Ep. 252 – Equanimity: A Direct Path to Liberation

About this episode

Joseph Goldstein discusses achieving equanimity through mental investigation and skillful engagement with suffering.

In part 2 of this Q&A session, Joseph Goldstein explores how to reach equanimity through investigating our mental states, recognizing when to let go, and approaching suffering skillfully. 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: Letting go of obsessive thoughts through insight and investigation How the seven factors of enlightenment work together to support awakening Knowing when to let go and when to investigate experiences for deeper wisdom Staying open to emotions while avoiding unskillful reactivity Social activism on the Buddhist path and engaging with the world in a skillful way Finding inner balance in the midst of turmoil, conflict, and suffering Maintaining a deep historical perspective on the rise and fall of all civilizations  Remembering how small our concerns are in the face of the stars and the vastness of all things How equanimity enables us to be peaceful, to connect with suffering, and to offer compassion  Considering if we can approach daily life with a motivation to help…

People in this episode

Host: Joseph Goldstein

Topics covered

• buddhism
• spirituality
• mental health
• self-improvement
• social activism

Keywords

• letting go of obsessive thoughts
• seven factors of enlightenment
• knowing when to let go
• staying open to emotions
• social activism on the Buddhist path
• finding inner balance
• historical perspective on civilizations
• equanimity and compassion
• motivation to help others

Sponsors

BetterHelp

Mentioned in this episode

Products: BetterHelp

Places: California

More episodes of Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein

• Ep. 262 – Letting Thoughts Dissolve · June 10, 2026 · 34 min
• Ep. 261 – Gradual Cultivation in Buddhist Practice · May 8, 2026 · 42 min
• Ep. 260 – The Union of Relative and Ultimate Truth · April 9, 2026 · 40 min
• Ep. 259 – Selflessness, Dukkha, and Freedom · March 13, 2026 · 48 min
• Ep. 258 – The Goal Without the Grasp: Aspiration in Buddhist Practice · February 5, 2026 · 31 min
• Ep. 257 – Releasing the Knower: Equanimity and Awareness · January 8, 2026 · 33 min