Ep. 233 – Passion For Practice, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 30
Jan 23, 2025
Exploring the joyous factor of awakening, the discussion centers on the Buddhist concept of rapture, or 'piti'. It highlights how this vibrant energy can fuel mindfulness practice and awaken deeper insights. Personal anecdotes and reflections enrich the conversation about maintaining awareness of impermanence. Listeners learn about recognizing and cultivating rapture to enhance their practice, while navigating daily challenges. The session emphasizes the balance of joy and mindfulness, inviting a deeper connection with the teachings of the Buddha.
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insights INSIGHT
Rapture as an Awakening Factor
Rapture (piti) is a factor of awakening, refreshing the mind and body like a cool breeze.
It makes experiences endearing, fostering interest and opposing aversion.
insights INSIGHT
Rapture vs. Sukha
Rapture (piti) is energetic, arousing anticipation, distinct from Sukha's softer comfort.
Rapture is the excitement of seeing an oasis; Sukha is the relief upon arriving.
insights INSIGHT
Sources of Non-Worldly Rapture
Non-worldly rapture arises from concentration (jhana) or from investigation and wisdom.
This joy of understanding sustains practice interest, unlike fleeting sense pleasures.
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In 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind', Shunryu Suzuki explores the core principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the concept of 'shoshin' or 'beginner’s mind'. This mind is empty, free of the habits of the expert, and open to all possibilities. The book discusses various aspects of Zen practice, including zazen (sitting meditation), breathing techniques, and the importance of maintaining a non-dualistic and compassionate mindset. Suzuki uses simple language and everyday examples to illustrate how to apply Zen principles in daily life, emphasizing the need to approach each experience with freshness and openness, rather than preconceptions or a sense of achievement.
Priming the pump of mindfulness, Joseph Goldstein explains rapture, the joyous fourth factor of awakening.
The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirtieth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!
This week, Joseph brings to our attention:
Rapture, aka joy, delight, and pleasurable interest
The arousing, anticipatory energy of rapture
The positive feedback loop of the factors of awakening
Five grades of rapture according to the Buddha
Luminosity of mind and the sensory experiences of joy
Bringing in right view and investigative wisdom
Recalling the impermanence of all delightful states
Putting teachings into practice and putting full effort into each moment
Not overly concerning ourselves with progress
Boredom as a lack of attention and arousing interest in our current state
What the Buddha, dharma, sangha means for each of us
Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE
“The energy that arises from continual mindfulness and investigation leads to rapture. We could call it a dharma joy or a dharma happiness. This happiness inspires us to investigate further and as we investigate further the mindfulness and the energy gets stronger and there’s more rapture. It’s just a wonderful spiral leading towards awakening, leading towards liberation.” – Joseph Goldstein
Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein 