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 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!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 GoldsteinSee 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 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!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 GoldsteinSee 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 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 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 GoldsteinSee 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 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!In this episode, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explains:The comprehensive nature of mindfulness practice Going beyond the division of self and other Insight from inference and inductive reasoning Contemplating the feelings and mind-states of others Being mindful of our reactions to other people's positive and negative feelings Keeping our lives in balance by not being overly self-absorbed Contemplating both internal and external mindfulness so that we can see phenomena objectively The impermanent nature of all feelings Thoughts as the trigger for emotions to arise Staying free in the flow of changing experience The storytelling the mind does versus the Buddha's instruction on bare knowledge The 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 GoldsteinSee 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 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.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 GoldsteinSee 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 12th 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 jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, CLICK HERE to start at the first episode.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 GoldsteinSee 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 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!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 GoldsteinSee 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.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the tenth 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 jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, CLICK HERE to start at the first episode.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:The four basic qualities of matterSolidity and the earth elementFluidity, cohesion, and the water elementHeat and light as the function of the fire elementAir and the experience of expanding and extendingBringing the elements into our practiceContemplating our bodily disposition in terms of the four elementsNoticing all sensations as the play of a given elementMoving away from the conceptual and into direct experiencesPsychic abilities and transforming an element into another oneHow labeling and objectifying can lead to desire and aversionNot grieving for what is non-existentThe unification of relative and ultimate realityDon’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 DharmaseedJoin senior meditation teachers David Nichtern and Rebecca D’Onofrio for a free online discussion on the path of developing one's own meditation practice and supporting others who wish to explore this transformative path. Register for free today: The Journey of Becoming a Meditation Teacher | Sep. 19th @ 6:00pm ET"“On the experimental level, we can see that the various sensations that we feel, however the body is disposed, is really just the play of the elements.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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!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 GoldsteinSee 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 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 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 GoldsteinSee 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 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 dives into:Mindfulness of the body as the simplest way to overcome mara How mindfulness of the body is the basis for all achievements Conquering all bodily sensations through mindfulness of the body Finding a suitable posture for our practice and how effort creates energy Establishing mindfulness in front of ourselves The invaluable power of our own breathing Refining the breath as the vehicle for refining the mind What it means to experience the whole physical body Calming 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 GoldsteinSee 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 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!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 GoldsteinSee 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 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 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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, CLICK HERE to start at the first episode.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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 DharmaseedSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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.In 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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 GoldsteinSee 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.

Extricating us from dualist concepts of self and other, Joseph helps us move from the 'ego-center' to the 'zero-center' through opening to love.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“There are so many parts of our experience which we don't like, we don't want to be there. We condemn, we judge, we push away—it can be difficult feelings in the body, difficult emotions, feelings of hatred, rage, unworthiness, loneliness, profound alienation. It can be so many things, so many parts of the mind that are the shadow side. The process of healing, the process of integration, is a willingness to open to all of those sides, to see the shadow in all its manifestation.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph dives into:How we create the concept of duality/seperation (self and other, inside and outside, persona and shadow, etc.) Understanding our practice of Dharma as reintegrating and unifying Using mindfulness to shine light on our shadow by making the subconscious conscious Moving from the 'ego-center' to the 'zero-center' using the intermediate space of love (a very deep appreciation, respect, and openness for every moment's experience) Carlos Castaneda and the relationship between impeccability and emptinessThis episode recorded 11/29/1986 at the Insight Meditation Society was originally published on DharmaSeedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein talks about working with and opening to fear as he pinpoints the three types of deeply conditioned fears that keep us from recognizing our own Buddha nature.“What happens as proceed along this journey of practice is that we come to our edges, we come up to our boundaries of what is acceptable; what is acceptable in terms of physical sensation, what is acceptable in terms of mind states or feelings or emotions. And those are our boundaries at which fears in the mind begin to reveal themselves. Can we go beyond these boundaries? Can we go beyond the edges? Is there a way of working with fear and understanding it so that it is no longer a limitation for us?” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:How the practice of Dharma is a path of opening, but fear is often something that closes us down How fear is a manifestation of aversion The three types of deeply conditioned fears that keep us closed down: fear of pain, fear of insecurity, and fear of death How we can work directly with the mind state of fear through loving acceptance and discriminating wisdom“So we learn how to open, we learn to come to our boundaries, our edges, our limitations; we see the fear that may be operating there, and we learn to work with the fear, we include the fear in our practice.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from November 11, 1985, 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 relationship of our meditation practice to the establishment of world peace by helping us understand the tendencies of the mind obstructing that peace.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“There is a very powerful effect; it’s not just for ourselves that we practice, it is for ourselves and it is for everyone else, as well. Because as we free our minds from craving and wrong view and conceit, when we reduce this tendency, this attitude of mind to expand and grab and take and exploit, when we can purify our own minds of these tendencies, we establish peace in ourselves, and it becomes a force of peace in the world.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:The relationship of our meditation practice to the establishment of world peace How we can better understand the three tendencies of the mind that are the root causes of the conditions that obstruct peace: craving, wrong view, and conceit How the practice of mindfulness can help us uproot those three tendencies of the mind by deepening our insight into impermanence, suffering, and the selflessness of phenomenaThis dharma talk from October 18, 1985, 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 concept of dependent origination – the law of causality and conditioning – so we can understand the process that keeps us bound to the Wheel of Samsara.“In every moment of noticing, in every moment of being mindful, when there is no ignorance, when there is no delusion, when we are seeing things actually as they are, in that moment, the mind is purified; we are breaking this chain of dependent origination, we are breaking the link of it.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:The Wheel of Life, also known as the Wheel of SamsaraWhy the law of dependent origination, or the law of causality and conditioning, keeps us bound to the Wheel of SamsaraEach link along the chain of dependent originationHow cycles within the 12 links in the law of dependent origination keep the wheel forever spinningHow Vipassana practice can help us cut into those cycles and break the chain of dependent originationThis dharma talk from October 29, 1985, 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 wisdom from the Tao and talks about how we can learn to settle back into each moment and establish ourselves in the rhythm of experience.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“When we can settle back and allow the change, allow the process of change to unfold without interfering, without pushing the river, then we establish ourselves in the rhythm of experience. And the rhythm carries us, just as in any activity, in music, in sport, in nature; the rhythm carries the experience when it’s not interfered with. And in that, there’s a grace, there’s a harmony, there’s a balance.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:Learning to settle back and become one with each moment of experienceHow the appreciation of rhythm has to do with the full awareness of change and how we can establish ourselves in the rhythm of experienceThe difference between non-action and inactionHow the simplicity of the Buddha’s teachings leads to great spaciousnessSome of the wisdom from the Tao Te ChingThe obstacles in the way of the simple practice of settling back into each moment, including our sense of self This dharma talk from December 7, 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.

Joseph Goldstein examines what happiness is and how we get it, plus he outlines the very ordered stages of progress that occur on the path of insight and wisdom. “There’s another kind of happiness, which is higher even than the happiness of concentration, and that’s the happiness of insight, the happiness of wisdom, when we really come to a deep and profound understanding of who we are, of what this life is about.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:The happiness born from sense pleasures, not only in this realm but in the higher realmsHow purity of conduct, through both generosity and understanding virtue, can bring sense pleasuresThe happiness that comes from concentrationThe happiness that comes from insight and wisdomThe very ordered way that the progress of insight unfolds: psychological insights, purity of view, vipassana happiness, fear of the process of existence, the urge for deliverance, the stage of equanimity, and finally, opening to the unconditioned, that which is beyond the mind This dharma talk from October 14, 1982, 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.

In this episode, Joseph Goldstein leads a powerful practice around cultivating equanimity and talks about why it’s important not to confuse equanimity with its near enemy, indifference.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“Equanimity is the mind state of impartially, not indifference. So it’s like space which contains everything impartially. And one way of coming to this space of impartiality is understanding that things, in this world, are happening lawfully. They’re not happening by accident. And so the equanimity phrase, and the development of equanimity, is closely tied in with wisdom.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode:Joseph talks about the concept of equanimity, explaining why it’s important not to confuse equanimity with its near enemy, indifferenceJoseph explores the wisdom aspect of equanimityJoseph leads a powerful equanimity practice focused around offering phrases to a neutral person, a benefactor, a good friend, and a difficult person“All beings are the heirs of their own karma. Our happiness or unhappiness depends on our actions, not upon our wishes.” This dharma talk from December 7, 2004, 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 Buddha’s concept of the Five Iddhis, which are the five elements of the teachings we need to bring to completion in order to truly awaken our hearts and minds.“This Iddhi of psychic power is inferior to the Iddhi of understanding. When the Buddha was asked what the true miracle was, he said the real miracle is the awakening of people’s minds, it’s not the flying through the air or the diving in the earth, it’s the awakening of the mind, the awakening of the heart.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph shares his insight into:The Sanskrit term, Iddhi, which refers to the particular power of something, bringing to completion a particular situationThe difference between psychic Iddhis and Iddhis of understanding and insightThe Buddha’s concept of the Five Iddhis, which are five elements of the teachings we need to fulfill to truly awaken our hearts and minds: fulfillment of special knowledge of the Dhamma; coming to a full understanding of the truth of suffering; bringing to completion the abandoning of the causes of suffering; the fulfillment of coming to the end of suffering; and the development of the path of practiceThe Buddha’s concept of the four Iddhipadas, which are characteristics that are the road to success in our practice: zeal, effort, love of the Dhamma, and inquiry.This dharma talk from October 9, 1989, 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 talks about how the tides of conceiving continually condition our lives and explores the ways we can directly experience the reality of Nibanna, the unconditioned.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“Do we buy in? Do we buy into the content? Do we get lost in this mind-created world of ‘future,’ or can we see it as being as light as a momentary thought, a momentary image? Just like a sound arises. But it takes a great deal of vigilance because these thoughts, these tides of conceiving, are tremendously seductive. You know, we’ve been doing this for years, and perhaps lifetimes. But awareness is very powerful, we can actually free ourselves from this prison.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph talks about:How the tides of conceiving continuously arise in our mind and condition our experienceThe different concepts that we solidify and make real, including our bodies, time, and the mental construct of the selfWhy the concept of the self is so deeply held and why we’re so attached to itThe four realities that can be experienced directly, including that of Nibbana, which is also known as the unconditionedThe wide range of expressions of the experience of the unconditioned that is available in different Buddhist traditions This dharma talk from December 5, 1995, 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 covers the basics of metta, which he calls the generosity of the heart, and shares ways we can cultivate deeper feelings of loving-kindness in our practice.“Metta, as most of you are familiar, is a word from the Pali language, the language of the Buddha’s time, and it means loving-kindness or friendliness. And it refers to that basic quality or that basic feeling of generosity of the heart. It’s an expression of the generous heart that is simply wishing well, simply wishing or expressing goodwill to ourselves and others.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph shares his insight on:The basics of metta, or loving-kindness, and how it refers to the feeling of the generosity of the heartHow metta can become the ground for wisdom to growThe difference between metta and desire, and why those two feelings are often confused for one anotherDifferent ways we can nurture our practice and cultivate deeper feelings of metta, including reflecting on forgiveness and gratitude This dharma talk from February 6, 1999, 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.

In this deep exploration of the union between compassion and emptiness, Joseph Goldstein breaks down the relative and absolute levels of Bodhicitta, the heart-mind of awakening.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“The ultimate nature of Bodhicitta – the relative level is compassion – the ultimate level of Bodhicitta, is the empty, aware nature of the mind itself. And as one Tibetan teacher said, ‘When compassion and emptiness are both present, enlightenment is unavoidable.’ So this is what we practice. This what we come to realize, to cultivate: the relative Bodhicitta of compassion, the ultimate Bodhicitta of emptiness.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:Relative Bodhicitta, absolute Bodhicitta, and how these two levels are expressions of each other, not polaritiesThe different ways in which we can understand emptiness, including dropping into the effortless flow of experience, being reminded by our teachers, seeing the insubstantial nature of the self, and seeing that things are not amenable to our willThe nature of the mind, which is empty like space, has an innate wakefulness, and it is inherently pureHow the activity of emptiness is compassion This dharma talk from July 9, 2003, 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 talks about how wisdom arises from an understanding of the true nature of impermanence, and how experiencing the truth of change can be our doorway to freedom.In this episode, Joseph explores:The nature of impermanence and why going from an intellectual understanding of it to a direct experience of it can be our doorway to freedomThe different ways we can gain liberating insights into the truth of impermanence, including reflecting on death and relationshipsHow, when we begin to see the true nature of change, we start to cultivate Bodhicitta The two levels of Bodhicitta – the relative level and the ultimate level – and how Bodhicitta manifests as responsive compassion“So this is really important because in talking about the impermanent nature of all this and how ultimately unsatisfying it all is, the implication is not that we pull back from experience, as some people might assume. Rather, it’s learning to not hold on. That is the implication, and that is the doorway to freedom.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from March 25, 2004, 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 helps us understand the quality of samadhi, which he describes as embodied presence, and talks about the different methods we have available for cultivating it. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“We settle back into the body, into the awareness of the body, and we allow the tensions and the knots, we allow them to unfold. We create the space, we create the space of awareness in which they will unwind. And this becomes a great healing process.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph talks about:Understanding the meaning of the quality of samadhi, which is also known as concentrationHow the development of samadhi is the cultivation of embodied presenceHow ethical conduct is the foundation of samadhiDifferent ways to cultivate and deepen the quality of samadhi, including through direct awareness of a single object and through an open, choiceless awarenessThe many methods he has used in his own practice to develop samadhi, including slowing down and being mindful of your body movementWays we can contemplate the body both internally and externally, which can help us understand how our practice is for the benefit and welfare of all beingsThis dharma talk from October 6, 2004, 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.

In this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explores what compassion is, the wisdom that gives rise to it, and how we can manifest it in the world.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“When compassion and wisdom are both present in our lives, even to a small extent, there’s really a remarkable transformation, because they bring a creative power to the way we live, the way we act, the way we relate. When wisdom and compassion are both there, they help us go beyond the conventional response.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph talks about:How wisdom and compassion work togetherWhat compassion is and the wisdom that gives rise to itThe four insights that can help us keep our hearts open in the midst of the great suffering in the worldHow compassion grows and deepens within usThe different ways compassionate action manifests in the worldThe Bodhisattva Vows and the act of dedicating one’s life and practice to the benefit of all beingsThis dharma talk from July 23, 2004, 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 path to freedom that the Buddha laid out for all of us and talks about the importance of developing and sustaining the quality of ardor in our practice. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“What is ardency? I think we all have some sense of it in our very worldly lives. Just think of the feeling of ardor in the great love of your life, or in the first days of the great love of your life. What is that feeling of ardor like? There’s this powerful and sustained energy that is just so full in us. And it’s characterized by tremendous warmth of feeling and passion and enthusiasm and interest. That’s what ardor means. So can we cultivate that kind of ardor in our love of the Dhamma? In our love of the truth? That’s the quality that the Buddha is saying we need that, we need that passionate interest, that passionate energy to explore and discover.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph talks about:The path to freedom that lies in Vipassana practices and how these practices are rooted in the Buddha’s discourse, the Satipatṭhāna SuttaThe deeper meaning of some of the Pali words used in that discourse and why the Buddha frequently repeats some phrasesThe importance of developing and sustaining the quality of ardor in our practiceHow reflecting on the preciousness of human birth and understanding impermanence can help cultivate ardorHow Metta practice works together with Vipassana practiceHow we begin to see that practice is not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of the whole worldThis dharma talk from September 27, 2004, 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 and Sharon Salzberg recall their early lives and initial years of mindfulness practice and share what drew them to meditation in the late sixties and early seventies.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis podcast is being released in tandem with Sharon Salzberg’s Metta Hour Hour Podcast. Sharon is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She and Joseph are co-founders of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. Sharon is the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness.“This lasted for two years, and they were the worst two years of my practice, the most difficult. And it took me that long to realize that it wasn’t about getting something, it was about opening to what was there. But I was so attached to that wonderful experience that it was really subverting the deeper understanding of what meditation really is. So it took me such a long time, but finally, after two years of struggle, something released, let go, and I just settled back and opened to whatever was presenting itself.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this conversation, Joseph shares about:Growing up in the Catskills and his early encounters with death and loss • Studying philosophy at Columbia University and living in New York City during his college years • Joining the Peace Corps and living in Thailand • His first encounters with Buddhist monks and the resonance of finding the spiritual path • The ups and downs of his initial years of practice and finding his teacher, Munindra • Meeting Sharon at her first retreat with S.N. Goenka • The community that emerged out of the Goenka retreats • The parallels of the evolution of his and Sharon’s pathSharon shares about:The difficulty of her childhood • Her first encounter with Buddhist Philosophy in college and creating a study abroad program to take her to India • Receiving Chögyam Trungpa’s advice on where to learn meditation • Searching for meditation instruction across India as a young woman • The scene at her first retreat led S.N. Goenka • Learning how to navigate her inner life • Meeting Joseph for the first time • Her and Joseph’s different practice needs in their early years • Crafting a spiritual path before there was a model for that life in the WestThis episode is part of a continuing series of interviews between Sharon Salzberg & Joseph Goldstein about their lives and contributions to Buddhism. For more like this, subscribe to Sharon's Metta Hour Podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this unique offering from the Love Serve Remember Foundation archives, Joseph Goldstein joins Ram Dass for a conversation around love, emptiness, soul, the notion of self, and much more.NEW Meditation Series: Pause, Breathe, Be Here Now with Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Joseph Goldstein, John Lockley, Ram Dev, Trudy Goodman, Lama Tsultrim Allione—FREE January 16 to 25. Sit in true peace, love, and tranquility. Join thousands of people around the world for this collective meditation experience: onecommmune.com/ramdass“And let’s not forget joy. In you is joy. In you is compassion. Peace. Emptiness. And love. Those are all in you. In you. Now, manifest them in your behaviors. And your thoughts.” – Ram DassIn this episode:Joseph and Ram Dass reminisce about the early days of their friendship and how their relationship has evolved over the yearsThey respond to a question about whether there’s a relationship between love and Tao, exploring the concepts of self (and no self), emptiness, and soulRam Dass asks Joseph about the concept of dharma and they discuss the way of natureThe conversation veers into karma, free will, and whether or not everything is predeterminedThey touch the mysterious forces at work in the universe and the power of imaginationJoseph and Ram Dass respond to a question about developing compassion amidst intense polarizationRam Dass ends with a brief guided meditationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the dharma of liberation, Joseph invite us beyond delusion and into the true nature of mind as innate wakefulness.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourNEW Meditation Series: Pause, Breathe, Be Here Now with Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Joseph Goldstein, John Lockley, Ram Dev, Trudy Goodman, Lama Tsultrim Allione—FREE January 16 to 25. Sit in true peace, love, and tranquility. Join thousands of people around the world for this collective meditation experience: onecommmune.com/ramdass“Sudden awakening is not a state of mind that is developed—it's the innate wakefulness of mind, it's the nature of mind that is free of delusion. When delusion is not present, there is the experience of awareness, of wakefulness.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from February 16, 2000, 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 tendency of desire, how we can understand this driving force of Samsara, and how we can practice being free of it.“Desire is not an insignificant conditioning in us, and it takes many forms. And it’s really not the form or even the object that’s terribly important or interesting. It’s that force, it’s that energy, it’s that habit pattern of wanting. When we don’t see it, when we’re caught, when we’re identified with that wanting mind, it obscures the natural freedom of mind. It obscures the recognition of the open, empty, selfless nature of awareness.” – Joseph GoldsteinNEW Meditation Series: Pause, Breathe, Be Here Now with Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Joseph Goldstein, John Lockley, Ram Dev, Trudy Goodman, Lama Tsultrim Allione—FREE January 16 to 25. Sit in true peace, love, and tranquility. Join thousands of people around the world for this collective meditation experience: onecommmune.com/ramdassIn this episode, Joseph shares his insight on:The clear, unobstructed nature of the mind, and how deeply habituated patterns such as desire can obscure our natural wisdomThe craving for sense pleasuresDesires that manifest in our meditation practice in the forms of the expecting mind, the comparing mind, and trying to hold on to a past experienceThe desire for existence, and the craving for non-existenceHow we can better understand the powerful conditioning of desire in all of its forms and free ourselves from identification with itThis dharma talk from January 3, 2005, at the Insight Meditation Society, 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 explores the 10 unwholesome activities and actions of the body, speech, and mind that the Buddha advises us all to refrain from for our own happiness and well-being.NEW Meditation Series: Pause, Breathe, Be Here Now with Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Joseph Goldstein, John Lockley, Ram Dev, Trudy Goodman, Lama Tsultrim Allione—FREE January 16 to 25. Sit in true peace, love, and tranquility. Join thousands of people around the world for this collective meditation experience: onecommune.com/ramdass This dharma talk from October 29, 1995, at the Insight Meditation Society, was originally published on Dharma Seed.“The whole path of practice of understanding is realizing that we actually have choices all along the way. We don’t simply need to be acting out the patterns of our conditioning. And this is the great gift of awareness, it gives us the possibility of choice.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:How the Buddha’s motivation was compassion for all beings, and how this led to him explicitly spelling out the 10 unskilled and unwholesome actions to refrain fromThe four unwholesome actions of the body: killing, stealing, and sexual misconductThe four unwholesome elements of speech: lying, harsh speech, gossiping, and frivolous and useless talkingThe three unwholesome activities of the mind: covetousness, ill will, and wrong viewHow the great power of awareness is the way to work with all of these actions and activities as they ariseSee 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 suffering that comes with wanting, the three types of desire, and why our investigation is to notice the ways the mind gets caught and the ways it can be free.This dharma talk from October 10, 1999, at the Insight Meditation Society, 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/insighthour“When we’re lost in the wanting mind, in the mind of desire, it solidifies and strengthens the sense of self, the sense of ‘I,’ and it obscures the natural clarity, the recognition of the natural clarity and lucidity and emptiness of our own minds. So it’s a great obscuring force when we’re not paying attention.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee 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 life and journey, reflecting on the four stages of this mythological unfolding of awakening and how we can all achieve the enlightenment that is the end of craving.This dharma talk from May 5, 2004, at the Insight Meditation Society – Forest Refuge, was originally published on Dharma Seed.“On this archetypal level, the Buddha’s life is not simply the strivings and realizations of a particular individual, we can also understand his life as the unfolding of a great mythological journey. Now, mythological here does not mean unreal, it doesn’t mean imaginary. The great power of myth in our lives is that it connects our individual experiences with more universal principles.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein provides an uncommon sense view of selflessness to help us understand the often vexing notion of no-self and talks about how we can be free from the illusion of self.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“Self is like the Big Dipper. It’s a name, it’s a designation for a constellation of experiences. So when we say there’s no Big Dipper, does anything change in the sky? Everything is as it always was. In exactly the same way, our realization of selflessness does not change anything. Our experience is as it always was and will be. We’re simply seeing it in a truer way, we’re seeing it not limited by the conceptual overlay. We’re seeing it as it is. Then we can use the concept when it’s useful, but we’re not imprisoned by it, and we’re not limited by it, and we don’t contract in our identification with it.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from February 11, 2003, at the Insight Meditation Society, 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 takes a deep dive into the law of karma, how it affects us in our practice and daily lives, and how can we apply it in a way that it becomes the condition for our happiness.This dharma talk from November 11, 2003, at the Insight Meditation Society, was originally published on Dharma Seed.“So we can see these are karmic results of one thing or another coming as impressions in the mind. But when we bring awareness to them, when we bring a certain compassionate understanding, then our practice becomes a great purifying process.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein talks about the nature of fear, how it’s conditioned in the mind, how we can work with it, and embracing the possibility of transforming fear into wisdom and freedom.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 October 11, 2000, at the Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center, was originally published on Dharma Seed.“At these times, great courage is needed. And courage here is not an absence of fear. Courage does not mean an absence of fear, it means an acceptance of fear.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee 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 mental factors of doubt, restlessness, and sloth, which are three hindrances that can cause a lack of vision and knowledge, and lead us away from Nibbana.  This dharma talk from November 2002 at the Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center was originally published on Dharma Seed.“This skeptical doubt, this indecision, this bewilderment, in terms of our meditation practice, is actually quite a dangerous mind state. Because unnoticed, if we’re not mindful of it, it brings our practice to a standstill.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee 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 quality of Metta, or lovingkindness, and offers advice on preparing the ground from which Metta can grow and flourish. 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 February 5, 2000, was originally published on Dharma Seed.“Something very beautiful begins to happen when we click onto the Metta channel, which comes by focusing on the good qualities in people, and that is: we become increasingly open to feelings of gratitude.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein describes the art of carrying our practice into the world through training in the areas of Right Effort, concentration, and wisdom.This dharma talk from February 1994 at the Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center was originally published on Dharma Seed."You know, the Dharma's so beautiful because it's like everything feeds into everything else. And we can really begin to be leading our life with this kind of integration. Dharma practice is not a hobby that we do occasionally, it's really how we're living our life." – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In helping us with understanding desire, Joseph Goldstein explores the three types of desire that the Buddha spoke of and offers several ways of working with desire in our practice.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis recording was originally published on Dharma Seed“Usually we think that what we want is the object. But really what we want is the pleasant feeling that we think is going to come with that experience.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee 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 fabricated concept of self, the secret name of things beneath our perception, the illusion of solidity, and the deeper reality that exists beyond our concept of self.This dharma talk from October 1999 at the Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center was originally published on Dharma Seed.“So there’s a secret name under the conventional name. The conventional name is the perception… The secret name is the sight and feel of the thing itself. Each experience speaks itself directly when we can be mindful. When there’s perception without mindfulness, then we simply get caught in this naming process, we get lost in the concept, and we stay on the very surface appearance of the experience. We’re not listening or hearing the secret name, the sight and feel of the thing itself. We’re just staying on our surface recognition, our surface perception.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein talks about the nature of struggle and why working with experiences of pain and difficult states of mind can be a boon for our mindfulness practice.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis recording was originally published on Dharma Seed“Instead of struggling with the restlessness, see if it’s possible, in the same way we work with pain, to relax into it, to open, to investigate exactly what the nature of restlessness is. Because, like pain, restlessness is an abstraction for more specific experiences. Can you pinpoint, or can you dissect, this combination of experiences which we call restlessness?” – Joseph GoldsteinSee 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 to understand pain, how to relate to it, and how to use it, plus he talks about the quality of trust and learning to trust the moment’s experience.“Working with pain, opening to pain, to discomfort, begins to open up a whole range of experience in our lives that previously we’ve been closed to.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis 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 November 1982 was given at the Insight Meditation Meditation Retreat Center and 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 teaches us to manifest our intentions of goodwill and loving-kindness through wholesome actions."If we plant a seed, the seed is going to bear fruit. Each of our actions will bear fruit. What kind of fruit to we want?" – Joseph GoldsteinThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis 2004 recording 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 reviews the basic instructions in the service of understanding the simplicity of practice, and then answers questions about death, clinging, and evolution.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis recording was originally published on Dharma SeedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein explores how the power of restraint can help create the space and softness in ourselves to manifest a deeper level of wisdom, compassion, and love. Support podcasts like this through the Be Here Now Network 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiserThis recording was originally published on Dharma SeedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein continues unfolding his map of wisdom by touching on the magic show of consciousness, the law of karma, dependent origination, and cultivating compassion.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourLearn more about how you can support Be Here Now Network podcasts like the Inisght Hour Podcast through our 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiserThis recording was originally published on Dharma SeedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph is back with a brand new Dharma talk series piecing together essential teachings of the Buddha into an accessible map of wisdom.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this Dharma talk from the Spirit Rock Meditation Center July Insight Meditation Retreat on 7/17/2022, Joseph Goldstein relays pertinent teachings of the Buddha, exploring how they relate to each other and our lives. Illuminating the always-changing ephemeral nature of the universe, he outlines how we can disengage from suffering, clinging, and attachment so we can free the mind and live a more easeful life.This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed "When we pay attention in any of these realms—from the very individual to the global—we will see it's completely obvious that everything changes." – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The “Essential Buddhism” series continues with this 1974 dharma talk focused on the Four Noble Truths and how we must face the truth of suffering to walk the path of freedom.This dharma talk from the Naropa Institute Summer Sessions in 1974 was originally published on Dharma Seed.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“The end of the path is freedom. It’s open to all of us. All we have to do is begin the journey, to be facing towards the light. And some people will progress slowly, and some people will progress quickly, and it does not matter as long as we’re going in the direction of enlightenment and freedom and peace, and that very much depends upon our own effort.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores four reflections from the Buddhist tradition that are profound tools of practice for turning the mind toward the Dharma. This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourToday's Dharma talk from 2009 was originally published on Dharma Seed“When we take this to heart and we begin to really look carefully at our motivations – motivations behind our speech, behind our actions, behind what thoughts we give energy to – when we practice in this way it gives us the opportunity to make wiser choices in our lives. When we’re unaware, we’re simply playing out the habit patterns of our conditioning.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The “Essential Buddhism” series returns with a talk from Joseph Goldstein about karma and dependent origination, and a Q&A session that reminds us to look at the moon, not at the finger.This dharma talk from the Naropa Institute Summer Sessions in 1974 was originally published on Dharma Seed Catch the first part of this series: Essential Buddhism Part 1: Developing Our Field of AwarenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing to explore the themes discussed in our previous episode, Joseph is back with an enlivening discourse on concepts and realities, the root cause of suffering, and how mindfulness connects with free-falling.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this dharma talk soured from April 17th, 1983, Jospeh Goldstein offers clarity and insight into the important distinction between our concepts—our ideas and thoughts about things—and the experience itself. Shining the light of reality onto the shadow of concepts, he helps us spelunk the depths of samsara for what is true and real in this ever-changing universe. This talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed "We have been conditioned for so long to live in the world of concept, the world of idea, the world of mentality construct—and our attachment to those ideas or concepts are so strong that we've begun to take the concept to be the reality." – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Insight Hour podcast's "Essential Buddhism" series returns with lessons we can learn from the parable of Plato’s Cave and the Buddhist teachings on the Four Ultimate Realities.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourContinuing a series of vintage lectures stemming from the infamous Naropa Institute Summer Sessions, this Dharma Talk from July 23rd, 1974 has Joseph Goldstein using the parable of Plato's Cave to help illuminate the Four Ultimate Realities outlined in Buddhism.This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed Catch the first part of this series: Essential Buddhism Part 1: Developing Our Field of AwarenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this recording from the Insight Meditation Society, Joseph Goldstein focuses on the third foundation of mindfulness: the mindfulness of mind.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing a series on the essentials of Buddhism from 1974 at Naropa University, Joseph Goldstein plunges further into the essentials of Buddhism with a lecture on The Eightfold Path.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourCatch the first part of this series: Essential Buddhism Part 1: Developing Our Field of AwarenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this talk from 1978 at The Insight Meditation Society, Joseph Goldstein takes us on a comically honest exploration of his spiritual awakening and commitment to practice.“I was totally fascinated by the whole process. It was the first time that I had, in any systematic way, sat down and tried to look at my mind, tried to concentrate it. It really aroused tremendous interest and fascination in me.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this talk from 1974 at Naropa University, Joseph Goldstein gets into the essentials of Buddhism. He lectures about dharma, insight meditation, and developing our field of awareness.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“It is only in that silence of mind that the development of wisdom can happen.” – 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 recording from the Insight Meditation Society, Joseph Goldstein reviews the purpose of having a practice and offers us a beginner's guide to The Buddha Nature. Later, Sharon Salzberg joins to discuss developing a practice in the refuge of retreats.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed "We take refuge in the Buddha as a symbol of being integrated not having a life or living a life that is together in one aspect and falling apart in another, but a life that is a complete expression of understanding and love and compassion." – Sharon SalzbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein shares his wisdom on purifying our practice through openness to suffering and being compassionate. This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“It is amazing the impact we can have. We shouldn't underestimate the power of these small acts of generosity and compassion”. -- Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from Joseph 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.

Sharing mindful insight on recognizing effort, desire, and impermanence in our practice, Joseph illuminates the nature of self as a flowing river.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this fresh and bounding Q&A session stemming from the Insight Meditation Society Three-Week Insight Retreat on 11/10/21, Joseph Goldstein explores audience inquiries around the topics of change and wanting, anger and wholesomeness, the arising and passing of phenomena, aging and death, as well as mindfulness and wandering.This dharma talk from Joseph 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.

In a session interweaving Buddhist and Taoist wisdom, Joseph Goldstein reveals how simplicity and spaciousness help us let go of our spiritual self-image and open to the Dharma.In this vintage Dharma talk stemming from the Insight Meditation Society on May 30th, 1983, Joseph Goldstein explores the spiritual discipline of simplicity through the mindful interplay and application of Taoism and Buddhism.This dharma talk from Joseph 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.

Highlighting the deeply penetrating aspects of Metta, Joseph Goldstein explores how love, kindness, Right Thought, desire, gratitude and friendship can revolutionize our lives.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis dharma talk 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 offers a guided meditation and continued reflection on how we can free ourselves from Papanca – the three proliferating tendencies of mind: craving, conceit, and wrong view.This dharma talk was originally published on Dharma SeedThis podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein guides us through craving, conceit, and wrong view, which are the three proliferating tendencies of the mind also known as Papanca.This dharma talk 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 what pain is, the ways we’ve been conditioned to respond to it, and how we can simply and softly settle back into whatever the present moment offers us. This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis dharma talk was given at the Insight Meditation Society in 1983 and originally published on Dharma SeedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein takes a closer look at what mindfulness is (and isn’t), giving us tools for going from recognition to mindfulness and exploring what we can learn from being mindful.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis Joseph Goldstein dharma talk was originally published on Dharma SeedSee 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 concept of bare attention, or choiceless awareness, and how cultivating this state of mind can help us settle back, live in the present moment, and more.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis 1983 Joseph Goldstein dharma talk on bare attention 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.

On episode 111 of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph Goldstein offers responses to 11 questions on topics such as selflessness, Right Effort, shame, cravings, and obsessive thoughts.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourThis week’s Joseph Goldstein dharma talk, 11 Questions and Responses, 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.

In this guided meditation from 1977, Joseph Goldstein plays the Big Mind Game, which is a practice of establishing a very still and deep balance of the mind. This Joseph Goldstein selection from April 14, 1977, at a two-week meditation retreat in Julian, California, 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.

From the 2018 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat on Maui, Ram Dass and Raghu Markus join Joseph Goldstein for a conversation around generosity and emptiness.This episode of Joseph Goldstein’s Insight Hour is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/insighthourA professional counseling service done securely online. A convenient and affordable way to find the particular expertise you need – wherever you are worldwide. BetterHelp will assess your needs and match you with your own licensed professional therapist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon Salzberg joins Joseph Goldstein to talk about how Metta (lovingkindness) is an expression of generosity, and to answer questions from the audience at the 2018 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat on Maui. This is the continuation of a conversation between Joseph and Sharon about generosity as a practice - listen to part one here: Insight Hour Ep. 107This episode of Joseph Goldstein’s Insight Hour is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/insighthourJoin over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health.Subscribe to Sharon’s Salzberg’s Metta Hour Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the 2018 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat on Maui, old friends Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg join forces to explore generosity as a form of mindfulness practice. Don’t miss out on Sharon’s Salzberg’s Metta Hour Podcast on the Be Here Now Network!This episode of Joseph Goldstein’s Insight Hour is brought to you by BetterHelp. A professional counseling service done securely online. A convenient and affordable way to find the particular expertise you need – wherever you are worldwide. BetterHelp will assess your needs and match you with your own licensed professional therapist.As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/insighthourJoin over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat in 2018, Joseph Goldstein covers the methodology of mindfulness, answering three key questions about the nature of mindfulness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Alan Watts Organization and Be Here Now Network have come together to bring you a new podcast series that dives deep into the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour collection of talks. This Monday, June 7th, discover for yourself why Alan Watts has continued to inspire generations of seekers with the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast. This exciting new series is hosted by Mark Watts, Alan's son and archive curator. Mark and his guests share Alan Watts’ inspirational work that poetically interprets the wisdom teachings of the East for Western audiences. Set a reminder for June 7th and subscribe to the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast wherever you get podcasts to receive regular wisdom from Alan Watts - brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the infamous 1974 Naropa summer sessions, Joseph Goldstein answers audience questions on love, wisdom, practice, perspective, metta, impermanence, silence, and cultivating loving thought.In this vintage July 5th, 1974 dharma talk from Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's Naropa University, nestled in the mountains in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, a young Joseph Goldstein shares meditation instructions for the Yogas of the Bhagavad Gita course he was invited to teach alongside Ram Dass during the Naropa grand opening summer sessions. Having first met and impressed Ram Dass with his deep practice and wisdom cultivation in Bodh Gaya in the early 1970's, this invitation and opportunity would open the door for Joseph's life path of teaching meditation and mindfulness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explores how it’s helpful to have a comprehensive view of our direction as we set out on the spiritual path.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tying together meditation's basics—steady awareness & non-clinging—with the intentionality of careful investigation of thought, body, and emotion, Joseph lines a path toward mindful liberation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the factor of enlightenment known as Viriya—our energetic capacity—Joseph Goldstein shares how we can cultivate courageous effort within our lives and daily practices.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 hallucinations of perception that keep us bound to the wheel of conditioned existence and teaches us how to train our noble supernormal powers.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 exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, sharing his insights on how the fetters and defilements of the mind arise, are removed, and can be prevented.  This talk is a continuation of Insight Hour Ep. 99 – Mindfulness of the Six Sense SpheresSee 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 series of talks on the Satipatthana Sutta, this time focusing on mindfulness of the six sense spheres and the fetters that arise dependent on them. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein continues his discussion of mindfulness of the dhammas by exploring the mental formation of volition and the aggregate of consciousness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Dharma talk, Joseph investigates the mindfulness of the dhamma, focusing in on the aggregates of perception and mental formations.Continuing a series of talks on the Satipatthana Sutra, Joseph explores the fourth foundation of mindfulness: the mindfulness of the dhamma. In this case, dhamma means categories of experience, the understanding of how different elements of the body and mind function. Beginning the session, Joseph explores the Five Aggregates of Clinging, particularly the aggregates of perception and mental formations, and their relation to our sense of self, and inevitable freedom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein continues his exploration of the five hindrances, this time offering remedies to deal with the mental factors of sloth and torpor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein uses the teachings of the Satipatthāna Sutta to explore how we can deal with aversive states of mind such as hatred, anger, and ill-will.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 Buddhist insight into using mindfulness and meditation to be present with our thoughts and emotions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein dives deep into the heart of faith, exploring how it connects us and why it needs to be balanced by wisdom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph illuminates how witnessing the arising and passing away of phenomena can break the spell of enchantment and reorient our minds towards freedom.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 his insight into two of the Buddha’s five hindrances - the seductive mind states of doubt and aversion.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 his insight into different aspects of Right Speech, including the commitment to truthfulness, and refraining from gossip and useless talk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein answers questions about relative truth versus ultimate truth, how compassion is related to Metta, dealing with hurtful people, and much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you enjoy the Insight Hour Podcast, we think that you will appreciate this conversation with Joseph Goldstein on the Mindrolling Podcast.You can subscribe to the Mindrilling Podcast with Raghu Markus in your podcast player to receive weekly podcasts featuring some truly amazing guests that help us all better understand ourselves and the world around us.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein explores connecting to our capacity for Metta, or loving kindness, and how we can work skillfully with fear as it arises.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein reflects on the connection between art, science, and the meditative journey, and how we can move from the world of concepts to the world of direct experience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein offers a collage of reflections and practices to help us tap into the realization of non-self.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 much power our thoughts hold over us and shares methods of applying mindfulness to our stream of thoughts and emotions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein examines the many nuances of Right Effort, and how that effort can help us build real momentum in our spiritual practice.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 true nature of craving, how sense pleasures provide a false sense of happiness, and how we can practice the end of desire on a moment-to-moment basis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explores how understanding the relationship of dukkha and non-self can help open the doorway to greater freedom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein reflects on the nature of craving and how our desire for sense pleasures can be one of the biggest roadblocks on the path to liberation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein illuminates the need to fix our wise attention to the five aggregates, which serves as a path to liberation from attachment to the notion of self.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph offers an overview of how we can practice the Buddha's Eight Fold Path to awakening in our meditation practice and our daily lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph focuses on the freedom that comes with the Third Noble Truth, the cessation of dukkha, and how different methods of practice can help bring about the end of craving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Joseph reflects on the nature of desire and explores the Buddha’s three domains of craving: sense pleasures, renewed existence, and non-existence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph explores the unsatisfying nature of conditioned phenomena and how understanding the truth of dukkha is necessary for liberation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph begins a series of talks based on the Buddha’s first discourse after enlightenment with a discussion of taking the middle path in life and learning the subtle art of relaxation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph explores the final awakening factor, equanimity, which plays a key role both in our lives in the world and on the spiritual path.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his exploration of the awakening factor of concentration, how it can be cultivated through virtue and morality, and the methods that can help deepen it further.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the first part of his talk on the nature of concentration, Joseph Goldstein explores the two different types of concentration and why it’s so important to develop this factor of awakening.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 quality of tranquility, how we can apply it to our practice, and the very central role it plays in the Buddha’s factors of awakening.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 fourth factor of awakening, rapture, which is an intense happiness born from the fruits of investigation, wisdom, and 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 explores how to skillfully use energy, which is the Buddha’s third factor of awakening and a fundamental force on the spiritual path.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein wields the sword of wisdom as he contemplates the Buddha’s second factor of awakening, investigation of the Dhammas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein breaks down four specific aspects of mindfulness, which is the first of the Buddha’s factors of awakening.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 series of teachings inspired by the Satipatthāna Sutta with an exploration of the fourth foundation of mindfulness, which is contemplation of Dhamma and the five hindrances.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this continuing exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta, Joseph Goldstein looks at why The Buddha placed such importance on the mindfulness of what arises in every moment of awareness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his series of teachings around The Satipatthāna Sutta, Joseph Goldstein shares how contemplation of the four elements frees the mind from “I” and “mine” giving use to our understanding of relative and ultimate truths.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series of teachings around The Satipatthāna Sutta, in this episode we look at the Buddha’s teachings on cultivating mindfulness of body.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/joseph-goldstein-insight-hour-ep-61-the-satipatthana-sutta-mindfulness-of-body/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph shares teachings from The Satipatthāna Sutta around clinging to experience which unify the practice and goal of meditation.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-60-not-clinging/Find more dharma talks from Joseph as well as teachers like Spring Washam, Ajahn Chah, Tara Brach and more at dharmaseed.org.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 looks at The Satipatthāna Sutta’s teachings on the bare knowledge and continuous mindfulness that arise through contemplation. Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-59-continuous mindfulness/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph looks at The Satipatthāna Sutta’s teachings on the foundation of awakening, the understanding of impermanence.Find show notes and book recommendations here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-58-impermanence/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta, investigating the roles of concentration and contemplation in the pursuit of inner liberation.Find show notes and links here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-57-concentration/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph shares The Buddha's call to practice mindfulness and continues his exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph begins a series exploring The Satipatṭhāna Sutta, The Buddha’s discourse on the establishing of mindfulness, and the direct path to freedom it contains.In this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, we are introduced the four abidings of mindfulness found in The Satipatṭhāna Sutta and launch an investigation into how they provide a direct pathway to liberation.    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his exploration of the Buddha’s teachings on the interconnection between non-self and dukkha, looking at our identification with awareness itself.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 begins a two-part dialog on the Buddha’s teachings of the interconnection between non-self and dukkha. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph investigates the methodology of mindfulness that cultivates wisdom and moves us towards happiness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Insight Hour podcast, Joseph looks at the nuances of Metta meditation practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph examines what real mindfulness practice looks like. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Insight Hour, Joseph examines the radical truth of impermanence and the opportunities it presents for our practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Joseph explores the sixth sense of thought in Buddhist teaching and how to gain insight from our thoughts during practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Joseph shares a collection of mindfulness and meditation practices that offers us a way to quiet our mind and see the deeper nature of our experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Joseph begins a conversation about cultivating compassion and equanimity in difficult times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Joseph examines the crystalline nature of mind which is 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.

This week Joseph explores different ways of freeing the mind by understanding the habits of preference, the emptiness of thoughts and the seduction of "I am."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein concludes his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. 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 series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: right action and livelihood. On this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph explores how right action and livelihood create the moral foundation which makes happiness possible. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Right Speech. Right Speech is the application of mindful attention to the way we communicate. Joseph discusses the many facets of Right Speech and methods of practicing it in our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Cultivating Compassion through Right Thought. Right Thought includes those intentions and aspirations that lead to wholesome actions and result in the welfare and happiness of others and ourselves. On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph explores how we can cultivate compassion through the practice of Right Thought. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his series on the Four Noble Truths, Joseph continues his discussion of the second step on the noble Eightfold Path, Right Thought, addressing the role that it has in cultivating goodwill and loving-kindness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his series on the Four Noble Truths, Joseph begins a discussion of the second step on the noble Eightfold Path, Right Thought, and offers a fresh look at the practice of renunciation. Joseph discusses the role of Right Thought in our practice. He looks at the how freedom from attachment is integral to Right Thought and the power of renunciation in doing so. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Practicing Right View. Right view is the beginning and end of the path of awakening. Joseph discusses how practicing right view is essential to the realization of the Four Noble Truths. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Worldly Right View. Right View consists partly of the beliefs which will help one towards enlightenment, but also of a full understanding of those beliefs and realization of their full implications. It enables us to understand how the other limbs are helpful and to judge what is correct practice. Joseph discusses the aspect of Right View most important to us laypeople, that of Worldly Right View. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues a five-part series on the Four Noble Truths. This week: The Cessation of Dukkha. The third of the Four Noble Truths is the cessation of dukkha, which is how to end our suffering by letting go of attachment. Joseph explains the teachings of the Buddha on the cessation of dukkha and how to apply them in our practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues a five-part series on the Four Noble Truths. This week: What is the origin of Dukkha? The second of the Four Noble Truths is the origin of Dukkha, which is craving. Joseph explores the three kinds of craving. He shares how practice can help us let go of this craving. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph begins a five-part series on the Four Noble Truths. This week: what is Dukkha?   The first of the Four Noble Truths is that Dukkha exists. Joseph dives deep into the true meaning of Dukkha, which is the foundation of the Buddha's teaching. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph talks about the concept of self and what we can do to move past the identification with our consciousness that keeps us in our loop. The idea of self is the root of much suffering. Through practice, though, we can find ways to free ourselves of the 'I' and helps other to do the same. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joeseph shows us how we can be happy in our lives by understanding the ten unwholesome actions which, according to the Buddha's teachings, are the cause of suffering.   How can we manifest our intentions of goodwill and loving kindness in our lives? The question is really about how to connect our meditation practice in everything that we do. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Insight Hour, Joseph discusses the Buddha's lesson of the Luminous Mind and how it is obscured by our afflictive emotions.   How is it that the natural clarity the mind can become so easily clouded? Joseph goes deep in exploring the three steps essential to overcoming these afflictive emotions in which we all get caught up.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph asks, "How can we wake up from the dream of our normal waking state and come into a true wakefulness?" In this episode of, Insight Hour, Joseph gives discusses Bardo and delivers an insightful lesson on The Four Mind Changing Reflections. "When we are just resting, the empty, open, aware nature of the mind becomes evident. The non-clinging nature of awareness reveals itself in these Bardo moments." - Joseph Goldstein   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a variety of motives that bring one to the meditative process, but for all of us the journey really begins with the simple steps of calming the mind and collecting our attention. We can never underestimate the value of seeing the mind in its unadulterated state of hurried distraction and unconscious reaction. Without this basic insight into how often we are lost in thought, there will be little motivation to wake up from it. We have to observe before we can begin to understand. A crucial step comes in reframing the moment we wake up into, in order to have delight in our return, rather than judging ourselves for being lost. We then start to truly appreciate the opportunity that arises in coming back to our center. This is the joy in learning to accept the gift that is present moment awareness. In deepening our practice, we increase the spaciousness necessary for further exploration. We begin to directly experience what it’s like to be us. This is done by moving from an abstract sense of the body to a genuine mindfulness of the actual sensations that we are feeling in any given moment. The shift from the conceptual model to the energetic field is a profound step on the path to conscious development. With this foundational approach, Joseph offers practical methods for maintaining a continuity of awareness that promotes joyful and sustainable dedication to the practice of mindfulness.   “How we relate to our own bodies can often reveal how we relate to the world” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph examines some of the common unskillful actions of mind that tend to enable and perpetuate much of the suffering we experience. All of the expressions of these qualities are conditioned responses to what we find unpleasant, arising in situations where we don't get what we want, or do get what we don't want. The strength of our mindfulness is what determines how long we remain consumed by our aversions. Our practice must therefore include the willingness to open equally to the pleasant and unpleasant aspects of our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph explores the fundamental question of what it is that will actually free the mind and heart, not just from the delusions of waking life, but from the root of all suffering. The great realization comes in understanding that the art of non-clinging is not to be viewed as some far off, distant state of being that we must strive for, but is rather an immediate moment practice. We are reminded that all of the mindfulness teachings are ultimately in service of this quality of freedom from attachment. Joseph then elaborates on the obvious next question regarding how we might go about integrating this work into our daily lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Dharma practice can be broadly understood as the process of learning to live in harmony with the fundamental truths of nature and our place within it. The objective precision of the Buddha’s teachings provides a powerful framework for an investigation into the heart of these experiential matters. Joseph explores the quality of mind known in Pali as Sampajanna, highlighting its ability to add the dimensions of investigation and wisdom to the practice of mindfulness. The ability to clearly know what is taking place is as essential as it is profound    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A welcome exploration surrounding the question of how we can bring happiness into our lives. Joseph explains that the Buddha’s teachings on karma and emptiness provide a bridge between our meditative insights and the manner in which we live. When we understand and fully absorb the idea that the unfolding of our lives begins in our minds, we are informed and empowered to make the decisions necessary to reduce the suffering befitting ignorance    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A discussion of the creativity and methodology involved in the meditative journey. We are all artists creating our lives on the canvas of the world, and the voyage of discovery is learning to see in a new way. Developing awareness of the present moment is a crucial first step in the creative act. In quieting the mind, we increase our sensitivity to ourselves and our environment, allowing insight and inspiration to synergistically flow through us. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I make my mind my friend” A sound endorsement for the continual cultivation of good will, benevolence, and loving kindness throughout our lives. In recognizing that what we frequently think about becomes the inclination of the mind, we quickly see the value in bringing this practice to the forefront of our lives. A framework is offered for both the integration and sustainability of this profound method of relating to ourselves and the world we inhabit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An informative and detailed explanation of commonly used terms, including consciousness, perception, mindfulness, and wisdom, particularly as they apply to our meditation practice. These terms are sometimes lost in translation, from the original Pali language to their Western interpretations. Joseph conveys the true meaning of these words, while offering additional translations that may help bring their essence to light. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An investigation of the six sense spheres, known in Buddhism as “The All,” which form the basis for understanding everything we know and how we know it. All further elaborations of the Buddha’s awakening have their basis in this pragmatic and verifiable teaching. As complicated as our lives may seem, everything we experience can be traced to one or more of these fundamental principles. In turning our attention to the senses, we find that these very ordinary aspects of our daily lives contain subtle and profound truths that point us toward liberation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vedana is the Buddhist term for the pleasant, unpleasant or neutral sensations that arise when our internal sense organs interact with external sense objects and the associated consciousness. Joseph explores this concept, explaining the Buddha’s heavy emphasis on establishing this form of mindfulness to better understand how are lives are unfolding on the path of awakening. In first recognizing, and subsequently investigating the origins of these feeling tones, we begin to decondition our deeply habituated tendency to grasp, avert or tune out to a given stimulus. Through practice, we gain ground on the reactive mind and further align ourselves with our true nature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph describes the expansive power of Loving Kindness and its unique capacity to embrace each and every being that we encounter. Loving Kindness does not make distinctions and is therefore referred to as one of the boundless states. The cultivation of Metta serves as a crucial reminder that we ourselves are the final arbiters in determining how we feel. This quality can and must inform our mindfulness practice in order to effectively tune our inner environment to that place of genuine purity and peace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph offers a timeless discussion of the conditioning nature of fear, and possible methods for transforming that constricting energy into genuine freedom. Our fears are often revealed as we progress along the path, stepping out of our personal comfort zones in an effort to expand our spiritual boundaries. In recognizing that these experiences are an inevitable part of life, and are therefore a response to an ultimate truth, we come to understand the value in opening to every aspect of our unfolding lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From one perspective it can be said that the entire spiritual path rests on the development and cultivation of a particular mind state known simply as equanimity. When highly developed, equanimity brings about an unshakable quality of mind that allows us to ride the inevitable changes of the human experience with balance and ease. We must be careful to not confuse the neutrality of equanimity with a sense of disconnection or indifference toward ourselves and others. As Joseph explains, this universal mental factor is present in every wholesome state of mind, making it difficult to overestimate its value in cultivating spacious impartiality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘There is no single factor so potent in promoting the good of beings as right view’ - Buddha Joseph describes the wisdom factor of mind that is Right View and the function this understanding serves in illuminating both the causes, and the means for cessation, of suffering. Our actions are often rooted in the unwholesome thoughts that stem from a false view of the Self. Acting in a manner that serves and enhances the right view of non-self is the underlying context for all of our practice. It is the beginning and the end of the path, to understand the truth of Dukkha and abandon all of its causes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 ‘The mind free of desire is a greater pleasure”   An enlightening discourse on the often confounding subject of renunciation, and the ways in which we might find value in this practice. Joseph draws on initial inquiries from the Buddha in determining the drawbacks of pleasure seeking-behavior in relation to the potential benefits of what he calls the ‘non-addictive’ state. Understanding the roots of our thoughts and desire systems is the first step in bringing greater awareness to our actions and the karma that unfolds therein     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is it that we actually learn from being mindful? What wisdom emerges from the practice of awareness that has the power to liberate our hearts and minds from the suffering we experience? Joseph explores this question in depth, highlighting the Buddha’s instruction to abandon that which does not belong to us. The goal becomes clear, but the means for accomplishment are often less obvious. Insights are offered in an effort to help cut though our layers of identity, and to the sense of self to which we have become so attached. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph is joined by long-time friend and fellow MPN ambassador, Raghu Markus, for an in-depth discussion about the value of kindness in our speech. How we say what we are feeling is often as important as what we are saying. Additional topics covered include how we relate to pleasure (distinguishing between love and desire), recognizing our conditioning, and the significance of right view in daily life as we attempt to fully embody the law of Karma, understanding that what we do, moment-to moment, matters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When compassion and emptiness are both present, enlightenment is unavoidable” A lucid discourse on the virtues of emptiness, awareness, and compassion, and the fundamental role these qualities play in the unfolding of the spiritual path. The heart-mind of awakening, known as Bodhicitta, is explored on its relative level of compassion, and its more ultimate level relating to the empty and aware nature of the mind itself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph outlines the life and times of the Great Sage, highlighting the relevance of his path with that of our own. On an archetypal level, the Buddha’s life serves to illuminate the aspirations and struggles that we experience in our modern existence. It is possible to connect the Buddha’s journey with our own, finding the deeper meaning and purpose within the unfolding events of our lives. His questioning of values led him to the analytical process that would eventually bring about his enlightenment. We too carry this potential, to thoughtfully evaluate our predicament and implement the changes necessary to promote a more liberated state. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph discusses some of the more seductive energies highlighted by the Buddha. These energetic fields operate on a broad spectrum, from the subtle identification with consciousness itself to the full on emotional breakdown. Learning to recognize the basic nature and allure of these qualities through practice is crucial in successfully changing our relationship to them. An attitude of genuine interest and exploration promotes both the discovery and understanding of these hindrances. The cultivation of mindfulness brings space and stability to an otherwise volatile dynamic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Realized is the unconditioned, achieved is the end of craving” Can we really even imagine a mind that is free of craving, free of desire? We might occasionally glimpse this potential but often view it as something far off in the future, to be discovered only when we have mastered our minds. Joseph discusses both the possibility and the practice for bringing an end to craving in the moment. The process begins with the recognition of our arising desires and their ability to obscure our clarity and natural openness of mind. We can then be aware of the quality of mind in the absence of these desires. By closely and consistently observing this transition we are examining the very nature of its energy, and moving that much closer to the understanding and lessening of its influence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“It’s not difficult to be aware, it’s difficult to remember to be aware.” Joseph explores the quality of mind known in Pali as Viriya, and explains the variety of ways that it can be experienced. In its basic form the term refers to the energy that allows us to engage with the world around us. The art of meditation involves learning how to cultivate this quality in an effort to apply it in useful and appropriate ways. Wisdom comes through a gradual process, requiring a steady flow of energy to be both initiated and sustained. Viriya provides the crucial factor needed for wisdom to continue to grow throughout our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our thoughts and emotions have the unique ability to condition both our suffering and our well-being. A deeper investigation regarding the relative versus ultimate truths of our experience becomes crucial in learning to work more skillfully with these predominant aspects of our lives. A natural balance is necessary in the application of this deeper knowledge; to both prevent attachment to or avoidance of any one modality of thinking. This merging in awareness of our emptiness and our soulful expression is a profound step in the maturation of spiritual practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Everything changes.” - Suzuki Roshi Our awareness alone is not sufficient in the search for liberation. We must learn to become present in order to question and further explore the nature of our existence. Investigation becomes a crucial factor in both the cultivation and application of true wisdom. One of the most accessible methods for the development of this wisdom is to practice an increasingly refined awareness of impermanence. This assimilation must move beyond the conceptual knowledge into a realm of direct and immediate experience. The closer we are to the experience of change the more the mind is able to let go. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Joseph's first podcast for the Mindpod Network he clearly brings to light the sometimes very difficult convoluted notion of emptiness. As the high Lama Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche says,"When you recognize the empty selfless nature of phenomena the energy to bring about the good of others dawns uncontrived and effortless." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.