Insight Hour With Joseph Goldstein

Distinguishing aspiration from striving with ego, Joseph Goldstein gives listeners permission to have a sense of purpose along their spiritual path.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Having a sense of purpose within the impersonal nature of all things Aspiration: understanding why we are practicing What the Buddha said about purpose and aspiration on The Eightfold PathSeeing the world objectively without reference to the selfBeing a great faith follower versus a dharma followerResting in our practice and letting go of unhealthy striving Insight Meditation Society and its commitment to diversity Maintaining the right attitude and openness to all experiencesThis episode was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society Forest Refuge and originally published on Dharmaseed"The Buddha definitely laid out a goal. The Eightfold

Joseph Goldstein discusses equanimity and how to remove the self from the knowing, effectively freeing ourselves from identification with awareness.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explores:Thoughts as passing phenomena that do not truly belong to anyoneSeeing all experiences as the simultaneous arising of both knowing and objectLetting go of our identification with knowing and awarenessShifting from active voice to passive voice as a mindfulness practiceThe near enemies of the mental qualities listed in the BrahmaviharasEquanimity and holding all things equally, seeing things for what they areThe difference between impartiality and indifference, openness versus carelessnessNavigating the complexity of our lives through the balance of compassion and equanimityMaintaining an interest in exploring rather than relying on our preconceptions about people and situationsThis episode was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society Forest Refuge and originally published on Dharmaseed“When you look

Joseph Goldstein responds to questions on spiritual craving, mental focus, and what it truly means to become aware of awareness.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein mindfully explains:Bringing your daily life into your spiritual practiceMindfulness of seeing: focusing on the seeing itself rather than on what we are looking atResting in open, non-reactive spaciousnessThe cognizing power of emptiness and realizing that there is nothing to knowKeeping the mind steady and how concentration deepens insight Understanding both relative and ultimate reality Defining dukkha as the inevitability of unwanted experiencesHow to not waste suffering: taking an interest in the shadows of our own minds Having agency over our own minds during difficult experiencesMindfulness of anger and other negative emotions This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed“How do I become aware of awareness? Where is it? How can I put my finger on it? When we realize that there’s nothing to find, and yet the kn

Defining the nature of Bodhicitta, Joseph Goldstein explains that enlightenment is inevitable when compassion and emptiness coexist.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein thoughtfully articulates:Bodhicitta: the heart-mind of awakening and working for the benefit of all beingsLiving in the world while still remembering the truth of non-self and impermanenceThe beauty of selflessness embodied through Dipa Ma’s life and teachingsRegularly reflecting on impermanence as both a reality check and a spiritual practiceThe nature of the mind as intrinsically empty and naturally radiant Coming out of our mind-drama and entering into the empty luminosity of the present moment Compassionate responsiveness to the needs of othersForgiveness as one of the most profound ways to respond with open-hearted compassionThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“This

Responding to a variety of dharma questions on meditation, effort, and impermanence, Joseph Goldstein explores the mystery of consciousness.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfThis week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein responds to questions on:The benefits of doing walking meditation versus traditional seated meditationCutting through our conceptual overlay and simply having raw experiencesPassive voice construction: removing the self as subject when narrating the world around usChanging “let it go” to “let it be” when we are struggling to let goBeing in the flow of changing experiences, the natural arising and passing away of all thingsThe fine line of wholesome energy/effort versus striving and strugglingRealizing the emptiness of thoughts and the suffering they bring to usThe first experience of nirvana, ‘the zero’, and uprooting the view of selfThis talk was originally published on Dharmaseed“This

Illuminating different ways to free the mind, Joseph Goldstein integrates relative and ultimate truth, revealing the emptiness of thoughts.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfThis time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discussesIntegrating the elements of both relative and ultimate truth in our livesThe natural compassion that emerges when we let go of self-identificationWhy our perception of reality isn’t always reliable or accurateOur attachment to the pleasant and aversion to the unpleasant Considering if the mind can remain unafflicted while the body is sufferingShifting awareness from what we want to how the wanting mind feelsOur capability to train the mind in a way that leads to greater freedomLetting thoughts arise without interference or judgment Developing nonreactivity through seeing how quickly thoughts arise and passRealizing that the past and future are only constructs

In part 2 of this Q&A session, Joseph Goldstein explores how to reach equanimity through investigating our mental states, recognizing when to let go, and approaching suffering skillfully.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode, Joseph Goldstein offers his perspective on:Letting go of obsessive thoughts through insight and investigationHow the seven factors of enlightenment work together to support awakeningKnowing when to let go and when to investigate experiences for deeper wisdomStaying open to emotions while avoiding unskillful reactivitySocial activism on the Buddhist path and engaging with the world in a skillful wayFinding inner balance in the midst of turmoil, conflict, and sufferingMaintaining a deep historical perspective on the rise and fall of all civilizations Remembering how small our concerns are in the face of the stars and the vastness of all thingsHow equ

In part 1 of this Q&A session, Joseph Goldstein gives Buddhist-flavored insight on accepting impermanence, developing our practice, and loving selflessly.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode, Joseph Goldstein offers his perspective on:The path from accepting impermanence to happinessLetting go of clinging and becoming attuned to the truth of changeThe stages we go through in Vipassana meditation practice Understanding meditation experiences—why difficult moments don’t mean a “bad” practiceHow developing a regular practice helps us approach life more equanimously  Feeling the whole mind-body process within practice and how this helps us let go of our sense of self Walking meditation as an effective tool for immediate selflessnessThe challenge of engaging with the world without getting lost in itSeeing the clear possibility of loving without attachment and

Renowned meditation teacher, Joseph Goldstein, shares timeless insights on the mind, suffering, and the heart of why we meditate.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode, Joseph Goldstein offers his perspective on:The many reasons why we meditateHow we all filter our experiences through our own particular conditioning and background Unpacking the Dhammapada’s teaching: “Mind is the forerunner of all actions”Using meditation to understand the patterns and nature of our own mindsStrengthening mental stability and inner resilience through practiceCultivating present-moment awareness instead of being swept away by emotionsConsidering what qualities of heart and mind are being cultivated in all that we doA powerful reminder: Don’t waste your suffering—transform pain into wisdomDeepening insight into the impermanent nature of all experiencesThe difference between attachment and commitment&nbs

Looking into the samadhi section of the Eight-Fold Path, Joseph Goldstein clarifies how we can free the mind with right effort, mindfulness, and concentration.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the FINAL part of an in-depth lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein explores:The clearest, most practical definition of Nirvana: freedom from greed, hatred, and delusionCultivating spiritual urgency as a wholesome motivator on the path to awakeningUprooting latent defilements that are buried in the mindFive methods for dispelling unwholesome thoughts and mindsets, according to the BuddhaHow restraint and del

Rearticulating the moral foundation that makes happiness possible and honors our kinship with all living beings, Joseph Goldstein explores Right Action and Right Livelihood.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 45th part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Navigating cultural changes with mindfulness, integrity, and personal responsibilityRight Action: cultivating clarity and strength of mind to abstain from ac

Honing in on Right Speech and maintaining harmony, Joseph Goldstein encourages listeners to develop a commitment to telling the truth and refraining from slander.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 44th part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein reviews:Practicing Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood with the same dedication as meditationThe influence of our speech on our lives (our relationships, minds, karmic outcome

Joseph Goldstein explores how we can make compassionate responsiveness our default state through the clear dichotomy of skillful and unskillful actions. The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 43rd part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, CLICK HERE to start at the first episode.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein discusses:The mass madness and destruction caused by cruelty—on both global and personal levelsHow subtle, unnoticed moments of cruelty can live within us without our awarenessThe spiritual and emotional challenge of keeping our hearts open in the face of immense suff

Joseph Goldstein explores the simplicity of lovingkindness (metta), reminding us that this innate quality within each person requires patience and steady practice to truly cultivate.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 42nd part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this week’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein discusses:The cultivation of goodwill and lovingkindness as a foundation of mindfulness practiceBeings who radiate a powerful field of love, li

Joseph Goldstein explores the Buddha’s teachings on renunciation from the Satipatthāna Sutta, showing how the practice of letting go of craving, ill will, and cruelty leads to deep inner freedom, clarity, and lasting peace.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 41st part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this lecture from Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein:Consciously reflecting on if our thoughts are for harm or for goodHow desire is more difficult to uproot than ill will and aversion The dangerous disguise of sense-desires as pleasurable and seductiveHow to practice the “wisdom of no” Renunciation as mental freedom, not rep

Joseph Goldstein explores the importance of Right View and how it illuminates our lives through an openness to wisdom from many unexpected sources.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 40th part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph discusses:Not being attached to blind belief or blind disbelief Realizing the truth through direct experience Remaining open to wisdom from unexpected sources The possibility of a full awakening and we can develop our wisdom over timeRecognizing that there truly are many awakened beings in the worldThe aspects of Right View that may not be immediately apparentCons

Through the Buddha’s teachings, Joseph Goldstein explains how developing right view allows one to become the artist of one's own life. The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 39th part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph dives into:The way of practice that leads to the cessation of suffering The elements of the eightfold path (right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration)How each step on the eightfold path leads to the nextThe critical importance of right view as the precursor to all other teachingsWhat is given, what is offered, and wha

Shepherding us towards the possibility of ending the suffering of dukkha, Joseph Goldstein offers practical guidance on how to weaken the bonds of compulsive craving and attachment by understanding their root cause.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-eighth part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph explores:The noble truth of the cessation of dukkhaLetting go of everything despite our conditioned habits to clingGrowing and refining our understanding

Exploring the origin of dukkha, Joseph delves into how craving can shape our lives, fuel unwholesome karma, and keep us trapped in expectation.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 37th part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, CLICK HERE to start at the first episodeThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self. This time on Insight Hour, Joseph mindfully explains:Craving and how we experience it in our lives and practiceThe compelling power of craving as the opposite of peaceHow our culture fosters and values desire/craving Obsessive desires and considering what pleasures drive our choices in lifeThe danger

In this exploration of dukkha, Joseph Goldstein describes the noble truth of suffering and how we can heal our relationship to all phenomena.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 36th part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, CLICK HERE to start at the first episodeContinuing his look at the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph describes:Contemplating the dhammas in terms of the Four Noble Truths The way of the cessation of dukkha (suffering)All conditioned phenomena as dukkhaThe meaning of the word dukkha and its etymologyThe unsatisfactory and unreliable nature of all thingsSetting the wheel of the dharma in motionStepping back and reflecting on the nature of our mindsNaturally painful/unavoidable experiences versus optional mental su