Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein

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Joseph Goldstein has been a leading light for the practice of Insight and Loving Kindness meditation since his days in India and Burma where he studied with eminent masters of the tradition. In his podcast, The Insight Hour, Joseph delivers these essential mindfulness teachings in a practical and down to earth way that illuminates the practice through his own personal experience and wonderful story telling.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Ep. 251 – The Selfless Path to Happiness

    In part 1 of this Q&A session, Joseph Goldstein gives Buddhist-flavored insight on accepting impermanence, developing our practice, and loving selflessly. In this episode, Joseph Goldstein offers his perspective on: The path from accepting impermanence to happinessLetting go of clinging and becoming attuned to the truth of changeThe stages we go through in Vipassana meditation practice Understanding meditation experiences—why difficult moments don’t mean a “bad” practiceHow developing a regular practice helps us approach life more equanimously  Feeling the whole mind-body process within practice and how this helps us let go of our sense of self Walking meditation as an effective tool for immediate selflessnessThe challenge of engaging with the world without getting lost in itSeeing the clear possibility of loving without attachment and with pure generosity of the heart“On a conceptual level, being afraid of impermanence is like being afraid of gravity. It’s the way things are. The more we can see that and open to it, we get over that conditioned fear and we’re just in the experience and the acceptance of the flow. It’s actually quite easeful.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    40 min

  2. 7 AUG

    Ep. 250 – Why Meditate?

    Renowned meditation teacher, Joseph Goldstein, shares timeless insights on the mind, suffering, and the heart of why we meditate. 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 episode, Joseph Goldstein offers his perspective on: The many reasons why we meditateHow we all filter our experiences through our own particular conditioning and background Unpacking the Dhammapada’s teaching: “Mind is the forerunner of all actions”Using meditation to understand the patterns and nature of our own mindsStrengthening mental stability and inner resilience through practiceCultivating present-moment awareness instead of being swept away by emotionsConsidering what qualities of heart and mind are being cultivated in all that we doA powerful reminder: Don’t waste your suffering—transform pain into wisdomDeepening insight into the impermanent nature of all experiencesThe difference between attachment and commitment The Buddhist concept of nonself and freeing our minds from identificationThis recording from Spirit Rock’s April 2025 Insight Meditation retreat was originally published on Dharmaseed. “We meditate to come out of confusion, to come out of all our habitual reactions into a space of greater wisdom, of greater clarity. We begin to see much more clearly what actually is going on in our experience rather than being lost in it. We begin to see what it is that’s shaping our lives.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m

  3. 24 JUL

    Ep. 249 – Right Effort, Mindfulness & Concentration, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 46

    Looking into the samadhi section of the Eight-Fold Path, Joseph Goldstein clarifies how we can free the mind with right effort, mindfulness, and concentration. The Satipatthana Sutta is one of the most celebrated and widely studied discourses in the Pāli Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This episode is the FINAL part of an in-depth 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’s exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta, Joseph Goldstein explores: The clearest, most practical definition of Nirvana: freedom from greed, hatred, and delusionCultivating spiritual urgency as a wholesome motivator on the path to awakeningUprooting latent defilements that are buried in the mindFive methods for dispelling unwholesome thoughts and mindsets, according to the BuddhaHow restraint and delayed gratification support inner discipline and lasting successRight mindfulness as the key to all other factors of enlightenment Suspending all judgments and interpretations; simply noticing events as they occurStabilizing our attention on a single object or mindfully watching as objects changeThe three characteristics of impermanence, unreliability, and selflessness Different concentration practices, such as reflecting on the Buddha-Dharma-Sangha or on peaceExploring the nature of all phenomena once we have achieved a clear mindThis 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 not so much a question of doing, it's a question of undoing all the habit patterns of proliferation, judgement, evaluation, interpretation, can we undo that, and simply come back in the most simple way to be aware of whatever it is that’s arising? It's only six things, whichever arise - sight, sound, smell, taste, sensation or an object of mind. It's like we’re listening to a six-piece chamber orchestra.” – Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m

  4. 9 JUL

    Ep. 248 – Right Action & Livelihood, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 45

    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 46-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 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 Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min

  5. 26 JUN

    Ep. 247 – Right Speech, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 44

    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 46-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 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 Dharmaseed Grab 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 Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    57 min

  6. 6 JUN

    Ep. 246 – Compassionate Responsiveness, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 43

    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 46-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 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 Goldstein This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed Grab 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 Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min

  7. 15 MAY

    Ep. 245 – Training the Heart for Lovingkindness, Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 42

    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 Dharmaseed Grab 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 Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    50 min

  8. 24 APR

    Ep. 244 – Freedom in Letting Go: Satipatthana Sutta Series Pt. 41

    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 Dharmaseed Grab a copy of the book Joseph references throughout this series, Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization, HERE Join 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 Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min
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Joseph Goldstein has been a leading light for the practice of Insight and Loving Kindness meditation since his days in India and Burma where he studied with eminent masters of the tradition. In his podcast, The Insight Hour, Joseph delivers these essential mindfulness teachings in a practical and down to earth way that illuminates the practice through his own personal experience and wonderful story telling.

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