How To Get Out Of Your Head: Joseph Goldstein and Sam Harris on Nirvana, Non-Clinging, Non-Duality, and the Best Way to Meditate

About this episode

<p dir="ltr">Which is the best path to freedom?</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/">Joseph Goldstein</a> is a cofounder of the <a href= "https://www.dharma.org/">Insight Meditation Society</a> and the <a href="https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/">Barre Center for Buddhist Studies</a>, both in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of many books including, most recently, <a href= "http://give.dharma.org/JGpoetry">Dreamscapes of the Mind</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.samharris.org/">Sam Harris</a> is a neuroscientist, author, podcaster and the proprietor of the Waking Up app. </p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode we talk about:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What the term "non-duality" means — and why it matters to ordinary meditators.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The multiple meanings of non-duality across Buddhist traditions (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna).</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How different traditions (and even different teachers within them) define samsara and nirvana.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The non-duality of the observer and observed — and how that insight can alleviate suffering.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Whether understanding non-duality is practically relevant for reducing stress and emotional reactivity.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The evolution of Buddhist teachings over time and how interpretations differ across countries.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sam's argument that the non-dual view can be directly experienced in everyday consciousness — and that realizing it ends unnecessary suffering.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Joseph's emphasis on non-duality as one path among many toward the ultimate goal: the end of suffering.</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How metaphysics and direct experience intersect, and whether doctrinal differences are "self-confirming."</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The concept of "non-clinging" as the real heart of Buddhist practice — and how it relates to non-dual awareness.</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Related Episodes:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href= "https://www.danharris.com/p/how-to-suffer-less-joseph-goldstein?r=4duxik&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false"> How To Suffer Less: Joseph Goldstein, Sam Harris, and Dan Harris on the Buddha's Eightfold Path</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Join Dan's online community <a href= "http://www.danharris.com/">here</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Follow Dan on social: <a href= "https://bit.ly/3tGigG5">Instagram</a>, <a href= "https://bit.ly/3FOA84J">TikTok</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Subscribe to our <a href= "https://bit.ly/3FybRzD">YouTube Channel</a></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Additional Resources: </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">For a 30-day free trial to the Waking Up app, go to <a href= "http://wakingup.com/tenpercent">wakingup.com/tenpercent</a></p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">Tickets are now available for an intimate live event with Dan on November 23rd as part of the Troutbeck Luminary Series. Join the conversation, participate in a guided meditation, and ask your questions during the Q&A. Click <a href= "https://troutbeck.com/culture/luminaries-series-conversation-meditation-with-dan-harris-2025/"> here</a> to buy your ticket!</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris</p> <p>Thanks to our sponsors: <br /> <br /> <strong>AT&T:</strong> Staying connected matters. That's why AT&T has connectivity you can depend on, or they will proactively make it right. Visit <a href= "http://att.com/guarantee">att.com/guarantee</a> for details.<br /> <br /> <strong>Fabletics:</strong> Treat yourself to gear that looks good, feels good, and doesn't break the bank. Go to <a href= "http://fabletics.com/Happier">fabletics.com/Happier</a>, sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.</p>