Jack Kornfield explores how the Buddha answered questions, emphasizing the relevance to modern times. He discusses the teachings of the Dharma, the reality of non-self, and living fully without attachment. He also delves into working with contradictions along the spiritual path and the importance of continuity and presence in our practice.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Buddha's Silence
A man questioned Buddha about the concept of non-self, expressing confusion.
Buddha remained silent, later explaining that an answer would have fueled further speculation.
insights INSIGHT
The Power of Silence
Silence can guide individuals toward personal understanding rather than relying on external answers.
Intellectual answers, while possibly accurate, may not always be helpful for true understanding.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Rajgir Analogy
When asked why not all followers were enlightened, Buddha used an analogy about Rajgir.
He explained that just as hearing about a place doesn't guarantee travel, hearing teachings doesn't guarantee enlightenment.
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In this unique exploration of Dharma, Jack shares how we can transform our daily lives by looking into how the Buddha answered questions.
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"This talk on the way the Buddha answered questions is not to give you another talk on Buddhist history, but to connect us with the ancient timeless endeavor of practice, of awakening, and the ways human beings over many centuries have worked with the development of their understanding." – Jack Kornfield
In this illuminating episode, Jack highlights:
How the way Buddha answered questions is relevant to living in our modern times
Buddha's ancient sutras, talks, and Q&As, and how those teachings have touched the world
Buddha's vision of mind and ability to understand the psyche, how it gets entangled, and how we can become free
The "one taste" of Dharma and our capacity for inner-freedom
Illuminating the reality of non-self
How the teachings of the Dharma turn the mind back to one's own personal experience
The radical way of seeing the world through a lens that is not, "I, me, mine."
How to live fully whether we have one life or many lives to live
Buddha's view of the "world on fire" and how to work with this in our daily lives
How to work with contradictions along the spiritual path
Continuity and carrying our practice and presence into the day in an enjoyable way
"The essence of Dharma is how we love moment to moment." – Jack Kornfield
This Dharma Talk from October 1983 at Insight Meditation Society was originally published on DharmaSeed.
Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield