Renowned meditation teacher, Joseph Goldstein, shares timeless insights on the mind, suffering, and the heart of why we meditate.

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 delayed gratification support inner discipline and lasting successRight mindfulness as the key to all other factors of enlightenment Suspending all judgments and interpretations; simply noticing events as they occurStabilizing our attention on a single object or mindfully watching as objects changeThe three characteristics of impermanence, unreliability, and selflessness Different concentration practices, such as reflecting on the Buddha-Dharma-Sangha or on peaceExploring the nature of all phenomena once we have achieved a clear mindThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed. Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE and check out the other mentioned book from this episode, Kinship with All Life “It's not so much a question of doing, it's a question of undoing all the habit patterns of proliferation, judgement, evaluation, interpretation, can we undo that, and simply come back in the most simple way to be aware of whatever it is that’s arising? It's only six things, whichever arise - sight, sound, smell, taste, sensation or an object of mind. It's like we’re listening to a six-piece chamber orchestra.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 self In 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 actions that cause harm to self or othersThe Buddha’s teachings on non-harming, non-killing, and cultivating a deep sense of kinship with all living beingsDesiring the welfare of all sentient beings– even something as small as a mosquito or an ant  Facing ethical dilemmas with awareness, avoiding the trap of rationalizing harmful or selfish actionsUnderstanding karma and consequences as directly linked to the intensity of our defilementsHow non-stealing and generosity foster trust, harmony, and a universal sense of safetyLiving mindfully by not consuming or taking more than we truly need, contributing to global economic and ecological balanceBecoming mindful of the power of sexual energy, refraining from sexual misconduct, and keeping the sangha beautifulSeeing Right Livelihood as a crucial aspect of the path, given how much of life is devoted to workApplying right livelihood into any profession by infusing our role with service, ethics, and awarenessUnderstanding wealth as a blessing when rightfully earned and used for the benefit of many  beingsThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed. Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE and check out the other mentioned book from this episode, Kinship with All Life "It’s possible to develop an attitude of service in whatever work we do. Are we simply doing a job to support ourselves, or, are we watching the attitudes in our mind as we do our work? Do we work with care, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to be helpful? It’s not only what we do, but how we do it.”  – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 self In 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 outcomes)Truthfulness as the most basic concept of right speech in Buddhist ethicsInvestigating the deeper motivations behind what we say and how we say itThe harmful ripple effects of lying on trust, connection, and societal cohesionInsights from the Buddha: why truth must be spoken at all times, regardless of a perceived advantageLies of omission and the subtle ways we distort or avoid truthCultivating the courage and mindfulness required to speak honestly in daily lifeRefraining from gossip and slander in order to avoid disharmony Examining the emotional tone of speech—choosing words that are gentle, compassionate, and unifyingHow harsh language does not serve good communication Transforming the divisive world we live in through right speech How we listen as an equally important component of right speechThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE "This doesn't mean that there should be a suppression of what we're feeling. It's not a papering over of the truth of our emotions, but rather, it's to be mindful enough that we can communicate what we're feeling in a way that promotes connection rather than promotes divisiveness. This is a practice. Right speech is a practice."  – 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 explores how we can make compassionate responsiveness our default state through the clear dichotomy of skillful and unskillful actions.

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, like the Dalai Lama and Dipa MaOffering unconditional love without expecting anything in returnMetta as the gateway to an open and compassionate heart toward self and othersRealizing that our emotional state is shaped by our own perceptionsUnderstanding the confusion between genuine love and personal desirePausing during practice to reconnect with the felt sense of lovingkindnessIntegrating metta into everyday life by extending kindness to strangersHow societal conditioning influences our understanding and expression of loveReconnecting with our natural capacity for altruism and spontaneous kindnessFocusing on the good in others as a powerful metta meditationReflecting on whether we are still holding grudges deep in the heartThe patience and resilience required to train the heart and mind over timeThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE “I can simply start doing metta for everyone that I pass, for everybody on the street. May everyone here be happy. May everyone here be peaceful. It's amazing the change that happens in a moment. Instead of walking down the street being disconnected, all of a sudden, our hearts and our minds have expanded and become inclusive. It's like we gather everyone up in our field of goodwill.” – 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 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 repressionHow right thought conditions right actionThe Buddha’s own practice as a model for ourselvesAccepting that desire is addictive because it momentarily feels goodRenunciation as freedom from addiction, not deprivationHow the joy of letting go must be experienced, not just believed    The power of both small and large acts of renunciation The mental habit of our addiction to wantingHow mindfulness reveals freedom in transition momentsThe progressive act of letting goThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE “Renunciation is not about deprivation. It’s about non-addiction. It’s about freedom.” - 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 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 apparentConsidering what wisdom can discover when it illuminates our experiencePromoting the good of living beings through right view How Right View is both the beginning and the ending Wrong view as the most blame-worthy of all things, according to the BuddhaHow Wrong View makes us obsess over the self (gratifying it, defending it, etc.)The great power of delusion in our minds Refining our awareness of the impermanent changing nature of the 5 aggregates (everything we experience) 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 "We could see Right View as both the beginning and end of the path. We start with Right View—it sets the direction for us. Our practice is leading us in the right direction and then the whole path culminates in these understandings."  – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 what is sacrificed How all of our volitional actions produce a result Examining our minds and motivations The practice of acting on moments of generous impulse Becoming the artist and creator of our own lives The ways we can be attached to both our beliefs and disbeliefs Acknowledging our karmic debt for this great gift of human life  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 “Right view is an important and essential first step on the path because it sets the direction. If we're on a journey, no matter how long or difficult the journey might be -  if we're heading in the right direction and we keep on going, we will inevitably reach our destination.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shepherding us towards the cessation of suffering, Joseph Goldstein offers practical guidance on how to weaken the bonds of compulsive craving and attachment.