Exploring life as a flowing, dynamic process, Jack shares the jewel of Buddha’s awakening by unraveling the paradox of self and no-self.
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“Each of those sets of words, ‘self,’ and ‘no-self,’ are concepts or ideas or words that we use in a very crude approximation of pointing to some mystery of this process of life that’s neither self nor no-self.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack mindfully illuminates:
- Unraveling the paradox of self and no-self
- The Jewel of the Buddha’s Awakening
- Anattā (selflessness) and how it connects with respect
- Tales of a Magic Monastery
- Living in the reality of expansion and contraction
- Why Ajahn Chah shared ‘self’ and ‘no self’ both aren’t true
- The word “happy/sad” in Japanese
- Opening to our life as a flowing, moving process
- Becoming aware of selflessness
- Interdependence, interconnection, codependent arising
- Learning to respect ourself and nourish beneficial qualities
- Developing yourself while also “losing yourself”
- Discovering your True Self
- The importance of integrating our spiritual practice into our lives
- Learning to live in your body and love well
This Dharma Talk estimated to be recorded on 4/23/1990 was originally published on DharmaSeed.
“To be really present is to connect with the mystery.” – Jack Kornfield
“You develop yourself as you lose yourself.” – Jack Kornfield
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
Art via Benjavisa Ruangvaree Art