Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In the second episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, hosts John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti welcome Pierre Grimes, a profound figure in the world of philosophical counseling. This episode delves into Grimes' journey, starting from his transformative experiences in WWII and leading up to his significant contributions in philosophical midwifery. Grimes shares insights from his encounter with divine illumination and explores the critical distinction between 'the light of being' and 'the one' in philosophy and Buddhism. The discussion also touches upon the integration of rational thought and spiritual practice, the concept of logos, and the transformative power of realizing the 'one' within oneself. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the interplay between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, as well as the practical applications of these philosophies in personal growth and self-understanding. This episode offers a rich exploration of philosophical and meditative practices, providing invaluable insights for anyone seeking deeper self-knowledge and enlightenment.
Pierre Grimes, Ph.D., a distinguished philosopher and founder of the Noetic Society, has revolutionized the Socratic dialectic with his development of philosophical midwifery, a cornerstone of contemporary philosophical counseling. His influential work, particularly in the United States since the 1960s, is encapsulated in his book, "Philosophical Midwifery." A board member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA), Grimes has been pivotal in integrating Neoplatonism with Zen Buddhism, showcasing his mastery of Eastern and Western philosophies. His role as a Dharma teacher and successor in the Korean Chogye Buddhist order further illustrates his profound impact on philosophical counseling and spiritual development, contributing significantly to both personal and collective enlightenment.
Resources and References
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
Pierre Grimes:
Website: noeticsociety.org
Join our new Patreon
patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.org
Awaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.com
John Vervaeke YouTube
After Socrates
youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC
Books, Articles, and Publications
Socrates and Jesus: A Dialogue in Heaven - Pierre Grimes amazon.com/Socrates-Jesus-Dialogue-Pierre-Grimes/dp/B0CP5ZQLSK
Philosophical Midwifery: A New Paradigm for Understanding Human Problems With Its Validation - Pierre Grimes, Regina L. Ulianan amazon.com/Philosophical-Midwifery-Paradigm-Understanding-Validation/dp/1667878352
Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti
amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X
Quotes
"Real philosophy needs a language. Greek has the language." - Pierre Grimes
"Every person is a problem, brings forth a problem." - Pierre Grimes
"Philosophy can subsume within itself all religious traditions, spiritual systems." - Pierre Grimes
"Our problem is that we have imported a philosophy that doesn't do us any good." - Pierre Grimes
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background
[00:03:07] Insights from Military Service and Education
[00:11:40] Pierre's Spiritual Awakening and Exploration
[00:33:32] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Traditions
[00:51:00] The Nature of Self and Enlightenment
[01:00:00]Philosophy as a Tool for Personal and Collective Transformation
[01:17:12] Concluding Thoughts
In the second episode of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, hosts John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti welcome Pierre Grimes, a profound figure in the world of philosophical counseling. This episode delves into Grimes' journey, starting from his transformative experiences in WWII and leading up to his significant contributions in philosophical midwifery. Grimes shares insights from his encounter with divine illumination and explores the critical distinction between 'the light of being' and 'the one' in philosophy and Buddhism. The discussion also touches upon the integration of rational thought and spiritual practice, the concept of logos, and the transformative power of realizing the 'one' within oneself. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the interplay between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, as well as the practical applications of these philosophies in personal growth and self-understanding. This episode offers a rich exploration of philosophical and meditative practices, providing invaluable insights for anyone seeking deeper self-knowledge and enlightenment.
Pierre Grimes, Ph.D., a distinguished philosopher and founder of the Noetic Society, has revolutionized the Socratic dialectic with his development of philosophical midwifery, a cornerstone of contemporary philosophical counseling. His influential work, particularly in the United States since the 1960s, is encapsulated in his book, "Philosophical Midwifery." A board member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA), Grimes has been pivotal in integrating Neoplatonism with Zen Buddhism, showcasing his mastery of Eastern and Western philosophies. His role as a Dharma teacher and successor in the Korean Chogye Buddhist order further illustrates his profound impact on philosophical counseling and spiritual development, contributing significantly to both personal and collective enlightenment.
Resources and References
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
Pierre Grimes:
Website: noeticsociety.org
Join our new Patreon
patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.org
Awaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.com
John Vervaeke YouTube
After Socrates
youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC
Books, Articles, and Publications
Socrates and Jesus: A Dialogue in Heaven - Pierre Grimes amazon.com/Socrates-Jesus-Dialogue-Pierre-Grimes/dp/B0CP5ZQLSK
Philosophical Midwifery: A New Paradigm for Understanding Human Problems With Its Validation - Pierre Grimes, Regina L. Ulianan amazon.com/Philosophical-Midwifery-Paradigm-Understanding-Validation/dp/1667878352
Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti
amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X
Quotes
"Real philosophy needs a language. Greek has the language." - Pierre Grimes
"Every person is a problem, brings forth a problem." - Pierre Grimes
"Philosophy can subsume within itself all religious traditions, spiritual systems." - Pierre Grimes
"Our problem is that we have imported a philosophy that doesn't do us any good." - Pierre Grimes
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background
[00:03:07] Insights from Military Service and Education
[00:11:40] Pierre's Spiritual Awakening and Exploration
[00:33:32] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Traditions
[00:51:00] The Nature of Self and Enlightenment
[01:00:00]Philosophy as a Tool for Personal and Collective Transformation
[01:17:12] Concluding Thoughts
