Buddhist Themes in The White Lotus, Explained | Josh Bearman

10% Happier with Dan Harris

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Published: Thu Apr 10 2025

Dan deconstructs the Dharmic elements of the popular HBO show, with the co-host of The White Lotus Official Season 3 companion podcast. Joshuah Bearman is a writer and film producer in Los Angeles. He has written for Wired, GQ, Harper’s, Rolling...

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Buddhist Themes in The White Lotus, Explained | Josh Bearman" | 10% Happier with Dan Harris

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this thought-provoking episode of "10% Happier with Dan Harris," host Dan Harris engages in a deep dive with Josh Bearman, a distinguished journalist and screenwriter best known for his work on the film "Argo." Together, they explore the intricate Buddhist themes woven into the fabric of HBO's acclaimed series, "The White Lotus," specifically focusing on Season 3. This conversation unpacks how the show masterfully integrates modern scientific insights with ancient wisdom to create a rich, multifaceted narrative.

Guest Profile: Josh Bearman

Josh Bearman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the discussion. As a journalist and screenwriter, Bearman's expertise in storytelling is evident, especially given his pivotal role in crafting the narrative for "Argo." Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bearman's personal journey with Buddhism adds depth to his analysis of "The White Lotus." Influenced by his long-term therapist, a Buddhist nun named Anila Tenzin Lamo, Bearman's understanding of Buddhist philosophy profoundly shapes his interpretation of the series (06:24).

Buddhism and "The White Lotus": Key Themes

Dan and Josh dissect several core Buddhist principles as portrayed in "The White Lotus," revealing how these themes drive character development and plot progression.

1. Identity as a Prison

Dan's Insight: Dan opens the conversation by asserting that "identity is a prison," a central theme in the series where characters are confined by their self-concepts, limiting their growth and fostering internal conflict (00:12:43).
Josh's Analysis: Josh agrees, noting that the show's creator, Mike White, uses the characters to explore how entrenched identities can hinder personal development. Characters like Tim Ratliff and Rick Goggin exemplify the struggle against the confines of self-identity (00:14:09).
Notable Quote:
Dan Harris (00:12:43):
“Identity is a prison. No one is spared this prison. Rich man, poor man, success or failure. We build the prison, lock ourselves inside, then throw away the key.”

2. The Problem of Desire

Dan's Observation: Dan highlights a poignant scene where Tim Ratliff confronts his desires, illustrating how chasing pleasure often leads to deeper suffering, aligning with Buddhist teachings on desire as a root cause of suffering (33:58).
Josh's Commentary: Josh expands on this by discussing Frank Sam Rockwell's character arc, wherein excessive desire drives him toward destructive actions. This portrayal underscores the futility of seeking fulfillment through external means (39:37).
Notable Quote:
Dan Harris (33:58):
“You cannot outrun pain. And we're papering over it with lattes and vacations and promotions and likes.”

3. Craving Certainty to Combat Anxiety

Dan's Explanation: The conversation delves into how humans often seek certainty as a shield against anxiety. This desire for control is depicted in the series through characters striving for stability, only to find it elusive (48:04).
Josh's Reflection: Josh connects this theme to Laurie's character, who seeks meaning and closure in ways that lead to greater turmoil, highlighting the show's critique of the futile pursuit of absolute certainty (48:44).
Notable Quote:
Dan Harris (48:44-49:37):
“Sometimes we wake with anxiety and edgy energy. What will happen today? What is in store for me?... We want resolution, solid earth under our feet. So we take life into our own hands, we take action. Yeah. Our solutions are temporary. They are quick fixes. They create more anxiety, more suffering. There's no resolution to life's questions.”

4. The Importance of Relationships (Sangha)

Dan's Emphasis: Dan underscores the Buddhist concept of Sangha—community—as vital for overcoming individual suffering. He cites a heartfelt moment where Laurie authentically connects with her friends, illustrating the healing power of genuine relationships (62:23).
Josh's Insight: Josh reflects on Laurie's speech, noting how it represents a transformative moment where she sheds resentment and embraces authentic connections, aligning with Buddhist teachings on community and support (68:46).
Notable Quote:
Laurie (Character) (62:23):
“I'm glad you, Jacqueline, have a beautiful face, and I'm glad you, Kate, have a beautiful life. And I'm just happy to be at the table.”

Deep Dive: The Illusion of Self

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Buddhist notion that the self is an illusion—a concept that challenges conventional understanding of identity.

Dan's Exploration: Dan elaborates on the paradoxical nature of the self, comparing it to quantum physics where something can be both existent and non-existent simultaneously. He suggests that embracing the fluidity of self can alleviate suffering (22:22-25:38).
Josh's Perspective: Josh discusses his own grappling with the idea that the self is a construct reinforced by interactions and perceptions, aligning with modern interpretations influenced by postmodernism and neuroscience (22:22-25:38).
Notable Quote:
Dan Harris (52:42-55:06):
“The Buddha himself was quite an ambitious dude. He built a large body of monks and nuns and raised a bunch of money to do so from wealthy merchants and kings and laid out this huge body of teachings. The key Buddhist add-on is not being attached to the results.”

Mindfulness and Practical Application

Dan and Josh explore practical aspects of mindfulness and how Buddhist principles can be applied to reduce suffering.

Methods Discussed: They touch upon techniques like sitting with desire and watching it pass, understanding impermanence, and practicing non-attachment to results. These practices are presented as tools to navigate life's uncertainties and reduce anxiety (52:42-55:06).
Real-Life Application: Josh relates these practices to personal experiences and therapy, reinforcing the practical utility of mindfulness beyond theoretical concepts. He emphasizes that mindfulness helps in recognizing and letting go of transient desires and attachments (43:10-70:37).
Notable Quote:
Dan Harris (55:06):
“You cannot outrun pain. And we're papering over it with lattes and vacations and promotions and likes.”

Unfolding Narratives and Character Dynamics

The hosts analyze specific character arcs to illustrate the show's thematic richness.

Tim Ratliff: Represents the conflict between identity and suffering. His external pressures force him to confront his true self, embodying the struggle against psychological constraints (14:58-15:29).
Frank Sam Rockwell: Embodies the destructive pursuit of desire, leading to tragic consequences and highlighting the futility of seeking fulfillment through external means (37:46-39:37).
Saxon Ratliff: His journey from skepticism toward Buddhism reflects the show's portrayal of personal transformation and the challenges inherent in altering one's identity (61:25-62:21).
Laurie's Transformation: Laurie's heartfelt speech and genuine connection with her friends symbolize the healing power of authentic relationships and the liberation from superficial identities (62:23-65:25).

Notable Quotes

Dan Harris:
“Identity is a prison. No one is spared this prison. Rich man, poor man, success or failure. We build the prison, lock ourselves inside, then throw away the key.” (00:12:43)
Laurie (Character):
“I'm glad you, Jacqueline, have a beautiful face, and I'm glad you, Kate, have a beautiful life. And I'm just happy to be at the table.” (62:23)
Dan Harris:
“Sometimes we wake with anxiety and edgy energy. What will happen today? What is in store for me?... We want resolution, solid earth under our feet.” (48:44-49:37)
Dan Harris:
“You cannot outrun pain. And we're papering over it with lattes and vacations and promotions and likes.” (33:58)

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the conversation, Dan Harris and Josh Bearman emphasize how "The White Lotus" serves as a modern reflection of Buddhist teachings, making complex philosophical ideas accessible through relatable characters and compelling storytelling. They argue that the show's exploration of identity, desire, anxiety, and community offers valuable insights into the human condition, mirroring the transformative journey advocated by Buddhism.

Josh highlights that the series functions as an essay-like narrative where each character's journey mirrors Buddhist philosophies, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of suffering and self-realization. Dan concurs, noting that the show's success lies in its ability to integrate these ancient teachings into contemporary settings, making them resonate with a modern audience.

Conclusion

Dan Harris and Josh Bearman's in-depth discussion reveals "The White Lotus" as a richly layered narrative imbued with Buddhist philosophy. By dissecting the show's themes of identity, desire, certainty, and community, the episode offers listeners a profound understanding of how ancient wisdom continues to inform and enhance modern storytelling. This conversation not only deepens appreciation for the series but also provides practical insights into applying Buddhist principles to everyday life.

End of Summary