Simply beautiful

Here's an idea:
Get this book (there is only one by Joseph Goldstein here; but what a gem!)
and a couple of Jack Kornfields' (they are all excellent)
and a couple of Pema Chodrins' (this is key, mind won't wake without heart)
Maybe throw in Ram Das or Adyashanti
(Alan Watts minces no words either)
Take a couple of weeks off
Go somewhere quiet and full of nature
Listen, sit, walk, transform.

46 people found this helpful

Wonderful!

This recording can easily stand alone without Vol. 1 and 2 of the three part set. I just picked up at the start of Vol. 3 and it was great. I didn't feel that I had missed anything that prohibited my understanding of the material presented. There wasn't the feeling that I'd come late to "class" and I was playing catch-up. I may go back in future and get Vol.1 and 2, but for now this is more than enough to absorb. As to the recording-- it is beautifully done and makes for a powerful listening experience. Highly recommended.

44 people found this helpful

In-Depth and Inspiring!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to any serious meditator. There are tons of books in circulation for beginners, most of them very good (some also by Joseph Goldstein), but very little out there that explore the Dharma in depth. Joseph Goldstein continues the line-by-line exploration of the Sattipattana Sutta he began in

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

“Whatever has the nature to arise also has the nature to cease.”

Any additional comments?

A note that might potentially be deleted: The Dhamma is offered free to all and this series is no exception. It is available on for no charge but the tedious, time-consuming effort in finding,downloading and organizing each talk does not seem worth the trouble when you can get it on audible for one credit (it's $120 or more if you buy it elsewhere).

May all beings be happy and free.

16 people found this helpful

Insight Meditation Instructions from a Master!

What did you love best about Abiding in Mindfulness, Vol. 3?

Based upon his profound insights, Joseph Goldstein presents the most advanced meditation instructions in the Theravada tradition in a manner that Westerners can easily understand.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joseph, of course!

What about Joseph Golstien’s performance did you like?

Only someone who thoroughly knows a topic, based upon immense personal experience, can present such sophisticated realizations in an easily understandable manner.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Buddhist Emptiness for Dummies

13 people found this helpful

Direct Path to Enlightenment

Would you listen to Abiding in Mindfulness, Vol. 3 again? Why?

I have listened to this audiobook at least a few dozen times. It is immeasurably and indescribably essential for one's spiritual development.

What did you like best about this story?

There's no beating around the bush. Following these instructions, reflecting intimately on what is said, and operationally integrating them into one's life will inevitably lead to enlightenment. Period.

What about Joseph Golstien’s performance did you like?

He comments directly on the Buddha's words and offers real, 21st century insight into what was meant and how one can apply it to one's path.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Although everyone's story is different and I am by no means saying this will apply to you, after four months of intensive studying, reflecting and meditating (all supported and inspired by this very book), the shackles of delusion, clinging and aversion were irreversibly destroyed. Dukkha came to an end.

Done was what had to be done.

Any additional comments?

May all beings who come across this review attain the deathless, put an end to craving and experience the stillness of awakening.

7 people found this helpful

Perfect!

Would you listen to Abiding in Mindfulness, Vol. 3 again? Why?

His voice is great, his pace is perfect. I listened while driving, running, walking, cleaning. he doesn't pause much for though so sometimes I stopped to write a quote or bookmark something. It is dense enough that once I listened to 10 minutes before realizing I clicked on his other book, one I already read. I will definitely listen again in a few months and im sure I will pick up more info.

He is humorous and easy to follow. I loved it!

What did you like best about this story?

Everything! Great insight into Buddhism for westerners

4 people found this helpful

Dry technical presentation

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. I love J. Goldstein, but this is not his best. In fact, I hope it's his worst because I found it so lacking in his usual wit and cleverness, so dry, I've pretty much given up on listening to it all the way through. If you're looking for a lot of technical information, and don't mind ploughing through this, it could be fine.

What was most disappointing about Joseph Goldstien’s story?

Lacked his witty and fun take on Buddhism.

Was Abiding in Mindfulness, Vol. 3 worth the listening time?

Only if your dead set to get technical information - a scholar who doesn't mind reams of dry presentation.

Any additional comments?

Too bad. Normally, I love everything he does. He's a true teacher, but he forgot to laugh in this.

3 people found this helpful

Very Grateful

What a great series. I finished all 3 and it was a worthwhile, beneficial endeavor. Thank You for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. There is no way to overstate my gratitude!

1 person found this helpful

Great alone or part of 3 volume series.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Practical explanations of how consciousness arises, along with the consciousness of dukka. Walks you through being mindful of the whole thing.

What does Joseph Golstien bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sincerity.

1 person found this helpful

Excellant, Insightful

Would you listen to Abiding in Mindfulness, Vol. 3 again? Why?

I would listen again. Too much to absorb in one listen.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Abiding in Mindfulness, Vol. 3?

Joseph presented complex philosophical thought in a very practical way. Numerous examples of how to apply to everyday life.

1 person found this helpful