Extricating us from dualist concepts of self and other, Joseph helps us move from the ‘ego-center’ to the ‘zero-center’ through opening to love.
This episode recorded 11/29/1986 at the Insight Meditation Society was originally published on DharmaSeed
“There are so many parts of our experience which we don’t like, we don’t want to be there. We condemn, we judge, we push away—it can be difficult feelings in the body, difficult emotions, feelings of hatred, rage, unworthiness, loneliness, profound alienation. It can be so many things, so many parts of the mind that are the shadow side. The process of healing, the process of integration, is a willingness to open to all of those sides, to see the shadow in all its manifestation.” – Joseph Goldstein
In this episode, Joseph dives into:
- How we create the concept of duality/seperation (self and other, inside and outside, persona and shadow, etc.)
- Understanding our practice of Dharma as reintegrating and unifying
- Using mindfulness to shine light on our shadow by making the subconscious conscious
- Moving from the ‘ego-center’ to the ‘zero-center’ using the intermediate space of love (a very deep appreciation, respect, and openness for every moment’s experience)
- Carlos Castaneda and the relationship between impeccability and emptiness
For more from Joseph on living from the ‘zero-center’ of emptiness, tune to Insight Hour Ep. 1
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 Lightspring