Ep. 190 - Questions and Answers on Buddhist Practice
Dec 29, 2023
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Joseph Goldstein answers questions on various Buddhist topics, including discernment, attachment, resistance, self, wholesome actions, emotions, anger, love, doubt, surrendering to the Dharma, and the preparation for growing old.
01:07:25
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Quick takeaways
Acknowledging the reality of death motivates us to practice Dharma and stay mindful in each moment.
Equanimity and non-clinging are crucial for living well and preparing for the dying process.
Deep dives
The Awareness of Death and Aging
As we age, the reality of death and its proximity becomes more vivid, inspiring a stronger motivation to do more Dharma practice. The acknowledgement that we are not exempt from death enhances this motivation. We recognize that the practice we engage in now is precisely what we want to be happening at the moment of death, allowing us to stay mindful and non-clinging. The ups and downs in our practice are normal, and while there may be plateaus or dry spells, our understanding deepens over time. Equanimity develops, even amidst challenges. The recognition that we are not dead until we are dead encourages us to persevere in our practice, preparing ourselves for the dying process by staying mindful in each moment. Mindfulness and non-clinging are key to living and dying well.
The Effortless Practice of Letting Go
The crux of the practice is to develop the ability to let go at the time of death, ensuring that we do not reborn into a world of suffering. By staying mindful and non-clinging, we learn to live well, which in turn prepares us to face the moment of death with equanimity. The deepest essence of the practice lies in the ability to relinquish attachments, desires, and aversions, creating freedom and peace in our minds. The practice of not clinging, developed throughout our lives, carries over to the dying process, allowing us to let go and transcend suffering.
Meeting Thoughts of Death with Mindfulness
As thoughts of death arise, it is important not to get lost in the stories and fears that our minds create. We can recognize them simply as thoughts in the present moment. By seeing these thoughts as painted tigers, we can remain mindful and not be pulled into fearful or anxious narratives. Reflecting daily on the truths of aging, illness, and death helps us accept the impermanence of life and recognize that we are not exempt from these experiences. This reflection allows us to approach life and death with greater ease and to appreciate the present moment.
Preparing for Death with Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness throughout our lives serves as preparation for the dying process. Recognizing that death is inevitable and we are not exempt from it, creates a sense of urgency and deepens our commitment to the practice. Each moment we stay mindful and let go contributes to our ability to face death without attachment. By understanding that the same mindfulness practiced in everyday life is essential at the time of death, we can approach the dying process with equanimity and freedom from suffering.
Turning attention inward and looking at the cause of suffering
Attachment, resistance, and false perception
Self and anatta (not-self)
The wholesome and unwholesome roots of all skillful actions
Looking honestly at our intentions and motivations
Honoring the presence of our emotions versus being caught by them
The message we can receive from anger
Discernment and bringing mindfulness into love
Liberation through non-clinging
Working with doubt and the inner voice that fools and seduces us
Surrendering to the Dharma
How practice prepares us for growing old
“It’s really important to be honest about the range of our own motivations because if we’re not honest about it, we’re not going to see it. If we don’t see it, we may very well be acting on the unwholesome motivations.” – Joseph Goldstein