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The similarities and differences between the meditative practices of the ancient Stoics and Buddhists still require careful study, but at first glance they are striking. Both of these meditative pedagogies were designed to facilitate similar cognitive processes and, at least in theory, aim to achieve similar results: in the case of Stoicism, ataraxia and attunement to the process of life (oikeiôsis), and in the case of Buddhism, balance of mind and awakening (realization of dhamm). I will talk about how these two paths intertwine, and how we can use these similarities to develop mindful living in our times.
Dr. Marcin Fabjański is a philosopher with 25 years of experience in academic teaching, workshop facilitation, and counseling. He has lectured on eco-Buddhism and conducted research at Harvard University. He currently lectures at the University of Silesia. He studied Western philosophy in Poznań and York (Great Britain). He spent almost three years in Asia – including India, China, Nepal, Thailand, and Burma – where he meditated intensively and explored Eastern philosophy. He is the author of the first Polish guide to philosophical practice, Street Stoicism; several other books published in English, German, Italian, and Polish; documentary films and screenplays; and reportages that have won awards in Poland (the National Bank of Poland Award for screenplay, Grand Press for reportage) and the US (Independent Press Association awards in New York).
