Joseph Goldstein on vipassana & the experience of insight into the mind | Living Mirrors #28
Dec 9, 2020
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Joseph Goldstein, a meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, shares his transformative journey into Buddhism and meditation. He discusses key concepts like non-clinging, impermanence, and the illusion of self, revealing how they shape our understanding of the mind. Goldstein delves into Vipassana meditation, connecting personal experiences with the broader teachings on dukkha and the interconnectedness of all things. He also clarifies misconceptions about karma and reincarnation, emphasizing the importance of intention in our actions.
Joseph Goldstein emphasizes the significance of Vipassana meditation in fostering direct observation of the mind to understand impermanence and reduce suffering.
He explores the interconnected concepts of karma and rebirth within Buddhism, framing them as natural processes influencing our actions and experiences rather than fixed metaphysical beliefs.
Deep dives
Joseph Goldstein's Journey into Buddhism
Joseph Goldstein's introduction to Buddhism began during his time in the Peace Corps in Thailand, where he encountered Buddhist monks who sparked his interest in meditation. Initially, his exploration was philosophical, focusing on understanding the mind and experience, leading him to seek methods for direct observation of his thoughts. His first meditation instruction, received from a monk, emphasized simply observing the mind, which profoundly impacted him and ignited his lifelong dedication to practice. This experience compelled him to further seek guidance and study extensively, culminating in his commitment to the Vipassana tradition.
The Core Teachings of Vipassana
Vipassana meditation, rooted in the Theravada tradition, emphasizes direct observation of the mind to understand its nature and the principles of impermanence, non-clinging, and emptiness. Goldstein highlights the importance of the Satipatthana Sutta, which outlines the four foundations of mindfulness and offers various techniques for practitioners, noting that different approaches exist even within the same tradition. His teachings integrate various lineages, showcasing how distinct methods can ultimately lead to the same goal of reducing suffering and fostering wisdom. This flexibility within the different schools of Buddhist thought enables practitioners to find what resonates best with their individual paths.
Understanding Dukkha and Non-Clinging
The concept of dukkha, often translated as suffering, encompasses the unsatisfactory nature of life, highlighting that all conditioned things are transient and incapable of providing lasting happiness. Goldstein explains that clinging arises from craving things that change, leading to suffering, and illustrates this with examples that show how our attachments to experiences result in emotional pain. Recognizing impermanence helps us overcome clinging, as it reveals that nothing can be held onto indefinitely. This insight directs practitioners toward liberation through non-clinging and a deeper understanding of adaptive practices required to cultivate enduring peace.
The Interplay of Rebirth, Karma, and Identity
Goldstein addresses the ideas of rebirth and karma, suggesting a naturalistic understanding rather than metaphysical determinism. Rebirth is viewed as a continuation of consciousness flow rather than a passage of a fixed self or soul, reinforcing that our experiences are conditioned by previous actions and the unfolding process of life. Karma serves as one of several laws that shape this process, emphasizing that our motivations behind actions significantly influence the outcomes we experience. This encourages a mindful approach to living, as awareness of the consequences of our actions fosters a more compassionate and responsible existence.
Joseph Goldstein is a meditation teacher and author and was one of the key figures in introducing mindfulness meditation to the west. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS), with Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg, where he is a currently a resident teacher. He has written many popular books on Buddhist meditation including The experience of insight, One Dharma and Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening. He is the lead teacher on the Ten Percent Happier meditation app and you can hear some of his dharma talks on his podcast, Joseph Goldstein’s Insight Hour. Our conversation focuses on the core ideas of Buddhist teaching and meditation practice, including the concepts of non-clinging, impermanence, emptiness and the illusion of the self.
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