Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

Recent episodes

1. Ep. 328 – Spirit Rock's New Stupa Part 2: Remembering Who You Are

   Jul 30, 202636 min

   Reflecting on Spirit Rock's new stupa, Jack Kornfield shares how sacred places help us remember the timeless awareness, compassion, and freedom at the heart of our being. 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. This week on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield shares: The meaning and purpose of Buddhist Stupas Sacred symbols and spiritual remembrance Consciousness beyond the personal self Community, lineage, and blessing Bringing practice into the world Lovingkindness as a way of life This teaching was originally recorded during the blessing of Spirit Rock's new stupa and the celebration of Jack Kornfield's 80th birthday. The full event was produced by Spirit Rock and has been adapted for Heart Wisdom. For information about visiting Spirit Rock or attending an in-person or online retreat, please visit Spiritrock.org . “You are not this body or these feelings. They come and go. Who you are is so much bigger than this. In fact, who you are is awareness, consciousness itself. When you start to realize that, it becomes the gateway to freedom, to liberation, and tremendous joy in the middle of it all.” –Jack Kornfield 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “You quiet the mind and open the heart. Then you get up and sweep the garden of the world.” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

2. Ep. 327 – Spirit Rock's New Stupa: Community, Courage, and the Awakened Heart

   Jul 15, 202647 min

   Celebrating Spirit Rock's new stupa and 40 years of practice, Jack Kornfield reflects on spiritual community, resilience in times of suffering, and the timeless wisdom that helps us meet life with an awakened heart. 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. This week on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield explores: Spiritual community as a refuge in difficult times Compassion and resilience amid global suffering Remembering our fundamental goodness The transformative power of meditation practice Kindness as the fruit of a lifetime of practice Discovering awareness as our natural state This teaching was originally recorded during the blessing of Spirit Rock's new stupa and the celebration of Jack Kornfield's 80th birthday. The full event was produced by Spirit Rock and has been adapted for Heart Wisdom. For information about visiting Spirit Rock or attending an in-person or online retreat, please visit Spiritrock.org . “The land, the practices, and the community—these are the things that help us remember who we really are.” –Jack Kornfield 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “Who you are is magnificent. Part of our practice and our gathering is honoring that truth and affirming your basic goodness and beauty, saying: this is who you are, and you can live this in the world.” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

3. Ep. 326 – Keeping Your Heart Strong: Courage, Connection, and the Path Forward

   Jul 1, 202632 min

   Through powerful storytelling, Jack Kornfield turns toward the deeper invitation of the spiritual path: to listen with the heart and respond to life with courage, compassion, and presence. 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. This week on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield explores: The power of deep listening and compassion Courage as a force for transformation Expanding our sense of “family” to include all beings Living with love in times of uncertainty Small actions creating meaningful change This episode was originally filmed for the April 2026 Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Talk and Guided Meditation . “So you listen, you add your voice and heart with your humanity, with your care, with your sensitivity. We're all going through it—suffering, pleasure, joy, all of it. Keep your heart strong. You can do this.” –Jack Kornfield 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “You have been training for this—to meet the world with compassion.” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

4. Ep. 325 – Being Here Now in Loving Awareness: Staying Present in a World of Upheaval

   Jun 17, 202637 min

   Beginning with reflections on global crises and personal difficulty, Jack reminds us that while suffering is inevitable, how we respond is what shapes our lives. 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. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield explores: Responding to difficulty without becoming overwhelmed Living in the present moment instead of fear-based thinking The power of intention and deep listening Becoming an “island of peace” in chaotic times Trusting uncertainty and the mystery of life This episode was originally filmed for the April 2026 Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Talk and Guided Meditation. “In difficulty, the mind goes into survival—trying to protect and fix. Thank it, let it soften, and return to the present. As Ram Dass reminds us—you can be here now.” –Jack Kornfield 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “The question is not whether there’s suffering, because there is, and some of it's really terrible. And it does want us to pay attention. But then the question is, how do we respond?” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

5. Ep. 324 - The Courage to Love Amidst War: Compassion, Exhaustion, and Renewal

   Jun 3, 202636 min

   In the second half of this powerful wartime talk, Jack Kornfield guides us through the practice of lovingkindness and explores what it means to stay open-hearted in the face of exhaustion, grief, and overwhelm. 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. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield chats about: Lovingkindness (metta) as a practice of resilience Overcoming despair by using our inner resources Working with emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue The wisdom of allowing emptiness instead of fixing it The power of presence in shaping the future Becoming a force of peace in the world “When we live in the present moment, we can be strong and loving no matter what. We don't get lost in our fear. The practice of living in the present with mindful, loving awareness is a doorway to your freedom, to your well being.” –Jack Kornfield The episode was originally filmed for Mantra Ukraine, you can learn more about them on Instagram 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “You don't have to rush your compassion. Just be where you are and hold even the emptiness with great kindness.” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

6. Ep. 323 - Creating an Island of Peace in the Midst of War

   May 20, 202632 min

   In this deeply moving talk offered to those living through war in Ukraine, Jack Kornfield reminds us that even in the most difficult conditions, the human heart has the capacity to remain open, compassionate, and free. 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. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield shares: Creating inner peace in the midst of external conflict The practice of self-compassion in times of overwhelm How to work with suffering without internalizing it Reconnecting with inner resources like nature, community, and intention The teaching that “hatred never ends by hatred” “Even though there is war around us, it is possible to create an island of peace in the middle of it all—and not let the war take over our hearts.” –Jack Kornfield The episode was originally filmed for Mantra Ukraine, you can learn more about them on Instagram 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 . “If the suffering of the world has now taken over your body, it’s in the wrong place. You need to leave it outside and not carry it inside your heart.” –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 .

7. Ep. 322 – Wisdom for Difficult Times: AI, Compassion, and Community

   May 6, 202637 min

   In this powerful dialogue, Jack Kornfield responds to questions from the community about some of the deepest challenges of the human heart. 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. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield shares: Caring for aging parents with compassion Transforming rage into compassionate action Grieving without hardening the heart Meeting illness and death with presence Sangha as a refuge in difficult time “We need each other. Sangha is the company of the wise. In these times we need to stand up for the truth and speak up together. That’s part of sangha—to be together in the innate dignity of humanity and say, ‘Yes, this is what matters.’” –Jack Kornfield This episode was first recorded on Feb 23, 2026 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Talk and Meditation 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 . “The idea from the Buddha’s teachings is that when we’re together and committed to compassion, liberation, a free heart, and a care for one-another, amazing things are possible.” –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 .

8. Ep. 321 – Ram Dass and the Freedom to Be Human

   Apr 23, 202633 min

   In this illuminating talk, Jack explores the heart of freedom through the lens of his friendship with Ram Dass, reflecting on how to cultivate a heart that can meet it all with loving awareness. 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. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield shares: Ram Dass and the liberation of the heart The Dharma teaching of letting go Freedom from attachment to preferences Compassion in difficult times The wisdom of Buddhist teachings in modern life “There was something so liberating about Ram Dass because he wasn't attached to who he was—he was playing with it.” –Jack Kornfield This episode was first recorded on Feb 23, 2026 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Talk and Meditation 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 . “The great way is not difficult for those who are not attached to their preferences.” –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 .

9. Ep. 320 – Guided Meditation for Grounding, Gratitude, and Presence

   Apr 8, 202633 min

   In this deeply grounding guided meditation, Jack Kornfield invites us to rest in mindful loving awareness and gratitude for the miracle of being alive. 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. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield shares: Guided meditation on mindful loving awareness Gratitude for breath, body, heart, and mind Opening to the field of awareness beyond thoughts The healing power of compassion toward ourselves Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life “Who you are is bigger than the mind, bigger than the emotions, bigger than the changing sensations of the body. You're the field of awareness itself, consciousness that was born into this body.” –Jack Kornfield This episode was first recorded on Feb 23, 2026 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Talk and Meditation 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 . “In this very moment, feel the space that gratitude opens, that kindness opens.” –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 .

10. Ep. 319 – All In This Together Series #7: The Blessings of Loving Kindness, Stories and Guided Meditation for Protection

    Mar 25, 202647 min

    Celebrating the release of All In This Together, Jack shares stories and leads a guided meditation inviting us into the fear dispelling and protective practice of loving kindness. 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. “Loving kindness protects us from our fears that come up. When you go into the jungle, watch the news, or whatever wild thing you do, loving kindness is a basis to tend and care for your own heart.” –Jack Kornfield In this episode, Jack shares stories and leads a guided meditation on: Coming together to quiet the mind and open the heart Jack shares background on his new book of stories, All InThis Together The healing importance of forgiveness in a conflicted world A Buddhist story on how loving kindness (metta) protects us from our fears Looking at our relationship to technology in the world The life-changing blessings of metta practice Holding the tainted glory of your humanity in loving kindness The transformative power of metta Student reflections on the practice Having compassion for our struggles Noticing our progress on the path "Sometimes it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." –Guillaume Apollinaire This Dharma Talk originally took place in Nov 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided 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 . “The practice is to hold the tainted glory of your humanity in loving kindness, all of it, all the difficult, beautiful, amazing, and horrifying parts we have as humans.” –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 .

11. Ep. 318 – All in This Together Series #6: Bowing to the Mystery, An Invitation for Liberation

    Mar 11, 202642 min

    Celebrating the release of All In This Together, Jack reflects on learning to bow to life’s mystery—and how doing so opens a path to liberation, love, and inner peace. 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. https://youtu.be/c9lBoai7ZTY “There’s something so mysterious about how things unfold. We live in something so huge and magnificent, but we get into small mind about how it should be, but we honestly don’t know so much.” –Jack Kornfield In this episode, Jack mindfully explores: More healing stories on love and respect Sharon Salzberg’s travel advice from Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche The stories of how both Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Insight Meditation Society came to be Bowing to the mystery of how everything unfolds Thich Nhat Hanh’s wisdom from a tree How weird, wild, and mysterious it is to be human The invitation to liberation this life offers How to stay calm driving in intense traffic Working with intention and letting others off the hook When people are behaving badly, letting go and focusing on your own heart Dealing with existential angst The music of humanity, of being human Working through anger and righteousness Holding your complicated life in kindness and compassion Becoming a lighthouse for others “There’s something in the stories we tell. We come together for the Dharma, and it’s really the truth of love and mystery.” –Jack Kornfield This Dharma Talk originally took place in Nov 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided 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 . “You can’t know the intention of someone else. There’s only one person whose intention you can really know. Guess whose that is? So, intention is really for yourself.” –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 .

12. Ep. 317 – All In This Together Series #5: Stories as Medicine, Learning to Meet Each Other with Respect

    Feb 25, 202636 min

    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 .

13. Ep. 316 – All In This Together Series #4: Illuminating Our Common Humanity with Anne Lamott and Tami Simon

    Feb 11, 202632 min

    In honor of All In This Together , Jack, Anne Lamott, and Tami Simon continue their heart-opening conversation on story, tenderness, and remembering who you are 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. In this episode, Jack, Anne, and Tami mindfully explore: Anne Lamott’s 12-Step cruise ship seminar wisdom How to tell or write a heart-opening story Getting to the emotional center of it all Remembering who you really are Illuminating our common humanity Laughter as carbonated holiness and sacred ground What’s between the telling and the listening How to trade our exhaustion for peace and rest Micro-dosing love and understanding The healing power of true romantic, soul-mate love Being loved just as you are Stories on hope Operating from the heart cave Jack’s recent visit with His Holiness the Dalai Lama Stories of conflict resolution This conversation originally took place in Nov 2025 for Sounds True’s celebration of Jack’s All In This Together book release. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here . About Anne Lamott: Anne Lamott is the New York Times best-selling author of many books, including collections of essays, novels, and long-form non-fiction, including the classic writing manual Bird by Bird and child-rearing memoir Operating Instructions . In addition to being a novelist and nonfiction writer, Lamott is also a progressive political activist, public speaker, and writing teacher. Keep up with Anne on Instagram . “Laughter is carbonated holiness, and when we’re laughing together we’re on sacred ground.” –Anne Lamott About Tami Simon: Tami Simon is the founder of Sounds True , a multimedia company that has produced over 3,000 titles and been nominated twice for the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing companies. Tami also hosts the popular Sounds True podcast, Insights at the Edge, with more than 15 million downloads. Tami has been instrumental in the creation of the Inner MBA Program: a nine-month interactive program featuring esteemed CEOs and conscious business and mindfulness leaders created by Sounds True, LinkedIn and Wisdom 2.0. 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 . “I want to tell stories that soften your heart, make you weep or laugh, help you remember who you are, and illuminate our common humanity.” –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 .

14. Ep. 315 – Reflections on the Cosmic Dance and a ‘Still Point’ Guided Meditation

    Jan 28, 202638 min

    Jack opens with reflections on the cosmic dance of life before guiding listeners into a meditation on stillness, breath, and embodied presence. Drawing on ancient imagery and gentle instruction, he invites us to take our seat in the still point of the turning 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. Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World In this episode, Jack explores: The meaning of solstice as a sacred pause Taking your seat in stillness The breath as a living, shared process Becoming the loving witness Finding harmony with the rhythms of life This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here . “You are being breathed. The earth is breathing you, and the ocean of air is dancing with your body.”–Jack Kornfield 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 . 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 .

15. Ep. 314 – Winter Light: Tending the Fire of the Heart

    Jan 14, 202634 min

    As winter deepens, Jack reflects on the quiet light that does not go out—the warmth of compassion, generosity, and courage that sustains us through dark seasons. Through stories of everyday kindness and ancient wisdom, he invites us to tend the inner fire that heals and connects us. 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. “That's what you carry. That's who you really are. That's what was born in you, is the great heart of compassion and tenderness.” –Jack Kornfield In this episode, Jack explores: Compassion as a response to fear Everyday acts of generosity Tending the inner fire during dark seasons Beginner’s mind and seeing with wonder Adding your light to a troubled and beautiful world “The heart can’t do anything but tenderness and mercy when we really listen.” –Jack Kornfield Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. 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 . “Perhaps there is only one person’s voice missing for peace to come into the world.” –Jack Kornfield, retelling a traditional teaching 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 .

16. Ep. 313 – Winter’s Sacred Pause: Standing Still in a Turning World

    Dec 31, 202531 min

    As we fully enter the winter season, Jack reflects on the ancient meaning of solstice—the standing still—and what becomes possible when we allow ourselves to pause. In a world shaped by speed, grief, and uncertainty, he invites us into stillness as a sacred act. Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World “To be able to come together and not do anything is an extraordinary thing in our culture and our time.” –Jack Kornfield In this episode, Jack explores: The sacred meaning of the winter solstice Stillness as a spiritual practice Impermanence and the uncertainty of human life Holding grief and beauty at the same time Birth, death, and remembering what truly matters “Imagine this is your last day. Who would you call? What would you say? And why are you waiting?” –Jack Kornfield, reflecting on a teaching from Stephen Levine This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. 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 . 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 .

17. Ep. 312 – All In This Together Series #3: Reminding You of Your Own Beauty with Anne Lamott and Tami Simon

    Dec 17, 202532 min

    In a moment when the world feels uncertain, Jack sits down with Anne Lamott and Tami Simon for an intimate, deeply human conversation about stories of the heart—how they soften us, unite us, and remind us of our own beauty. 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. Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World “What makes me happy in working with people is to be able to remind them of how beautiful they are.” –Jack Kornfield. In this episode, Jack, Anne, and Tami mindfully explore: Writing tips, wild stories, and inspiration between Jack, Anne, and Tami The power of taking ‘writers walks’ Protest, aging, Jesus, Buddha, and vulnerable stories Anne Lamott’s fan-girl letter to Jack from years ago Reminding you of your own beauty Jack’s story of having to bow his ego at the monastery How to hold a generous vision in dark times Uncovering the story of the heart Ram Dass and learning to love everyone Doing the work and prayer to become one of ‘all in this together’ Living from the heart cave This conversation originally took place in Nov 2025 for SoundsTrue’s celebration of Jack’s All In This Together book release. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here . “The time is so ripe for us to look out with a new pair of glasses from the heart instead of from our fear, to go into what Ram Dass called the heart cave.” –Anne Lamott 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “Right now we need stories that ask, even though we are going through divisiveness, climate change and A.I.—what’s the story of the heart, what’s the story of human beings going through times of tremendous change and then remembering what really matters?” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

18. Ep. 311 – All In This Together Series #2: Stories of Meaning, Presence, and Living with Integrity

    Dec 4, 202539 min

    Celebrating the release of his new book of his favorite stories, All In This Together, Jack shares wise tales on living with integrity, presence, stillness, and generosity. 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. Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World “Whether you make art, write, tend a garden, or parent children—if you can share your dignity, generosity, understanding, integrity, vision, and make that come alive within you and others, your life becomes a blessed source of happiness.” –Jack Kornfield. In this episode Jack mindfully explores: Meaning and connection Thich Nhat Hanh’s favorite Tolstoy story Answering the Empress’s three life-changing questions: What is the best time to do things? Who are the best people to work with? What is the most important thing to be doing at all times? Living in the present moment and serving those around you Cultivating happiness through giving our life meaning Being a Bodhisattva and holding all life in compassion The story of Abbott Anastasius Integrity and generosity What we teach others through our stillness Being a clear mirror for others Quieting the mind, tending the heart, and remembering what matters Opening to the vastness of life beyond the small self Your birthright as loving awareness itself “We can make our minds so like still water that beings gather around us that they may see their own images and so live for a moment with a clearer, perhaps fiercer life because of our quiet.” –William Butler Yeats This Dharma Talk originally took place in April 2019 for Spirit Rock Meditation Center ’s Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. 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 . “Happiness comes when we have meaning in our life.” –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 .

19. Ep. 310 - Sometimes You Need a Story More Than Food, All In This Together Series Pt. 1

    Nov 20, 202532 min

    Celebrating the release of his new book of his favorite stories, All In This Together, Jack shares why ‘sometimes we need a story more than food.’ 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. Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World “Light the candle, make a sacred space, and talk about what it means to hold this life in compassion. And then invite people to tell the stories that they need for the healing of their own heart. That’s why ‘sometimes you need a story more than food’ (Barry Lopez)—sometimes to hear it, sometimes to tell it.” – Jack Kornfield In this episode, Jack mindfully explores: The art of awakening through stories Barry Lopez and why ‘sometimes you need a story more than food’ Stories that release the weight from our souls and unburden our hearts Lighting candles, making sacred space, and sharing stories together Overcoming the world’s conflict through the lens of stories The story of Terry Dobson and the compassion of Aikido The spiritual art of listening to stories—feeling the resonance and feeling into who you would be What can we learn from stories? Stories like storehouses—the true intelligence of a good story Ram Dass, the Dalai Lama, and inhabiting the difficulties of life with humor, honesty, and love How to hold conflict and that which causes suffering with compassion Delivering your special cargo, your beautiful gifts to this world “A really good story is something to mine, something to inhabit.” – Jack Kornfield This Dharma Talk originally took place in April 2019 for Spirit Rock Meditation Center ’s Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “One of the things that’s important when you listen to a story, is to feel where you are in that story. If you were in the story right now, where is the resonance, who would you be? Stories are like storehouses, they have intelligence in them that touches not just one channel, but our heart, memory, emotions, and our way of seeing and thinking.” – Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

20. Ep. 309 – Love Binds All Things: What We Can Do to Help the World with Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi

    Nov 5, 202545 min

    Jack Kornfield and Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi explore how facing suffering with love can awaken the courage to heal 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. Jack’s new book hits shelves on 11/11: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World – Preorder your copy today ! “Love is this unbelievable, inexplicable force. When there’s love it’s almost that anything is possible. It’s love that binds all things.” –Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi In this episode, Jack and Rajiv mindfully explore: Living Fully in a Time of Change: Joanna Macy’s funeral as a teaching on joy, love, and the beauty of a life well-lived. Facing Suffering with Courage: The two kinds of suffering—what we run from and what we open to with compassion. Meditation as Refuge: Expanding the heart’s window of tolerance to hold fear, grief, and love all at once. The Sweet Way of the Dharma: Remembering peace, joy, and humor even in the midst of difficulty. Smiling as Practice: Softening the heart through simple, embodied gestures of kindness. The Great Regeneration: Redefining the pandemic as a moment to reimagine our world with wisdom and care. The Interbeing of All Things: Thich Nhat Hanh’s Heart Sutra and the recognition that we already hold the solutions we seek. Love in Action: Ram Dass’s reminder to feed people, love people, and organize from the heart. Sacred Reciprocity: Healing inequality and climate change through generosity, reverence, and balance. The Middle Way in a Polarized World: Meeting conflict with understanding, presence, and possibility. Inner Climate Change: Transforming the heart to transform the earth—awakening compassion as the root of renewal. “The world is as it is—it has suffering and beauty in unbelievable measure. So the real question is: how are you going to tend your heart?” –Jack Kornfield This Dharma Talk originally took place on 9/8/25 for Spirit Rock Meditation Center ’s Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation . About Prof. Rajiv S. Joshi: Professor Joshi is the Founder of Bridging Ventures and former Associate Dean for Climate Action at Columbia University. He helped launch Columbia’s Climate School with President Obama, and has led groundbreaking work in global collaboration, climate technology, and regenerative entrepreneurship. 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 . Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings . “There are two kinds of suffering. The first is the kind you run away, and that follows you everywhere. The second is the kind you’re willing to turn, face, and go through, and that becomes our gateway to liberation.” –Jack Kornfield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .