Guiding us through the ever-changing cycles of life, Jack uncovers the profound truth of our interconnectedness as boundless and unique expressions of the Dharma.
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“We see that there isn’t one way to practice or to live, but many cycles, seasons, and expressions of Dharma and truth.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:
- Natural wisdom of the rainforest ecosystem
- Discovering the truth of our inexorable interconnection
- Seeing clearly the reality of change and impermanence
- Interconnectedness within the flowing stream of interbeing
- Spiritual maturity and recognizing the patterns and cycles of life
- The many unique expressions of Dharma, spirituality, and truth in this world
- Wisdom from Buddha, Dipa Ma, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, HH the Dalai Lama, S.N. Goenka, and Tibetan cave-dwelling yogis
- Bringing your compassion to the environment, politics, social action, homelessness, education, etc
- Meditation as a radical act: facing head-on the forces of greed, prejudice, hatred, and delusion
- Finding your unique dharma and way to help the world
- Life and spirituality as a process of death and rebirth over and over again
- Uncovering a deep ‘joy for no reason’
- How the “light and love” in meditation is actually literal
- Untangling the knots of our attachments to live in inner freedom
- A poem dedicated to the struggles in the Middle East
- Discovering your capacity to awaken, and your unique gift
“It’s not about perfection of oneself or the world, but it’s learning to live in a simple way and touch one moment after another with wisdom, understanding, compassion, and presence.” – Jack Kornfield
“Wisdom is a state of our being in our heart. And to live in that way takes humility, a surrender or commitment, a trusting heart, a going into the unknown.” – Jack Kornfield
This Dharma Talk from 1/3/1991 at Spirit Rock Meditation Center was originally published on DharmaSeed.
Open the Heart of Forgiveness with Jack Kornfield: A Journey of Redemption, Reconciliation and Renewal beginning Oct 21. Learn more and sign up.
About Jack Kornfield:
Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.
Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of new dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings.
Listen to more from Jack:
Tune into Ep. 109 of Heart Wisdom: This Too Shall Pass
Learn about Living with a Peaceful Heart in Ep. 91 of Heart Wisdom
Check out Ep. 90 of Heart Wisdom to learn about Healing Through Loving Awareness
Listen to more Stories That Open the Mind, Mend the Heart and Lead to Joy with Jack Kornfield in Ep.92 of Heart Wisdom
Tune into Ep. 102 of Heart Wisdom: The Wisdom of the One Who Knows
Check out Ep. 1 of Heart Wisdom to gain wisdom on Impermanence
Photo via Julia Zavalishina