Joseph Goldstein, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and an influential figure in mindfulness, shares his insights on creativity, mortality, and the interconnectedness of poetry and deep meditation. He discusses the profound concepts of impermanence and impersonality, illustrating how mindfulness can invigorate creative expression. Goldstein reflects on the beauty of mortality, reading his poetry and emphasizing how awareness of life's transience enhances both creativity and appreciation of the present moment.
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Joseph's Poetry Journey
Joseph Goldstein started writing poetry at 75 after listening to Ocean Vuong's work.
Friends' enthusiasm encouraged him, and Sylvia Ford Ryan's feedback on revision improved his craft.
insights INSIGHT
Poetry as a Channel to Space
Joseph Goldstein describes writing poetry as a "channel opening to space."
This involves intuitive awareness similar to appreciating a vast night sky.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Receptivity in Meditation and Creativity
Approach meditation and creative work with receptivity, not force.
Forcing blocks intuition, while receptivity allows for intuitive understandings to emerge.
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This book is a compilation of Joseph Goldstein's poetry and reflections. It includes 21 poems and several short verses, offering a glimpse into his spiritual and creative expression. The book is part of a recent publication by the Insight Meditation Society, with proceeds supporting the IMS’s Retreat Center scholarship fund.
One Dharma
The Emerging Western Buddhism
Joseph Goldstein
In 'One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism', Joseph Goldstein explores the creation of an integrated framework for various Buddhist traditions. The book provides a brief historical overview of early Buddhism and delves into the mind-changing reflections that bring one to the Dharma path. Goldstein emphasizes that all Buddhist teachings are skillful means for liberating the mind, rather than statements of absolute truth. He concludes that the method of mindfulness, the expression of compassion, and the essence of wisdom are the core elements of the emerging Western Buddhism. The book covers topics such as non-clinging, selflessness, and Nirvana, and suggests that the various traditions of Buddhism are all paths leading to the cessation of suffering through the attainment of wisdom[2][3][5].
One of my favorite episodes that we’ve recorded in a long while.
Joseph Goldstein is a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, both in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, A Heart Full of Peace, One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism, Insight Meditation and The Experience of Insight: A Simple and Direct Guide to Buddhist Meditation. Joseph has studied and practiced meditation since 1967 under the guidance of eminent teachers from India, Burma, and Tibet and he leads Insight Meditation retreats around the world.
This year, IMS printed a collection of Joseph’s poetry, titled Dreamscapes of the Mind: Poems and Reflections. The book includes 21 poems and almost a dozen short verses.
We have made copies available for a suggested donation of $12 to support IMS’s Retreat Center scholarship fund (shipping to U.S. addresses only).
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