I wonder what Epictetus means exactly by 'purify?' Adopting a plan seems to me like a rational action to take, but I view 'purifying' as more of a release of negativity or distraction, in preparation for the work in the plan. Would the ancient Stoics have used meditation as we know it today, more similar to the Buddhist tradition? Aurelius's book is Meditations, but it is more about focused thought than letting go of thought.
Good question! This is part of a long discourse where Epictetus describes what is necessary to live a life completely devoted to virtue (it's actually about Cynicism), so I recommend reading the full passage to see everything he says. The Stoics did make use of meditative practices, but they were not the same as Vipassana meditation. For Epictetus purification is about changing your desires and aversions--your values--and holding correct judgments.
Interesting! That sounds like actively, rationally, working towards a state where correct judgement becomes intuitive or innate. I'll definitely read the whole passage! Thank you!
I wonder what Epictetus means exactly by 'purify?' Adopting a plan seems to me like a rational action to take, but I view 'purifying' as more of a release of negativity or distraction, in preparation for the work in the plan. Would the ancient Stoics have used meditation as we know it today, more similar to the Buddhist tradition? Aurelius's book is Meditations, but it is more about focused thought than letting go of thought.
Good question! This is part of a long discourse where Epictetus describes what is necessary to live a life completely devoted to virtue (it's actually about Cynicism), so I recommend reading the full passage to see everything he says. The Stoics did make use of meditative practices, but they were not the same as Vipassana meditation. For Epictetus purification is about changing your desires and aversions--your values--and holding correct judgments.
Interesting! That sounds like actively, rationally, working towards a state where correct judgement becomes intuitive or innate. I'll definitely read the whole passage! Thank you!
That’s nice. Good to take a breath to refocus. 😊
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