Joseph Goldstein demystifies meditation and explores the why and how of practice. He highlights the importance of settling the mind, recognizing the relationship between body and mind, and accepting our thoughts. The podcast also discusses the challenge of staying present, embracing strong emotions, and the practice of mindfulness. The importance of practicing for the benefit of all is emphasized.
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Quick takeaways
Meditation is about being aware and mindful, not about seeking pleasant experiences.
Through meditation, we can develop wisdom and understanding to navigate life's pleasant and unpleasant sensations effectively.
Deep dives
Importance of Mindfulness and Self-Discovery
Meditation is not about whether it's pleasant or unpleasant, but about how aware and mindful we are. The practice of meditation allows us to embark on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. We start with different motivations, such as reducing stress, gaining a deeper understanding of the mind and suffering, or seeking enlightenment. Regardless of our initial motivation, we all begin by calming the mind and collecting our attention. This practice involves repeatedly coming back to a chosen object of awareness, like the breath or a sound. Although simple in theory, it is not always easy due to the strong presence of distractions and thoughts. However, by practicing mindfulness, we can develop the ability to recognize and observe the stories, content, and patterns of our mind. This awareness helps us gain clarity, stillness, and a sense of humor about ourselves. Ultimately, it empowers us to make wise choices and transform our relationship with thoughts, emotions, and consciousness itself.
Being Present with the Body and Sensations
Through meditation practice, we gradually learn to be present with our bodies and become more intimately aware of both pleasant and unpleasant sensations. This process involves investigating the nature of physical discomfort, tension, and pain. By opening ourselves to these feelings with acceptance and wisdom, we can discern the different messages they convey and learn how to respond effectively. We discover that some discomfort is a danger signal, while others are signs of accumulated tension that can be released through mindful awareness. Moreover, this exploration offers insight into how our relationship with bodily sensations reflects our approach to life and its inevitable blend of pleasant and unpleasant experiences. By cultivating wisdom and understanding, we learn to relate to these sensations in a way that promotes growth, acceptance, and skillful navigation of life's ups and downs.
Observing Thoughts and Emotions with Awareness
In meditation, we train ourselves to observe and be aware of the countless thoughts and emotions arising within our minds. We recognize that thoughts are not the problem themselves, but rather the degree to which we are lost in them. By cultivating present moment awareness, we can witness our thoughts without judgment or struggle. This awareness allows us to recognize the conditioning and patterns that drive our actions and impact our lives. Additionally, it gives us the capacity to loosen the grip of unskillful thoughts and make wise choices. Through this process, we develop a sense of humor about ourselves and gain greater acceptance of the unwholesome thoughts and projections that arise. As a result, we become more compassionate and spacious in our interactions with others, extending the benefits of our practice beyond ourselves.
Exploring the Nature of Consciousness
As our meditation practice deepens, we can direct our attention towards investigating the nature of consciousness itself. This inquiry offers an opportunity to explore the inherent mystery of awareness and the knowing quality of the mind. Although thoughts may appear powerful, when we examine them closely, we discover their insubstantial nature. While thoughts arise and pass, awareness remains present, unchanging. This insight is essential as it helps us disentangle from the grip of thoughts and emotions that drive unskillful actions in ourselves and contribute to suffering in the world. By resting in awareness and recognizing the transitory and empty nature of thoughts, we can make skillful choices and act from a place of wisdom and compassion. Ultimately, this journey of self-discovery not only benefits ourselves but also extends to our interactions with others, aligning our practice with the aspiration to make a positive difference in the world.
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.
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In this talk, Joseph:
Demystifies meditation
Asks, “Why do we meditate?” and “How do we meditate?”
Emphasizes the importance of settling down the mind to achieve real clarity and stillness
Reminds us that meditation is not only about blissful feelings
Identifies the relationship between our bodies and our minds
Advocates 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 Goldstein
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