Now here comes Joseph Goldstein, reminding us that the body we try so hard to escape is the first of the foundations of mindfulness put forth in the Satipatthana, the heart of the Buddha’s teaching. In fact, Chogyam Trungpa warns that without mindfulness of the body, "you could be constantly tiptoeing on the surface of the universe." We groom our bodies, hide our bodies, hate our bodies, yet few of us are actually aware of our bodies. How appropriate, then, that Goldstein introduces his Abiding in Mindfulness course with eight hours of teaching on The Body.

Joseph Goldstein has studied Buddhism since 1965, and has led insight and loving kindness meditation retreats since 1974. Known even to those who are new to the study of Buddhism, Goldstein is an exceptionally perceptive and giving teacher, making this particular audio course an extraordinary opportunity for those who haven’t yet been able to attend his workshops. Goldstein’s expert guidance shows us how to step away from ingrained emotions and misperceptions about our bodies, to detach from the patterns that have trapped us in a love-hate relationship with our physical selves, and view our bodies objectively, just as we learn to recognize thoughts as simply "thinking." His approach is coherent, confident, and eminently valuable.

Abiding in Mindfulness : The Body is a presentation that is fully relevant to Western mindset and culture, and even includes a 32-page study guide featuring Goldstein’s translation of the Satipatthana. There are 10 sessions in this course, during which Goldstein shares his considerable knowledge about the direct path to liberation with warmth, humor, and generosity. Breaking the Satipatthana into small, manageable bits, we’re given guidance on the many parts which make up the seemingly impenetrable fortress that keeps us from being truly mindful of the body, including specific thoughts on mindfulness of postures and the elements that make up the body. Sharing insights gained from over four decades of study and practice, this in-depth course is still friendly, inviting, and accessible to the beginner.