In this question-and-answer session, Joseph Goldstein explores skillful means for non-clinging, how to work with the comparing mind, the intricacies of walking meditation, and much more.
This dharma talk, recorded on October 20, 2023, was originally published on Dharma Seed.
“So when I began to hear these different teachings, rather than frame it – ‘Which is true?’ or ‘Which is right?’ – just to take the teachings as skillful means. So then the question is, skillful means for what? And here is where all the traditions of Buddhism are unified, and that is a skillful means for non-clinging. That’s the essence of the free mind in all the Buddhist traditions.” – Joseph Goldstein
In this episode of Insight Hour:
- Joseph offers a series of tips on walking meditation
- He responds to questions about working with the comparing mind and working with the mind that is desperate to fix everything
- Joseph talks about how it is possible for a layperson to awaken and why enlightenment is all about lightening up
- He explores the importance of not being attached to our beliefs or our disbeliefs and keeping an open mind
- Finally, Joseph offers his perspective on how the Dharma has helped him in difficult times and why the Buddhist teachings are all about skillful means for non-clinging
“Because we can be as attached to disbelief as we are to belief. And so with things that we don’t know, I think it’s a much wiser frame to say, ‘I don’t know,’ and just stay open in the not knowing, rather than, ‘It’s not true.’ Because saying, ‘It’s not true,’ implies that you know.” – Joseph Goldstein