Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 2

On Feeling, the Mind, and Dhamma

By: Joseph Goldstein

Narrated by: Joseph Goldstein

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the words of the Buddha, the four foundations of mindfulness (the four satipat­t­hana) are "the direct path for the purification of beings, for the surmounting of sorrow and lamentation, for the disappearance of dukkha (suffering) and discontent, for acquiring the true method, for the realization of Nibbana." Within the quintessential discourse called the Satipat­t­hana Sutta, we find the Buddha's seminal teachings about the practice of meditation.

On Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 2: On Feeling, the Mind & Dhamma, esteemed teacher and author Joseph Goldstein presents an audio curriculum to reveal the deeper insights of this vital sutta - and how it serves to inform and guide your own daily practice.

Course objectives:

• Discuss the second foundation of mindfulness: mindfulness of the feelings, including worldly and unworldly feelings
• Discuss the third foundation of mindfulness: mindfulness of the mind, including a discussion of self-judgment, as well as the contracted and distracted mind
• Explore the refrain of the Sutta: including the mindfulness of reactivity, the mindfulness of arising and passing away, as well as the mindfulness of internal and external experience
• Discuss the fourth foundation of mindfulness: mindfulness of the Dhammas, including mindfulness of the five hindrances (desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness, and doubt)
• Explore the five aggregates, including material elements, feeling, perception and formations, formations and consciousness, as well as non-self

The Buddha begins this pivotal section of the sutta with a rhetorical question: How does one abide contemplating feelings? Before you can answer this question, explains Goldstein, you must understand what the Buddha means by "feeling". Returning to the Pali word vedana, he points out the qualities of "pleasantness, unpleasantness, or neutrality" that arise in every moment of experience. For it is close attention to each of these qualities that unlocks our deepest patterns of conditioning - and removes our greatest obstacles to liberation.

From the crucial distinction between "worldly" and "unworldly" feelings to practical methods for "de-conditioning" habitual responses, Goldstein elucidates the Buddha's instructions for achieving a deeper happiness and ease of being through moment-by-moment mindfulness of feelings.

As you continue your exploration of the Satipat­t­hana Sutta, Goldstein brings you to the third and fourth foundations of mindfulness: mindfulness of Mind and Mindfulness of Dhammas (or "categories of phenomena"). Here, you will learn what it means to "take responsibility for your own heart and mind" - the central art of the third foundation - through the pragmatic discernment of skillful and wholesome mind states and their counterparts, and direct investigation of the higher states of mind, including "concentrated" and "liberated" mind, and more. Next, you progress through the beginning sections of the fourth foundation, with Goldstein's step-by-step guidance about working with the hindrances and the aggregates.

©2012 Joseph Goldstein (P)2012 Sounds True

awesome

simple explanation of mindfulness and primal Buddha teaching .... slow and detailed explanation will help you understand mindfulness better

Irreplaceable, precious resource

This is the third time I’ve listened to volume II in this series. I am so impressed by Joseph Goldstein’s mastery of the Buddhist canon and how the teachings relate to real world experience. I love how he brings street cred to Theravada Buddhism. I have been skeptical for most of my life that the teachings of the Buddhism were applicable to my life. Goldstein lays out plainly how the teachings are truly directed at us, and are just as relevant now as ever. Yet, he never preaches. There is never any judgment, but rather humility before this profound wisdom and empathy for the human condition. He is a wonderful example of self-awareness. Listening to him reveal nuances about his personal tendencies and trappings has made me more self-aware and true to myself about myself. I have come to see the five aggregates for what they are, and to appreciate impermanence more. There’s only one problem with this series: I am becoming attached to it. But that’s my problem, not Goldstein‘s.

A Must for Deepening

Thank you Joseph, I think this book is a must for deepening our understanding of the Vipassana practice. Much Metta

Great. Deep.

Really insightful. Probably not for beginners. I've read about a dozen or so books on Buddhism and a lot of this was more advanced than what I was able to grasp. If you are serious about learning about the Theravada tradition, though, even if you don't pick it up the first time through, it's hard to imagine a better resource. Goldstein seems extremely knowledgeable and translates ideas very clearly to an English-speaking audience. Volume 3 will likely be even more advanced, but I look forward to it.

Valuable resource

I use this a reference whenever things get off track.
Joseph’s calming voice and clear wisdoms encourages me back on the path.
Have listed to full audio book 3-4 times.
Great resource.

Life changing. Had to relisten multiple times.

A crash course in vipassana/insight meditation and what it means to embody Dharma.

The world would be a better place if we all sustained a small meditation practice and ran through Joseph's Abiding in Mindgulneds series.

it's like you are there

this is much more than a book on tape. you sit with Joseph Goldstone as he gives these Dharma talks and get to know him and the Dharma. thank you

Insightful

JG is The Best. I took copious notes to study. He has a way of explaining complex concept in a very understandable way.

Mindfulness

Great info for people that run a stressful life and want to learn how to be more peaceful !

Even Better Than Volume 1

I found the last couple of hours particularly instructive. I look forward to Volume 3.

Excellent talks

Again, wonderful talks,that have help consolidate the significance of The Foundations of Mindfulness. Really helps to integrate Buddhist Psychology with meditative practice. Therefore life changing.

Wonderful

I've benefited greatly from this outstanding work. Exceptionally well put together and developed from chapter to chapter (and each volume). Thank you so much.

A very good series

After dealing with anxiety and the occasional bout of depression most of my life I discovered mindfulness meditation 5 years ago.

During a bout of depression following a traumatic experience I was placed on SSRI's and given a basic mindfulness recording to work with. I took myself off the SSRI's after about 6 months and continued studying and practicing mindfulness meditation.

Joseph Goldstein's work takes this practice a lot further. Learning is continuous and this series of recordings is an important part of my learning. Life has become less frantic and way more rewarding.

Excellent treatsie on Mindfulness

This is the second book in the series and it takes you deeper into the art of Mindfulness. Everything is explained in a serene calm manner and is excellent to listen to wherever you are. The wisdom is vast and I will continue studying the third book

great series

Again another masterclass in buddhist philosophy that I will be re-listening to many times I'm sure

Abiding in Mindfulness

Outstanding, outstanding in all aspects!
Incredible life transforming union book.
Highly recommend to all .
Truly grateful to Joseph Goldstein and Audiobooks !!!!
Lots of love
Kishore, London

BRILLAINT listen!

A truly insightful audio read taught in a way that's understandable and easy on the ears. It is a mindful yet thought provoking listen. Joseph has a really wonderful and soothing voice. I will re listen once again.

Wonderful teaching

Having studied Buddhist Psychology for a number of years, going on retreats and practicing meditation, this is an invaluable series of audio books to complement and deepen my understanding and practice. Incredible depth of knowledge from Joseph Goldstein and taught is an accessible way with examples from his own experience. I guess if someone is listening to this without prior knowledge or understanding of Buddhist Psychology it could seem difficult. On the other hand if there is recognition of what is being said then this series of audio books offers scope for serious study.

more nonsense like Vol. 1

What disappointed you about Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 2?

more contrived nonsense like Vol. 1

Would you ever listen to anything by Joseph Goldstein again?

Only if I wanted to push the pain barrier.

What didn’t you like about Joseph Goldstein’s performance?

I don't think he knows what he's talking about.