In this Independence Day focused episode, Jack reflects on how we can foster true freedom and independence through using a spiritual rudder.
This Dharma talk given by Jack on July 4th, 1994 was originally published on DharmaSeed.
“The Buddha, in the last bit of his life, said, ‘When I’m gone, don’t follow or place all of your reliance on elders or teachers, but rather follow the Dharma, the universal law, and know these things for yourself. Know the forces of grasping, hatred, and ignorance. Really know what they are. Let yourself see them, and know that it is possible to find freedom from these. If it weren’t possible I wouldn’t tell you about it. Then as you live your life, be aware of what brings goodness, what brings freedom from grasping, hatred, and delusion. Nourish that which brings that freedom, sustain it and support it.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack dives into:
- The ideals of the U.S., versus its reality and history
- What it means to be independent, what it means to be free
- Learning what your “spiritual rudder” is to steer you in the midst of this Kali Yuga
- Buddha’s advice on following the Dharma, and your Way, rather than following others
- Our spiritual rudder as synonymous with truth, love, integrity, and our Buddha Nature
- True freedom as freedom from the pull and sway of outside circumstances
- Real loving kindness, real metta, as timeless, fearless, and free
Jack joins Sharon Salzberg to talk politics, justice, and the spiritual act of voting, on Metta Hour 135
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.
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 Jorm Sangsorn