In this vintage Dharma Talk, Jack illuminates Buddhism’s Three Characteristics of Life: stress, non-self, and impermanence.
This flowing lecture from 4/18/1985 was originally published on DharmaSeed
“Somehow we believe our concepts, that we’ll be here forever, that our life is really going to go on and on. Or we believe our advertising, the idea from the culture that if you get ‘this’ you’ll be able to hold onto it and it will make you happy. It’s just not true. Happiness is a matter of the heart; not something we can grasp or hold.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:
- Knowledge, love, patience, and a spirit of constancy
- Being here now and living in mindfulness in the present moment
- Buddhism’s Three Characteristics of Life
- Anicca: impermanence
- Anatta: non-self
- Dukkha: stress/suffering
- True happiness as a matter of the heart
- How you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf
- The original truth of self and freedom
Jack’s friend and colleague, Joseph Goldstein, reflects on the relationship of dukkha and anatta, on Insight Hour Ep. 81
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.
Dive into Jack’s ongoing dharma offerings and transformational online courses on the new JackKornfield.com
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 Jacob_09