The Importance of Being a Bikku

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 Goldstein

In this talk, Joseph Goldstein offers insights into:

• Finding a balance between monastic renunciation and worldly pleasures
• Impermanence and the inherent instability of existence
• The Four Noble Truths as they relate to the concept of Duḥkha
• The understanding of selflessness
• Taking your path into your own hands

This dharma talk from May 12, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.

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