Today we have the pleasure of welcoming one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West: Jack Kornfield.
After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1967, Jack Kornfield joined the Peace Corps and worked on tropical medicine teams in the Mekong River valley. He met and studied as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. Returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include: The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology; A Path with Heart; and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
On this episode we explore:
- Jack’s experience as a young man traveling to become a monk in Southeast Asia.
- The nature of awakening and ways to perceive reality.
- Meditative states, and the goal of meditation.
- Secular vs. non-secular applications of mindfulness.
- Turning toward the challenges of the world.
Jack and Tara Brach are currently offering The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program through Sounds True. The program combines their best and most creative teaching, offering a wonderful and thorough training in mindfulness, lovingkindness, and compassion for those who want to teach. It is a comprehensive, two-year training. If you’d like to learn more, follow this link.
