Joseph Goldstein discusses enlightenment through the lens of the aspirational mental quality of bodhicitta – the awakened heart.
This dharma talk from June 8, 2015, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.
“The mind’s nature is vivid as a flawless piece of crystal. Intrinsically empty, naturally radiant and ceaselessly responsive.”
In this lecture, Joseph:
- Teaches us that there are two understandings of bodhicitta: relative bodhicitta, which is compassion, and ultimate bodhicitta, which is selflessness
- Highlights the spiritual importance of cultivating both compassion and selflessness
- Ruminates on the challenges of living in our conventional, ordinarily understood reality
- Reminds us that the ungovernability of life is the nexus between dukkha and freedom
- Describes the union of emptiness and clarity
- Recognizes the need for a gradual cultivation of awareness
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.
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.
