern world. The outcome is a rich tapestry of ideas, encouraging listeners to explore their own paths toward wisdom and self-realization.
John Vervaeke:
Website: johnvervaeke.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
Rick Repetti:
Website: rickrepetti.com
Instagram: instagram.com/rickrepetti
X: twitter.com/rickrepetti
Facebook: facebook.com/philosophicalpractitioner
Join our new Patreon
patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.org
Awaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.com
John Vervaeke YouTube
Awakening from the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ
After Socrates
youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC
AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist
youtu.be/A-_RdKiDbz4
Books, Articles, and Publications
Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti
amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X
Experimental Phenomenology: An Introduction - Don Ihde amazon.com/Experimental-Phenomenology-Introduction-Don-Ihde/dp/0887061990
Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/1645010821
Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne
amazon.com/gp/product/B0CH8W8XLF
The Republic by Plato - The Internet Classics Archive
https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.html
Relevance, Meaning and the Cognitive Science of Wisdom Vervaeke, J., & Ferraro, L. (2013)
researchgate.net/publication/286508333_Relevance_Meaning_and_the_Cognitive_Science_of_Wisdom
Quotes
"Mindfulness and philosophy converge in cognitive science, enriching our understanding of wisdom." - John Vervaeke
"Meditation and contemplation are integral for a holistic philosophical understanding." - Rick Repetti
"The journey to wisdom involves integrating academic philosophy with life practices." - John Vervaeke
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction to the Series
[00:03:00] John's Personal Journey to Philosophy and Meditation
[00:06:00] The Convergence of Mindfulness and Academic Philosophy
[00:11:40] Defining Meditation and Contemplation
[00:19:24] Discussion on Academic Philosophy and Its Practice
[00:22:20] Exploring the Philosophy of Meditation
[00:41:00] The Impact of Meditation in Personal Life
[00:52:00] Neoplatonic Levels of Meditation
[00:55:50] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Practices
[01:17:16] Exploring the Verveke Foundation and Its Role
[01:24:00] The Importance of Community and Shared Practices
[01:28:00] Final Thoughts and Reflections
