Joseph Goldstein – Insight Hour – Ep. 186 – Working With Thought And Emotion

Joseph Goldstein expounds upon the relationship between thought and emotion as it relates to both our spiritual practice and our daily lives.

This dharma talk, recorded on June 4, 2013, was originally published on Dharma Seed.

“When we engage with thoughts and emotions from a place of interest and a place of investigation, a place of inquiry, we can see them all arise and pass away in this open sky of the mind.”

In this lecture, Joseph:
  • Dissects the nuanced meaning of the Pali word sati, often translated as “mindfulness”
  • Highlights the importance of applying mindfulness to both skillful and unskillful thoughts
  • Helps us understand the very nature of thought
  • Outlines the inherent connection between thoughts and emotional responses
  • Proposes that we stay open to afflictive emotions without identifying with them
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.
Joseph Goldstein