Reflecting on the election, Jack explores how we can most mindfully and lovingly dance with impermanence, suffering, and ‘the great turning’ of the world.

This episode was originally recorded for the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation Livestream on 11/11/24. Learn more about Spirit Rock’s offerings here. Join Jack’s next livestream event here.

“It’s not about an election one way or the other, they come and go. There’s such huge other forces happening right now—climate change, artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion energy—huge possibilities and huge problems. As T.S. Elliot says, ‘In my end is my beginning.’ Everything that turns offers a new openness and beginning for something else.” – Jack Kornfield

In this fresh episode, Jack mindfully explores:

Navigating the election and politics in a changing world
Returning to the basics of Buddhism and living a wise spiritual life
Quieting the mind, tending the heart, listening to the cries, and seeing with the eyes of wisdom
What Ajahn Chah’s wisdom for the election results would be
Opening to change, honoring impermanence, facing suffering
Annica – the wisdom of uncertainty
Navigating the “Great Turning” of the world
Shifting from exploitive and consumer consciousness to one of interdependence and mutual care
Facing our suffering, warfare, racism, aging, death, loss, and change
The Zen view of the “dew drop” world
How annica, dukka, anatta connect with nirvana and unshakeable freedom
To end the illusion of separation
Politics as a form of ritualized warfare
Standing up like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita
Human history as also containing compassion, courage, and sweetness
Finding refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
Living from unconditional love and a freedom from fear
The transformative power of community
Our inexorable connection to all the great Saints, Gods, and to the Great Mystery

“You get to choose your spirit. No matter what.” – Jack Kornfield

"We know that we're not separate. You know it especially when you're on the mountaintop looking down after some amazing hike, or listening to a piece of music that transports you beyond the small sense of self. You know it when you make love, or take psychedelics, or have some profound meditation, or dance until you disappear. We all know it." – Jack Kornfield

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