Jack Kornfield explores the forgiving heart, offering us the basic ingredients for wise forgiveness, and leads a powerful guided meditation practice called the three directions of forgiveness.
This dharma talk was originally live-streamed by Spirit Rock on 9/20/21
The Forgiving Heart
Jack begins with some stories to remind us of the profound humanity and connection beneath all the pain and suffering we experience, and how we can touch our measure of suffering with a forgiving heart. Jack talks about learning to forgive ourselves and let go of self-judgment.
He covers the gift of forgiveness, and how we can learn to forgive even in tough circumstances.
“With mindful loving awareness, the very practice that we’ve been doing, we can step out of the tyranny of self-judgment, judging ourselves for all the things we haven’t done right… We can forgive ourselves for being a learner in this life. I mean, did you get a manual when you were born? Are you supposed to be an expert?” – Jack Kornfield
RamDev explores the nature of compassion and forgiveness on Healing at the Edge Ep. 52
The Principles of Wise Forgiveness (20:00)
Jack shares with us the three principles of wise forgiveness: forgiveness is not weak, forgiveness is not quick, and forgiveness is for us, not those who have harmed us. Forgiveness is about our own hearts. Jack shares several stories all centered around forgiveness that really show us how we can live with a gracious, tender, compassionate, and forgiving heart.
“We can let go. We can put down the burdens of resentment. We can see anew with a heart of tenderness and compassion. We can engage this world and care for it in a very different way.” – Jack Kornfield
The Three Directions of Forgiveness (37:00)
Jack closes out this dharma talk with a powerful guided meditation practice called the three directions of forgiveness. First, we ask for forgiveness from those we’ve harmed. Second, we offer forgiveness to ourselves for any of the ways we’ve caused ourselves suffering or pain. Finally, to the extent that we’re ready, we offer forgiveness to anyone who has caused us harm.
“Let the sweet nectar of forgiveness fill your consciousness and your body… You can do this, you can be forgiven.” – Jack Kornfield
