After the Laundry the Ecstasy: Ajahn Chah, Enlightenment, & a Dhammic Life’s Legacy | Jack Kornfield

This is PART ONE of Clear Mountain's interview with Jack Kornfield. PART TWO is scheduled to air March 4th: https://youtu.be/Bi7XYeCVOrY

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:29 - How many times did you ordain, and what were those circumstances?

00:05:39 - Jack asks the Ajahns about Clear Mountain

00:08:05 - What's the purpose of this podcast?

00:09:84 - Is Enlightenment a permanent end to greed, anger, and delusion, or is it temporary?

00:23:38 - Is Enlightenment unshakable?

00:25:34 - What changes have been made in bringing the Dharma West?

00:26:41 - Shared practice? Democritization? Feminization? Integration?

00:26:51 - Your life is your practice.

00:27:49 - Bodhisattva Vows and Engaged Buddhism?

00:28:14 - Democritization

00:31:06 - How has your personal relationship with the Buddha changed over the years?

00:36:50 - What is your one message for listeners dealing with political fear and global anxiety?

00:43:34 - What is the one thing you miss most about monastic life?

00:44:22 - What is the one thing you miss least about monastic life?

00:45:13 - Would you re-ordain for one week if Dan Harris and Sam Harris did it with you?

00:45:59 - If you rewrote your book today, who would you name as the "Modern Buddhist Masters"?

00:48:15 - Which specific teaching of the Buddha has resonated with you the most?

00:49:29 - What type "spiritual bypassing" should American Buddhists watch out for?

In this interview, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Jack Kornfield, a pioneering bridge between Theravāda Buddhism and Western psychology, and a key architect of the mindfulness movement currently flourishing in the United States. The interview touches on such topics as Kornfield’s varied ordinations in Asia, the integration of psychology into modern Buddhist practice, perspectives on enlightenment, "democratization" of the Dharma, the necessity of compassion in a suffering world, and how the essence of non-clinging transcends traditional lineage boundaries.

Jack's Biography:

Jack Kornfield has been a pioneering force in bringing Theravāda Buddhism – and mindfulness more broadly – to the West. After serving in the Peace Corps in the late 1960s, Jack trained as a monk under our teachers' teacher Ajahn Chah, and - for varying lengths of time – also met and trained with such other monastic luminaries as: Mahasi Sayadaw, Ajahn Jumnien, Taungpulu Sayādaw, Ajahn Buddhadāsa, and Ajahn Maha Boowa. As a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in 1975 and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 1987, Jack has spent decades bridging Eastern tradition with his background in clinical psychology. He is the author of several modern Spiritual classics, including: "Living Dharma" (formerly "Living Buddhist Masters", "A Path with Heart", "After the Ecstasy the Laundry", and "The Wise Heart". His most recent book is a collection of stories: "All in This Together". To learn more about Jack, visit: https://jackkornfield.com/

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)

- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)

- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)

See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!