Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and a well-respected author on Buddhism. He shares his transformative journey from uncertainty to growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing the discomfort of not-knowing. Goldstein discusses how accepting uncertainty can unlock creativity and new possibilities. He introduces the concept of a 'yes mind' in mindfulness, urging listeners to accept all sensations. Through 'yes meditation', he encourages confronting inner resistance, leading to deeper self-awareness.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
First Dharma Talk
Joseph Goldstein gave his first Dharma talk to a Western audience at his family's Catskills resort.
The audience, mostly mothers, was more curious than interested in Buddhist teachings.
insights INSIGHT
Path to Buddhism
Joseph's interest in Buddhism stemmed from grappling with death and existential questions.
Mindfulness offered him a way to observe his suffering instead of being consumed by it.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Reintegration Challenges
Reintegrating into American life after India was challenging for Joseph.
His honesty about cannabis with high school students led to his dismissal from a substitute teaching job.
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This book provides a new translation and commentary on the Diamond Sutra, one of the sublime wisdom teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Mu Soeng integrates this ancient wisdom with current scientific and psychological thought, tracing connections between these teachings and contemporary theories of quantum reality. He explores the sutra within the framework of Buddhist meditation practices and provides a comprehensive historical survey of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The commentary aims to make the inspiration and wisdom of the Diamond Sutra accessible and engaging for modern readers.
Be Here Now
Ram Dass
Be Here Now is a seminal book on spirituality, yoga, and meditation written by Ram Dass. The book is divided into four sections: 'Journey', which details Ram Dass's transformation from a Harvard psychologist to a spiritual seeker; 'From Bindu to Ojas', a core section that includes spiritual themes and inspirational quotes; 'Cookbook for a Sacred Life', a manual for conscious living with practical advice on meditation, yoga, and diet; and 'Painted Cakes (Do Not Satisfy Hunger)', a list of recommended books for further spiritual exploration. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, shedding ego and material attachments, and finding unity with the divine through unconditional love and mindfulness[2][4][5].
On the Road
Jack Kerouac
Written in a style of spontaneous prose, 'On the Road' is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the travels of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across America. The book captures the spirit of the post-war Beat Generation, embracing a lifestyle of freedom, jazz, and rebellion against societal norms. It has become a defining work of American counterculture.
Co-founder of Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and author of several popular books on Buddhism, Joseph Goldstein has been a legend in the world of mindfulness for nearly half a century. But when he returned to US from India in the early ‘70s, penniless and without a job prospect, he had no way of knowing what his future held. This week, Joseph tells the story of how he learned to keep himself open to all possibilities and embrace the uncomfortable feeling of not-knowing.
Find out more about Insight Meditation Society here: dharma.org
Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.com
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