Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein

Joseph Goldstein holds two meanings of Nibbana in equal reverence: unconditioned, unformed awareness and a transcendent state in which the mind is free from all defilements.Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein reveals:The Thai forest tradition of Buddhism Nibbana: Unconditioned awareness or transcendent awareness?The unconditioned mind and the power of zeroEnlightenment and a mind that is free of defilementsThe analogy of ‘seeing the moon’ rather than the finger that points to itWhy the experience of Nibbana is so important Seeing the intimate connection between wisdom and compassionThe concept of nonself and our lives as constantly changing phenomena The dance between pleasure and sufferingCheck out this episode’s companion essay, Reflections on Nibbana, by Joseph Goldstein“One meaning of Nibbana is this unconditioned, unborn, unformed reality. The other meaning of Nibbana refers to the mind that has been freed of defilements—the mind that is free of greed, hatred, and delusion. We could describe the state of a fully enlightened being in which these defilements have been uprooted as Nibbana.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein reveals how Nibbana differs from blissful meditation states and why true liberation lies beyond every conditioned experience.Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:How Nibbana has made its way into Western cultureExpectation and striving versus having a healthy goalHaving an aspiration and direction for our practice Using equanimity to differentiate beautiful experiences from true glimpses of NibbanaThe Abhidhamma and understanding the factors of mind which color our consciousnessThe experience of Nibbana as the experience of zero, the stilling of all formationsHow Nibbana uproots the defilements in stages Check out this episode’s companion essay, Reflections on Nibbana, by Joseph Goldstein“Even exalted states of mind or great powers of mind do not imply purification of mind. That is the particular power of Nibbana.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Touching into the selfless nature of experience, Joseph Goldstein explores uprooting the defilements through the clarity that comes from practice.Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein provides his perspective on:Engaging with mindfulnessThe radical uprooting of self and identification with experienceSeeing a glimpse of the deathless in our practice versus the transcendent moment of the unborn Slowly seeing clearly over time with dedicated practiceThe emptiness within the defilementsTaking all things as an invitation to explore rather than to believe A brief guided meditation with Joseph Moving our mental dialogue into a passive voice This episode is the 3rd and final part of a 3-part series. It was originally published on Dharmaseed and recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, a non-profit organization founded by renowned meditation teachers Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg to integrate Buddhist study and practice. To start at the beginning, check out Ep. 261 – Gradual Cultivation in Buddhist Practice. “If you put your hand in fire, do you know that it burns? Do you have any doubt about it? In the genuine experience of things being uprooted, there is that quality of certainty. It is very different than what you were saying about ‘Yeah, it looks to me that the defilements are uprooted.’ The experience that results in the uprooting, which is the experience of the unborn. It has that same immediacy and certainty as putting your hand in fire and knowing it burns.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein investigates the not-so-obvious delight of seeing our own arrogance (Māna), and the balance of knowing ultimate truth while living with a functional sense of “I.”Help us celebrate 10 years of Be Here Now Network and support the next chapter of Ram Dass Here and Now. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar through June 30. Learn more and give here: BHNN 10th Birthday FundraiserToday's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Realizing the truth of non-self while still having an underlying feeling of ‘I am”The Buddhist concept of Māna, which can be translated as "pride", "arrogance", or "conceit"Our tendency to project the past into the futureRecognizing Māna for what it is and letting the thoughts dissolveHow the residue of ‘I’ and ‘self’ can fall away during practiceEngaging the self just enough to live in the relative world This episode is the 2nd part of a 3-part series. It was originally published on Dharmaseed and recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, a non-profit organization founded by renowned meditation teachers Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg to integrate Buddhist study and practice. To start at the beginning, check out Ep. 261 – Gradual Cultivation in Buddhist Practice “These days, I am totally delighted when I see Māna arise in my mind…one of the reasons I am delighted is that I would much rather see it than not see it to recognize 'that’s Māna', instead of not recognizing it and being caught up and identified with that pattern. Just the seeing of it is freeing.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores gradual cultivation, highlighting that even if we are suddenly awakened, we still must have an ongoing practice to work with hindrances and ingrained habits.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:The areas of life where clinging shows up most How clinging to sensory pleasures is so embedded in our cultureLightening up for enlightenment and not taking ourselves so seriously How a sense of humor can benefit our practice Unhelpful attachment to view and opinionThe unity of clarity and emptiness (self-existing wakefulness)The Buddhist meaning of unborn/unformed Uprooting of the view of self with the understanding that there is still more work to doHaving an ongoing, gradual cultivation of skillful means This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed and recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, a non-profit organization founded by renowned meditation teachers Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg to integrate Buddhist study and practice.“Very often, people can have genuine realization and have a really deep understanding, and then get attached to that as if everything is done. So very often these folks can get engaged in skillful behavior, thinking it’s all coming from their deep realization, it’s really coming from all the work that still needs to be done.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his exploration of selflessness, Joseph Goldstein helps listeners live in the balance of both relative and ultimate truth.This episode is a continuation of a talk that started in episode 259, "Selflessness, Dukkha, and Freedom."This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:The impersonal nature of experiencing peaceSeeing with consciousness rather than with the subjective mindReframing the language of experience with a passive voiceBeing fully present in the moment without identificationUnderstanding death and dying  as the natural flow of impermanenceHaving an easeful mind even when the body is afflictedUnderstanding both relative and ultimate truthThe wonderful and joyful practice of generosity This episode was recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and originally published on Dharmaseed“We work to understand the dynamics of our conventional reality and all the challenges of it, even as we understand the essential selfless nature of it all. This is really the heart of a mature spiritual practice, the union of these two, not the separation." –Joseph Goldstein  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Unpacking the Buddha’s notions of self and nonself, transience and suffering, Joseph Goldstein leads listeners into the heart of liberation. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein illuminates:Why the Buddha paid so much attention to the concept of selfHow a felt sense of self traps us in desire and attachmentSeeing the term ‘self’ as a designation rather than something that exists in and of itselfSlight adjustments to our language during practice: ‘the body breathes’ rather than ‘my breath’Using the template of The Five Aggregates to describe experienceGenuine experiences of momentary peace as a peak into NirvanaTaking an interest into the landscapes of our own mindsTransience and the way that things are always becoming otherwiseThe ungovernability of the mind, the body, and all aspects of realityHow selflessness can lead to both Dukkha and freedomThis episode was recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and originally published on Dharmaseed"As long as we are caught up, identified, and entangled in the view of self, then we spend our lives defending it, gratifying it, grandiosing it, judging it; we have all these responses that come out of this felt sense of the self." –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Distinguishing aspiration from striving with ego, Joseph Goldstein gives listeners permission to have a sense of purpose along their spiritual path.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Having a sense of purpose within the impersonal nature of all things Aspiration: understanding why we are practicing What the Buddha said about purpose and aspiration on The Eightfold PathSeeing the world objectively without reference to the selfBeing a great faith follower versus a dharma followerResting in our practice and letting go of unhealthy striving Insight Meditation Society and its commitment to diversity Maintaining the right attitude and openness to all experiencesThis episode was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society Forest Refuge and originally published on Dharmaseed"The Buddha definitely laid out a goal. The Eightfold Path leads someplace—it's not just meandering around, not going any place. The Eightfold path is leading to awakening, to enlightenment. We can have that aspiration which sets the direction for our practice, we can say that is a sense of purpose, but we're seeing it not so much in terms of an egoful striving, but a realization of our values and what leads to the accomplishment of our values." – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein discusses equanimity and how to remove the self from the knowing, effectively freeing ourselves from identification with awareness.

Joseph Goldstein responds to questions on spiritual craving, mental focus, and what it truly means to become aware of awareness.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explains:Bringing your daily life into your spiritual practiceMindfulness of seeing: focusing on the seeing itself rather than on what we are looking atResting in open, non-reactive spaciousnessThe cognizing power of emptiness and realizing that there is nothing to knowKeeping the mind steady and how concentration deepens insight Understanding both relative and ultimate reality Defining dukkha as the inevitability of unwanted experiencesHow to not waste suffering: taking an interest in the shadows of our own minds Having agency over our own minds during difficult experiencesMindfulness of anger and other negative emotions This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed“How do I become aware of awareness? Where is it? How can I put my finger on it? When we realize that there’s nothing to find, and yet the knowing is happening, then we relax back into the mystery of consciousness, and you’re very aware of the capacity of the mind to know.”  –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defining the nature of Bodhicitta, Joseph Goldstein explains that enlightenment is inevitable when compassion and emptiness coexist.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein thoughtfully articulates:Bodhicitta: the heart-mind of awakening and working for the benefit of all beingsLiving in the world while still remembering the truth of non-self and impermanenceThe beauty of selflessness embodied through Dipa Ma’s life and teachingsRegularly reflecting on impermanence as both a reality check and a spiritual practiceThe nature of the mind as intrinsically empty and naturally radiant Coming out of our mind-drama and entering into the empty luminosity of the present moment Compassionate responsiveness to the needs of othersForgiveness as one of the most profound ways to respond with open-hearted compassionThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“This responsiveness is compassion, not as a meditative stance, but rather it is the responsiveness of an open heart, of an open mind. It can show itself, this compassionate responsiveness, in so many different ways. It can manifest very beautifully as forgiveness.” –Joseph Goldstein  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Responding to a variety of dharma questions on meditation, effort, and impermanence, Joseph Goldstein explores the mystery of consciousness.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfThis week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein responds to questions on:The benefits of doing walking meditation versus traditional seated meditationCutting through our conceptual overlay and simply having raw experiencesPassive voice construction: removing the self as subject when narrating the world around usChanging “let it go” to “let it be” when we are struggling to let goBeing in the flow of changing experiences, the natural arising and passing away of all thingsThe fine line of wholesome energy/effort versus striving and strugglingRealizing the emptiness of thoughts and the suffering they bring to usThe first experience of nirvana, ‘the zero’, and uprooting the view of selfThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“This is the mystery of consciousness. There’s nothing there tangible to find; no color, no form, it can’t be found. Yet, the knowing is happening. It’s this union of emptiness and knowing.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Illuminating different ways to free the mind, Joseph Goldstein integrates relative and ultimate truth, revealing the emptiness of thoughts.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfThis time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discussesIntegrating the elements of both relative and ultimate truth in our livesThe natural compassion that emerges when we let go of self-identificationWhy our perception of reality isn’t always reliable or accurateOur attachment to the pleasant and aversion to the unpleasant Considering if the mind can remain unafflicted while the body is sufferingShifting awareness from what we want to how the wanting mind feelsOur capability to train the mind in a way that leads to greater freedomLetting thoughts arise without interference or judgment Developing nonreactivity through seeing how quickly thoughts arise and passRealizing that the past and future are only constructs of the mindThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Our only experience of the past and future is as a thought in the mind. This is tremendously liberating to see because most of us carry the concepts of the past and future as a huge burden in our lives. All the worries, anxieties, hopes, fears—all of those are arising because we’re not seeing that they’re just concepts.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part 2 of this Q&A session, Joseph Goldstein explores how to reach equanimity through investigating our mental states, recognizing when to let go, and approaching suffering skillfully.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode, Joseph Goldstein offers his perspective on:Letting go of obsessive thoughts through insight and investigationHow the seven factors of enlightenment work together to support awakeningKnowing when to let go and when to investigate experiences for deeper wisdomStaying open to emotions while avoiding unskillful reactivitySocial activism on the Buddhist path and engaging with the world in a skillful wayFinding inner balance in the midst of turmoil, conflict, and sufferingMaintaining a deep historical perspective on the rise and fall of all civilizations Remembering how small our concerns are in the face of the stars and the vastness of all thingsHow equanimity enables us to be peaceful, to connect with suffering, and to offer compassion Considering if we can approach daily life with a motivation to help others and the worldGoing into the depths of non-self and allowing our life to be a representation of compassionate actionThis talk was recorded at Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center and distributed by Dharma Seed “In the midst of everything that’s going on, to come back to some greater place of equanimity, one way is just a deep historical perspective on things. This stuff has been going on forever. It’s not new to this time. It’s just part of the long historical unfolding and is inevitable. It’s not an aberration, this has been happening, always.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part 1 of this Q&A session, Joseph Goldstein gives Buddhist-flavored insight on accepting impermanence, developing our practice, and loving selflessly.

Renowned meditation teacher, Joseph Goldstein, shares timeless insights on the mind, suffering, and the heart of why we meditate.

Looking into the samadhi section of the Eight-Fold Path, Joseph Goldstein clarifies how we can free the mind with right effort, mindfulness, and concentration.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the FINAL part of an in-depth lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein explores:The clearest, most practical definition of Nirvana: freedom from greed, hatred, and delusionCultivating spiritual urgency as a wholesome motivator on the path to awakeningUprooting latent defilements that are buried in the mindFive methods for dispelling unwholesome thoughts and mindsets, according to the BuddhaHow restraint and delayed gratification support inner discipline and lasting successRight mindfulness as the key to all other factors of enlightenment Suspending all judgments and interpretations; simply noticing events as they occurStabilizing our attention on a single object or mindfully watching as objects changeThe three characteristics of impermanence, unreliability, and selflessness Different concentration practices, such as reflecting on the Buddha-Dharma-Sangha or on peaceExploring the nature of all phenomena once we have achieved a clear mindThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed.Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE and check out the other mentioned book from this episode, Kinship with All Life“It's not so much a question of doing, it's a question of undoing all the habit patterns of proliferation, judgement, evaluation, interpretation, can we undo that, and simply come back in the most simple way to be aware of whatever it is that’s arising? It's only six things, whichever arise - sight, sound, smell, taste, sensation or an object of mind. It's like we’re listening to a six-piece chamber orchestra.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rearticulating the moral foundation that makes happiness possible and honors our kinship with all living beings, Joseph Goldstein explores Right Action and Right Livelihood.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 45th part of an in-depth 46-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Navigating cultural changes with mindfulness, integrity, and personal responsibilityRight Action: cultivating clarity and strength of mind to abstain from actions that cause harm to self or othersThe Buddha’s teachings on non-harming, non-killing, and cultivating a deep sense of kinship with all living beingsDesiring the welfare of all sentient beings– even something as small as a mosquito or an ant  Facing ethical dilemmas with awareness, avoiding the trap of rationalizing harmful or selfish actionsUnderstanding karma and consequences as directly linked to the intensity of our defilementsHow non-stealing and generosity foster trust, harmony, and a universal sense of safetyLiving mindfully by not consuming or taking more than we truly need, contributing to global economic and ecological balanceBecoming mindful of the power of sexual energy, refraining from sexual misconduct, and keeping the sangha beautifulSeeing Right Livelihood as a crucial aspect of the path, given how much of life is devoted to workApplying right livelihood into any profession by infusing our role with service, ethics, and awarenessUnderstanding wealth as a blessing when rightfully earned and used for the benefit of many beingsThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed.Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE and check out the other mentioned book from this episode, Kinship with All Life"It’s possible to develop an attitude of service in whatever work we do. Are we simply doing a job to support ourselves, or, are we watching the attitudes in our mind as we do our work? Do we work with care, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to be helpful? It’s not only what we do, but how we do it.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Honing in on Right Speech and maintaining harmony, Joseph Goldstein encourages listeners to develop a commitment to telling the truth and refraining from slander.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 44th part of an in-depth 46-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein reviews:Practicing Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood with the same dedication as meditationThe influence of our speech on our lives (our relationships, minds, karmic outcomes)Truthfulness as the most basic concept of right speech in Buddhist ethicsInvestigating the deeper motivations behind what we say and how we say itThe harmful ripple effects of lying on trust, connection, and societal cohesionInsights from the Buddha: why truth must be spoken at all times, regardless of a perceived advantageLies of omission and the subtle ways we distort or avoid truthCultivating the courage and mindfulness required to speak honestly in daily lifeRefraining from gossip and slander in order to avoid disharmony Examining the emotional tone of speech—choosing words that are gentle, compassionate, and unifyingHow harsh language does not serve good communication Transforming the divisive world we live in through right speech How we listen as an equally important component of right speechThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE"This doesn't mean that there should be a suppression of what we're feeling. It's not a papering over of the truth of our emotions, but rather, it's to be mindful enough that we can communicate what we're feeling in a way that promotes connection rather than promotes divisiveness. This is a practice. Right speech is a practice." – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores how we can make compassionate responsiveness our default state through the clear dichotomy of skillful and unskillful actions.

Joseph Goldstein explores the simplicity of lovingkindness (metta), reminding us that this innate quality within each person requires patience and steady practice to truly cultivate.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 42nd part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this week’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein discusses:The cultivation of goodwill and lovingkindness as a foundation of mindfulness practiceBeings who radiate a powerful field of love, like the Dalai Lama and Dipa MaOffering unconditional love without expecting anything in returnMetta as the gateway to an open and compassionate heart toward self and othersRealizing that our emotional state is shaped by our own perceptionsUnderstanding the confusion between genuine love and personal desirePausing during practice to reconnect with the felt sense of lovingkindnessIntegrating metta into everyday life by extending kindness to strangersHow societal conditioning influences our understanding and expression of loveReconnecting with our natural capacity for altruism and spontaneous kindnessFocusing on the good in others as a powerful metta meditationReflecting on whether we are still holding grudges deep in the heartThe patience and resilience required to train the heart and mind over timeThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“I can simply start doing metta for everyone that I pass, for everybody on the street. May everyone here be happy. May everyone here be peaceful. It's amazing the change that happens in a moment. Instead of walking down the street being disconnected, all of a sudden, our hearts and our minds have expanded and become inclusive. It's like we gather everyone up in our field of goodwill.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the Buddha’s teachings on renunciation from the Satipatthāna Sutta, showing how the practice of letting go of craving, ill will, and cruelty leads to deep inner freedom, clarity, and lasting peace.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 41st part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this lecture from Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein:Consciously reflecting on if our thoughts are for harm or for goodHow desire is more difficult to uproot than ill will and aversion The dangerous disguise of sense-desires as pleasurable and seductiveHow to practice the “wisdom of no” Renunciation as mental freedom, not repressionHow right thought conditions right actionThe Buddha’s own practice as a model for ourselvesAccepting that desire is addictive because it momentarily feels goodRenunciation as freedom from addiction, not deprivationHow the joy of letting go must be experienced, not just believed    The power of both small and large acts of renunciation The mental habit of our addiction to wantingHow mindfulness reveals freedom in transition momentsThe progressive act of letting goThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREJoin Buddhist Teacher David Nichtern and Duncan Trussell for a conversation about finding our own voice, our own expression, and our own way of connecting with people. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - AUTHENTIC PRESENCE: FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE“Renunciation is not about deprivation. It’s about non-addiction. It’s about freedom.” - Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the importance of Right View and how it illuminates our lives through an openness to wisdom from many unexpected sources.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 40th part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph discusses:Not being attached to blind belief or blind disbelief Realizing the truth through direct experience Remaining open to wisdom from unexpected sources The possibility of a full awakening and we can develop our wisdom over timeRecognizing that there truly are many awakened beings in the worldThe aspects of Right View that may not be immediately apparentConsidering what wisdom can discover when it illuminates our experiencePromoting the good of living beings through right view How Right View is both the beginning and the ending Wrong view as the most blame-worthy of all things, according to the BuddhaHow Wrong View makes us obsess over the self (gratifying it, defending it, etc.)The great power of delusion in our minds Refining our awareness of the impermanent changing nature of the 5 aggregates (everything we experience) This episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE"We could see Right View as both the beginning and end of the path. We start with Right View—it sets the direction for us. Our practice is leading us in the right direction and then the whole path culminates in these understandings."  – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through the Buddha’s teachings, Joseph Goldstein explains how developing right view allows one to become the artist of one's own life. The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 39th part of an in-depth 46-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph dives into:The way of practice that leads to the cessation of suffering The elements of the eightfold path (right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration)How each step on the eightfold path leads to the nextThe critical importance of right view as the precursor to all other teachingsWhat is given, what is offered, and what is sacrificed How all of our volitional actions produce a result Examining our minds and motivations The practice of acting on moments of generous impulse Becoming the artist and creator of our own lives The ways we can be attached to both our beliefs and disbeliefs Acknowledging our karmic debt for this great gift of human life  This episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“Right view is an important and essential first step on the path because it sets the direction. If we're on a journey, no matter how long or difficult the journey might be - if we're heading in the right direction and we keep on going, we will inevitably reach our destination.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shepherding us towards the cessation of suffering, Joseph Goldstein offers practical guidance on how to weaken the bonds of compulsive craving and attachment.

Exploring the origin of dukkha, Joseph delves into how craving can shape our lives, fuel unwholesome karma, and keep us trapped in expectation.

In this exploration of dukkha, Joseph Goldstein describes the noble truth of suffering and how we can heal our relationship to all phenomena.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-sixth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!Continuing his look at the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph describes:Contemplating the dhammas in terms of the Four Noble Truths The way of the cessation of dukkha (suffering)All conditioned phenomena as dukkhaThe meaning of the word dukkha and its etymologyThe unsatisfactory and unreliable nature of all thingsSetting the wheel of the dharma in motionStepping back and reflecting on the nature of our mindsNaturally painful/unavoidable experiences versus optional mental sufferingThe suffering that comes from living in anticipation of what comes nextSuffering from daily tasks we do for survival and personal upkeep (aka the dukkha of life as work)Not regarding form as self and finding relief in the truth of dukkhaGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed“Surprisingly, reflecting in this way on the truth of dukkha, simply seeing how things are, free of hope and free of fear, brings a great lightness of heart. When we reflect in this way, it’s a great relief to be out of the grip of diluted enchantment.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Offering deeper insight into equanimity, Joseph Goldstein explains the benefit of maintaining mental equilibrium at all times.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-fifth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Joseph elucidates:The universal beautiful factors of mindEquanimity as total neutrality of mindMaintaining equilibrium and being unaffected by events and emotionsHow equanimity is born out of concentration and secluding the mind from hindrancesThe ups and downs of life that we all faceTreating others with impartiality whether they praise us or blame usAbiding compassionately for the welfare of all peopleRecognizing the dissolution of all things in realityRelating to all things as if they have already changedDeveloping equanimity through inclining our mind towards neutralityGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“The characteristic of equanimity is evenness of mind. When it is highly developed, it manifests as an unshakable balance. It is a mind that’s not moved. It serves to prevent either excess or deficiency of the other factors of awakening.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Focusing on awareness of the breath, Joseph Goldstein explores what the Buddha said about continuous attention.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-fourth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This week on Insight Hour, Joseph elucidates:The Buddha’s instructions for concentrationNot judging ourselves or our practiceWhy morality is the basis of concentrationGood and bad memories that arise during practiceSimple awareness of our inward and outward breathLearning the patterns and tendencies of the mindThe natural arising of concentration out of tranquility of mindLessons from Upasika Kee Nanayon, a renowned Thai Buddhist teacher and laywomanHow the knowing of the breath can open us up to the whole range of changing experiencesThought as a vehicle for deepening our wisdomGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“It’s mindfulness which actually notices that a thought is present. Without mindfulness, we don’t know. It’s continuity of mindfulness, many moments of mindfulness in a row, that strengthens the steadiness of mind and the factor of concentration. Concentration arises from continuity of mindfulness.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph explores Samadhi, the Buddhist quality of concentration, and explains how we all have the capacity to develop a well-trained mind.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-third part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph dives into:Why Samadhi, aka concentration, is so importantThe quality of a non-wavering mindFixed object concentration and training our minds to focus on a singular objectMomentary concentration as a continual focus on changing objectsJhana and the many levels of SamadhiConcentration which leads to meditative insightsUnderstanding concentration as a pleasant abiding here and nowThe attainment of knowledge and vision / using the divine eyeHow concentration is a necessary precursor to wisdomThe easefulness that comes as we strengthen SamadhiGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on DharmaseedThis episode is brought to you by Dharma Moon. Join Buddhist teachers David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman for a free online event on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm ET. Together, they'll explore the power of lineage, tradition, and the evolution of mindfulness practices. They’ll also discuss Dharma Moon’s renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training program. Visit dharmamoon.com/lineage for more info and to reserve your spot for the free online event with David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman!“This is the first development of concentration: understanding that it is a pleasant, abiding, here and now. This is not something to be avoided or feared; it’s a skillful state. It’s a wholesome state.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharing the crucial role of tranquility on the path of liberation, Joseph Goldstein explains how calmness leads to sincerity and happiness.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-second part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.Continuing the discussion on the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph shares:A clear path towards awakening and cessation of sufferingUnderstanding the factors that cause sufferingMoving from book knowledge to direct experienceActively following the Buddhist preceptsLiving out the practice rather than just doing itCalmness as a central factor on the path of liberationHow tranquility brings about sincerityRemaining unattached to the factor or tranquilityBeing mindful of when calmness is present vs. not presentTranquility and insight as elements of clear knowingWhat happens when the mind is calm and free of desireGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on DharmaseedThis episode is also brought to you by Dharma Moon. Join Buddhist teachers David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman for a free online event on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm ET. Together, they'll explore the power of lineage, tradition, and the evolution of mindfulness practices. They’ll also discuss Dharma Moon’s renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training program. Visit dharmamoon.com/lineage for more info and to reserve your spot for the free online event with David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman!“This is the enlightenment factor of calm…it’s the soothing factor of mind that quiets down disturbances. It manifests in the mind as peacefulness or coolness; it manifests that way both in the mind and in the body. It’s like sitting down in the shade of a cool tree on a hot sweltering day.” ” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Distinguishing merit that leads to mundane happiness from merit aimed at liberation, Joseph Goldstein describes sources of dharmic joy.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-first part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.Continuing his lessons on the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph discusses:Making a heart connection with the Buddha, Dharma, and SanghaReflecting on our commitment to non-harmingContemplating what it feels like to give and receive generosityCelestial happiness and beings in higher realms of existenceMerit aimed at mundane happiness vs. merit aimed at liberationThe karmic results to our volitional actionsCultivating faith, generosity, and wisdom for a source of dharma joyReflecting on peace and freedom from the defilementsTasting momentary freedom and knowing what peace of mind meansThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Aș we cultivate faith, sila, generosity, and wisdom, the merit of those wholesome actions in the mind cannot be measured. Just reflecting on this becomes a tremendous source of dharma joy, of rapture in the mind.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Priming the pump of mindfulness, Joseph Goldstein explains rapture, the joyous fourth factor of awakening.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirtieth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This week, Joseph brings to our attention:Rapture, aka joy, delight, and pleasurable interestThe arousing, anticipatory energy of raptureThe positive feedback loop of the factors of awakeningFive grades of rapture according to the BuddhaLuminosity of mind and the sensory experiences of joyBringing in right view and investigative wisdomRecalling the impermanence of all delightful statesPutting teachings into practice and putting full effort into each momentNot overly concerning ourselves with progressBoredom as a lack of attention and arousing interest in our current stateWhat the Buddha, dharma, sangha means for each of usGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“The energy that arises from continual mindfulness and investigation leads to rapture. We could call it a dharma joy or a dharma happiness. This happiness inspires us to investigate further and as we investigate further the mindfulness and the energy gets stronger and there’s more rapture. It’s just a wonderful spiral leading towards awakening, leading towards liberation.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Considering how right effort drives our achievements and potential for happiness, Joseph Goldstein teaches us more about the dhamma.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-ninth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph lectures listeners on:Energy as the root of all achievementHow energy can be associated with both unwholesome and wholesome statesPutting our energy to wise useTaking the opportunity to challenge ourselves and extend our limitsGetting caught in efforting and in the result of an actionInvestigating our own mindsReflection on death and using our time wiselyThe possibilities of every happinessGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Right effort is not an ambitious striving. Skillful effort is the effort to be present for what is already here.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein shares how unremitting mindfulness and continuous investigation of our mental states will lead us to liberation.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-eighth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph pursues these topics:Establishing unremitting mindfulnessInvestigating and examining our mental statesHow truth discerning wisdom liberates the mindThe three universal characteristics of experienceCultivating wisdom through investigation of the dhammaLooking at the motivation behind our actions of body, speech, or mindThe two kinds of happiness according to the BuddhaInvestigating ourselves when we are in a storm of emotionsHow clear recognition can be enough to help us let goDiscerning the difference between the knowing and the objectHow a single moment of truth-discerning wisdom can change usGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“By understanding that it is wisdom that illuminates what is true, and that we cultivate wisdom through investigation of the dhamma, we can begin to appreciate the very broad range of skillful means and methods that are in different Buddhist traditions for accomplishing this inquiry.“– Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Outlining the crucial importance of the Buddha’s seven awakening factors, Joseph explains the promise of our practice.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-seventh part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This week on Insight Hour, Joseph provides wisdom on:The seven treasures, or factors of awakening, of the BuddhaHow the factors of awakening act as anti-hindrancesMindfulness, wisdom, energy, rapture, calm, concentration, and equanimityThe promise and purpose of our practicePriming the pump of the enlightened mindA deeper dive into the first factor of awakening: mindfulnessCalling to mind what is skillful and what is notBare attention and clear comprehensionKnowing the purpose behind an action, and if it is beneficialGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“The Buddha called these factors anti-hindrances because they counteract those forces in the mind that keep us in delusion. It’s sort of like anti-freeze; anti-hindrances, they keep our minds from getting congealed or frozen.“– Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching listeners to become masters over their perceptions, Joseph Goldstein describes the four great hallucinations of the mind.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-sixth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph helps listeners understand:The latent tendencies of the mind which condition our perceptionsHow basic sense impressions can be mistakenThe four great hallucinations of perceptions as outlined by the BuddhaTaking what is impermanent to be permanentThe root of sufferingTaking what is not self to be selfHaving mastery over our perceptionsWays of perceiving that lead to liberationHow moods deceive the mindThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“A good feedback for us for when we’re lost in this hallucination of perception, taking what’s impermanent to be permanent, is whenever we notice clinging or attachment. When there’s clinging or attachment what that means is that in those moments we are not seeing clearly and we are not experiencing deeply the truth of change, the truth of impermanence. We are diluted into thinking that a particular experience in some way is worth holding onto.“– Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cutting the chain of dependent origination, Joseph Goldstein teaches wise attention and freedom from defilement as the antidote to suffering.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-fifth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph continues exploring:The timelessness of the dhammaHow fetters of the mind arise and how to remove themPreventing the future arising of mental fettersThe coming together of sense base, object, and consciousnessDesire as the automatic response to pleasant feelingsAversion as our conditioned response to aversionNeutrality and how it can lead to delusionThe necessity of wise attention to avoid sufferingCutting the chain of dependent originationBeing mindful of what is actually arising moment to momentReinforcing our understanding of the impermanence of desireTaking responsibility for our own mindsGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Coming to the end of suffering means that we learn how to work with and understand and free ourselves from the force of the fetters in the mind. What’s amazing about this teaching is that it’s ultimately, completely empowering because it’s all up to us. Our suffering is not due to other people. We can take responsibility for our own minds.”– Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the six internal and external sense bases of consciousness, explaining its selfless and contingent nature.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-fourth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This week, Joseph offers wisdom on:Mindfulness of the patterns of experienceInternal and external sense spheresThe mind as a sixth senseThe way we attach the self to all we experienceSeeing objects as being conditioned and selflessOur sense organs and paying attention to how we experience sensesThe contingent nature of consciousnessFreeing the mind by becoming disenchantedRecognizing defilements when they arise, and letting them goHow we often push the river of experience rather than allowing it to flowMaintaining openness of the mind without preferences“What’s difficult is to see all of these sense objects and the sense bases, to see and understand them as being conditioned, selfless, not I, not mine, not belonging to anyone. Not only seeing the sense object and sense base as selfless, but seeing the knowing of them as selfless.”– Joseph GoldsteinGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explains the value in recognizing the body and self as impermanent, man-made concepts rather than something fixed and solid.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-third part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week, Joseph explains to listeners:Noticing the changing nature of all phenomenaThe flow of changing sensations and thoughtsThe superficial perception we have of the bodyHow attachment to the body contributes to a fear of deathWhat creates the felt sense of selfNoticing the difference between being lost in a thought and noticing thinkingSeeing the empty selfless nature of thoughtsPracticing seeing impermanence through mindfulness of the five aggregatesRegarding our body, feelings, perception, and consciousness as non-selfThis talk was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“It is so freeing to realize that the only power that thoughts have is the power that we give them. The thought itself is little more than nothing. It is just this little blip in the mind, arising and passing away. But, when they’re unnoticed and we’re identified with them, taking them to be self, we’re giving them an enormous power in our lives.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Concluding a segment on the five aggregates, Joseph Goldstein explains how mindfulness of mental formations refines our consciousness.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-second part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Joseph thoughtfully outlines:The mental factor of intention / volition as the chief of the mindHow the seeds we plant have tremendous potentialConsidering the motivations of our intentionsSorting out what is wholesome versus unwholesomeThe three roots of all unwholesome actions: greed, hatred, and delusionThe three wholesome roots: generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdomPausing before we act so we can make wiser choices in our livesHow mindfulness attracts all of the fruits of wholesome actionThe unchanging nature of bare knowingThe four causes of seeing consciousnessConsciousness as a conditioned phenomenaFocusing on what is arising through a passive voice and non-subjectCultivating the open sky of the mindThis talk was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“The Buddha is saying that consciousness itself is a conditioned phenomena. It’s impersonal, arising out of causes, arising out of conditions moment to moment. Here we see that consciousness is not something that’s permanent. It’s not something that’s always present waiting for an object to appear, to be known. But rather consciousness itself is a process continually arising and passing away moment after moment.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his discussion of the five aggregates, Joseph Goldstein dives deeper into perception and how we can get lost in mental formations.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-first part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In another exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph discusses:Balancing perception with mindfulnessUsing the frame of our perception to enter more deeply into experienceOur tendency to solidify the world through superficial conceptsThe seduction of being lost in the future and pastReality and the concept of the present momentCreated concepts of self-imageThe delineation of mental factors; universal, occasional, and unwholesomeConsidering the understanding of karmaHaving interest in our mental formations and taking time to investigate themHow mindfulness of mental formations helps us see how impersonal everything isGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“We also create concepts about things that may seem even more fundamental like age, gender or race. But when we look more deeply, we see that these are concepts too. How old is your breath? It doesn’t make sense. Is the pain in your back male or female? What color is your mind? It’s not to say that the concepts don’t point to some differences of experience, but we often become so identified with and attached to the concept." – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this profound investigation of subjective experience and direct reality, Joseph Goldstein looks at the first three of the five aggregates in Buddhism.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twentieth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph analyzes:The five aggregates of clinging and deconstructing subjective experienceOpening the stainless dharma vision eyeHow the Buddha shows the way to those who are lostThe direct realities underlying the surface appearance of beingAll of the elements which give rise to the experience of self / the aggregate of RūpaThe nature of material elements and the four great essentialsOur experiences as a flow of changing vibrationsThe second aggregate, Vedanā, aka the feeling qualities of experiencesFeelings as the conditioning factor of our reactionsCollapsing into the identification with pleasant vs. unpleasantSaññā, the aggregate of perceptionRecognizing, naming, and remembering each arising objectThe function of mental noting and focusing on mindfulnessGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“The Buddha uses this contemplation of the aggregates to analyze our subjective experience and, through this analysis, to deconstruct the very deeply held construct and belief in self.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Highlighting the danger of indecision, Joseph Goldstein examines the nature of doubt as taught by the Buddha.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the nineteenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This week on Insight Hour, Joseph explains to listeners:How elements of mind and body functionWhat the Buddha said about working with and overcoming doubtRecognizing whether or not doubt is present within ourselvesThe nature and character of the doubting mindThe danger of being paralyzed by indecisionDoubt within our meditation practice / Doubting parts of the dhammaContemplating the unattractive elements of the bodyDoubting the value of practice in a world of sufferingThe deep pattern of self-doubtHow doubt masquerades as wisdomPaying attention to what triggers doubtUnderstanding what is wholesome and unwholesomeInvestigation and the wisdom mind as the cure to doubtGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“When doubt is strong, and we’re paralyzed by indecision, this mental force doesn’t even allow us the opportunity to take a wrong turn and to learn from our mistakes; rather, we’re always checking ourselves, we’re vacillating, we’re trying to decide.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diving into restlessness and worry, Joseph Goldstein outlines how to use the eye of wisdom to examine mental agitation.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the eighteenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph lectures on:The obvious and subtle expressions of restlessness and worryHow we can easily become over-concerned with our practiceFalling into spiritual self-absorptionThe conditions which cause the arising of restlessness and worryExamining all situations with the eye of wisdomThe physical energies of restlessness and worryMaking the mind wind and open or focusing the mind more microscopicallyReflecting on the purpose of our practiceExcessive striving and our tendency to self-judgeLetting go of the past, future, and presentThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“When you feel that the mind is not settled, when it’s not at rest, become mindful of what’s going on. Let the unease that you’re feeling be the mindfulness bell.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Employing the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein shows us how to overcome the mental states of sloth and torpor.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the seventeenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph instructs listeners on:The mind states of sloth and torporDefining sloth as a sluggishness of mind which dispels energyNoticing when sloth and torpor are present in usHow sloth and torpor can spread via unwise attention to boredom and depressionWatching the thinking patterns we have around slothful mind-statesHow sloth and torpor can signal us to other hidden emotionsOver-consumption and being attentive to what we put into our bodiesThe benefit and value of the eight preceptsHaving a balance of both concentration and energyDeepening our insight into the impermanence of the hindrancesMindfulness as the most basic strategy for overcoming lazinessAdding in more objects to our meditation as an antidote to the sinking mindBeing alert even in times of low energy as practice for conscious dyingFinding inspiration in reading the dhamma, listening to a recording, or chantingThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Mindfulness, here, is deepening our insight into the impermanence of the hindrances. If we can stay with it, we see that they come and go by themselves. We don’t have to fulfill the desire, we don’t have to act on the anger, we don’t have to indulge the sleepiness, in order for them to go, we just need to stay with it and we’ll see their changing nature simply through the awareness of them.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Illuminating the shadows of our minds, Joseph Goldstein explains how to notice and investigate the emotions hiding underneath aversions.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the sixteenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph offers a discussion on:What aversion is and how to recognize when it’s presentThe powerful underground force of hatredLooking clearly and deeply into our own minds through mindfulnessWeakening and uprooting the very deepest tendencies of mindHow even words themselves contain both desire and aversionThe rising of aversion with respect to physical and emotional painThe nine thoughts that can stir up malice according to the BuddhaWhy we personalize situations which are impersonalOpening up to aversion as simply a noted mind-stateArousing the investigative aspect of the mindReflecting on what purpose (or lack their of) our emotions serveTaking responsibility for our aversionsThe development of loving-kindness and wishing-well to all beingsThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Really what we’re doing here is illuminating the shadow side of our mind, the aspects that we don’t usually see, the underground, the latent tendencies in which the milder forms of aversion are rooted.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein describes the causes of sensual desire and how to be aware of the wanting-mind rather than suppressing it.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the fifteenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph reveals to listeners:Dhamma as categories of phenomenaThe mental turbulence of anger and aversionStagnation of mind, restlessness of mindHow hindrances alter and condition our perceptionsPaying particular attention to times of transitionAbandoning hindrances without aversion, self-judgment, and suppressionRecognizing when sensual desire is presentObsessive passion, expectations, addictive cravings, and other manifestations of the wanting-mindHow what we frequently ponder upon becomes our inclination of mindThe misconception that our desires will bring us happinessSeeing the insubstantial nature of desire through mindfulnessReflecting on the Buddha’s teachings in the very moment that they are applicableThe prevention of craving through awareness of the cause of desire and non-clinging“The question is: how can we practice working to abandon the hindrances without suppression, without aversion, and without self-judgment? In the sutta, the Buddha outlines five basic steps in working with the hindrances and finding the middle way between indulging in them and suppressing them. He charts the course for us.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Simplifying our daily practice into bare knowing, Joseph Goldstein instructs us on external mindfulness and noticing our reactions.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the foureenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explains:The comprehensive nature of mindfulness practiceGoing beyond the division of self and otherInsight from inference and inductive reasoningContemplating the feelings and mind-states of othersBeing mindful of our reactions to other people's positive and negative feelingsKeeping our lives in balance by not being overly self-absorbedContemplating both internal and external mindfulness so that we can see phenomena objectivelyThe impermanent nature of all feelingsThoughts as the trigger for emotions to ariseStaying free in the flow of changing experienceThe storytelling the mind does versus the Buddha's instruction on bare knowledgeThe mantra 'it's already here' for awareness of bare knowingDon’t forget to grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Contemplating externally not only keeps us in balance so we don’t have this total self-absorption, but we’re paying attention in some way, we’re enlarging the context of our practice. It also helps keep us attuned to how our actions are affecting others so we aren’t just lost in what we’re doing. We’re mindful of the feelings and mind states externally so we see, we’re attuned, we’re aware, in a mindful, non-reactive, non-judgmental way of these states as they arise in other people. We’re paying attention.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rather than trying to overcome unwholesome mind states, Joseph Goldstein guides us to simply be mindful of the mind as it is being influenced.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirteenth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explains:The three unwholesome roots (lustful mind, angry mind, diluted mind)Being aware of the absence of unwholesome mind-statesHow positive attributes are present within the absence of the defilementsNot judging ourselves or being reactive to negative mind-statesFocusing on which states should be cultivated and which should be let go ofMeasuring the moral worth of an action by the intention behind itDifficult mind-states as part of the path rather than an innate problemThe distracted and contracted mindHow mindfulness of our mind is the path to freedomSimply knowing each state for what it is (not-self, insubstantial, impermanent)Asking ourselves what is happening and taking the time to acknowledge itHow sense pleasures and moods deceive the mindThe process of liberation as short moments many timesDon’t forget to grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“It’s not as if somehow we need to have our mind completely freed of all of these unwholesome states in order to proceed. The Buddha is saying that mindfulness of them when they arise is the path to freedom.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Describing the hidden danger in seeking happiness through sense pleasure, Joseph Goldstein outlines worldy versus unworldly feelings.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twelfth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!Don’t forget to grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explains:The feelings that arise during renunciationNon-addictedness versus deprivationThe hidden dangers in happiness from worldly feelingsThe unreliability of pleasant emotionsBeneficial pleasures versus un-beneficial pleasuresWorldy and unworldly neutral feelingsGenorosity as easy access to an unworldly pleasant feelingNon-sensual joy when we practice compassion and mettaExploring feelings as they become predominantNoticing our conditioned responses to our emotionsUtilizing mindfulness to rest in simple awarenessThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“There’s a hidden danger in this addiction to sense pleasure, of relying for pleasant worldly feelings for our happiness to the degree that we become very attached to them and then suffer when they change, as we know they do. The impermanence of them becomes a source of unreliability.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Becoming mindful of feelings, Joseph Goldstein explains how the habits of our mind shape our actions and karma.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the eleventh part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!Don’t forget to grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis week, Joseph Goldstein outlines:The mindfulness of feeling and discovering the nature of our feelingsHow the tone of our feelings condition the reactions of our mindThe actions and karmic consequences that begin with a feelingHow pleasant feelings can condition desire and attachmentThe way that neutrality can lead to ignoranceMaintaining a non-reactive mind to all emotionsThe tendencies of desire and aversionLabeling and noticing our feelings without attaching meaningClearly seeing the impermanent and ephemeral nature of all feelingsThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Mindfulness of feeling is one of the master keys that both reveals and unlocks the deepest patterns of our conditioning.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Refining our knowledge of the four elements, Joseph Goldstein explains how our bodily dispositions relate to earth, water, fire, and air.

Contemplating the principal of clear knowing, Joseph Goldstein explains that seeing things exactly as they are propels us towards awakening.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the ninth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!Don’t forget to grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein dives into:Clearly knowing the purpose of an actionDiscerning the benefit or detriment of our actionsHow Mara ensnares us in samsaric attachmentsHow unskillful mind-states masquerade as skillfulBeing tricked by the doubt in our mindsPurifying ourselves for the benefit of allKnowing the suitability of an action and examining timingConsidering how our actions will affect others and ourselvesCommitting to the long process of awakeningThe importance of sense-restraintContemplating the unattractive facets of the bodyClearly seeing the impermanence of our bodyAccepting the truth of how things actually areThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“There’s great power, inspiration, and patience when we realize this transformation of consciousness that we’re undertaking. The purification of these deep-rooted tendencies. That this process of transformation is not a quick process…we’re on a long path if we really are holding awakening as our aspiration.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein demonstrates how the entire dhamma is revealed through mindfulness of posture in this continued analysis of the Sattipatthana Sutta.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the eighth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein dives into:Being mindful of things both internally and externallyAbiding independent and not clinging to anything in the worldHow the entire dhamma is revealed through mindfulness of postureThe simplicity of being aware of changes in posture throughout the dayWalking meditation and truly knowing that we are walkingDisentangling our mind from distractions and anticipationBeing rooted in the present with a sense of easeHow mindfulness of posture helps us overcome unwholesome states of mindPaying attention to the motivation of our movementsHow movement masks dukkhaDeepening our insight into selflessnessThe conditionality of mind and bodyDe-identification and seeing all phenomena with proper wisdomDon’t forget to grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Mindfulness of the posture becomes the vehicle for strengthening continuity of awareness. The way the postures are manifesting reveals the state of our mind. It becomes the foundation or the place of stability for us to face and see through the unwholesome mind states.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Enriching our understanding of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein explains the body as the simplest and most portable object of contemplation.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the seventh part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein dives into:Mindfulness of the body as the simplest way to overcome maraHow mindfulness of the body is the basis for all achievementsConquering all bodily sensations through mindfulness of the bodyFinding a suitable posture for our practice and how effort creates energyEstablishing mindfulness in front of ourselvesThe invaluable power of our own breathingRefining the breath as the vehicle for refining the mindWhat it means to experience the whole physical bodyCalming the bodily formationGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“The Buddha is pointing to the invaluable but often overlooked power of our own breathing. This humble breath which we mostly in our ordinary lives ignore is such a good and powerful object of meditation because it is always present.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the meaning of non-clinging, Joseph Goldstein outlines the three types of cravings explained by the Buddha.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the sixth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREIn this episode of the Satipatthana Sutta series, Joseph Goldstein discussesHow craving can consume our entire beingThe thirst for sense pleasures and how they keep us dependentHow society feeds and fosters our sense of desire and cravingClinging to and longing for certain mind-statesThe primal thirst for continued existenceHow expectation takes out of the present momentAbiding in empty, open awarenessThe craving for non-existence during painful timesDependence through view and the felt sense of “I”How to accomplish the deconstruction of selfThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“When in the seen just the seen, in the heard just the heard, in the sense just the sensed, in the cognized just the cognized, then you will not be influenced by what arises, not carried away by craving.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein has an intellectual discussion on bare knowledge without association and how to maintain continuity of mindfulness.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the fifth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein lectures on: The direct path for the purification of beingsThe liberating effect of present-moment awarenessFreedom from desire and discontent regarding the worldObserving phenomena without attaching meaning or reactingThe two proximate causes for mindfulnessHow knowing is not altered by what is being knownThe nature of the knowing mind conforming to the condition of the bodyBuilding momentum and continuity of mindfulnessVipassana and observing the six sense storesBecoming aware of the process of changePerception as the function of recognitionHow concepts condition our experienceGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Bare knowledge here means observing phenomena, observing experience objectively without getting lost in associations, without getting lost in our reactions. It’s the simple and direct knowing of what’s present without making up stories about our experience.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein offers insight on deepening our understanding of impermanence by growing our awareness of the constant change that surrounds us.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the fourth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta.  If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explores: Seeing the momentariness of phenomenaThe liberating effect of presence moment awarenessThe power of wholesome activities and the karmic effect of givingUnreliability within that which is impermanentBeing dispassionate and not caught up in the grit of desireThe stories and drama we engage with in our livesWitnessing changes in the world around usRefining our perception of changeThe mirror of the dhammaHaving unbroken confidence in the path of awakeningConsciousness in the process of dyingGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“Somehow, we are so conditioned to count on things staying a certain way, of staying stable. Or, if they’re going to change, that they should only change for the better, the way we’d like things to be. But, that’s not how it is, there is no evidence to support that. All we have to do is open up and look around and pay attention in the most obvious of ways. This is not a subtle meditative attainment; it is all around us.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph Goldstein explores the importance of contemplation, awareness and concentration in Buddhist practice.This episode is the third part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta, one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Joseph Goldstein examines: Samadhi, or, the composure and unification of the mindEnjoying embodied presence and allowing all tensions to releaseThe great healing process that can come from SamadhiHow Samadhi enables us to receive the joy of the present momentHow the development of concentration comes from practicing Sila (ethical conduct)The path of practice as the path of happinessFocusing on an object versus choiceless awareness6-part walking meditation for the development of concentrationInternal and external contemplationBeing aware of other people without judgmentAttuning to how our actions may affect othersGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“It’s as if when we create the space of awareness, the space of mindful presence, the mind settles by itself into a place of concentration because we are simply being present for that which arises.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph discusses mindfulness as the vehicle for all spiritual undertakings.This episode is the second part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta, one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. If you are just jumping into the series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses: The mental qualities that are necessary for the path of awakeningHow mindfulness makes any spiritual undertaking possibleHow small efforts we take in our daily practice can greatly impact the larger pictureThe noble task of purifying the mind and heartReflecting on the Buddha, dharma, and sanghaThe difference between self-judgement and contemplating our sila (right conduct)How the whole of the dharma is revealed through receptive listeningMindfulness as a guardian of the sense storesAvoiding the proliferation of wanting and discontentHow mindfulness balances faith and wisdom, effort and concentrationMindfulness as a tool to notice the habit patterns we are conditioned intoThe nature of the mind as peacefulGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis recording was originally published by Dharmaseed“It’s that sense of just the whole of the dharma being revealed in this place of listening, of receptive awareness, of open awareness, when we aren’t trying to control things or make things happen but we’re letting things be revealed. This quality of sati, of mindfulness, of listening, has tremendous power... It’s mindfulness which makes any spiritual undertaking possible.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kicking off a multi-part course on the teachings of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph offers insight into how we can apply the wisdom of this ancient Buddhist discourse on mindfulness to our daily lives and practice.This episode is the first part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta, one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein delves into: Meditation as the simplest way of looking at the mind and bodyVipassana’s roots in the Satipatthana SuttaBreaking down the translation of SatipatthanaThe four foundations or abidings in mindfulnessFocusing on the attitude of being awareThe variety of meanings for DukkhaCraving as the cause of sufferingStrengthening the quality of ardency for our practiceHow transience can spur feelings of passion and careReflecting on the weight of our actionsWisdom and clear comprehensionWhy our practice is not just for ourselves aloneGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis recording was originally published by Dharmaseed“The last reflection that helps establish us in ardent practice is realizing that the only things that can be said to truly belong to us are the actions that we perform and their subsequent fruits.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Responding to student questions, Joseph Goldstein invigorates listeners to have faith and confidence in dharma practice.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein answers questions on: Mental noting throughout meditationWorking with a greedy mindDukkha and craving as the fundamental cause of sufferingSmall moments of renunciationThe deepening of concentration over time and why practice is non-linearKeeping confidence in the dharmaDoubt as the most problematic feeling within practiceDealing with shame, depression, unworthiness, and other painful mind-statesBalancing self-knowing and deepening insight into non-selfFear of impermanence and attachment to things staying the sameThis special group mentorship program recording was originally published on Dharmaseed“We really just need to continue doing the practice and have that trust that the dharma will lead us onward, which it does. I’ve seen it in myself and I’ve seen it in thousands of yogis. I have a lot of confidence in that.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explaining the subtleties of practice and the energy between mind and body, Joseph Goldstein offers both insight and humor to his students.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein :The variety of practice ways to strengthen concentrationAnimals and questions on karma in the natural worldFree our minds from fear when nearing the end of our livesWatching the mystery of life unfoldingThe wholesome and unwholesome actions that determine our rebirthHabitual karma and having a place of refuge from repeated practiceHumility and the understanding of selflessnessCultivating relationships of equanimityThe ongoing discovery of the mind-body energy systemSexual desire and the refinement of our sensationsWhy neutrality is better than pleasureThe unhelpful ways that we relate to painHow practice helps with boredom and restlessnessKeeping an effort to pay close attentionUsing our precious lives very wellThis 1990 recording was originally published by Dharmaseed“Each of these practices not only addresses a particular conditioning of the mind, they all very much strengthen the power of concentration. It’s just to see how through many different doors we can enter the realm of understanding, taming the mind, coming to a place of stillness where we can really see the essential nature and come to freedom. There are many ways depending on temperament.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Highlighting the impermanence of experience, Joseph Goldstein leads a practice in noticing mental and physical sensations.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein offers a guided practice on: Working with thought and emotionFull body awareness without effort or strugglingNoticing the breath and other sensationsBeing aware of thoughts just as they are arisingOpening up to the fullness of experienceThe power of naming emotionsSensing the impermanent nature of all thingsMoving from the conceptual into direct experienceThe seduction of our thoughtsThis 2018 recording from an Insight Meditation Retreat was originally published by Dharmaseed“We don’t have to do anything to make things change. The very nature of whatever is arising, whether it’s in the body or the mind, the very nature is that whatever arises will also pass away.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a dharma talk on working with thoughts and emotions, Joseph Goldstein explains the impersonal and empty nature of the mind.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein teaches us about: Observing how mind states and thoughts mutually condition each otherThe way that thoughts carry us away into different emotional statesLooking at the direct nature and meaning of thoughtNoticing the difference between being lost and being awakeViewing our thoughts just as they ariseNot overthinking and focusing on the simplicity of a practiceThe six things that are ever arising or passing: our sensesMaintaining open awareness and experiencing the flow“Well, what is a thought? It’s quite remarkable because when we look at that level, not on the level of the story or the content, but thought as a phenomenon, we see that it is barely more than nothing. It is so phenomenal. These thoughts arise, and the content can be so compelling, but as a phenomenon, as the nature of thought, it’s just this little energy blip in the mind. If we’re not getting hooked by the content, it has no power at all.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis 2019 dharma talk from Insight Meditation Society was originally published by Dharmaseed See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein meets us at the constellation of self, the duality of self, and the need for mindfulness.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein gets into: Duality and how it relates to our meditation practiceThe fundamental split of object and subjectLimitations from perceiving ourselves as separatePersona and the identification we have with the worldThe progression from fullness/oneness to constrictionHaving compassion for the shadow sideHow fear desire, and attachment, make us more attached to our sense of selfBeing imprisoned and conditioned by dualistic perceptionThe integration of mind and body and love for all experience as the connectorFrom the ego center to the zero centerBeing totally honest with what is happeningMindfulness as the tool to stop identificationThe power of renunciation and restraintThis 2005 dharma talk was originally published by Dharmaseed“As long as we are identified with that sense of self in the mind, that identification creates fear, attachment, separation, comparing. If there’s an “I”, if there’s a self, then we have to defend it, we have to protect it, we have to gratify it, and our whole lives revolve around this particular identification.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein discusses how working with fear is absolutely essential in our practice of understanding, opening, and accepting.This 1983 dharma talk was originally published on Dharmaseed.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein teaches us about: Releasing tension through awarenessThe body as an energy systemOpening up to the Buddha natureWorking with fear and emotional painResistance and unwillingness to be uncomfortableBecoming open to pain and discomfortInsecurity and the fear of being judgedHow the fear of feeling certain emotions keeps us bound to negative habitsHow openness allows our hearts to be touchedDeath and fear of the unknownBeing okay with being afraidHaving space for fear without demandsLovingkindness as the antidote for fear“What we’re doing in our practice is learning how to work with those experiences which often cause trouble, which often cause resistance, which we’re afraid of.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Offering instruction for metta practice, Joseph Goldstein explains the many flavors of loving-kindness that we can try.This 2018 talk was originally published on Dharmaseed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explicates: The unconditional quality of mettaHelping each other see our individual lovelinessUsing mantra to evoke the feeling of loving-kindnessMetta as a tool for deep concentrationExperimenting with the different ways metta can be applied in meditationThe three aspects of practicing of loving-kindnessA 12-minute guided metta practice to settle into the feeling of well-wishing“There are two main purposes for doing metta meditation. One is metta, or loving-kindness, which can be used as a vehicle for developing concentration. So, not only for the metta quality itself, but it is a technique or a method for developing strong concentration, even to the point of absolution.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guiding us in three short, guided meditations, Joseph Goldstein helps us break down our identification with the body and the self.This talk from the Insight Meditation Society was originally published on Dharmaseed. In this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein guides us in: Accessing deeper meditative states outside of a retreatTurbo-charging our practice through shorter meditations we can do in our daily livesFinding the mental areas where our mistaken sense of self is createdListening to sounds and considering the ‘knowing’ rather than being a “knower”Breaking through the identification we have with the bodyDirectly experiencing bodily sensations and their changing natureWatching our thoughts and being aware in their moment of arisingEnlivening our understanding of the Buddha’s teaching through a combination of practices“This exercise allows us to see the selfless nature of thought and gives us the ability to choose which are helpful, which are not. Which do I act on, which do I let go of.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Focusing on equanimity and compassion, Joseph Goldstein teaches about staying open and responsive to collective and individual suffering.This talk from the Spirit Rock Meditation Center was originally published on Dharmaseed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein divulges : How to stay open and responsive while experiencing both individual and global challengesCompassion and equanimity as tools to work with difficultiesThe definition of equanimity and seeing all things as a wholeEquanimity as the basis of wise discernment and skillful responsivenessRe-framing difficult experiences as an opportunity to practice opennessAn invitation to look within rather than blaming outside forcesExamining what emotions are underneath our reactionsLetting go of the illusion of being in controlAccepting our feelings instead of allowing them to limit usFreeing ourselves through the awareness of impermanenceHow compassion arises out of our willingness to come close to sufferingSorrow as the near enemy of compassionHaving humility on our path to explore equanimity and compassion“Equanimity gives us the foundation, the ability to approach the suffering without reactivity. And compassion, precisely arises out of the willingness to come close to suffering.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein describes the steps along the Buddha’s path to awakening, helping us see the significance of the Buddha in our own lives.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis dharma talk from The Insight Meditation Society was originally published on Dharmaseed.In this episode, Joseph Goldstein lectures on:The sacred journey of the Buddha’s lifeThe Buddha as a universal archetype for awakeningConnecting the Buddha’s journey with our own journeyMaterialism and the wheel of becomingDiscovering the real value in our livesReflecting on the inevitability of deathThe uncertainty of the time of deathWhat actually matters when we reach our endOur own calls to destinyGiving up a conventional way of viewing thingsOur own power over the way we areConfronting the forces of Mara Relative and absolute bodhicitta“In order to awaken to the hidden possibilities of life, we need to renounce, we need to be willing to give up our ordinary or conventional way of viewing things. Things are often not what they seem to be. If we stay just on the surface, we are often living in ignorance and illusion.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explaining the ways our minds can be seduced, Joseph Goldstein teaches us how to let go into non-clinging.This 2007 talk was originally published on Dharmaseed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this episode, Joseph Goldstein teaches listeners about:Letting go into the wisdom mind of non-clingingAwakening to the nature of the mindWorking with the hindrances of mindNoticing how the mind can be seducedSkeptical doubt and being frozen in indecisionThe ways that doubt can masquerade itself as wisdomTelling ourselves that it is okay not to knowResting in experience rather than being caught in thought loopsInvestigating our aversions and their hold on the mindSeeing everything with perfect wisdomTransforming our attitudes about our aversionsBeing inclusive to our difficult experiences“Struggle is a great feedback because it signifies non-acceptance of something. Because if we were accepting, we wouldn’t be struggling. Whenever we’re in that sense of striving, of struggle, of tension, take that as a feedback, not as a problem. That’s telling us something. That’s saying something is going on in the body, in the mind, in the emotions, in the thoughts, in our external experience, something is going on that we’re not open to, that we’re trying to exclude, and that’s why we’re struggling.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking a journey through the Buddha’s history, Joseph Goldstein reveals how we can relate the Bodhisattva’s experiences to our own lives.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this Episode, Joseph teaches on:The history of Siddhartha GuatamaArchetypes and myths within the Buddha’s journeyConnecting individual experiences into universal principalsJoseph Campbell’s description of the Buddha’s life stagesCalls to destiny and the illusion of having a selfThe profound truth of impermanence and changeAnxiety and unease from trying to posses thingsFacing realities such as death and diseaseOne of Joseph’s first major insights into his mindRenunciation and getting out of the seduction of appearancesMeditation and recognizing vastnessExamining what is a hindrance and what is skillfulThe great struggle and developing a courageous heartThe Bodhisattva’s three watches of the nightThe great awakening and working for the good of others“In this archetypal level, the Buddha’s life reveals to us aspirations in our own. It helps us find a deeper meaning, a deeper purpose, a fuller context for our own life choices. On this archetypal level, it connects the Buddha’s journey with our own.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein joins Rohan Gunatillake to share the meditative story of how he first learned to integrate his spirituality into everyday life.This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more! Joseph Goldstein shares a personal story about:One of the most transformative moments in Joseph’s lifeThe beginning of Joseph’s enlightenment journeyIntegrating the spiritual gifts Joseph learned from the East into his everyday life in the WestLearning to embrace the uncomfortable feeling of not-knowingHow Joseph first connected with Ram DassJoseph’s first job teaching a meditation classSaying yes and allowing opportunities to present themselvesA guided mindfulness practice“It’s as if my life exists as two separate strands. One is the strand of my practice, which feels clear and stable. The other is how that practice will manifest and how I can ever hope to apply it to the world. Spiritually, I am flying high. But I have no idea where to land.” – Joseph GoldsteinAbout Joseph Goldstein:Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and loving-kindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where he is one of the organization’s guiding teachers. In 1989, together with several other teachers and students of insight meditation, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.About Rohan Gunatillake:Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discussing the differences between knowing, awareness and wisdom, Joseph Goldstein helps deepen our insights into the nature of body and mind.This 2007 talk was originally published on Dharmaseed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis time on Insight Hour, Joseph lectures on:The Satipatthana SuttaThe four foundations of mindfulnessOvercoming suffering and attaining freedomHow wisdom combines awareness and investigationStruggling as the manifestation of non-acceptanceGrounding in awareness of different sense objectsAttuning to the patterns and conditioning in our mindsThe attitudes and judgements we have about experiencesThe ability to learn about our minds in any situation“Wisdom arises out of awareness and it combines the qualities of investigation, of what the Buddha called right understanding/right attitude. With mindfulness as the platform, that is the foundation. Without mindfulness none of this happens.“ – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Going through questions submitted by meditators on retreat, Jill Shepard asks Joseph about discernment and other Buddhist practices.This episode was recorded as part of a three-month retreat at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published by Dharmaseed In this episode, Joseph answers questions on:What it means to waste your sufferingTurning attention inward and looking at the cause of sufferingAttachment, resistance, and false perceptionSelf and anatta (not-self)The wholesome and unwholesome roots of all skillful actionsLooking honestly at our intentions and motivationsHonoring the presence of our emotions versus being caught by themThe message we can receive from angerDiscernment and bringing mindfulness into loveLiberation through non-clingingWorking with doubt and the inner voice that fools and seduces usSurrendering to the DharmaHow practice prepares us for growing old“It’s really important to be honest about the range of our own motivations because if we’re not honest about it, we’re not going to see it. If we don’t see it, we may very well be acting on the unwholesome motivations.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Describing how perceptions and constructs shape our experiences, Joseph Goldstein teaches on the concept of self.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this episode, Joseph describes:The liberating jewel of the Buddha’s teachingsThe Self as the fabrication of our mindsThe relief of selflessnessAbandoning unwholesome qualitiesUsing Buddhist psychology to understand how The Self is createdRecognizing, naming, and rememberingPerception in the service of mindfulnessSeeing the frame instead of the pictureHow concepts can limit our understandingDivision and the concept of spacePast, present, future, and the concept of timeThe constriction within self-imageProjection and self-assessmentAge, culture, race, and other created constructsWhen concepts can be useful“Our perceptions are concepts about what we are experiencing. This overlay on experience very often conditions how we feel about that experience. And, one of the startling things about all this, is that often our perceptions are inaccurate and yet they are conditioning the experience we are having.”– Joseph Goldstein----In a world that often feels like it's teetering on the edge, it's not surprising that so many of us grapple with feelings of instability and overwhelm. On Tuesday, December 19th, join acclaimed Buddhist meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Ethan Nichtern for a free online conversation on staying grounded, available, and engaged, even when the world is on fire.Sharon and Ethan will also discuss the upcoming Dharma Moon Yearlong Buddhist Studies program and offer their insights on how studying Buddhism can help us show up more fully for ourselves and others during these challenging times.Visit dharmamoon.com/event for more info and to reserve your free spot! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this question-and-answer session, Joseph Goldstein explores skillful means for non-clinging, how to work with the comparing mind, the intricacies of walking meditation, and much more.This dharma talk, recorded on October 20, 2023, was originally published on Dharma Seed.In this episode of Insight Hour:Joseph offers a series of tips on walking meditationHe responds to questions about working with the comparing mind and working with the mind that is desperate to fix everythingJoseph talks about how it is possible for a layperson to awaken and why enlightenment is all about lightening upHe explores the importance of not being attached to our beliefs or our disbeliefs and keeping an open mindFinally, Joseph offers his perspective on how the Dharma has helped him in difficult times and why the Buddhist teachings are all about skillful means for non-clinging“So when I began to hear these different teachings, rather than frame it – ‘Which is true?’ or ‘Which is right?’ – just to take the teachings as skillful means. So then the question is, skillful means for what? And here is where all the traditions of Buddhism are unified, and that is a skillful means for non-clinging. That’s the essence of the free mind in all the Buddhist traditions.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein delves into the concepts of loving-kindness, compassion, and the fear of discomfort. He highlights the transformative power of loving-kindness, mindfulness, and compassion in overcoming fears and limitations, ultimately fostering genuine happiness.This dharma talk, recorded on February 18, 1997, was originally published on Dharma Seed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this lecture, Joseph:Affirms that at the depths of our hearts and minds there is a basic reservoir of goodwillDefines mettā, or loving-kindness, as the basic generosity of the heartTakes note of the “upward spiral” of happiness that mindfulness and loving-kindness promotesReminds us to stay open to suffering andRuminates upon the empty nature of fear itself“If you keep shining your compassion and understanding on it, your fear will soon crack and you will be able to look into its depths and see its roots.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein expounds upon the relationship between thought and emotion as it relates to both our spiritual practice and our daily lives.This dharma talk, recorded on June 4, 2013, was originally published on Dharma Seed.In this lecture, Joseph:Dissects the nuanced meaning of the Pali word sati, often translated as "mindfulness"Highlights the importance of applying mindfulness to both skillful and unskillful thoughtsHelps us understand the very nature of thoughtOutlines the inherent connection between thoughts and emotional responsesProposes that we stay open to afflictive emotions without identifying with them"When we engage with thoughts and emotions from a place of interest and a place of investigation, a place of inquiry, we can see them all arise and pass away in this open sky of the mind." - Joseph Goldstein-----Discover the transformative practice of teaching mindfulness in a new FREE 30-page ebook by Senior Buddhist teacher and Emmy award-winning musician, David Nichtern. With its blend of humor, wisdom, and accessible approach, The Art of Teaching Mindfulness ebook is a must-read for anyone interested in sharing the life-changing practices of mindfulness with others.Already downloaded by over 15k people, visit dharmamoon.com/ebook to get YOUR free copy of The Art of Teaching Mindfulness! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein investigates the links between suffering, compassion, and the concept of the self.This dharma talk, recorded on July 2, 1994, was originally published on Dharma Seed.In this talk, Joseph:Breaks down the three kinds of suffering according to the BuddhaAdvises us to remain open to suffering, reminding us that avoiding or resisting pain and unpleasant mind states only serves to feed themPosits that compassion grows from letting suffering inProposes that we drop into the flow of existenceAsserts that the root cause of suffering is our deeply conditioned senses of self “When we’re associated with what we don’t want, it’s suffering. And when we are separated from what we do want, it’s suffering. And this is the push-pull happening throughout our lives.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein dissects the Buddha’s most simple but fundamental lessons: to avoid what is unwholesome, to perform good actions, and to purify the mind.This dharma talk, recorded on September 26, 1991, was originally published on Dharma Seed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this talk, Joseph:Acknowledges that even the most simple lessons are not easyBreaks down the three unwholesome actions of the body, the four unwholesome actions of speech, and the three unwholesome actions of mindTouches on the Hindu concept of punya, or doing meritorious actions to plant the seeds of happinessMaintains that there is a wisdom in fearing dangerProvides us with examples of wholesome actions that we can perform“Avoid what is unwholesome, perform good actions, purify the mind. This is the teachings of all the Buddhas.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein dissects the concept of meditation from the what, to the why, to the how.This dharma talk was recorded on July 8, 2007, at the Insight Meditation Society and was originally published on Dharma Seed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this talk, Joseph:Demystifies meditationAsks, “Why do we meditate?” and “How do we meditate?”Emphasizes the importance of settling down the mind to achieve real clarity and stillnessReminds us that meditation is not only about blissful feelingsIdentifies the relationship between our bodies and our mindsAdvocates for the acceptance and awareness of our own thoughts“Meditation is not about whether it’s pleasant or unpleasant. It’s about how aware we are, how mindful we are.” - Joesph GoldsteinDiscover the transformative practice of teaching mindfulness in a new FREE 30-page ebook by Senior Buddhist teacher and Emmy award-winning musician, David Nichtern. With its blend of humor, wisdom, and accessible approach, The Art of Teaching Mindfulness ebook is a must-read for anyone interested in sharing the life-changing practices of mindfulness with others.Already downloaded by over 15k people, visit dharmamoon.com/ebook to get YOUR free copy of The Art of Teaching Mindfulness! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein examines the mental factor of equanimity through the lens of the Eight Vicissitudes and the brahmavihārā.This dharma talk from April 17, 2012, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.In this lecture, Joseph:Defines equanimity as neutrality of mind and the quality of evennessDraws a distinction between indifference of mind and spacious impartialityExamines the eight vicissitudes (gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disrepute, pleasure and pain)Considers the spiritual implications of living in servitude to the inevitably changing conditions of our livesPlaces equanimity in the context of lovingkindness, compassion, and joy, i.e. the other divine abodes, or brahmavihārāReminds us that no situation is outside of our practice“When we have equanimity, when both attachment and aversion are absent, then everything in our experiences becomes clear and undisguised.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Joseph Goldstein reflects on the meaning of emptiness on the spiritual path and examines ways in which we can work toward enlightenment.This dharma talk was recorded on April 16, 1989, and was originally published on Dharma Seed.In this talk, Joseph touches on:The meaning of emptinessThe such-ness of thingsThe 10,000 joys, the 10,000 sorrows, and opening ourselves up to the whole range of experienceThe Taoist dichotomy between non-action and inactionTaking interest in the phenomenon of thoughts, emotions, experiences, and situationsBeing simple and easy in our practice“If we’re simple and easy in our practice, our lives become simple and easy. Can you be simple and easy in your practice, just with what is?” – Joseph GoldsteinAbout Joseph Goldstein:Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and loving-kindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where he is one of the organization’s guiding teachers. In 1989, together with several other teachers and students of insight meditation, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein continues his discussion of bodhicitta – the awakened heart.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this lecture, Joseph:Reminds us that obstructions and defilements of thought are not intrinsic to the mindProvides us with a methodology for freeing ourselves from entanglement and attachmentCompares the clinging mind to ice and the luminous mind to waterRecognizes the causal relationship between mindfulness and compassion Teaches us that how we feel and respond to situations is up to usMaintains that cultivating compassion is a process that comes with daily practice“The development of love and compassion is a wide, round curve that can be negotiated only slowly. Not a sharp corner that can be turned all at once. It comes with daily practice.”This dharma talk from June 12, 2015, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein discusses enlightenment through the lens of the aspirational mental quality of bodhicitta – the awakened heart.This dharma talk from June 8, 2015, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma SeedIn this lecture, Joseph:Teaches us that there are two understandings of bodhicitta: relative bodhicitta, which is compassion, and ultimate bodhicitta, which is selflessnessHighlights the spiritual importance of cultivating both compassion and selflessnessRuminates on the challenges of living in our conventional, ordinarily understood realityReminds us that the ungovernability of life is the nexus between dukkha and freedomDescribes the union of emptiness and clarityRecognizes the need for a gradual cultivation of awareness“The mind’s nature is vivid as a flawless piece of crystal. Intrinsically empty, naturally radiant and ceaselessly responsive.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the nexus between thought patterns, sense pleasures, renunciation, addiction, and the wisdom of "No".This dharma talk from October 24, 2012, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.In this lecture, Joseph:Encourages us to examine the content and nature of our own thoughtsMaintains that our actions are conditioned by how we think about ourselves and how we think about the worldAdvocates for cultivating wholesome thoughts and letting go of unwholesome ones.Considers the rewards of renunciationEmphasizes the importance of saying “no” on the spiritual path“So often in spiritual practice and in our path and in spiritual scenes, we emphasize the yes. It’s the yes of acceptance, the yes of openness, the yes of receptivity, the yes of fullness of experience. So this is all an essential part of our practice. This yes is often the antidote to self judgment, self criticism, to contraction, to limitation. It’s like we’re learning to open, we’re saying yes to experience yes to the world.But there is also a wisdom in ‘no,’ recognizing that some things are not skillful, are not helpful, they’re not leading to happiness or to our well being. And in these times, we can practice saying, ‘no thanks,’ I’ll pass on this one.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the Insight Hour podcast, Joseph Goldstein helps us understand equanimity as a fundamental state of mind and the role it plays on the spiritual path.This dharma talk from July 22, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this lecture, Joseph explores:The literal meaning of the word “equanimity” in Pali and the difficulty of translationThe Great 8 Vicissitudes, or the endlessly changing conditions of gain and loss that affect each of usUsing equanimity to foster steadiness in the face of changing conditionsMaintaining a sense of humor and lightness on the spiritual pathThe difference between reactivity of mind and responsiveness of mindThe transmittable quality of equanimity“Equanimity means understanding the difference between reactivity of mind and responsiveness. So this is a really important distinction because these two words reflect very different mindsets. Reactivity creates agitation. Responsiveness really is the basis for a balanced and compassionate engagement.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein leans on his decades of study and practice of the Dharma to answer a diverse range of spiritual and existential questions from his students and online retreat attendees.This dharma talk from May 14, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed. In this Q&A style talk, Joseph answers an assortment of questions concerning:The stages of enlightenment Being mindful of positive and wholesome mind states Realizing selflessness Concepts, the nature of consciousness, and reality Practicing mindfulness in modernity Karma and reincarnation"We think our lives are so complicated and so confused in the modern world, in the ancient world and - at any point in time, there are only these six things happening. It's a sight, its a sound, it's a taste, it's a sensation, it's something going on in our minds. So, I like to think of all life, and the unfolding of our lives, as a six piece chamber orchestra. It's just playing the music." - Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Insight Hour podcast, Joseph Goldstein delves into the nature of thought and provides valuable insights on cultivating mindfulness.This dharma talk from May 13, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.WIN A TRIP FOR YOU AND A FRIEND TO OUR 2023 MAUI RETREAT: Maui Retreat GiveawayIn this talk, Joseph:Encourages us to notice when we become aware of our own thinkingHighlights the importance of recognizing the themes of our thoughtsEmphasizes that the past and the future are conceptual modelsExamines the very nature of thought itself“When we’re unaware of thoughts, unmindful, they have so much power in our lives, they;re really directing our lives. And yet when we are mindful of them, as I say, it is a little more than nothing.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein discusses the challenges of practicing liberation, awakening, and enlightenment in the context of a lay person’s life.“The Buddha said, ‘I have shown you the path to liberation. Now, liberation depends on you.’ This is really true. If you don’t take your life into your own hands, not even the Buddhas can make a difference. It’s up to you.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this talk, Joseph Goldstein offers insights into:Finding a balance between monastic renunciation and worldly pleasuresImpermanence and the inherent instability of existenceThe Four Noble Truths as they relate to the concept of DuḥkhaThe understanding of selflessnessTaking your path into your own handsThis dharma talk from May 12, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores how karma and Samsara shape our lives and shares wisdom on integrating Dharma practice into our lives.Today's dharma talk from May 16, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma SeedThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this talk, Joesph shares his wisdom on:Applying Buddhist practice and wisdom to our daily livesBetter understanding the interworkings of the mind and how our lives unfoldHow Karma and Samsara feed into one anotherThe importance that our motivations play in Karma and Samsara“The challenge in our practice is integrating this understanding of karma with our growing insight into emptiness, selflessness, and the selfless insubstantial nature of phenomena. Can we hold both?” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking a journey into the vastness of the mind, Joseph Goldstein explores the creative power of consciousness.In this episode, Joseph Goldstein elucidates:Consciousness as the creator of our inner and outer worlds.The suffering that can come from an uncultivated mindMental illness, obsessions, addictions and thought-loopsBeing a prisoner of our own untrained mindImpermanence, empowerment, and the potential of the inner BuddhaThe Mahamudra and taming the mindStaying mindful during defilement“The Buddha talked of how this mind, this force or power of consciousness, can be our worst enemy or the most benevolent friend.” – Joseph GoldsteinAbout Joseph Goldstein:Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and loving-kindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where he is one of the organization’s guiding teachers. In 1989, together with several other teachers and students of insight meditation, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.“What’s most helpful to remember, in this part of the process where we become so aware of these defilements of the mind, is that they are visitors. They are not the nature of the mind itself. And because they are visitors we don’t have to judge ourselves, and we don’t have to judge them.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the five Iddhis, or fulfillments of understanding, spoken of by the Buddha, and offers four different paths which can lead one to the completion of the fulfillments.“The Buddha spoke of five Iddhis, or five fulfillments of understanding. The first of them is the Iddhi of special knowledge, which means the knowledge or the understanding of things which go beyond the conventional realm of concepts.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph examines the following:The term Iddhi, which is best translated as fulfillment of understandingThe five Iddhis that the Buddha placed the most emphasis on: understanding all the constituent elements of what we call self; opening to the truth of suffering; abandoning the causes of suffering; realizing the end of suffering; developing a path to the endThe four different paths which can lead one to the completion of the five Iddhis“These are the fulfillments that the Buddha talked about, the true miracle for us, the true development of understanding. In many of the texts, one of the ways in which somebody who got enlightened would celebrate the event, one of the common refrains, which has always been very inspiring to me, they would often say, ‘Done is what had to be done.’ Wouldn’t that be nice? Done is what had to be done. Finished. Come to completion. Come to fulfillment. We have actually done what needs to be done. What needs to be done is the realization or the development of these five Iddhis.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from November 26, 1988 was originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the nature of Samsara, or endless wandering, and the three interdependent cycles of defilements, actions, and results that keep the wheel of Samsara rolling.“These three Kleshas in the mind – ignorance, craving, and grasping – they keep us moving around and around in this cycle of Samsara. There’s no balance in our lives, there’s no rest in our lives, as long as this cycle of Klesha is revolving.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:The nature of Samsara and the profound questions it raises for us The first interdependent cycle that keeps the wheel of Samsara rolling, the cycle of defilements, or Kleshas  The three root defilements that keep the cycle of defilements turning – ignorance, craving, and grasping The second interdependent cycle, the cycle of actions and karma The third interdependent cycle, the cycle of results How mindfulness can help us escape the wheel of SamsaraThis dharma talk from October 23, 1988, was originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein guides us through the steps of integrating the science of meditation with the art of meditation as a way of awakening within us the heart of wisdom.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“Through this integration, the art and the science, we really awaken in us this heart of wisdom. And the heart of wisdom means seeing the true nature of phenomena. Seeing the true nature very deeply and very profoundly. It means going from the level of concept, from the level of our ideas and opinions about things, to the nature of the reality of it.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:How our practice is about awakening the heart of wisdom within us by integrating the science of meditation with the art of meditation The steps to integrate the science and art of meditation, including opening ourselves to all aspects of experience and refining the quality of our relationship to experience How we can drop from the level of concept to the level of what’s really happening, the true nature of experience How we can further develop concentration and mindfulnessThis dharma talk from September 24, 1988, was originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the different ways that we can strengthen and sharpen the five spiritual faculties that exercise a governing role in the mind when they are highly developed.“So out of the continuity of attention, the defilements have less strength. Because of this, the mind becomes more peaceful. We get a taste of a genuine inner peace, a sense of calm, a sense of tranquility. From this taste of peace within us – not peace dependent on any external situation, but actually arising within our own hearts – because of this taste of peace, the spiritual faculty of confidence arises, strong faith arises, based on our own experience of it.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:The five spiritual faculties – confidence, effort, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom – and how they exercise a governing role in the mind when they are highly developedThe various ways in which we can strengthen and sharpen those spiritual faculties: the understanding that everything which arises passes away; respect for the practice and respect for ourselves; care and meticulousness in our awareness; perseverance and continuity of attention; the suitability of conditions for practice; the sign of samadhi; balancing the factors of enlightenment; and understanding what heroic effort really meansThis dharma talk from November 16, 1986, was originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.