Joseph Goldstein reflects on emptiness and working toward enlightenment. Topics include the Taoist dichotomy between non-action and inaction, the such-ness of things, taking interest in thoughts and experiences, and the power of simplicity and ease in practice.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding the changing nature of forms and attachment to beauty through the symbol of a flower.
Settling back into each moment's experience without reaching out or grasping for something, deepening our meditation practice.
Deep dives
The Whole of the Dhamma Revealed in a Flower
The podcast discusses a text in which the Buddha held up a flower, revealing the nature of beauty, decay, attachment, suffering, emptiness, and suchness. Looking at a flower helps us understand the changing nature of forms and the attachment of the mind to beauty. The flower also teaches us about emptiness and the suchness of things, experiencing moments as they are. The flower symbolizes how the whole of the Dharma is present in each moment of experience.
The Art of Settling Back into the Moment
The podcast emphasizes the importance of settling back into each moment's experience without reaching out or grasping for something. By practicing active listening and observing without interference, we can deepen our meditation practice. This settling back can be seen in walking meditation by feeling each leg's movement instead of watching it. By practicing settling back, we can find the rhythm and ease of our inner experience.
The Power of Simplicity and Acceptance
The podcast highlights the power of simplicity in our practice and lives. It encourages us to settle back into the moment with interest and acceptance, allowing everything to come and go without resistance. By letting go of expectations and taking responsibility for our own well-being, we can experience the profound simplicity and spaciousness of the present moment. This simplicity leads to an understanding of the selflessness of the process and opens us up to compassion and a deeper connection with others.
Overcoming Obstacles and Cultivating Interest
The podcast addresses common obstacles in meditation practice, such as expectations, external blaming, and self-images. It encourages us to overcome these obstacles by cultivating interest and exploring the nature of our experiences. By observing our thoughts and emotions with a sense of curiosity and acceptance, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the changing nature of phenomena. It emphasizes the power of being present, letting go, and finding the balance between action and non-action in our practice and daily lives.
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 emptiness
The such-ness of things
The 10,000 joys, the 10,000 sorrows, and opening ourselves up to the whole range of experience
The Taoist dichotomy between non-action and inaction
Taking interest in the phenomenon of thoughts, emotions, experiences, and situations
Being 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 Goldstein
About 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.