Joseph continues his exploration of The Satipatthāna Sutta, investigating the roles of concentration and contemplation in the pursuit of inner liberation.
Listen to the last part of this talk here – The Satipatthana Sutta: The Call to Mindfulness
Show Notes
Desires and Discontentment (Opening) – Free from desire and discontentment, this fourth and final quality of mind that we must strengthen in our pursuit of liberation. Joseph looks at the relationship between samadhi (deep concentration) and our desires and discontentment.
“When we create the space of mindful presence the mind settles by itself into a place of concentration, because we are simply being present for that which arises. We are aware of what is presenting itself moment after moment. In this regard, the development of samadhi is also a great healing process, because we are allowing for the untying of the knots.” – Joseph Goldstein
Developing Concentration (8:15) – If attaining samadhi is a practiced skill, how do we train and develop that ability? Joseph looks at the foundation of sila (ethical conduct) that any level of concentration is dependant on and how contemplation develops concentration.
Gil Fronsdal takes a practical look at Samadhi on Ep.16 of the BHNN Guest Podcast
Tools of Practice (22:00) – Joseph shares some of the most helpful tools of practice to aid in the development of concentration that he has picked up over his years of study.
Concentration and Contemplation (32:40) – While developing concentration is not the end goal of contemplation, it is essential to the practice of Dhamma (Dharma). Joseph talks about the particular need for concentration practices in the West and why concentration is so fundamental to the Buddha’s teachings.
“Within a short time span, it is impossible to change all of our concepts or the entire attitude of our mind. It needs constant application.” – The Dalai Lama
Externally Mindful (40:20) – Joseph closes with a discussion about extending the focus of our mindfulness outward. He looks at what we can learn when we are mindful of the outside world as well as our inner life.
Image via Oliver.zs