Joseph Goldstein – Insight Hour – Ep. 237 – Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 34: Continuity of Mindfulness

Focusing on awareness of the breath, Joseph Goldstein explores what the Buddha said about continuous attention.

The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 34th part of an in-depth 48-part weekly lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, CLICK HERE to start at the first episode
This week on Insight Hour, Joseph elucidates:
  • The Buddha’s instructions for concentration
  • Not judging ourselves or our practice
  • Why morality is the basis of concentration
  • Good and bad memories that arise during practice
  • Simple awareness of our inward and outward breath
  • Learning the patterns and tendencies of the mind
  • The natural arising of concentration out of tranquility of mind
  • Lessons from Upasika Kee Nanayon, a renowned Thai Buddhist teacher and laywoman
  • How the knowing of the breath can open us up to the whole range of changing experiences
  • Thought as a vehicle for deepening our wisdom

“It’s mindfulness which actually notices that a thought is present. Without mindfulness, we don’t know. It’s continuity of mindfulness, many moments of mindfulness in a row, that strengthens the steadiness of mind and the factor of concentration. Concentration arises from continuity of mindfulness.” – Joseph Goldstein

Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to RealizationHERE
This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed
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.