Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein

Joseph Goldstein discusses the links between suffering, compassion, and the concept of self. He explores the three kinds of suffering according to the Buddha, advises remaining open to suffering, and emphasizes the growth of compassion from allowing suffering in. He delves into the illusion of self and its impact on our thoughts and actions, challenges notions of separation, and examines our understanding of past and future. The conversation highlights the importance of examining our experience to see its composite nature and the connection between awareness, suffering, compassion, and wisdom.

Joseph Goldstein discusses the Buddha's teachings on avoiding unwholesome actions and performing good actions to purify the mind. He breaks down the different categories of unwholesome actions and explores the concept of meritorious actions. Goldstein emphasizes the wisdom in fearing danger and provides examples of wholesome actions. The podcast touches on motivation, compassion, and awakening, as well as the destructive power of covetousness. It also emphasizes the practice of generosity and the importance of wise attention.

Joseph Goldstein demystifies meditation and explores the why and how of practice. He highlights the importance of settling the mind, recognizing the relationship between body and mind, and accepting our thoughts. The podcast also discusses the challenge of staying present, embracing strong emotions, and the practice of mindfulness. The importance of practicing for the benefit of all is emphasized.

The podcast discusses the concept of equanimity and its role in finding balance amidst chaos and navigating the ups and downs of life. It explores how gain and loss impact our emotions, emphasizes the need for acceptance of life's changes, and discusses the importance of equanimity in meditation practice and achieving Buddhahood.

Joseph Goldstein reflects on emptiness and working toward enlightenment. Topics include the Taoist dichotomy between non-action and inaction, the such-ness of things, taking interest in thoughts and experiences, and the power of simplicity and ease in practice.

Joseph Goldstein discusses the concepts of bodhicitta - the awakened heart, and provides a methodology for freeing ourselves from entanglement and attachment. He compares the clinging mind to ice and the luminous mind to water, emphasizing the impermanence of our mental fabrications. The podcast explores the practice of compassion, the power of mindfulness and empathy, and the importance of daily practice in cultivating love and compassion.

Joseph Goldstein discusses enlightenment through the lens of the aspirational mental quality of bodhicitta – the awakened heart.This dharma talk from June 8, 2015, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma SeedIn this lecture, Joseph:Teaches us that there are two understandings of bodhicitta: relative bodhicitta, which is compassion, and ultimate bodhicitta, which is selflessnessHighlights the spiritual importance of cultivating both compassion and selflessnessRuminates on the challenges of living in our conventional, ordinarily understood realityReminds us that the ungovernability of life is the nexus between dukkha and freedomDescribes the union of emptiness and clarityRecognizes the need for a gradual cultivation of awareness“The mind’s nature is vivid as a flawless piece of crystal. Intrinsically empty, naturally radiant and ceaselessly responsive.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores thought patterns, sense pleasures, renunciation, addiction, and freedom. He encourages examining our thoughts, cultivating wholesome ones, and letting go of unwholesome ones. He emphasizes the wisdom of saying 'no' to things that are not skillful or helpful. The podcast also discusses the power of our thoughts, recognizing repetitions, exploring various addictions, and the significance of renunciation and solitude.

Joseph Goldstein helps us understand equanimity and its role on the spiritual path. He explores the meaning and significance of equanimity, the importance of maintaining a sense of humor, and the difference between reactivity and responsiveness of mind. Goldstein discusses cultivating equanimity in meditation, reflecting on aging, illness, and death, and the connection between equanimity and wisdom. He also explores the practice of noting during meditation and shares a personal story about mindfulness in winter weather. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the manifestation of equity and the importance of mindfulness and equanimity.

Joseph Goldstein leans on his decades of study and practice of the Dharma to answer a diverse range of spiritual and existential questions from his students and online retreat attendees.This dharma talk from May 14, 2023, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed. In this Q&A style talk, Joseph answers an assortment of questions concerning:The stages of enlightenment Being mindful of positive and wholesome mind states Realizing selflessness Concepts, the nature of consciousness, and reality Practicing mindfulness in modernity Karma and reincarnation"We think our lives are so complicated and so confused in the modern world, in the ancient world and - at any point in time, there are only these six things happening. It's a sight, its a sound, it's a taste, it's a sensation, it's something going on in our minds. So, I like to think of all life, and the unfolding of our lives, as a six piece chamber orchestra. It's just playing the music." - Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.