Exploring the dharma of liberation, Joseph invite us beyond delusion and into the true nature of mind as innate wakefulness.
This dharma talk from February 16, 2000, was originally published on Dharma Seed.
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“Sudden awakening is not a state of mind that is developed—it’s the innate wakefulness of mind, it’s the nature of mind that is free of delusion. When delusion is not present, there is the experience of awareness, of wakefulness.” – Joseph Goldstein
In this episode, Joseph talks about:
- The dharma of liberation beyond various spiritual traditions
- Consciousness, direct experience, and the fundamental knowing faculty
- Suffering, contraction, and the conditioned habit of delusion
- Wisdom mind, innate wakefulness, and the nature of awareness
- Sudden awakening and gradual cultivation
- Desire, craving, practice, and letting go
- Non-self, knowing, and the present moment
Spring Washam takes us from delusion to wisdom on the BHNN Guest Podcast Ep. 57
About Joseph Goldstein:
Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and loving kindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where he is one of the organization’s guiding teachers. In 1989, together with several other teachers and students of insight meditation, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.
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.
There are many nuances to the concept of Right Effort. Joseph explains how that effort can help us build real momentum in our spiritual practice in Insight Hour Ep. 83.
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.
Photo via Jorm Sangsorn