

Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield
Be Here Now Network
The Jack Kornfield Heart Wisdom hour celebrates Jack’s ability to mash up his long established Buddhist practices with many other mystical traditions, revealing the poignancy of life’s predicaments and the path to finding freedom from self-interest, self-judgment and unhappiness.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 3, 2025 • 55min
Ep. 304 – Finding Your Inner Light
Join a captivating exploration of light and darkness through enchanting storytelling. Discover how tales of Nachiketa and Lord Yama reveal life's mysteries, including mortality and sincerity. Delve into the power of forgiveness as a transformative force and reflect on profound themes of purpose during the summer solstice. Experience gripping narratives of adventure in nature and the quest for true identity. This journey encourages embracing your inner light and living from what you value most.

21 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 303 – The Nature of Mind: Practices and Perspectives for Inner Freedom
Dive into the exploration of the mind’s true nature, where meditation becomes a path to inner freedom and compassion. Discover playful guided practices that reveal happiness and how our thoughts shape reality. Delve into the transformative power of mindfulness to navigate life's challenges and unfinished business. Insights from Buddhist teachings and intriguing stories, including LSD research, illuminate the depths of awareness. Finally, connect with your original heart and embrace interconnectedness while touching the world in kindness.

Aug 20, 2025 • 33min
Ep. 302 – Awakening the Lion’s Roar Within: Poetry of Courage, Compassion, and Wonder
Discover the transformative power of poetry and mindfulness as the discussion weaves Rumi’s wisdom into a tapestry of courage, compassion, and wonder. Explore healing through embracing emotions and the importance of living authentically. Engage in the beauty of everyday life and the mysteries of existence, from dreams to the universe's vastness. Uncover your inner strength and awaken the Buddha’s Lion’s Roar, inviting tenderness and a childlike sense of wonder into your life. Let poetry guide you to a life of wakefulness and joy.

18 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 33min
Ep. 301 – The Dharma of Poetry: Rumi, Beauty, Music, and the Art of Awakening
Delve into the healing power of art, beauty, and music as tools for navigating life's complexities. Discover how poetry can lend grace and understanding to our sorrows. Explore Rumi's spiritual insights and the symbolism in his work that highlights humility and devotion. Experience the journey of self-discovery through mindfulness, embracing challenges with an open heart. Reflect on the interconnectedness of human experiences and the transformative nature of artistic expression as a way to foster connection and healing.

23 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 37min
Ep. 300 – This Very Place: Letting Go and Finding Freedom
Dive into the transformative power of letting go as the gateway to freedom. Explore how pure awareness and acceptance connect us to the present moment. Discover the healing potential of compassion through heartfelt stories, including a Marine comforting a dying man. Reflect on the significance of embracing a beginner's mind to unravel the beauty in struggle and grief. Each moment is a unique chance for liberation, urging us to find wholeness within the cyclical nature of life. Nirvana isn’t far—it's right here, inviting us to awaken.

Jul 30, 2025 • 36min
Ep. 299 – The End of Exile: A Zen Love Story of Coming Home to Yourself
This illuminating talk weaves a Zen love story that encourages self-acceptance amidst external chaos. It explores the powerful journey of mindfulness as a path to liberation and embracing the present moment. Discover how accepting all parts of ourselves can lead to emotional well-being. Personal narratives are examined, reminding us of life's dreamlike quality. Through touching tales, listeners are guided on overcoming exile and finding true connection with their hearts.

19 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 33min
Ep. 298 – The Dalai Lama’s Message for Modern Times: How to Live with Courage, Compassion, and Integrity
Explore the Dalai Lama's profound teachings on courage and compassion for today's world. The discussion emphasizes gender equity in Buddhism, with a thought-provoking reflection on what if the Dalai Lama were a woman. Humor and honesty shine through, from light-hearted anecdotes to serious calls for engaged Buddhism. The fusion of psychology and meditation is highlighted, urging a balance between tradition and personal practice. Insights into teacher training reveal the importance of nurturing compassion and inclusivity in spiritual communities.

9 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 40min
Ep. 297 – Advice from the Dalai Lama: The Fragrance of Nirvana
Discover insights from a rare gathering with the Dalai Lama on true teaching, emphasizing compassion over titles. Explore the blossoming of meditation centers across the U.S. and the essence of gathering in harmony. Learn about the 'scent-test' of liberation and the importance of engaging with life's difficulties. Hear the impactful journey of students and teachers navigating ethical dilemmas in spiritual leadership. This unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern challenges offers a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of peace and well-being.

4 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 43min
Ep. 296 – The Beautiful World We Can Be: Trust, Joy, Imagination & Transformation
Discover how trust, joy, and imagination can spark personal and societal transformation. The conversation reflects on the beauty of community support, emphasizing small actions that create significant change. Find resilience in the face of challenges and learn to celebrate life and advocate for justice. Through compassion and understanding, we explore the interconnectedness of all beings. Gratitude emerges as a crucial spiritual practice, fostering connections that help us navigate tough times together.

6 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 295 – The Sweet and Radical Joy of Living in the Way
Discover the radical joy that can transform our lives, even amid chaos and suffering. Jack Kornfield emphasizes the importance of living joyfully and uplifting others, sharing personal stories and insights from refugee experiences. Learn how joy fosters hope and community, inspiring compassion, kindness, and resilience. Through anecdotes and reflections, he highlights joy as a necessity for enlightenment and a powerful act of service. Embrace the playful spirit of leaders like the Dalai Lama and find beauty in challenging times.