Joseph Goldstein dives deep into the heart of faith, exploring how it connects us and why it needs the balance of wisdom.
Suffering and Faith
Joseph explores how the gem of faith not only inspires our initial foray into the dharma but also sustains our efforts. He talks about how opening to suffering can cause the arising of faith – the turning point that comes when we realize the great power of faith in our lives.
“We’re at a juncture point. Which way do we go, which path do we take? In times of pain, in times of anguish, do we drown in the feelings of despair – in the feelings of hopelessness? Or, do we start the inquiry, the investigation?
‘What is going on here? What is the nature of suffering? What is its cause? What is its end? What’s the possibility of freedom here?” – Joseph Goldstein
The Gem of Faith (23:52)
Joseph shares his insight on the powerful combination of path and presence that grows alongside our faith. He talks about how the quality of faith is perceived in the old Buddhist texts as a magical gem that helps settle down doubt, confusion, and agitation of the mind.
“Connecting with the moment strengthens the quality of presence. Seeing the direction of growing understanding develops a sense of the path.” – Joseph Goldstein
Explore the interconnection between fear and faith on Ep. 37 of the Healing at the Edge Podcast
A Balance of Faith and Wisdom (40:27)
Why do we need both faith and wisdom to bring us into alignment with our highest aspirations? Joseph gives a brief overview of the quality of wisdom, which he says is needed to ‘balance out balance’. He explores the teaching of the ‘Five Aggregates’ and reads a discourse from the Buddha where he deconstructs the whole notion of self.
“Faith without wisdom can really lead to blind belief, to dogmatism. Wisdom without faith can limit us to our own, as yet, incomplete understanding.” – Joseph Goldstein
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