Joseph Goldstein – Insight Hour – Ep. 159 – Tides of Conception

Joseph Goldstein talks about how the tides of conceiving continually condition our lives and explores the ways we can directly experience the reality of Nibanna, the unconditioned.

This dharma talk from December 5, 1995, was originally published on Dharma Seed.
Joseph Betterhelp

“Do we buy in? Do we buy into the content? Do we get lost in this mind-created world of ‘future,’ or can we see it as being as light as a momentary thought, a momentary image? Just like a sound arises. But it takes a great deal of vigilance because these thoughts, these tides of conceiving, are tremendously seductive. You know, we’ve been doing this for years, and perhaps lifetimes. But awareness is very powerful, we can actually free ourselves from this prison.” – Joseph Goldstein

In this episode, Joseph talks about:

  • How the tides of conceiving continuously arise in our mind and condition our experience
  • The different concepts that we solidify and make real, including our bodies, time, and the mental construct of the self
  • Why the concept of the self is so deeply held and why we’re so attached to it
  • The four realities that can be experienced directly, including that of Nibbana, which is also known as the unconditioned
  • The wide range of expressions of the experience of the unconditioned that is available in different Buddhist traditions
Gil Fronsdal reflects on Nibbana in BHNN Guest Podcast Ep. 44

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 Willyam Bradberry