Joseph Goldstein helps us understand the quality of samadhi, which he describes as embodied presence, and talks about the different methods we have available for cultivating it.
This dharma talk from October 6, 2004, was originally published on Dharma Seed.
“We settle back into the body, into the awareness of the body, and we allow the tensions and the knots, we allow them to unfold. We create the space, we create the space of awareness in which they will unwind. And this becomes a great healing process.” – Joseph Goldstein
In this episode, Joseph talks about:
- Understanding the meaning of the quality of samadhi, which is also known as concentration
- How the development of samadhi is the cultivation of embodied presence
- How ethical conduct is the foundation of samadhi
- Different ways to cultivate and deepen the quality of samadhi, including through direct awareness of a single object and through an open, choiceless awareness
- The many methods he has used in his own practice to develop samadhi, including slowing down and being mindful of your body movement
- Ways we can contemplate the body both internally and externally, which can help us understand how our practice is for the benefit and welfare of all beings
Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein discuss embodied mindfulness in Metta Hour Ep. 110
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 zhukovvvlad