Ep. 281 – The Paradox of Practice: When to Sit, When to Serve

Exploring the spiritual paradox of individual and universal responsibility, Jack helps us find balance between meditation and service in our daily lives.

This Dharma Talk from 12/7/1992 at Insight Meditation Society was originally published on Dharmaseed.

In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:

• The paradox of individual and universal responsibility
• What's the better spiritual practice—meditation or service?
• What exactly is individual, and what is the universe?
• Joanna Macy's painful yet healing trip to Chernobyl
• Becoming stewards of each other, the earth, and the future
• Distinguishing between freedom and it's near enemies
• Near enemies as fostering separation; freedom as interdependence
• How to respond to suffering authentically and helpfully
• Creating change blossoming from the human heart
• The radical act of "doing nothing and facing yourself"
• Dealing with the homelessness problem, warfare, environmental destruction
• Balancing "Don't just do something, sit there," and "Don't just sit there, there isn't time."
• Choosing between inner practice and outward service
• Following a true path with heart in this lifetime
• Vimala Thakar, Ajahn Chah, and Maha Ghosananda as beacons of peace
• The power of helping feed the hungry
• Navigating the up and down, inner and outer, cycles of spiritual life

"Every act counts. Each one of us has the power to affect the world." – Jack Kornfield

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