
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

17 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 215 – Mindfulness of Our Emotions, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 12
Joseph Goldstein, a prominent meditation teacher, dives deep into the Satipatthana Sutta, illuminating the dangers of seeking happiness through worldly pleasures. He differentiates between worldly and unworldly feelings, emphasizing the peace found in renunciation. Goldstein argues for the reliability of unworldly joy rooted in compassion and mindfulness. He also discusses how understanding our emotions can lead to clearer awareness and personal growth, highlighting the importance of joy in the spiritual path.

17 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 214 – The Nature of Feelings, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 11
Joseph Goldstein, a renowned meditation teacher and author specializing in Buddhist teachings, delves into the significance of feelings and their impact on our lives. He discusses how mindfulness of feelings can unveil our mental conditioning and create awareness of our reactions. Goldstein emphasizes the role of pleasant feelings in fostering desire and attachment, while cautioning against the ignorance that can come from neutrality. He advocates for a non-reactive approach to emotions and highlights the impermanence of all feelings, offering insights for deeper self-understanding.

Sep 4, 2024 • 53min
Ep. 213 – The Four Elements, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 10
Joseph Goldstein, a leading figure in Theravada Buddhism and an expert on meditation, dives deep into the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. He explains how these elements relate to our bodily sensations, enhancing mindfulness and meditation practices. The discussion unveils the transformative power of these elements and explores how understanding them can lead to liberation from attachment. Goldstein also highlights the balance between relative and ultimate truths in spiritual practice and emphasizes the mind's role as our greatest asset.

7 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 212 – Clear Knowing, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 9
Join Joseph Goldstein, a renowned mindfulness teacher and author, as he delves into the essence of clear knowing from the Satipatthana Sutta. He discusses how recognizing our motivations can lead to awakening and the pitfalls of being ensnared by Mara's delusions. Goldstein emphasizes the importance of discernment, clear comprehension, and the impact of our actions on ourselves and others. He also explores the body’s impermanence, urging listeners to embrace non-attachment for deeper transformations. Experience the profound insights into mindful living!

20 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 211 – Mindfulness Of Postures, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 8
Joseph Goldstein, a leading expert on mindfulness and Theravada Buddhism, explores the depths of the Satipatthana Sutta. He emphasizes how mindfulness of posture reveals essential truths about ourselves. The discussion highlights the simplicity of being aware of our movements and how this practice helps disentangle the mind from distractions. Goldstein also addresses the importance of being present and shows how mindfulness can overcome unwholesome states. Listeners gain insights into the connection between body and mind, promoting awareness in every aspect of life.

13 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 210 – Mindfulness Of Body, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 7
Joseph Goldstein, a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and a prominent meditation teacher, shares insights on the Satipatthana Sutta. He emphasizes mindfulness of the body as a powerful tool for overcoming distractions and achieving spiritual goals. Goldstein discusses the significance of breath awareness in refining the mind and managing bodily sensations. He also highlights the importance of finding the right posture for meditation and the value of establishing mindfulness in daily life, underscoring how these practices can lead to profound personal transformation.

59 snips
Aug 9, 2024 • 49min
Ep. 209 – The Art of Letting Go, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 6
Joseph Goldstein, an esteemed meditation teacher and author, dives deep into the meaning of non-clinging in this enlightening discussion. He explores three types of cravings that influence our lives and how society amplifies these desires. Goldstein reveals the importance of recognizing our thirst for sense pleasures and its impact on our spiritual journey. He emphasizes the value of abiding in empty awareness and deconstructing the self to achieve liberation from suffering. This insightful dialogue offers practical guidance on letting go and living in the present moment.

22 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 1h
Ep. 208 – Bare Knowing & Continuous Mindfulness, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 5
Joseph Goldstein, an influential teacher and author in meditation and Buddhism, dives deep into the concept of bare knowing and continuous mindfulness. He explores how this objective observation can purify the mind and enhance personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of present-moment awareness and the relationship between bare knowing and meditation. Goldstein highlights strategies for maintaining mindfulness while recognizing the role of perception and the dynamic process of change. This talk reveals the transformative power of just being aware.

12 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 207 – Impermanence, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 4
Renowned Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein delves into impermanence in the Satipatthana Sutta, discussing the liberating effect of presence, wholesome activities, being dispassionate, witnessing changes, and consciousness in the process of dying.

45 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 206 – Concentration And Contemplation, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 3
Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein explores the importance of contemplation, awareness, and concentration in this episode. He discusses the healing process of Samadhi, developing concentration through Sila, and the path of happiness. Topics include choiceless awareness, walking meditation, internal and external contemplation, and being aware of others without judgment.