Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein – Ep. 265 – Reflections on Nibbana

Joseph Goldstein holds two meanings of Nibbana in equal reverence: unconditioned, unformed awareness and a transcendent state in which the mind is free from all defilements.

Today’s 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 reveals:
  • The Thai forest tradition of Buddhism
  • Nibbana: Unconditioned awareness or transcendent awareness?
  • The unconditioned mind and the power of zero
  • Enlightenment and a mind that is free of defilements
  • The analogy of ‘seeing the moon’ rather than the finger that points to it
  • Why the experience of Nibbana is so important
  • Seeing the intimate connection between wisdom and compassion
  • The concept of nonself and our lives as constantly changing phenomena
  • The dance between pleasure and suffering
Check out this episode’s companion essay, Reflections on Nibbana, by Joseph Goldstein

“One meaning of Nibbana is this unconditioned, unborn, unformed reality. The other meaning of Nibbana refers to the mind that has been freed of defilements—the mind that is free of greed, hatred, and delusion. We could describe the state of a fully enlightened being in which these defilements have been uprooted as Nibbana.” –Joseph Goldstein

Photo by SeanPavone
Listen to more from Joseph:
In the search for liberation, we must explore the nature of our existence. Joseph investigates the wisdom of impermanence in Insight Hour Ep. 2.
There are deeper levels of truth about reality. Joseph explores different ways of freeing the mind by understanding the habits of preference and the emptiness of thoughts in Insight Hour Ep. 41.
It’s possible to smile at the antics of one’s own mind. Joseph offers responses to questions about selflessness, shame, cravings, and more in Insight Hour Ep. 111.
Metta practice can penetrate deeply. Joseph explores how love, kindness, gratitude, and friendship can revolutionize our lives in Insight Hour Ep. 117.
Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein