Ep. 109 – Generosity and Emptiness with Ram Dass and Raghu Markus

Rearticulating the moral foundation that makes happiness possible and honors our kinship with all living beings, Joseph Goldstein explores Right Action and Right Livelihood.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 45th part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Navigating cultural changes with mindfulness, integrity, and personal responsibilityRight Action: cultivating clarity and strength of mind to abstain from actions that cause harm to self or othersThe Buddha’s teachings on non-harming, non-killing, and cultivating a deep sense of kinship with all living beingsDesiring the welfare of all sentient beings– even something as small as a mosquito or an ant  Facing ethical dilemmas with awareness, avoiding the trap of rationalizing harmful or selfish actionsUnderstanding karma and consequences as directly linked to the intensity of our defilementsHow non-stealing and generosity foster trust, harmony, and a universal sense of safetyLiving mindfully by not consuming or taking more than we truly need, contributing to global economic and ecological balanceBecoming mindful of the power of sexual energy, refraining from sexual misconduct, and keeping the sangha beautifulSeeing Right Livelihood as a crucial aspect of the path, given how much of life is devoted to workApplying right livelihood into any profession by infusing our role with service, ethics, and awarenessUnderstanding wealth as a blessing when rightfully earned and used for the benefit of many  beingsThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed.Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE and check out the other mentioned book from this episode, Kinship with All Life"It’s possible to develop an attitude of service in whatever work we do. Are we simply doing a job to support ourselves, or, are we watching the attitudes in our mind as we do our work? Do we work with care, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to be helpful? It’s not only what we do, but how we do it.”  – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Honing in on Right Speech and maintaining harmony, Joseph Goldstein encourages listeners to develop a commitment to telling the truth and refraining from slander.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 44th part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein reviews:Practicing Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood with the same dedication as meditationThe influence of our speech on our lives (our relationships, minds, karmic outcomes)Truthfulness as the most basic concept of right speech in Buddhist ethicsInvestigating the deeper motivations behind what we say and how we say itThe harmful ripple effects of lying on trust, connection, and societal cohesionInsights from the Buddha: why truth must be spoken at all times, regardless of a perceived advantageLies of omission and the subtle ways we distort or avoid truthCultivating the courage and mindfulness required to speak honestly in daily lifeRefraining from gossip and slander in order to avoid disharmony Examining the emotional tone of speech—choosing words that are gentle, compassionate, and unifyingHow harsh language does not serve good communication Transforming the divisive world we live in through right speech How we listen as an equally important component of right speechThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE"This doesn't mean that there should be a suppression of what we're feeling. It's not a papering over of the truth of our emotions, but rather, it's to be mindful enough that we can communicate what we're feeling in a way that promotes connection rather than promotes divisiveness. This is a practice. Right speech is a practice."  – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores how we can make compassionate responsiveness our default state through the clear dichotomy of skillful and unskillful actions. The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 43rd part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best selfIn this episode’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein discusses:The mass madness and destruction caused by cruelty—on both global and personal levelsHow subtle, unnoticed moments of cruelty can live within us without our awarenessThe spiritual and emotional challenge of keeping our hearts open in the face of immense sufferingTransforming consciousness to make compassion and empathy our natural, default responseThe gift of mindfulness: seeing things as they truly areEmpathy as a foundational practice and the essential first step toward compassionate actionReleasing anger by opening ourselves to the suffering behind itTwo paths of compassion: compassionate action and compassion as a motivation to awakenPlanting seeds of compassion for the benefit of all beings Naturally flowing compassion from a heart free of ego and self-reference"The more we practice and grow in our wisdom, the wisdom of understanding selflessness, the more compassion manifests spontaneously—compassion is the activity of emptiness." – Joseph GoldsteinThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“Our practice is really about the transformation of consciousness in such a way that makes compassionate responsiveness the default setting of our lives. Can we really open in such a way and understand things in such a way that it simply becomes the way we are—it becomes our natural response.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the simplicity of lovingkindness (metta), reminding us that this innate quality within each person requires patience and steady practice to truly cultivate.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 42nd part of an in-depth 48-part lecture series from Joseph Goldstein that delves into every aspect of the Satipatthana Sutta. If you are just now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this week’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein discusses:The cultivation of goodwill and lovingkindness as a foundation of mindfulness practiceBeings who radiate a powerful field of love, like the Dalai Lama and Dipa MaOffering unconditional love without expecting anything in returnMetta as the gateway to an open and compassionate heart toward self and othersRealizing that our emotional state is shaped by our own perceptionsUnderstanding the confusion between genuine love and personal desirePausing during practice to reconnect with the felt sense of lovingkindnessIntegrating metta into everyday life by extending kindness to strangersHow societal conditioning influences our understanding and expression of loveReconnecting with our natural capacity for altruism and spontaneous kindnessFocusing on the good in others as a powerful metta meditationReflecting on whether we are still holding grudges deep in the heartThe patience and resilience required to train the heart and mind over timeThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“I can simply start doing metta for everyone that I pass, for everybody on the street. May everyone here be happy. May everyone here be peaceful. It's amazing the change that happens in a moment. Instead of walking down the street being disconnected, all of a sudden, our hearts and our minds have expanded and become inclusive. It's like we gather everyone up in our field of goodwill.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the Buddha’s teachings on renunciation from the Satipatthāna Sutta, showing how the practice of letting go of craving, ill will, and cruelty leads to deep inner freedom, clarity, and lasting peace.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 41st 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 now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.In this lecture from Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein:Consciously reflecting on if our thoughts are for harm or for goodHow desire is more difficult to uproot than ill will and aversion The dangerous disguise of sense-desires as pleasurable and seductiveHow to practice the “wisdom of no” Renunciation as mental freedom, not repressionHow right thought conditions right actionThe Buddha’s own practice as a model for ourselvesAccepting that desire is addictive because it momentarily feels goodRenunciation as freedom from addiction, not deprivationHow the joy of letting go must be experienced, not just believed    The power of both small and large acts of renunciation The mental habit of our addiction to wantingHow mindfulness reveals freedom in transition momentsThe progressive act of letting goThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREJoin Buddhist Teacher David Nichtern and Duncan Trussell for a conversation about finding our own voice, our own expression, and our own way of connecting with people. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - AUTHENTIC PRESENCE: FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE“Renunciation is not about deprivation. It’s about non-addiction. It’s about freedom.” - Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein explores the importance of Right View and how it illuminates our lives through an openness to wisdom from many unexpected sources.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 40th 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 now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This time on Insight Hour, Joseph discusses:Not being attached to blind belief or blind disbelief Realizing the truth through direct experience Remaining open to wisdom from unexpected sources The possibility of a full awakening and we can develop our wisdom over timeRecognizing that there truly are many awakened beings in the worldThe aspects of Right View that may not be immediately apparentConsidering what wisdom can discover when it illuminates our experiencePromoting the good of living beings through right view How Right View is both the beginning and the ending Wrong view as the most blame-worthy of all things, according to the BuddhaHow Wrong View makes us obsess over the self (gratifying it, defending it, etc.)The great power of delusion in our minds Refining our awareness of the impermanent changing nature of the 5 aggregates (everything we experience) This episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE"We could see Right View as both the beginning and end of the path. We start with Right View—it sets the direction for us. Our practice is leading us in the right direction and then the whole path culminates in these understandings."  – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through the Buddha’s teachings, Joseph Goldstein explains how developing right view allows one to become the artist of one's own life. The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the 39th 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 now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!In this episode, Joseph dives into:The way of practice that leads to the cessation of suffering The elements of the eightfold path (right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration)How each step on the eightfold path leads to the nextThe critical importance of right view as the precursor to all other teachingsWhat is given, what is offered, and what is sacrificed How all of our volitional actions produce a result Examining our minds and motivations The practice of acting on moments of generous impulse Becoming the artist and creator of our own lives The ways we can be attached to both our beliefs and disbeliefs Acknowledging our karmic debt for this great gift of human life  This episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“Right view is an important and essential first step on the path because it sets the direction. If we're on a journey, no matter how long or difficult the journey might be -  if we're heading in the right direction and we keep on going, we will inevitably reach our destination.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shepherding us towards the possibility of ending the suffering of dukkha, Joseph Goldstein offers practical guidance on how to weaken the bonds of compulsive craving and attachment by understanding their root cause.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-eighth 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 now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph explores:The noble truth of the cessation of dukkhaLetting go of everything despite our conditioned habits to clingGrowing and refining our understanding of the three characteristics Taking in the impermanence of all things beyond the conceptual levelWeakening the force of compulsive craving and desire Reaching a place of equanimity through mindfulness of the rapidity of changeFinding satisfaction in neutrality versus pleasant feelings The destruction of lust, hatred, and delusionNirvana as an unconditioned awareness Having a consciousness which is unsupported, unconstructed, not manifestThe Buddha’s own description of his process of awakening The arising force of latent defilements throughout the day Deconstructing the sense of self until we reach a pure mind The practice of looking for the mind and finding that there is nothing to findThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“In the strengthening of mindfulness and concentration, we do come to experience the flow of change very, very rapidly. This is one of the meditative insights that opens to us. When we first begin to experience the rapid changing of everything that’s arising, it’s exhilarating…but as we continue to watch the rapidity of change, we then go through phases of fear and despair because we’re seeing the constant disillusion of things.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the origin of dukkha, Joseph delves into how craving can shape our lives, fuel unwholesome karma, and keep us trapped in expectation.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-seventh 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 now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self. This time on Insight Hour, Joseph mindfully explains:Craving and how we experience it in our lives and practiceThe compelling power of craving as the opposite of peaceHow our culture fosters and values desire/craving Obsessive desires and considering what pleasures drive our choices in lifeThe danger of craving and having an unquenchable thirst How unwholesome karma can be the result of desire9 Things rooted in craving according to the BuddhaThe expectation of pleasant experiences to remain Aspirations versus expectations (inspiration vs. the endless cycle of hope and fear)The basic urge to exist continuously Getting trapped by the ‘in order to’ mindThe magic show of consciousnessThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE“What is the gratification that we find in our lives? What sense experiences are we enamored by? We should look carefully at this. This is a question that led to the Buddha’s awakening, and maybe, would lead to our own.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this exploration of dukkha, Joseph Goldstein describes the noble truth of suffering and how we can heal our relationship to all phenomena.The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the thirty-sixth 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 now jumping into the Satipatthana Sutta series, listen to Insight Hour Ep. 203 to follow along and get the full experience!Continuing his look at the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph describes:Contemplating the dhammas in terms of the Four Noble Truths The way of the cessation of dukkha (suffering)All conditioned phenomena as dukkhaThe meaning of the word dukkha and its etymologyThe unsatisfactory and unreliable nature of all thingsSetting the wheel of the dharma in motionStepping back and reflecting on the nature of our mindsNaturally painful/unavoidable experiences versus optional mental sufferingThe suffering that comes from living in anticipation of what comes nextSuffering from daily tasks we do for survival and personal upkeep (aka the dukkha of life as work)Not regarding form as self and finding relief in the truth of dukkhaGrab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HEREThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed“Surprisingly, reflecting in this way on the truth of dukkha, simply seeing how things are, free of hope and free of fear, brings a great lightness of heart. When we reflect in this way, it’s a great relief to be out of the grip of diluted enchantment.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.