Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

Drawing from Buddhist text, Jack tells the story of the last year of Buddha’s life, and the teachings he imparted to his followers and future seekers on the path. Guidance for practice, and instructions for building and sustaining wise relationships were the focus of these final offerings. The power of mythology is emphasized in appreciating its capacity to speak to the human imagination. When removed from the lens of literality, these stories are brought to life, imbuing the narrative with a depth and timeless relatability from which we can continually find inspiration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover how a quiet mind and open heart can unlock wisdom and deeper love. Explore the journey of a journalist who transformed from activist to peacemaker, finding compassion amidst chaos. Reflect on life's impermanence through the insights of a hospice worker and poet. Dive into the beauty of existence, heightened by stories of resilience and healing. Witness the power of meditation through a nun's battle with cancer, illustrating the strength found in shared human experiences.

Jack sits down with fellow podcast patrons, Duncan Trussell and Dustin Marshall, for an in-depth discussion about navigating some of the darkest corners of the emotional spectrum. We are encouraged to open to Love, despite the innate vulnerability and collective insecurities that inevitably arise. In cultivating the Witness, we are able to step outside the drama of our lives, creating just enough space to approach our suffering without getting lost in it. A wonderful exploration of our inherent worthiness regarding our capacity for Love, and the small steps we can take toward the healing our hearts and minds in the most hopeless of moments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A gentle reminder that the possibility of awakening exists in every moment, and in every circumstance. Liberation comes not through suppression or by fighting against ourselves, but rather by resting where we are, at peace with the world as it is. We can all sense the potential for bringing compassion to ourselves and the world around us, and need only be reminded through the power of practice.     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack outlines the Ten Perfections within Buddhism that naturally arise in the stillness and steadiness of our practice. These qualities can be developed and applied in any situation and are extremely useful in bringing the path of awakening into everyday life. They are not meant to be a means for perfecting oneself, but rather a reminder of the true nature to which we can always return   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In embracing our humanity, we move into the pure awareness of our own true nature, learning to live wisely and discovering freedom and compassion regardless of circumstance. The path is not about attainment, but rather an opportunity to recognize the patterns of life and begin to align ourselves with its flow. Jack shares the ways in which we can live with a wise heart in the midst of impermanence, with ease amidst the dance of life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack describes the beauty of the awakened mind and heart that arises naturally when we can empty ourselves of the burden of identity. The reality of the present is all there is, and in fully embodying this understanding we move into an open and spacious realm of creative insight and joyful expression. Finding what it is that brings us to life, moves us deeper into the Dharma and sharing that energy with the world is a profound statement. We demonstrate our liberation by offering it to everyone we can, using the awakened heart as our compass See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack weaves a tender web of allegorical expression regarding our natural call toward compassionate action. We learn to not seek satisfaction in the results, but in the value, rightness and truth of the work itself. We can’t bring the rain, but we can offer to plant the seeds of our heart’s best intentions. A spacious meditation closes the talk, in which we are invited to uncover our own unique Bodhisattva vow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In practice there is an invitation to shift from the real-time experiences to the spacious and open heart of wisdom, ease, and graciousness. Through dedication to our practice we begin to find the trust necessary to remain present no matter the circumstance. As this presence grows, the factors of enlightenment such as mindfulness, joy, and equanimity slowly emerge. The awakened mind and heart are awaiting you, asking only that you make the effort to acknowledge their presence.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the transformative power of love and compassion in personal growth and everyday interactions. Explore the journey of loving kindness and its role in self-remembrance and connection. Learn how creative therapies can reveal our deepest desires, while touching encounters with animals foster respect and understanding. Delve into the nurturing aspects of love through cooking metaphors. Finally, engage in a meditation practice to cultivate universal loving kindness, enhancing emotional connections with all beings.