Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein

The “Essential Buddhism” series continues with this 1974 dharma talk focused on the Four Noble Truths and how we must face the truth of suffering to walk the path of freedom.

This dharma talk from the Naropa Institute Summer Sessions in 1974 was originally published on Dharma Seed.

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“The end of the path is freedom. It’s open to all of us. All we have to do is begin the journey, to be facing towards the light. And some people will progress slowly, and some people will progress quickly, and it does not matter as long as we’re going in the direction of enlightenment and freedom and peace, and that very much depends upon our own effort.” – Joseph Goldstein

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Joseph Goldstein explores four reflections from the Buddhist tradition that are profound tools of practice for turning the mind toward the Dharma. 

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Today's Dharma talk from 2009 was originally published on Dharma Seed

“When we take this to heart and we begin to really look carefully at our motivations – motivations behind our speech, behind our actions, behind what thoughts we give energy to – when we practice in this way it gives us the opportunity to make wiser choices in our lives. When we’re unaware, we’re simply playing out the habit patterns of our conditioning.” – Joseph Goldstein

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The “Essential Buddhism” series returns with a talk from Joseph Goldstein about karma and dependent origination, and a Q&A session that reminds us to look at the moon, not at the finger.

This dharma talk from the Naropa Institute Summer Sessions in 1974 was originally published on Dharma Seed 

Catch the first part of this series: Essential Buddhism Part 1: Developing Our Field of Awareness

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Continuing to explore the themes discussed in our previous episode, Joseph is back with an enlivening discourse on concepts and realities, the root cause of suffering, and how mindfulness connects with free-falling.

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In this dharma talk soured from April 17th, 1983, Jospeh Goldstein offers clarity and insight into the important distinction between our concepts—our ideas and thoughts about things—and the experience itself. Shining the light of reality onto the shadow of concepts, he helps us spelunk the depths of samsara for what is true and real in this ever-changing universe. This talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed 

"We have been conditioned for so long to live in the world of concept, the world of idea, the world of mentality construct—and our attachment to those ideas or concepts are so strong that we've begun to take the concept to be the reality." – Joseph Goldstein

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The Insight Hour podcast's "Essential Buddhism" series returns with lessons we can learn from the parable of Plato’s Cave and the Buddhist teachings on the Four Ultimate Realities.

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Continuing a series of vintage lectures stemming from the infamous Naropa Institute Summer Sessions, this Dharma Talk from July 23rd, 1974 has Joseph Goldstein using the parable of Plato's Cave to help illuminate the Four Ultimate Realities outlined in Buddhism.

This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed 

Catch the first part of this series: Essential Buddhism Part 1: Developing Our Field of Awareness

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In this recording from the Insight Meditation Society, Joseph Goldstein focuses on the third foundation of mindfulness: the mindfulness of mind.

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Continuing a series on the essentials of Buddhism from 1974 at Naropa University, Joseph Goldstein plunges further into the essentials of Buddhism with a lecture on The Eightfold Path.

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Catch the first part of this series: Essential Buddhism Part 1: Developing Our Field of Awareness

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In this talk from 1978 at The Insight Meditation Society, Joseph Goldstein takes us on a comically honest exploration of his spiritual awakening and commitment to practice.

“I was totally fascinated by the whole process. It was the first time that I had, in any systematic way, sat down and tried to look at my mind, tried to concentrate it. It really aroused tremendous interest and fascination in me.” – Joseph Goldstein

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In this talk from 1974 at Naropa University, Joseph Goldstein gets into the essentials of Buddhism. He lectures about dharma, insight meditation, and developing our field of awareness.

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“It is only in that silence of mind that the development of wisdom can happen.” – Joseph Goldstein 

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In this recording from the Insight Meditation Society, Joseph Goldstein reviews the purpose of having a practice and offers us a beginner's guide to The Buddha Nature. Later, Sharon Salzberg joins to discuss developing a practice in the refuge of retreats.

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This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed 

"We take refuge in the Buddha as a symbol of being integrated not having a life or living a life that is together in one aspect and falling apart in another, but a life that is a complete expression of understanding and love and compassion." – Sharon Salzberg

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Joseph Goldstein shares his wisdom on purifying our practice through openness to suffering and being compassionate. 

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“It is amazing the impact we can have. We shouldn't underestimate the power of these small acts of generosity and compassion”. -- Joseph Goldstein

This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed 

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Sharing mindful insight on recognizing effort, desire, and impermanence in our practice, Joseph illuminates the nature of self as a flowing river.

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In this fresh and bounding Q&A session stemming from the Insight Meditation Society Three-Week Insight Retreat on 11/10/21, Joseph Goldstein explores audience inquiries around the topics of change and wanting, anger and wholesomeness, the arising and passing of phenomena, aging and death, as well as mindfulness and wandering.

This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed 

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In a session interweaving Buddhist and Taoist wisdom, Joseph Goldstein reveals how simplicity and spaciousness help us let go of our spiritual self-image and open to the Dharma.

In this vintage Dharma talk stemming from the Insight Meditation Society on May 30th, 1983, Joseph Goldstein explores the spiritual discipline of simplicity through the mindful interplay and application of Taoism and Buddhism.

This dharma talk from Joseph was originally published on Dharma Seed 

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Highlighting the deeply penetrating aspects of Metta, Joseph Goldstein explores how love, kindness, Right Thought, desire, gratitude and friendship can revolutionize our lives.

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This dharma talk was originally published on Dharma Seed 

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Joseph Goldstein offers a guided meditation and continued reflection on how we can free ourselves from Papanca – the three proliferating tendencies of mind: craving, conceit, and wrong view.

This dharma talk was originally published on Dharma Seed

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In this Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein guides us through craving, conceit, and wrong view, which are the three proliferating tendencies of the mind also known as Papanca.

This dharma talk was originally published on Dharma Seed 

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Joseph Goldstein explores what pain is, the ways we’ve been conditioned to respond to it, and how we can simply and softly settle back into whatever the present moment offers us. 

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This dharma talk was given at the Insight Meditation Society in 1983 and originally published on Dharma Seed

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Joseph Goldstein takes a closer look at what mindfulness is (and isn’t), giving us tools for going from recognition to mindfulness and exploring what we can learn from being mindful.

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This Joseph Goldstein dharma talk was originally published on Dharma Seed

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Joseph Goldstein explores the concept of bare attention, or choiceless awareness, and how cultivating this state of mind can help us settle back, live in the present moment, and more.

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This 1983 Joseph Goldstein dharma talk on bare attention was originally published on Dharma Seed.

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On episode 111 of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph Goldstein offers responses to 11 questions on topics such as selflessness, Right Effort, shame, cravings, and obsessive thoughts.

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This week’s Joseph Goldstein dharma talk, 11 Questions and Responses, was originally published on Dharma Seed. 

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In this guided meditation from 1977, Joseph Goldstein plays the Big Mind Game, which is a practice of establishing a very still and deep balance of the mind. 

This Joseph Goldstein selection from April 14, 1977, at a two-week meditation retreat in Julian, California, was originally published on Dharma Seed. 

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From the 2018 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat on Maui, Ram Dass and Raghu Markus join Joseph Goldstein for a conversation around generosity and emptiness.

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Sharon Salzberg joins Joseph Goldstein to talk about how Metta (lovingkindness) is an expression of generosity, and to answer questions from the audience at the 2018 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat on Maui. 

This is the continuation of a conversation between Joseph and Sharon about generosity as a practice - listen to part one here: Insight Hour Ep. 107

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Subscribe to Sharon’s Salzberg’s Metta Hour Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

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From the 2018 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat on Maui, old friends Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg join forces to explore generosity as a form of mindfulness practice. 

Don’t miss out on Sharon’s Salzberg’s Metta Hour Podcast on the Be Here Now Network!

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From the Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat in 2018, Joseph Goldstein covers the methodology of mindfulness, answering three key questions about the nature of mindfulness.

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The Alan Watts Organization and Be Here Now Network have come together to bring you a new podcast series that dives deep into the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour collection of talks. 

This Monday, June 7th, discover for yourself why Alan Watts has continued to inspire generations of seekers with the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast. 

This exciting new series is hosted by Mark Watts, Alan's son and archive curator. Mark and his guests share Alan Watts’ inspirational work that poetically interprets the wisdom teachings of the East for Western audiences. 

Set a reminder for June 7th and subscribe to the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast wherever you get podcasts to receive regular wisdom from Alan Watts - brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network!

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From the infamous 1974 Naropa summer sessions, Joseph Goldstein answers audience questions on love, wisdom, practice, perspective, metta, impermanence, silence, and cultivating loving thought.

In this vintage July 5th, 1974 dharma talk from Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's Naropa University, nestled in the mountains in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, a young Joseph Goldstein shares meditation instructions for the Yogas of the Bhagavad Gita course he was invited to teach alongside Ram Dass during the Naropa grand opening summer sessions. Having first met and impressed Ram Dass with his deep practice and wisdom cultivation in Bodh Gaya in the early 1970's, this invitation and opportunity would open the door for Joseph's life path of teaching meditation and mindfulness.

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On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explores how it’s helpful to have a comprehensive view of our direction as we set out on the spiritual path.

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Tying together meditation's basics—steady awareness & non-clinging—with the intentionality of careful investigation of thought, body, and emotion, Joseph lines a path toward mindful liberation.

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Exploring the factor of enlightenment known as Viriya—our energetic capacity—Joseph Goldstein shares how we can cultivate courageous effort within our lives and daily practices.

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Joseph Goldstein explores the hallucinations of perception that keep us bound to the wheel of conditioned existence and teaches us how to train our noble supernormal powers.

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Joseph Goldstein continues his exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, sharing his insights on how the fetters and defilements of the mind arise, are removed, and can be prevented.  

This talk is a continuation of Insight Hour Ep. 99 – Mindfulness of the Six Sense Spheres

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Joseph Goldstein continues his series of talks on the Satipatthana Sutta, this time focusing on mindfulness of the six sense spheres and the fetters that arise dependent on them. 

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On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein continues his discussion of mindfulness of the dhammas by exploring the mental formation of volition and the aggregate of consciousness.

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In this Dharma talk, Joseph investigates the mindfulness of the dhamma, focusing in on the aggregates of perception and mental formations.

Continuing a series of talks on the Satipatthana Sutra, Joseph explores the fourth foundation of mindfulness: the mindfulness of the dhamma. In this case, dhamma means categories of experience, the understanding of how different elements of the body and mind function. Beginning the session, Joseph explores the Five Aggregates of Clinging, particularly the aggregates of perception and mental formations, and their relation to our sense of self, and inevitable freedom.

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In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein continues his exploration of the five hindrances, this time offering remedies to deal with the mental factors of sloth and torpor.

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In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein uses the teachings of the Satipatthāna Sutta to explore how we can deal with aversive states of mind such as hatred, anger, and ill-will.

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Joseph Goldstein shares Buddhist insight into using mindfulness and meditation to be present with our thoughts and emotions.

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Joseph Goldstein dives deep into the heart of faith, exploring how it connects us and why it needs to be balanced by wisdom. 

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Joseph illuminates how witnessing the arising and passing away of phenomena can break the spell of enchantment and reorient our minds towards freedom.

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Joseph Goldstein shares his insight into two of the Buddha’s five hindrances - the seductive mind states of doubt and aversion.

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Joseph Goldstein shares his insight into different aspects of Right Speech, including the commitment to truthfulness, and refraining from gossip and useless talk.

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Joseph Goldstein answers questions about relative truth versus ultimate truth, how compassion is related to Metta, dealing with hurtful people, and much more.

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If you enjoy the Insight Hour Podcast, we think that you will appreciate this conversation with Joseph Goldstein on the Mindrolling Podcast.

You can subscribe to the Mindrilling Podcast with Raghu Markus in your podcast player to receive weekly podcasts featuring some truly amazing guests that help us all better understand ourselves and the world around us.

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In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein explores connecting to our capacity for Metta, or loving kindness, and how we can work skillfully with fear as it arises.

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Joseph Goldstein reflects on the connection between art, science, and the meditative journey, and how we can move from the world of concepts to the world of direct experience.

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On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein offers a collage of reflections and practices to help us tap into the realization of non-self.

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Joseph Goldstein explores how much power our thoughts hold over us and shares methods of applying mindfulness to our stream of thoughts and emotions.

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On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein examines the many nuances of Right Effort, and how that effort can help us build real momentum in our spiritual practice.

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Joseph Goldstein examines the true nature of craving, how sense pleasures provide a false sense of happiness, and how we can practice the end of desire on a moment-to-moment basis.

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On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explores how understanding the relationship of dukkha and non-self can help open the doorway to greater freedom. 

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In this dharma talk, Joseph Goldstein reflects on the nature of craving and how our desire for sense pleasures can be one of the biggest roadblocks on the path to liberation.

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Joseph Goldstein illuminates the need to fix our wise attention to the five aggregates, which serves as a path to liberation from attachment to the notion of self.

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This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph offers an overview of how we can practice the Buddha's Eight Fold Path to awakening in our meditation practice and our daily lives. 

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Joseph focuses on the freedom that comes with the Third Noble Truth, the cessation of dukkha, and how different methods of practice can help bring about the end of craving.

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In this dharma talk, Joseph reflects on the nature of desire and explores the Buddha’s three domains of craving: sense pleasures, renewed existence, and non-existence. 

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Joseph explores the unsatisfying nature of conditioned phenomena and how understanding the truth of dukkha is necessary for liberation.

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Joseph begins a series of talks based on the Buddha’s first discourse after enlightenment with a discussion of taking the middle path in life and learning the subtle art of relaxation.

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Joseph explores the final awakening factor, equanimity, which plays a key role both in our lives in the world and on the spiritual path.

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Joseph continues his exploration of the awakening factor of concentration, how it can be cultivated through virtue and morality, and the methods that can help deepen it further.

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In the first part of his talk on the nature of concentration, Joseph Goldstein explores the two different types of concentration and why it’s so important to develop this factor of awakening.

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Joseph Goldstein examines the quality of tranquility, how we can apply it to our practice, and the very central role it plays in the Buddha’s factors of awakening.

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Joseph Goldstein explores the Buddha’s fourth factor of awakening, rapture, which is an intense happiness born from the fruits of investigation, wisdom, and mindfulness.

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Joseph Goldstein explores how to skillfully use energy, which is the Buddha’s third factor of awakening and a fundamental force on the spiritual path.

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Joseph Goldstein wields the sword of wisdom as he contemplates the Buddha’s second factor of awakening, investigation of the Dhammas.

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Joseph Goldstein breaks down four specific aspects of mindfulness, which is the first of the Buddha’s factors of awakening.

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Joseph Goldstein continues his series of teachings inspired by the Satipatthāna Sutta with an exploration of the fourth foundation of mindfulness, which is contemplation of Dhamma and the five hindrances.

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In this continuing exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta, Joseph Goldstein looks at why The Buddha placed such importance on the mindfulness of what arises in every moment of awareness.

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Continuing his series of teachings around The Satipatthāna Sutta, Joseph Goldstein shares how contemplation of the four elements frees the mind from “I” and “mine” giving use to our understanding of relative and ultimate truths.

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Joseph continues his series of teachings around The Satipatthāna Sutta, in this episode we look at the Buddha’s teachings on cultivating mindfulness of body.

Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/joseph-goldstein-insight-hour-ep-61-the-satipatthana-sutta-mindfulness-of-body/

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This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph shares teachings from The Satipatthāna Sutta around clinging to experience which unify the practice and goal of meditation.

Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-60-not-clinging/

Find more dharma talks from Joseph as well as teachers like Spring Washam, Ajahn Chah, Tara Brach and more at dharmaseed.org.

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In this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph looks at The Satipatthāna Sutta’s teachings on the bare knowledge and continuous mindfulness that arise through contemplation. 

Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-59-continuous mindfulness/

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This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph looks at The Satipatthāna Sutta’s teachings on the foundation of awakening, the understanding of impermanence.

Find show notes and book recommendations here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-58-impermanence/ 

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Joseph continues his exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta, investigating the roles of concentration and contemplation in the pursuit of inner liberation.

Find show notes and links here: https://beherenownetwork.com/insight-hour-ep-57-concentration/

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Joseph shares The Buddha's call to practice mindfulness and continues his exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta.

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Joseph begins a series exploring The Satipatṭhāna Sutta, The Buddha’s discourse on the establishing of mindfulness, and the direct path to freedom it contains.

In this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, we are introduced the four abidings of mindfulness found in The Satipatṭhāna Sutta and launch an investigation into how they provide a direct pathway to liberation.    

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Joseph continues his exploration of the Buddha’s teachings on the interconnection between non-self and dukkha, looking at our identification with awareness itself.

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This time on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph begins a two-part dialog on the Buddha’s teachings of the interconnection between non-self and dukkha. 

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This week on the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph investigates the methodology of mindfulness that cultivates wisdom and moves us towards happiness.

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This week on the Insight Hour podcast, Joseph looks at the nuances of Metta meditation practice.

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On this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph examines what real mindfulness practice looks like. 

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On this episode of the Insight Hour, Joseph examines the radical truth of impermanence and the opportunities it presents for our practice.

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This week, Joseph explores the sixth sense of thought in Buddhist teaching and how to gain insight from our thoughts during practice.

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This week, Joseph shares a collection of mindfulness and meditation practices that offers us a way to quiet our mind and see the deeper nature of our experience.

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This week, Joseph begins a conversation about cultivating compassion and equanimity in difficult times.

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On this episode, Joseph examines the crystalline nature of mind which is intrinsically empty, naturally radiant and ceaselessly responsive.

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This week Joseph explores different ways of freeing the mind by understanding the habits of preference, the emptiness of thoughts and the seduction of "I am."

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Joseph Goldstein concludes his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

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Joseph Goldstein continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: right action and livelihood.

On this episode of the Insight Hour Podcast, Joseph explores how right action and livelihood create the moral foundation which makes happiness possible. 

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Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Right Speech. Right Speech is the application of mindful attention to the way we communicate. Joseph discusses the many facets of Right Speech and methods of practicing it in our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Cultivating Compassion through Right Thought. Right Thought includes those intentions and aspirations that lead to wholesome actions and result in the welfare and happiness of others and ourselves. On this episode of Insight Hour, Joseph explores how we can cultivate compassion through the practice of Right Thought. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his series on the Four Noble Truths, Joseph continues his discussion of the second step on the noble Eightfold Path, Right Thought, addressing the role that it has in cultivating goodwill and loving-kindness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his series on the Four Noble Truths, Joseph begins a discussion of the second step on the noble Eightfold Path, Right Thought, and offers a fresh look at the practice of renunciation. Joseph discusses the role of Right Thought in our practice. He looks at the how freedom from attachment is integral to Right Thought and the power of renunciation in doing so. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Practicing Right View. Right view is the beginning and end of the path of awakening. Joseph discusses how practicing right view is essential to the realization of the Four Noble Truths. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: Worldly Right View. Right View consists partly of the beliefs which will help one towards enlightenment, but also of a full understanding of those beliefs and realization of their full implications. It enables us to understand how the other limbs are helpful and to judge what is correct practice. Joseph discusses the aspect of Right View most important to us laypeople, that of Worldly Right View. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues a five-part series on the Four Noble Truths. This week: The Cessation of Dukkha. The third of the Four Noble Truths is the cessation of dukkha, which is how to end our suffering by letting go of attachment. Joseph explains the teachings of the Buddha on the cessation of dukkha and how to apply them in our practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph continues a five-part series on the Four Noble Truths. This week: What is the origin of Dukkha? The second of the Four Noble Truths is the origin of Dukkha, which is craving. Joseph explores the three kinds of craving. He shares how practice can help us let go of this craving. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph begins a five-part series on the Four Noble Truths. This week: what is Dukkha? The first of the Four Noble Truths is that Dukkha exists. Joseph dives deep into the true meaning of Dukkha, which is the foundation of the Buddha's teaching. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph talks about the concept of self and what we can do to move past the identification with our consciousness that keeps us in our loop. The idea of self is the root of much suffering. Through practice, though, we can find ways to free ourselves of the 'I' and helps other to do the same. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joeseph shows us how we can be happy in our lives by understanding the ten unwholesome actions which, according to the Buddha's teachings, are the cause of suffering. How can we manifest our intentions of goodwill and loving kindness in our lives? The question is really about how to connect our meditation practice in everything that we do. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Insight Hour, Joseph discusses the Buddha's lesson of the Luminous Mind and how it is obscured by our afflictive emotions. How is it that the natural clarity the mind can become so easily clouded? Joseph goes deep in exploring the three steps essential to overcoming these afflictive emotions in which we all get caught up. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph asks, "How can we wake up from the dream of our normal waking state and come into a true wakefulness?" In this episode of, Insight Hour, Joseph gives discusses Bardo and delivers an insightful lesson on The Four Mind Changing Reflections. "When we are just resting, the empty, open, aware nature of the mind becomes evident. The non-clinging nature of awareness reveals itself in these Bardo moments." - Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a variety of motives that bring one to the meditative process, but for all of us the journey really begins with the simple steps of calming the mind and collecting our attention. We can never underestimate the value of seeing the mind in its unadulterated state of hurried distraction and unconscious reaction. Without this basic insight into how often we are lost in thought, there will be little motivation to wake up from it. We have to observe before we can begin to understand. A crucial step comes in reframing the moment we wake up into, in order to have delight in our return, rather than judging ourselves for being lost. We then start to truly appreciate the opportunity that arises in coming back to our center. This is the joy in learning to accept the gift that is present moment awareness. In deepening our practice, we increase the spaciousness necessary for further exploration. We begin to directly experience what it’s like to be us. This is done by moving from an abstract sense of the body to a genuine mindfulness of the actual sensations that we are feeling in any given moment. The shift from the conceptual model to the energetic field is a profound step on the path to conscious development. With this foundational approach, Joseph offers practical methods for maintaining a continuity of awareness that promotes joyful and sustainable dedication to the practice of mindfulness. “How we relate to our own bodies can often reveal how we relate to the world” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph examines some of the common unskillful actions of mind that tend to enable and perpetuate much of the suffering we experience. All of the expressions of these qualities are conditioned responses to what we find unpleasant, arising in situations where we don't get what we want, or do get what we don't want. The strength of our mindfulness is what determines how long we remain consumed by our aversions. Our practice must therefore include the willingness to open equally to the pleasant and unpleasant aspects of our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph explores the fundamental question of what it is that will actually free the mind and heart, not just from the delusions of waking life, but from the root of all suffering. The great realization comes in understanding that the art of non-clinging is not to be viewed as some far off, distant state of being that we must strive for, but is rather an immediate moment practice. We are reminded that all of the mindfulness teachings are ultimately in service of this quality of freedom from attachment. Joseph then elaborates on the obvious next question regarding how we might go about integrating this work into our daily lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Dharma practice can be broadly understood as the process of learning to live in harmony with the fundamental truths of nature and our place within it. The objective precision of the Buddha’s teachings provides a powerful framework for an investigation into the heart of these experiential matters. Joseph explores the quality of mind known in Pali as Sampajanna, highlighting its ability to add the dimensions of investigation and wisdom to the practice of mindfulness. The ability to clearly know what is taking place is as essential as it is profound See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A welcome exploration surrounding the question of how we can bring happiness into our lives. Joseph explains that the Buddha’s teachings on karma and emptiness provide a bridge between our meditative insights and the manner in which we live. When we understand and fully absorb the idea that the unfolding of our lives begins in our minds, we are informed and empowered to make the decisions necessary to reduce the suffering befitting ignorance See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A discussion of the creativity and methodology involved in the meditative journey. We are all artists creating our lives on the canvas of the world, and the voyage of discovery is learning to see in a new way. Developing awareness of the present moment is a crucial first step in the creative act. In quieting the mind, we increase our sensitivity to ourselves and our environment, allowing insight and inspiration to synergistically flow through us. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I make my mind my friend” A sound endorsement for the continual cultivation of good will, benevolence, and loving kindness throughout our lives. In recognizing that what we frequently think about becomes the inclination of the mind, we quickly see the value in bringing this practice to the forefront of our lives. A framework is offered for both the integration and sustainability of this profound method of relating to ourselves and the world we inhabit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An informative and detailed explanation of commonly used terms, including consciousness, perception, mindfulness, and wisdom, particularly as they apply to our meditation practice. These terms are sometimes lost in translation, from the original Pali language to their Western interpretations. Joseph conveys the true meaning of these words, while offering additional translations that may help bring their essence to light. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An investigation of the six sense spheres, known in Buddhism as “The All,” which form the basis for understanding everything we know and how we know it. All further elaborations of the Buddha’s awakening have their basis in this pragmatic and verifiable teaching. As complicated as our lives may seem, everything we experience can be traced to one or more of these fundamental principles. In turning our attention to the senses, we find that these very ordinary aspects of our daily lives contain subtle and profound truths that point us toward liberation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vedana is the Buddhist term for the pleasant, unpleasant or neutral sensations that arise when our internal sense organs interact with external sense objects and the associated consciousness. Joseph explores this concept, explaining the Buddha’s heavy emphasis on establishing this form of mindfulness to better understand how are lives are unfolding on the path of awakening. In first recognizing, and subsequently investigating the origins of these feeling tones, we begin to decondition our deeply habituated tendency to grasp, avert or tune out to a given stimulus. Through practice, we gain ground on the reactive mind and further align ourselves with our true nature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph describes the expansive power of Loving Kindness and its unique capacity to embrace each and every being that we encounter. Loving Kindness does not make distinctions and is therefore referred to as one of the boundless states. The cultivation of Metta serves as a crucial reminder that we ourselves are the final arbiters in determining how we feel. This quality can and must inform our mindfulness practice in order to effectively tune our inner environment to that place of genuine purity and peace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph offers a timeless discussion of the conditioning nature of fear, and possible methods for transforming that constricting energy into genuine freedom. Our fears are often revealed as we progress along the path, stepping out of our personal comfort zones in an effort to expand our spiritual boundaries. In recognizing that these experiences are an inevitable part of life, and are therefore a response to an ultimate truth, we come to understand the value in opening to every aspect of our unfolding lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From one perspective it can be said that the entire spiritual path rests on the development and cultivation of a particular mind state known simply as equanimity. When highly developed, equanimity brings about an unshakable quality of mind that allows us to ride the inevitable changes of the human experience with balance and ease. We must be careful to not confuse the neutrality of equanimity with a sense of disconnection or indifference toward ourselves and others. As Joseph explains, this universal mental factor is present in every wholesome state of mind, making it difficult to overestimate its value in cultivating spacious impartiality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘There is no single factor so potent in promoting the good of beings as right view’ - Buddha Joseph describes the wisdom factor of mind that is Right View and the function this understanding serves in illuminating both the causes, and the means for cessation, of suffering. Our actions are often rooted in the unwholesome thoughts that stem from a false view of the Self. Acting in a manner that serves and enhances the right view of non-self is the underlying context for all of our practice. It is the beginning and the end of the path, to understand the truth of Dukkha and abandon all of its causes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘The mind free of desire is a greater pleasure” An enlightening discourse on the often confounding subject of renunciation, and the ways in which we might find value in this practice. Joseph draws on initial inquiries from the Buddha in determining the drawbacks of pleasure seeking-behavior in relation to the potential benefits of what he calls the ‘non-addictive’ state. Understanding the roots of our thoughts and desire systems is the first step in bringing greater awareness to our actions and the karma that unfolds therein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is it that we actually learn from being mindful? What wisdom emerges from the practice of awareness that has the power to liberate our hearts and minds from the suffering we experience? Joseph explores this question in depth, highlighting the Buddha’s instruction to abandon that which does not belong to us. The goal becomes clear, but the means for accomplishment are often less obvious. Insights are offered in an effort to help cut though our layers of identity, and to the sense of self to which we have become so attached. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph is joined by long-time friend and fellow MPN ambassador, Raghu Markus, for an in-depth discussion about the value of kindness in our speech. How we say what we are feeling is often as important as what we are saying. Additional topics covered include how we relate to pleasure (distinguishing between love and desire), recognizing our conditioning, and the significance of right view in daily life as we attempt to fully embody the law of Karma, understanding that what we do, moment-to moment, matters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When compassion and emptiness are both present, enlightenment is unavoidable” A lucid discourse on the virtues of emptiness, awareness, and compassion, and the fundamental role these qualities play in the unfolding of the spiritual path. The heart-mind of awakening, known as Bodhicitta, is explored on its relative level of compassion, and its more ultimate level relating to the empty and aware nature of the mind itself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph outlines the life and times of the Great Sage, highlighting the relevance of his path with that of our own. On an archetypal level, the Buddha’s life serves to illuminate the aspirations and struggles that we experience in our modern existence. It is possible to connect the Buddha’s journey with our own, finding the deeper meaning and purpose within the unfolding events of our lives. His questioning of values led him to the analytical process that would eventually bring about his enlightenment. We too carry this potential, to thoughtfully evaluate our predicament and implement the changes necessary to promote a more liberated state. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph discusses some of the more seductive energies highlighted by the Buddha. These energetic fields operate on a broad spectrum, from the subtle identification with consciousness itself to the full on emotional breakdown. Learning to recognize the basic nature and allure of these qualities through practice is crucial in successfully changing our relationship to them. An attitude of genuine interest and exploration promotes both the discovery and understanding of these hindrances. The cultivation of mindfulness brings space and stability to an otherwise volatile dynamic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Realized is the unconditioned, achieved is the end of craving” Can we really even imagine a mind that is free of craving, free of desire? We might occasionally glimpse this potential but often view it as something far off in the future, to be discovered only when we have mastered our minds. Joseph discusses both the possibility and the practice for bringing an end to craving in the moment. The process begins with the recognition of our arising desires and their ability to obscure our clarity and natural openness of mind. We can then be aware of the quality of mind in the absence of these desires. By closely and consistently observing this transition we are examining the very nature of its energy, and moving that much closer to the understanding and lessening of its influence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“It’s not difficult to be aware, it’s difficult to remember to be aware.” Joseph explores the quality of mind known in Pali as Viriya, and explains the variety of ways that it can be experienced. In its basic form the term refers to the energy that allows us to engage with the world around us. The art of meditation involves learning how to cultivate this quality in an effort to apply it in useful and appropriate ways. Wisdom comes through a gradual process, requiring a steady flow of energy to be both initiated and sustained. Viriya provides the crucial factor needed for wisdom to continue to grow throughout our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our thoughts and emotions have the unique ability to condition both our suffering and our well-being. A deeper investigation regarding the relative versus ultimate truths of our experience becomes crucial in learning to work more skillfully with these predominant aspects of our lives. A natural balance is necessary in the application of this deeper knowledge; to both prevent attachment to or avoidance of any one modality of thinking. This merging in awareness of our emptiness and our soulful expression is a profound step in the maturation of spiritual practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Everything changes.” - Suzuki Roshi Our awareness alone is not sufficient in the search for liberation. We must learn to become present in order to question and further explore the nature of our existence. Investigation becomes a crucial factor in both the cultivation and application of true wisdom. One of the most accessible methods for the development of this wisdom is to practice an increasingly refined awareness of impermanence. This assimilation must move beyond the conceptual knowledge into a realm of direct and immediate experience. The closer we are to the experience of change the more the mind is able to let go. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Joseph's first podcast for the Mindpod Network he clearly brings to light the sometimes very difficult convoluted notion of emptiness. As the high Lama Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche says,"When you recognize the empty selfless nature of phenomena the energy to bring about the good of others dawns uncontrived and effortless." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.