

Ep. 227 – The Six Sense Bases, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 24
Dec 11, 2024
Delve into the fascinating exploration of the six sense bases and their selfless nature. Discover how mindfulness can help you recognize the transient qualities of your experiences. Joseph Goldstein discusses the mind as a sixth sense, fostering a non-preferential mindset that leads to liberation. Unpack the metaphor of a clenched fist representing mental barriers, and learn to observe defilements as they arise. Embrace an openness that allows experiences to flow naturally, freeing your mind from attachment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Six Sense Spheres
- All human experience boils down to the six sense spheres: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mind objects.
- These spheres and their interactions constitute the totality of our lives, simplifying our understanding of self.
Mind as Sixth Sense
- In Buddhism, the mind is considered the sixth sense, with thoughts as its sense objects.
- Thoughts are viewed impersonally, just like sensory experiences, challenging the notion of a separate self.
Selfless Observation
- Observe experiences at each sense door without referencing them back to a self.
- Recognize the selfless nature of both the sense object and the knowing of it, avoiding "I see" or "my thought" framing.