In 'Tattoos on the Heart', Father Gregory Boyle shares his experiences and insights from thirty years of working with gang members in Los Angeles. The book is a collection of parables that highlight the importance of kinship, redemption, and boundless compassion. Boyle founded Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program, and his stories reflect his commitment to helping young people escape gang life and find a path to self-respect and dignity. The book emphasizes the power of unconditional love, faith, and the importance of treating all individuals with respect and kindness, regardless of their background[1][3][5].
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 Dhammapada is a Buddhist scripture that distills the complex teachings of the Buddha into concise, crystalline verses. It is part of the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. The text includes various chapters that cover themes such as earnestness, thought, the nature of the fool and the wise man, and the path to enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of controlling one's thoughts and actions to achieve happiness and avoid suffering. The verses are traditionally believed to have been spoken by the Buddha on various occasions and are accompanied by commentaries that provide context and stories to illustrate the teachings[1][2][4].
Jack invites us to walk the path of joy—no matter the circumstances—showing how living joyfully and tenderly is a courageous, radical, and transformative act.
Join the Year of Awakening with Jack Kornfield for monthly livestream Q&A hangs with Jack, and weekly lessons and reflections to keep your year focused on awakening. Use code AWAKEN50 for 50% off entry.
“What I’ve seen in visiting refugee camps is that they don’t want you to come in feeling depressed—they have enough of that themselves. They’re not looking for people who are frightened, worried, or downhearted. What they long for is someone who can bring a sense of uplift, possibility, and joy.” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:
- Living joyfully with a positive attitude
- Joy as a necessary quality of enlightenment
- How can we have joy in times of chaos, disruption, and suffering?
- Joy as a true service to others and the world
- Uplifting others through our joy and positivity
- Wavy Gravy and the Transformative Power of Joy
- How suffering is not the end of the story; it’s the beginning of the Four Noble Truths
- Bringing joy, beauty, and humor to our protesting, activism, and standing up for what matters
- Being hopeful despite the outside circumstances, and emphasizing compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness
- The joy and playfulness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- How we can bless and heal each other with our joy
- Living in joy, love, health and peace even amidst hate, affliction, and troubles
- Experiencing the sweet joy of living in the way
- The radical joyful presence of Ajahn Chah and Maha Ghosananda
- Risking delight
- Jack’s rapturous experience of meditative bliss
- Learning to step out of the battle and embrace life
- Thich Nhat Hanh and the practice of smiling
- Becoming a make-weight of joy, tipping the scales to hope
- Unshakeable integrity, generosity, gratitude, and tenderness
- Tuning in with nature, relationships, and the mystery
- Father Gregory Boyle and the possibility of transformation and renewal
This episode was recorded on 04/07/2025 for the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation.
“Be joyful though you have considered all the facts.” – Wendell Berry
“Live in joy and love even among those who hate. Live in joy and health even among the afflicted. Live in joy and peace even among the troubled. Look within, be still, free from fears and attachments. Know the sweet joy of living in the way.” – The Dhammapada
About Jack Kornfield:
Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.
Jack is currently offering a wonderful array of transformational online courses diving into crucial topics like Mindfulness Meditation Fundamentals, Walking the Eightfold Path, Opening the Heart of Forgiveness, Living Beautifully, Transforming Your Life Through Powerful Stories, and so much more. Sign up for an All Access Pass to explore Jack’s entire course library. If you would like a year's worth of online meetups with Jack and fellow community, join The Year of Awakening: A Monthly Journey with Jack Kornfield.
Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings.
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Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield 
