

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

May 6, 2026 • 37min
Ep. 322 – Wisdom for Difficult Times: AI, Compassion, and Community
Conversations explore ethical AI and a Positive AI initiative that steers technology toward compassion. Listeners hear about compassionate investing and community-backed projects. Practical guidance appears on caring for aging or ill parents and transforming rage into sustained, caring action. The importance of sangha as refuge and standing together with dignity is emphasized.

19 snips
Apr 23, 2026 • 34min
Ep. 321 – Ram Dass and the Freedom to Be Human
A reflective exploration of freedom, inspired by Ram Dass’s playful embrace of being. Discussions on nonattachment, letting go of preferences, and meeting pain with compassion. Stories linking Buddhist teachings to activism, nature, and resilience. Practical moments on supporting hearts under siege and bearing difficulty with dignity.

Apr 8, 2026 • 34min
Ep. 320 – Guided Meditation for Grounding, Gratitude, and Presence
A guided meditation that leads listeners into mindful loving awareness and simple gratitude. Short practices invite settling into the body, feeling grounded, and connecting with the breath. The recording opens space to notice thoughts and emotions with kindness. It closes by broadening awareness to a sense of connectedness with all life.

Mar 25, 2026 • 48min
Ep. 319 – All In This Together Series #7: The Blessings of Loving Kindness, Stories and Guided Meditation for Protection
Stories and a guided meditation explore loving kindness as a protective, heart-opening practice. Reflections cover forgiveness in family life, the origins and stepwise practice of metta, and how kindness applies to technology and daily struggles. Listeners hear traditional blessings of metta, group reflections on long-term practice, and practical guidance for extending compassion to self and all beings.

35 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 43min
Ep. 318 – All in This Together Series #6: Bowing to the Mystery, An Invitation for Liberation
Stories about the surprising origins of Spirit Rock and Insight Meditation Society spark awe. Reflections on bowing to life’s mystery and the strange beauty of being human. Practical guidance on staying calm in traffic, working with anger, and holding grief with kindness. An invitation to wonder, compassion, and becoming a steady presence for others.

16 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 37min
Ep. 317 – All In This Together Series #5: Stories as Medicine, Learning to Meet Each Other with Respect
A reflective journey through stories that heal division and awaken compassion. Travel tales from India include meeting the Dalai Lama, AI and compassion, and confronting death at Varanasi’s ghats. Timeless tales—Ram Dass, Buddha’s last year, and moral fables—show how small acts, humility, and checking our intentions help us meet one another with genuine respect.

Feb 11, 2026 • 32min
Ep. 316 – All In This Together Series #4: Illuminating Our Common Humanity with Anne Lamott and Tami Simon
Anne Lamott, best-selling author and candid writing teacher, brings warm humor and spiritual bluntness. They explore storytelling from the heart. They examine laughter and tears as sacred connection. They reflect on rest, micro-dosing love through stories, and the surprising tenderness found in everyday human bonds.

11 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 39min
Ep. 315 – Reflections on the Cosmic Dance and a ‘Still Point’ Guided Meditation
A guided journey into the still point of the turning world. Reflections on solstice, the music of the spheres, and cosmic perspective. Instructions for embodied presence, breath awareness, and a global sense of interconnectedness. Gentle practices for calming the jaw and mind, naming thoughts, and becoming a loving witness.

12 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 34min
Ep. 314 – Winter Light: Tending the Fire of the Heart
As winter settles in, the warmth of compassion and generosity shines even brighter. Stories of everyday kindness reveal how small acts can create profound change. Jack emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open heart, especially in dark times, and explores the idea of beginner's mind to see the world anew. He discusses the sacredness of the solstice as a moment for reflection and highlights the power of respect as an expression of love. Tapping into our inner fire not only heals us but also lights the way for others.

Dec 31, 2025 • 31min
Ep. 313 – Winter’s Sacred Pause: Standing Still in a Turning World
As winter embraces us, the sacred pause of the solstice shines a light on stillness amidst chaos. Reflecting on impermanence, the beauty of life's renewals, and the weight of sorrow, the conversation explores the importance of tenderness in our connections. Jack invites listeners to ponder their last day—who to call and what to express—infusing each moment with love and mindfulness. Through acts of generosity and remembering small kindnesses, we can find meaning and joy, all while keeping the spirit of stillness alive.


