Joseph Goldstein – Insight Hour – Ep. 156 – Doorway to Freedom

Joseph Goldstein talks about how wisdom arises from an understanding of the true nature of impermanence, and how experiencing the truth of change can be our doorway to freedom.

This dharma talk from March 25, 2004, was originally published on Dharma Seed.

“So this is really important because in talking about the impermanent nature of all this and how ultimately unsatisfying it all is, the implication is not that we pull back from experience, as some people might assume. Rather, it’s learning to not hold on. That is the implication, and that is the doorway to freedom.” – Joseph Goldstein

In this episode, Joseph explores:

  • The nature of impermanence and why going from an intellectual understanding of it to a direct experience of it can be our doorway to freedom
  • The different ways we can gain liberating insights into the truth of impermanence, including reflecting on death and relationships
  • How, when we begin to see the true nature of change, we start to cultivate Bodhicitta 
  • The two levels of Bodhicitta – the relative level and the ultimate level – and how Bodhicitta manifests as responsive compassion
Jack Kornfield talks about navigating change with love and compassion in Heart Wisdom Ep. 140

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.

Art via Benjavisa Ruangvaree Art