Exploring the relationship between spirituality and sexuality, Jack offers reflections and perspectives on ways to dance with the sexual energy in our lives.
This Dharna talk from 1987 at Spirit Rock Meditation Center was originally published on DharmaSeed.org
“In a way, sex is a mirror. How your sexuality goes in a particular day or week is pretty much a reflection of the rest of your heart, mind, spirit, and being. In that regard, it’s just like meditation—you sit down, close your eyes, and you get to see what’s there: frustration, anger, happiness, or love. Sexuality serves the same way, physically, but even more so emotionally.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:
- The relationship between spirituality, sexuality, and our lives
- Why sexuality is such a major part of our culture
- Our underlying fear of true intimacy
- Suzuki Roshi’s koan of “How do you realize Buddha while making love?”
- The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in relation to our sexuality
- Wounds, trauma, healing, and the body
- Using relationships in a skillful way to grow
- Tantra, breath, and going beyond ourselves
“If you look at our culture, television and mass media, sex is such a big part of it. Why is it such a big thing in our culture and our lives? Because, in part, it’s a vehicle to go beyond ourselves.” – Jack Kornfield
Ram Dass jives on the dance of sexual energy, in Here and Now Ep. 222
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
Art via Space Wind