Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

Explore the power of breath as a life force and its role in fostering mindfulness. A guided meditation invites gratitude for our inner selves, encouraging the release of tension and connecting with emotions. Delve into the effortless nature of breathing and how it ties us to the universe. The practice cultivates awareness, distinguishing between the self and the observing mind, and promotes a profound sense of peace and joy. Engage in this transformative journey that enhances both heart and mind.

Trudy Goodman, a Buddhist teacher and founder of InsightLA, joins to discuss how to rise with compassion amid global uncertainty. She and Jack Kornfield explore the concept of becoming Bodhisattvas to navigate fear and division in society. They emphasize the transformative power of community and the journey from fear to love, likening it to caterpillars turning into butterflies. Their conversation encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, engage mindfully with challenges, and create a more loving world through collective action.

Explore the journey of letting go of victimhood and awakening resilience. Discover how to trust your heart and embrace meditation to confront traumas. Delve into the beauty amidst negativity, symbolized by cherry blossoms. Learn the importance of self-awareness and compassion, while recognizing your deeper self beyond past narratives. Experience the interconnectedness of all, and embrace life’s unpredictability with a sense of adventure and openness. Letting go of fear allows true resilience to flourish.

Explore the deeper truths of identity and the art of letting go. Discover how meditation can provide a sacred space for reflection and authenticity. Delve into the transient beauty of life and embrace the interconnectedness of all existence. Hear personal anecdotes that illuminate the mystery of who we are, while confronting the presence of mortality. This enlightening discussion invites you to step beyond societal roles and reconnect with your true self amid life's changing landscape.

Exploring how to stay buoyant and balanced on life's great ocean of change, Jack sets our spiritual compass for letting go into what is.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self. Join Jack's New Free Course, Stand Up For Compassion: A Free Course and Resource for Navigating Uncertain Times. "What we're asked to do here is a very deep thing, which isn't to change ourselves, but to give ourselves to our life, to practice with continuity and care, bowing, opening. It's really like being in labor, if you've ever had a child or been there for childbirth, it's a birth of your life, a birth of yourself, over and over, letting go to what is." – Jack KornfieldIn this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:The Tibetan story of Avalokitesvara, Green Tara, and White TaraThe spiritual wisdom of a duck resting on the oceanFloating softly on life's constant ocean of changeExperiencing ourselves as an always flowing river of lifeBowing to the truth of impermanenceSelflessness, emptiness, and opennessSeeing through the dreamlike mirage of 'who you think you are'Letting go into the ever-changing process of lifeHonoring the truth of what's here and nowSuffering, opening your heart, and connecting to all beingsAwakening the great heart of compassionRam Dass and the gift of serviceMeeting death with curiosity, play, and wisdomRebirthing ourselves over and over againGiving ourselves over sincerely to our life, letting go into what isAwakening the great wisdom and heart of the Buddha in every circumstanceHow surrender leads directly to freedomThis Dharma Talk recorded on 1/3/93 at Spirit Rock Meditation Center was originally published on DharmaSeed.“The more we pay attention, the more we sense ourselves as a river of life." – Jack KornfieldInterested in learning more on this topic? Check out our most recent Here and Now episode for Ram Dass’ perspective on the ocean of change. 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 years worth of online meetups with Jack and fellow community, join The Year of Awakening: A Monthly Journey with 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the transformative power of accepting reality and bowing to the joys and sorrows of life. Delve into how embracing both personal and collective suffering can lead to profound growth. Listen as emotional journeys in meditation unveil deep insights about connection and awakening. Reflect on the impact of crises like Chernobyl, showcasing the beauty that endures amid pain. Ultimately, this enlightening discussion inspires you to see the truth and live fully, nurturing compassion right where you are.

Explore the transformative power of meditation as a pathway to present-moment awareness. Delve into the significance of mindful breathing and loving awareness in calming the mind. Experience a guided meditation that encourages embracing your emotions and cultivating a compassionate heart. Discover how to witness your human experience and recognize true freedom as your birthright. Join in a collective journey of mindfulness, letting go of distractions from the past and future to fully embrace the beauty of the now.

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.

Discover how to awaken your inner Soul Force to create positive change in the world. Explore the significance of recognizing and nurturing your unique gifts, and how personal adversities can cultivate resilience and compassion. Reflect on the power of small acts of love inspired by great leaders, while facing the truths of life and death. Learn about the deep connection between inner freedom and compassion, and embrace the transformative act of connecting with nature. Each action counts in the journey to healing.

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 KornfieldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.