This week, Jack gives a talk exploring the different dimensions of mindfulness as gateways to freedom.
Show Notes
Gateways to Freedom (Opening) – Jack opens with a reflection on the nature of the Dharma teachings and the gateways inward that are available to any person who pursues them.
“These teachings welcome you all, whatever particular body you were born into. Whatever your class or sexual orientation or race. The gates of the Dharma are open and inviting.” – Jack Kornfield
Gate of Awareness (5:30) – The goal of mindfulness and meditation practice isn’t about gaining anything, but rather the goal is to enter into a different relationship with this life that we have been given. The first dimension of mindfulness that transforms this relationship is the capacity to be mindful of the content of our experience. Jack discusses the ways that the awareness of what arises changes how we interact with the world.
“As you meditate and as you undertake the training of mindfulness, you gradually learn to trust in your capacity to be present and to tolerate your human incarnation. That isn’t an easy thing.” – Jack Kornfield
Illuminating Our Experience (24:35) – The second gateway of mindfulness comes with the examination of the process of experience. We explore what happens when we turn towards our dukkha and begin to see the impermanence in all things.
“In the midst of drama, fear or difficulty there is another way of relating than being closed down or reactive.” – Jack Kornfield
The Witness (38:50) – The final gateway to freedom is the awareness of consciousness itself. Jack talks about the role of the witness, the one who knows and shares examples of ways that we can step out of the drama of life and witness it from the place of consciousness itself.
Joseph Goldstein takes a closer look at what mindfulness really is on Ep. 50 of the Insight Hour Podcast.
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