Oprah's Super Soul Super Soul Special: Jack Kornfield: Buddhism 101
Jan 21, 2026
Jack Kornfield, a renowned Buddhist teacher and author, dives into the essence of Buddhism in this enlightening discussion. He clarifies that Buddhism isn’t just a religion but a path to mindfulness and awakening. Jack shares practical tips for daily living, like incorporating meditation and compassion to cultivate inner peace. He addresses modern issues like loneliness and self-judgment, emphasizing our original goodness. His insights into the Eightfold Path and the importance of living in the present resonate deeply, as he offers tools to transform our busy lives into a practice of joy and awareness.
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Dharma As Practical Path
- Dharma means truth and the path to awakening through mindful presence and training.
- Jack Kornfield frames dharma as practices to live more awake and connected in daily life.
Awakening Is Presence
- Living an awakened life means being present in the reality of the now and not identifying with future or past thoughts.
- Awakening reveals our capacity for freedom and dignity beyond fear and contraction.
Monastic Training And Family Pain
- Jack became a monk after Peace Corps service in Thailand to learn how to handle his own emotional pain from family trauma.
- His teacher taught him that encountering anger in meditation is where real compassion is learned.
