Ep. 314 – Winter Light: Tending the Fire of the Heart

6 snips

Jan 14, 2026

As winter settles in, the warmth of compassion and generosity shines even brighter. Stories of everyday kindness reveal how small acts can create profound change. Jack emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open heart, especially in dark times, and explores the idea of beginner's mind to see the world anew. He discusses the sacredness of the solstice as a moment for reflection and highlights the power of respect as an expression of love. Tapping into our inner fire not only heals us but also lights the way for others.

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ANECDOTE

Daughter Chooses Compassion Over Caution

Jack shares his daughter's choice to give $70 to a visibly pregnant woman so she and her toddler could sleep in a warm hotel room.
The daughter preferred being generous even if it risked being scammed, showing compassion over fear.

INSIGHT

Keep A Beginner's Mind

Jack invokes Suzuki Roshi's 'beginner's mind' as a continual practice to see with wonder and fresh awareness.
Maintaining beginner's mind opens the heart and invites the birth of spiritual tenderness in meditation.

ADVICE

Sit, Sweep, Then Share Your Light

Sit to quiet the mind and sweep your garden; then offer your gifts to the world.
Add your light and heart to the troubled and beautiful world rather than waiting for grand gestures.

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As winter deepens, Jack reflects on the quiet light that does not go out—the warmth of compassion, generosity, and courage that sustains us through dark seasons. Through stories of everyday kindness and ancient wisdom, he invites us to tend the inner fire that heals and connects us.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.

“That's what you carry. That's who you really are. That's what was born in you, is the great heart of compassion and tenderness.” –Jack Kornfield

In this episode, Jack explores:

Compassion as a response to fear
Everyday acts of generosity
Tending the inner fire during dark seasons
Beginner’s mind and seeing with wonder
Adding your light to a troubled and beautiful world

“The heart can’t do anything but tenderness and mercy when we really listen.” –Jack Kornfield

Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World

This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here.

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.

“Perhaps there is only one person’s voice missing for peace to come into the world.” –Jack Kornfield, retelling a traditional teaching

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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