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 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 self.

 This time on Insight Hour, Joseph mindfully explains:

• Craving and how we experience it in our lives and practice
• The compelling power of craving as the opposite of peace
• How our culture fosters and values desire/craving 
• Obsessive desires and considering what pleasures drive our choices in life
• The danger of craving and having an unquenchable thirst 
• How unwholesome karma can be the result of desire
• 9 Things rooted in craving according to the Buddha
• The expectation of pleasant experiences to remain 
• Aspirations versus expectations (inspiration vs. the endless cycle of hope and fear)
• The basic urge to exist continuously 
• Getting trapped by the ‘in order to’ mind
• The magic show of consciousness

This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

“What is the gratification that we find in our lives? What sense experiences are we enamored by? We should look carefully at this. This is a question that led to the Buddha’s awakening, and maybe, would lead to our own.” – Joseph Goldstein

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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 episode

Continuing 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 dukkha
• The meaning of the word dukkha and its etymology
• The unsatisfactory and unreliable nature of all things
• Setting the wheel of the dharma in motion
• Stepping back and reflecting on the nature of our minds
• Naturally painful/unavoidable experiences versus optional mental suffering
• The suffering that comes from living in anticipation of what comes next
• Suffering from daily tasks we do for survival and personal upkeep (aka the dukkha of life as work)
• Not regarding form as self and finding relief in the truth of dukkha

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed

“Surprisingly, reflecting in this way on the truth of dukkha, simply seeing how things are, free of hope and free of fear, brings a great lightness of heart. When we reflect in this way, it’s a great relief to be out of the grip of diluted enchantment.” – Joseph Goldstein

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Offering deeper insight into equanimity, Joseph Goldstein explains the benefit of maintaining mental equilibrium at all times.

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-fifth 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.

In this episode, Joseph elucidates:

• The universal beautiful factors of mind
• Equanimity as total neutrality of mind
• Maintaining equilibrium and being unaffected by events and emotions
• How equanimity is born out of concentration and secluding the mind from hindrances
• The ups and downs of life that we all face
• Treating others with impartiality whether they praise us or blame us
• Abiding compassionately for the welfare of all people
• Recognizing the dissolution of all things in reality
• Relating to all things as if they have already changed
• Developing equanimity through inclining our mind towards neutrality

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

“The characteristic of equanimity is evenness of mind. When it is highly developed, it manifests as an unshakable balance. It is a mind that’s not moved. It serves to prevent either excess or deficiency of the other factors of awakening.” – Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Focusing on awareness of the breath, Joseph Goldstein explores what the Buddha said about continuous attention.

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-fourth 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 week on Insight Hour, Joseph elucidates:

• The Buddha’s instructions for concentration
• Not judging ourselves or our practice
• Why morality is the basis of concentration
• Good and bad memories that arise during practice
• Simple awareness of our inward and outward breath
• Learning the patterns and tendencies of the mind
• The natural arising of concentration out of tranquility of mind
• Lessons from Upasika Kee Nanayon, a renowned Thai Buddhist teacher and laywoman
• How the knowing of the breath can open us up to the whole range of changing experiences
• Thought as a vehicle for deepening our wisdom

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

“It’s mindfulness which actually notices that a thought is present. Without mindfulness, we don’t know. It’s continuity of mindfulness, many moments of mindfulness in a row, that strengthens the steadiness of mind and the factor of concentration. Concentration arises from continuity of mindfulness.” – Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph explores Samadhi, the Buddhist quality of concentration, and explains how we all have the capacity to develop a well-trained mind.

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-third 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 dives into:

• Why Samadhi, aka concentration, is so important
• The quality of a non-wavering mind
• Fixed object concentration and training our minds to focus on a singular object
• Momentary concentration as a continual focus on changing objects
• Jhana and the many levels of Samadhi
• Concentration which leads to meditative insights
• Understanding concentration as a pleasant abiding here and now
• The attainment of knowledge and vision / using the divine eye
• How concentration is a necessary precursor to wisdom
• The easefulness that comes as we strengthen Samadhi

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

This episode is brought to you by Dharma Moon. Join Buddhist teachers David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman for a free online event on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm ET. Together, they'll explore the power of lineage, tradition, and the evolution of mindfulness practices. They’ll also discuss Dharma Moon’s renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training program. Visit dharmamoon.com/lineage for more info and to reserve your spot for the free online event with David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman!

“This is the first development of concentration: understanding that it is a pleasant, abiding, here and now. This is not something to be avoided or feared; it’s a skillful state. It’s a wholesome state.” – Joseph Goldstein

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Sharing the crucial role of tranquility on the path of liberation, Joseph Goldstein explains how calmness leads to sincerity and happiness.

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-second 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.

Continuing the discussion on the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph shares:

• A clear path towards awakening and cessation of suffering
• Understanding the factors that cause suffering
• Moving from book knowledge to direct experience
• Actively following the Buddhist precepts
• Living out the practice rather than just doing it
• Calmness as a central factor on the path of liberation
• How tranquility brings about sincerity
• Remaining unattached to the factor or tranquility
• Being mindful of when calmness is present vs. not present
• Tranquility and insight as elements of clear knowing
• What happens when the mind is calm and free of desire

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

This episode is also brought to you by Dharma Moon. Join Buddhist teachers David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman for a free online event on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm ET. Together, they'll explore the power of lineage, tradition, and the evolution of mindfulness practices. They’ll also discuss Dharma Moon’s renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training program. Visit dharmamoon.com/lineage for more info and to reserve your spot for the free online event with David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman!

“This is the enlightenment factor of calm…it’s the soothing factor of mind that quiets down disturbances. It manifests in the mind as peacefulness or coolness; it manifests that way both in the mind and in the body. It’s like sitting down in the shade of a cool tree on a hot sweltering day.” ” – Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Distinguishing merit that leads to mundane happiness from merit aimed at liberation, Joseph Goldstein describes sources of dharmic joy.

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-first 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.

Continuing his lessons on the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph discusses:

• Making a heart connection with the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
• Reflecting on our commitment to non-harming
• Contemplating what it feels like to give and receive generosity
• Celestial happiness and beings in higher realms of existence
• Merit aimed at mundane happiness vs. merit aimed at liberation
• The karmic results to our volitional actions
• Cultivating faith, generosity, and wisdom for a source of dharma joy
• Reflecting on peace and freedom from the defilements
• Tasting momentary freedom and knowing what peace of mind means

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

“Aș we cultivate faith, sila, generosity, and wisdom, the merit of those wholesome actions in the mind cannot be measured. Just reflecting on this becomes a tremendous source of dharma joy, of rapture in the mind.” – Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Priming the pump of mindfulness, Joseph Goldstein explains rapture, the joyous fourth factor of awakening.

The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirtieth 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 week, Joseph brings to our attention:

• Rapture, aka joy, delight, and pleasurable interest
• The arousing, anticipatory energy of rapture
• The positive feedback loop of the factors of awakening
• Five grades of rapture according to the Buddha
• Luminosity of mind and the sensory experiences of joy
• Bringing in right view and investigative wisdom
• Recalling the impermanence of all delightful states
• Putting teachings into practice and putting full effort into each moment
• Not overly concerning ourselves with progress
• Boredom as a lack of attention and arousing interest in our current state
• What the Buddha, dharma, sangha means for each of us

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

“The energy that arises from continual mindfulness and investigation leads to rapture. We could call it a dharma joy or a dharma happiness. This happiness inspires us to investigate further and as we investigate further the mindfulness and the energy gets stronger and there’s more rapture. It’s just a wonderful spiral leading towards awakening, leading towards liberation.” – Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Considering how right effort drives our achievements and potential for happiness, Joseph Goldstein teaches us more about the dhamma.

The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-ninth 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 lectures listeners on:

• Energy as the root of all achievement
• How energy can be associated with both unwholesome and wholesome states
• Putting our energy to wise use
• Taking the opportunity to challenge ourselves and extend our limits
• Getting caught in efforting and in the result of an action
• Investigating our own minds
• Reflection on death and using our time wisely
• The possibilities of every happiness

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

“Right effort is not an ambitious striving. Skillful effort is the effort to be present for what is already here.” – Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein shares how unremitting mindfulness and continuous investigation of our mental states will lead us to liberation.

The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the twenty-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 time on Insight Hour, Joseph pursues these topics:

• Establishing unremitting mindfulness
• Investigating and examining our mental states
• How truth discerning wisdom liberates the mind
• The three universal characteristics of experience
• Cultivating wisdom through investigation of the dhamma
• Looking at the motivation behind our actions of body, speech, or mind
• The two kinds of happiness according to the Buddha
• Investigating ourselves when we are in a storm of emotions
• How clear recognition can be enough to help us let go
• Discerning the difference between the knowing and the object
• How a single moment of truth-discerning wisdom can change us

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE

This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed

“By understanding that it is wisdom that illuminates what is true, and that we cultivate wisdom through investigation of the dhamma, we can begin to appreciate the very broad range of skillful means and methods that are in different Buddhist traditions for accomplishing this inquiry.“– Joseph Goldstein

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.