Jack Kornfield engages in a deep dialogue about transformation and societal evolution, likening humanity to a butterfly's metamorphosis. He emphasizes the power of individuals as 'imaginal cells' to inspire change amid chaos. Topics include navigating late-stage capitalism, the importance of community, and the beauty of embracing personal growth. Kornfield encourages listeners to trust in renewal and carry their light with dignity while addressing collective challenges with compassion and love.
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Be the Calm
Stay centered and calm amidst chaos, like the lone person on a panicking boat.
Your centeredness can guide others and influence the world positively.
insights INSIGHT
Great Turning
Current societal problems are symptoms of our shared humanity, not just isolated incidents.
We're in a "Great Turning," a chance to reset our lives, according to Joanna Macy.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Imaginal Cells
Caterpillars don't simply grow wings; they dissolve into imaginal cells.
These cells imagine the butterfly into existence, illustrating transformative potential.
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Gary Snyder's "Earth House Hold" is a collection of essays and poems that explore the relationship between humans and nature. Snyder, a prominent voice in the environmental movement, blends his deep understanding of ecology with his practice of Zen Buddhism. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and advocates for a more sustainable and harmonious way of life. It's a call for ecological responsibility and a celebration of the natural world. Snyder's work has significantly influenced environmental thought and action.
The Gulag Archipelago
An Experiment in Literary Investigation
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population[2][5][3].
Bury the chains
Adam Hochschild
Bury the Chains chronicles the late 18th- and early 19th-century anti-slavery movement in the British Empire, highlighting key figures like Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. The book explores the campaign's tactics and setbacks, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery in 1838. It also draws parallels with modern social justice movements, showcasing the pioneering methods used by the abolitionists.
Black Elk speaks
John Gneisenau Neihardt
Black Elk
This book is a poignant tale of a Lakota life, a history of a Native nation, and an enduring spiritual testament. It recounts Black Elk's youth, his visions, and the struggles of the Sioux people during the late 19th century, including the battles and massacres that drove them into smaller areas of land. The book also details Black Elk's experiences with the Ghost Dance and his time with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. It is a powerful and inspirational message that conveys the unity of humanity and Earth, as seen through the eyes of Black Elk and transcribed by John G. Neihardt.
This episode was recorded on 3/03/25 as a part of Spirit Rock’s Monday Night Dharma Talk Series
“You are the imaginal cells. You are the ones who are called to hold the vision of a wise society where people respect each other, where we care for the vulnerable, where we understand the universal teaching, ‘Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.’ This is you.'” – Jack Kornfield
In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:
Staying centered amidst life’s struggles Stopping blame and “right and wrong
Navigating Late-Stage Capitalism in the 21st Century
The Great Turning as an opportunity to reset our lives as human beings
The Great Turning as a birth process—messy, painful, dangerous, and beautiful
Remembering your fearlessness amidst politics and news media Becoming “imaginal cells” of the butterfly
Trusting the constant renewal of life and nature Black Elk, Gary Snyder, and the power of loving the earth
Meditation and sitting with heartbreak
Dissolving guilt, fear, and doomscrolling
Carrying your light with nobility, respect, and dignity
Trusting the big picture, the vast cosmic view
Remembering who you are and living from it
The possibility of a new underground railroad
Recognizing that we are the imaginal cells of the world
“Here we are, 21st century, late-stage capitalism, which has gotten to the place where there’s further extremes of rich and poor for exploitation. We’re at the time what Joanna Macy calls the Great Turning—the great opportunity really for us to reset our lives as human beings.” – Jack Kornfield
Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield 
