#601: Jack Kornfield — How to Overcome Apathy and Find Beautiful Purpose

258 snips

Jun 22, 2022

Jack Kornfield is a renowned Buddhist monk, meditation teacher, and clinical psychologist who has introduced mindfulness practices to the West. In this conversation, he shares insightful perspectives on navigating anger through mindfulness and compassion. Kornfield discusses the impact of childhood trauma and the power of storytelling in healing. He also highlights innovative approaches to mental health and the necessity of self-compassion. Emphasizing the balance between personal peace and societal challenges, he encourages listeners to embrace joy even in adversity.

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ANECDOTE

Kornfield's Monastic Anger

Jack Kornfield shares his experience with anger arising during his time as a monk.
His teacher, Ajahn Chah, advised him to sit with his anger and learn to tolerate it.

ADVICE

Tolerating Anger

Ajahn Chah told Kornfield to embrace his anger, not suppress it, but experience it fully.
This practice teaches tolerance, expanding your capacity to feel without impulsive reactions.

ANECDOTE

Post-Monastery Anger

Kornfield's anger resurfaced after leaving the monastery and entering a relationship.
His partner suggested expressing his anger physically by throwing bottles at a wall.

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After the Ecstasy, the Laundry

Jack Kornfield

A Path With Heart

A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life

Jack Kornfield

This book is a definitive guide to the practice of traditional mindfulness in America, particularly within the context of American Buddhism. It covers a wide range of topics including the fundamentals of spiritual practice, the stages of insight, dealing with personal issues such as abuse and self-loathing, and the role of psychotherapy in spiritual growth. Kornfield uses personal stories, practical techniques, and guided meditations to help readers navigate the complexities of spiritual life and achieve inner peace, wholeness, and understanding. The book is designed to be a universal guide for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and live an authentic life[2][3][5].

Teachings of the Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama

This compilation includes various discourses and teachings of the Buddha, such as those found in the Dīgha Nikāya (The Long Discourses of the Buddha), Majjhima Nikāya (The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha), and other parts of the Pali Canon. The teachings cover a wide range of topics including mindfulness, morality, concentration, wisdom, dependent origination, and the Four Noble Truths. These texts provide practical advice and insights for those following the spiritual path of Buddhism, offering guidance on how to live a life free from suffering and ignorance[1][2][5].

The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

The Book of Joy

Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Desmond Tutu

Dalai Lama

In this book, the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu reflect on their long lives and share their insights on finding joy despite hardships. During a week-long visit in April 2015, they discussed the nature of true joy, confronted obstacles such as fear, stress, and grief, and outlined the Eight Pillars of Joy. The book includes stories, wisdom, and science, as well as their daily joy practices that anchor their emotional and spiritual lives.

The 80/20 Principle

Richard Koch

The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch introduces a powerful paradigm that suggests 80% of our outcomes result from just 20% of our efforts. The book explains how this principle, also known as the Pareto Principle, can be applied in various aspects of life and business to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Koch provides practical examples and strategies for identifying and focusing on the most impactful 20% of efforts to achieve significant results with minimal time and resources. The book emphasizes the importance of concentrating on high-impact activities and eliminating or outsourcing less important tasks to enhance productivity and happiness[2][3][5].

No Time Like the Present

Jack Kornfield

In 'No Time Like the Present', Jack Kornfield offers practical tools and inspiring stories to help readers find freedom from fear, love, and happiness right where they are. The book is divided into four segments: Freedom of Spirit, Obstacles to Freedom, Realizing Freedom, and Living Freedom, providing a comprehensive path to inner peace and joy.

The art of forgiveness, lovingkindness, and peace

Jack Kornfield

This book by Jack Kornfield offers age-old teachings and modern stories to help readers bring healing, peace, and compassion into their daily lives. It emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and loving-kindness, providing practical meditations to meet life's challenges with acceptance and hope. The book is suitable for readers at various levels of spiritual awareness, offering a path to personal growth and inner peace.

Bringing Home the Dharma

Daniel J. Siegel

Jack Kornfield

In 'Bringing Home the Dharma', Jack Kornfield shares simple meditation practices to awaken one's inner wisdom amidst daily life. The book explores topics like loving-kindness, conscious parenting, and forgiveness, emphasizing that inner peace can be found without leaving one's current life circumstances. It offers insights into modern Buddhist practice, drawing from Kornfield's extensive experience and studies.

A Brief for the Defense

Jack Gilbert

A Wise Heart

A Guide to the Universal Teachings

Jack Kornfield

LA Vida Loca

El Testimonio De UN Pandillero En Los Angeles (Listen to Them)

Luis J. Rodriguez

Always Running is a vivid memoir that explores the author's experiences as a young Chicano gang member in East Los Angeles. It delves into the motivations behind gang life and offers a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of such involvement. Through his journey, Rodriguez highlights the transformative power of education and literature.