
Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein
Joseph Goldstein has been a leading light for the practice of Insight and Loving Kindness meditation since his days in India and Burma where he studied with eminent masters of the tradition. In his podcast, The Insight Hour, Joseph delivers these essential mindfulness teachings in a practical and down to earth way that illuminates the practice through his own personal experience and wonderful story telling.
Latest episodes

7 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 58min
Ep. 235 – Reaching Tranquility, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 32
Discover the vital role of tranquility in achieving liberation and happiness. Dive into the teachings of the Satipatthana Sutta and explore a clear path towards enlightenment. Learn about the seven factors that enhance insight and combat suffering. Embrace the concept of impermanence and the illusion of self, while fostering genuine self-awareness. Tranquility emerges as a transformative element, cultivating not just calmness but also sincere understanding. Join in on a journey that bridges ancient wisdom with modern spiritual practices.

29 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 234 – Happiness and the Mirror Within, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 31
Delve into the essence of happiness with insightful discussions on the Satipatthana Sutta. Explore the difference between mundane joy and liberating merit. Reflect on the joy of generosity and the connection to ethical conduct. Experience the transformative power of non-harming and personal growth. Discover fleeting moments of tranquility and the deeper meanings of Nibbana. Uncover the Buddha’s teachings on happiness, emphasizing relationships and contentment for a fulfilling life.

Jan 23, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 233 – Passion For Practice, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 30
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.

20 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 55min
Ep. 232 – Applying Our Effort Skillfully, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 29
Explore the essential role of right effort in achieving happiness and success. Delve into the Pali term 'virya,' highlighting how skillful energy can empower us through spiritual challenges. The journey of courageous determination shows that ordinary people can embody extraordinary resolve. Discover how balancing mental focus enhances meditation practices. Reflect on the significance of mindful living and using our time wisely, as well as the potential for happiness in every experience.

Jan 9, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 231 – Inner Investigation, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 28
Uncover the secrets to liberation through unremitting mindfulness and self-inquiry. Explore the distinction between fleeting pleasures and lasting happiness as outlined in Buddhist teachings. Learn how understanding emotions can untangle the Gordian knot of our feelings, fostering acceptance. Delve into self-awareness and the concept of non-self to transform negative traits into positive qualities. Discover the investigative quality of mind essential for awakening from ignorance, bridging Theravada and Zen insights into the nature of consciousness.

Jan 3, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 230 – The Factors of Awakening, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 27
Dive into the exploration of the seven factors of awakening and their transformative power! Discover how mindfulness serves as an essential anti-hindrance against mental delusions. The concepts of hiri and otapa highlight the importance of moral discernment. Personal anecdotes illuminate the essence of bare attention and clear comprehension. Learn how these practices enhance awareness and guide ethical conduct, paving the way for liberation from suffering. Engage with wisdom that invites reflection and practical applications for a balanced life.

30 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 229 – Freedom From Our Mental Shackles, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 26
Explore the mind's illusion through the lens of the Satipatthana Sutta. Discover how our perceptions can lead to suffering, as we often mistake impermanence for permanence. Learn about mindful eating and its ties to true happiness versus societal misbeliefs. Joseph Goldstein also highlights the nature of fear and self-identification, stressing the necessary recognition of impermanence for liberation. Delve into the contrast between worldly and noble supernormal powers, and the transformative potential of tailored mindfulness practices.

15 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 60min
Ep. 228 – Suffering And The Senses, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 25
Joseph Goldstein explores the intricate relationship between suffering, awareness, and mindfulness. He delves into the Satipatthana Sutta, revealing how our senses can create mental fetters that limit clarity. By examining desire and aversion as automatic responses, he highlights the importance of wise attention in breaking the cycle of craving. Additionally, he emphasizes the link between perception and mental liberation, encouraging listeners to reflect on their experiences and the interconnectedness of their thoughts and feelings for deeper awareness.

Dec 11, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 227 – The Six Sense Bases, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 24
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.

23 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 226 – Non-Self, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 23
The discussion highlights the fluidity of self and the impermanence of the body, challenging rigid perceptions that shape our identities. It emphasizes recognizing thoughts as transient, freeing us from attachment. The podcast delves into the transformative aspect of aging as a catalyst for awakening and personal development. The journey of Deepa Ma serves as an inspiring reminder of the limitless potential within each individual. Overall, it encourages listeners to embrace mindfulness of the five aggregates to reduce suffering and cultivate liberation.