Varanasi, Death and the Burning Ghats

Honoring the release of All In This Together, Jack reflects on how stories awaken compassion, heal division, and call us back to meeting one another with respect.

Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World

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.

“We have the opportunity to reach out and mend the fabric of life... Action that actually undoes anxiety is making even the tiniest difference to others.” –Jack Kornfield

In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:

• Jack’s recent trip with Trudy to India to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• What the Dalai Lama said about A.I. and compassion
• Having a wise relationship with A.I. and technology
• Varanasi and facing the reality of death at the burning ghats
• Stories as a medicine for the soul
• The transformative story of Ram Dass, Maharajji, and the glance of mercy
• Being fully worthy of love
• Learning how to connect with genuineness, kindness, and respect
• Archetypal and universal teachings
• Buddha’s last meal
• Intention as the root of karma
• Overcoming conflict with respect and good intention

“Even making the tiniest difference to others begins to change the direction of your life and the circumstance of the world around you.” –Jack Kornfield

This Dharma Talk originally took place in Nov 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk andGuided Meditation celebrating Jack’s All In This Together book release. Stay up to date with Jack's upcoming livestreams and events here.

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.

“Stories are medicine.” –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.