For episode nine of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon speaks with meditation teacher and author, Jack Kornfield.
Sharon and Jack Kornfield originally met in the 1970s in Colorado and went on to found the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA along with Joseph Goldstein. In this episode, Sharon and Jack talk about their first meeting over 40 years ago, and how the landscape for meditation in the West has dramatically changed since that time. They also discuss Jack’s new book “No Time Like the Present” and it’s theme of freedom as compared to the theme of love in Sharon’s new book “Real Love“. Tune into a fascinating ninth episode for the Real Love Podcast Series.
The Real Love Podcast Series is a special series on the Metta Hour featuring a variety of conversations with some of the world’s finest thinkers and teachers exploring Sharon’s new book “Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection“. Real Love a field guide for anyone seeking awakened living in the 21st century – regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity or status. The book explores love is three different arena in life: love of oneself, love of an other, and love for all of life. Real Love is now available to order in hardcover, ebook and audiobook format.
Show Notes
An Auspicious Beginning (Opening) – Sharon and Jack talk about first meeting each other at Naropa University in 1974 and their work together founding the Insight Meditation Society with Joseph Goldstein.
“Somehow serendipity and the Dharma decided that this beautiful place, the Insight Meditation Society, should happen.” – Jack Kornfield
Words of Strength in Difficult Times (8:50) – The two discuss the process of writing their recently released books and share how the American presidential election shaped their final drafts.
“The election happened and I realized that I had to add a couple of chapters about the kind of responsibility and courage needed to stand up for what you believe, to protect what matters and protect your heart’s values.” – Jack Kornfield
Compassion Fatigue (17:00) – Jack discusses the mistakes many people make when practicing compassion which can lead to a kind of fatigue. He and Sharon share ways in which we can practice compassion without drowning in the suffering of others or excluding ourselves.
Flavors of Freedom (24:45) – Jack talks about the different kinds of freedom addressed in his newest book “No Time Like the Present.”
“Someone can put your body in prison, but no one can imprison your spirit. Wherever you are, what is given to you is the capacity to tend your own heart and to find a freedom of spirit within yourself.” – Jack Kornfield
Bringing Love into It (28:15) – In his work, Jack aims to create a field of love around his teaching rather than just talking about it. He shares intimate stories of creating a space of love, compassion and integrity.
“Love is also a communal activity.” – Jack Kornfield
Keep up with Jack Kornfield online and find more of his teachings over at the Heart Wisdom podcast.
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