Spiritual teacher Jack Kornfield discusses disentangling illusions, selflessness, no-self concept, grounding on Earth, and letting go of old identities. He emphasizes the importance of staying present and trusting the natural unfolding of life.
Practice self-inquiry to unravel fixed self-identities.
Confront and release negative self-images for inner healing and self-discovery.
Deep dives
Exploring the Illusion of Self
The podcast delves into the concept of selflessness by addressing the delusion of a solid self. Through Buddhist teachings, the idea of voidness is discussed, emphasizing the transient nature of our identities. Practices like self-inquiry, asking 'who am I?', are highlighted as tools to unravel the illusion of a fixed self, leading to a realization of a vast, formless nature encompassing all experiences.
Unraveling Negative Self-Images
Another focal point of the episode is the importance of confronting and releasing negative self-images and feelings of unworthiness. The narrative touches on how societal influences and personal experiences can lead to deep-seated self-doubt and shame. Through deep attention, compassion, and forgiveness, individuals are encouraged to navigate through layers of self-criticism to discover a sense of sufficiency and inner purity.
Embracing Personal Growth and Connection
The podcast advocates for a journey towards selfless love and inner healing. By embracing the process of self-discovery and letting go of past identities, individuals can move towards a state of wholeness and interconnectedness. The narrative stresses the integration of personal and universal aspects of being, fostering deep respect, tenderness, and attention towards both self and no self. The episode concludes with a message of trust in the natural unfolding of one's authentic self through presence and compassion.
Revealing how to disentangle your illusions and let go of old identities, Jack paves the way to the mystical present moment.
Join Jack online Sat June 22 for The Awakened Heart: Mindfulness and Compassion Practices for Living a Wise and Free Life – a special live daylong retreat exploring lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and peace. Register here.
“Part of the joy of selflessness is that as we become selfless much greater forces of what life is move through us.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:
Disentangling your illusions
Opening to the paradox of self and no-self
The yogic practice of asking, “Who am I?”
This mystical present moment
How the entire universe is inside your mind
Experiencing selflessness
Why you can’t just ‘no-self’ it away
Moving past your inner-critic, shame, and unworthiness
Listening to, accepting, and loving the shadow
The strength of being grounded on Earth
Working with meaninglessness
Letting go of old identities
Love as the work of a lifetime
“You can’t just ‘no-self’ it away.” – Jack Kornfield
“All that you need to do is to keep coming back to the present and what needs to open in you will. You can really trust that.” – Jack Kornfield
This Dharma Talk estimated to be recorded on 4/23/1990 was originally published on DharmaSeed.