Ep. 307 – Inner Climate Change with Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi

Oct 9, 2025

In this insightful conversation, Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi, a climate leader and founder of Bridging Ventures, discusses the vital connection between inner transformation and outer climate action. He shares his journey from early activism to realizing the importance of personal sustainability after a health crisis. The duo explores themes like original innocence, the significance of rituals, and strategies for overcoming despair through love and imagination. Together, they emphasize empowering women and children as pivotal for societal change.

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INSIGHT

Inner Change Precedes Outer Fixes

Inner transformation is necessary because the roots of warfare, racism, and climate disruption lie in the human heart.
Without inner change, technological or systemic fixes alone will not resolve these conflicts.

ANECDOTE

Supporting Activists With Ritual

Jack described working with a rainforest activist who became physically ill hearing about fires and learned practices to avoid carrying the pain.
They used ritual, offerings, and shared altars so the activist could hold care without burning out.

ANECDOTE

Youth Campaign For Healthy Meals

Rajiv recounted organizing for healthier school meals in Scotland as a youth and seeing real change from student action.
That early campaign showed him that young people can influence systems and policy.

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Jack Kornfield and Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi share uplifting spiritual wisdom on how inner climate change shapes outer climate healing, the environment, and the future of humanity.

Jack’s new book hits shelves on 11/11: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World – Preorder your copy today!

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.

“It’s very clear that no amount of technology—no amount of internet, AI, computers, nanotechnology, space exploration, or biotechnology—will put an end to warfare, racism, or climate disruption. None of these advancements will resolve the conflicts we face in the world, because their roots lie in the human heart. Without an inner transformation, no outer transformation can truly take place.” – Jack Kornfield

In this episode, Jack and Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi mindfully explore:

Inner Climate Change: How transforming the heart and mind shapes the outer world.
Original Innocence: Returning to the heart’s wisdom that already knows what matters most.
Ritual and Higher Forces: Turning to sacred connection for strength in healing the earth.
Inner and Outer Healing: Burnout reveals the truth that inner practice is as vital as outer change.
Steps for Transformation: Empowering women and educating children as the greatest levers of change.
Beyond Despair: Despair as a failure of imagination—regeneration and renewal are possible.
Wisdom of Love: Gary Snyder’s reminder to act not from fear or guilt, but from love for the world.

This Dharma Talk originally took place on 9/8/25 for Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here.

“We should not forget that in each moment the hope that can manifest the future is always present.” – Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi

About Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi:

Professor Joshi is the Founder of Bridging Ventures and former Associate Dean for Climate Action at Columbia University. He helped launch Columbia’s Climate School with President Obama, and has led groundbreaking work in global collaboration, climate technology, and regenerative entrepreneurship.

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.

“The invitation of inner climate change is realizing our hearts already know what truly matters. From this lens, inner climate change is inseparable from outer climate healing.” – 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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