In episode 5, Mr. Patterson offers a flatly incorrect characterization of “Buddhism,” a colonial term that is hopelessly overdetermined. My critique, however, is not so pedantic. Mr. Patterson attributes to Buddhists a doctrine often called “annihilationism” in Buddhist circles. This view, which in part stipulates that “only nothingness exists,” is explicitly refuted by the Buddha of the Pāli Canon (vide Kaccānagottasutta). Furthermore, if he means that “śūnyatā,” as understood in later traditions of Buddhism, is equivalent to “nothingness,” then Mr. Patterson has misunderstood the later traditions as well. He has great guests, but one should be wary that Mr. Patterson, much like myself, is not an expert on many of his very admirable and impressive “pursuits.” He has wonderful guests and is often an engaging host, but beware of taking his authority for granted in the realm of what he calls “Eastern Mysticism.”
