Joseph Goldstein discusses duality in mindfulness, from object-subject split to persona identification. He explores love for all experience, integration of mind-body, and the power of renunciation. Goldstein emphasizes the need to stop identifying with the self and the transformative power of mindfulness.
Identification with self breeds fear, attachment, separation, and comparison.
Mindfulness and non-identification with thoughts lead to awareness and grounding in the present moment.
Deep dives
Levels of Duality and Integration
The podcast explores the creation of dualistic perception and the progression of limitation it causes. It delves into the splits created from the fundamental duality of self and other, to further fragmentations within the self like persona and shadow. The discussion emphasizes a journey towards healing and unification, transitioning from identification with fragmented aspects to embracing a sense of oneness and reintegration.
The Power of Non-Identification and Awareness
The episode highlights the significance of non-identification in mindfulness practice, emphasizing the power of awareness and the importance of moment-to-moment mindfulness. By focusing on non-identification with thoughts, sensations, and experiences, the narrative encourages grounding in the present moment and shedding dualistic perceptions. It promotes the understanding that true mindfulness involves simply being aware of the arising and passing of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without attaching an identity.
Integration Through Love and Understanding
The podcast delves into the concept of love as a transformative force in mindfulness practice, leading to integration and healing. Love, in this context, refers to a deep appreciation and openness towards every moment's experience, fostering acceptance and connection. By cultivating love that allows for all aspects of experience without judgment or craving, individuals can move towards the 'zero center,' where non-identification with any aspect leads to a profound sense of unity and freedom.
Joseph Goldstein meets us at the constellation of self, the duality of self, and the need for mindfulness.
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This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein gets into:
Duality and how it relates to our meditation practice
The fundamental split of object and subject
Limitations from perceiving ourselves as separate
Persona and the identification we have with the world
The progression from fullness/oneness to constriction
Having compassion for the shadow side
How fear desire, and attachment, make us more attached to our sense of self
Being imprisoned and conditioned by dualistic perception
The integration of mind and body and love for all experience as the connector
From the ego center to the zero center
Being totally honest with what is happening
Mindfulness as the tool to stop identification
The power of renunciation and restraint
This 2005 dharma talk was originally published by Dharmaseed
“As long as we are identified with that sense of self in the mind, that identification creates fear, attachment, separation, comparing. If there’s an “I”, if there’s a self, then we have to defend it, we have to protect it, we have to gratify it, and our whole lives revolve around this particular identification.” – Joseph Goldstein