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The Jewel of Liberation: Essential Teachings on the End of Suffering
Delight in the Facets of Awakened Living through an Audio Retreat with Jack Kornfield
It is possible to find genuine happiness and liberation in the ups and downs of your own human life. We can all sense how it is possible for our own capacity for greater compassion and freedom to grow. "If this were not possible," said the Buddha, "I would not ask you to do so."
For four decades, Buddhist meditation teacher Jack Kornfield has shared practical instructions for awakening the wise and compassionate heart in the midst of all we experience. The Jewel of Liberation presents 10 pinnacle dharma talks (teaching sessions) hand-selected by Jack from his personal collection to illuminate the pathways out of suffering and into the natural freedom that is both our shared birthright and our greatest gift to the world.
Reclaim the Seat of Dignity, Compassion, and Lovingkindness
Meditation is the practice of awakening itself; it is the fundamental tool the Buddha offered to quiet the mind and open the heart. We begin our retreat with an examination of the art of meditation and how it empowers us to see things clearly and be gracious with the flow of this ever-changing life.
The Jewel of Liberation continues with guidance in managing our troubles, the "weeds" that arise even as we cultivate the seeds of abiding happiness. Our retreat culminates with an inquiry into the "laws of life," the understandings we must have if we are to experience freedom independent of our circumstances.
The Possibility of Freedom Here and Now
"The sure heart’s release is found nowhere else but in our own direct experience―for it is who and what we are," teaches Jack Kornfield. "The world so much needs people who are free in this way, unafraid to love every being." Here is his invitation for each of us to "be a lamp of freedom for yourself and for all."
Highlights
Wise understanding―the beginning of the Buddhist path
• Meditation as the art of "taking your seat halfway between heaven and earth"
• The transformation that occurs through the discovery of our true identity
• Tending the garden of the heart
• Compassion, the antidote to fear and despair
• "The One Who Knows"―Ajahn Chah’s description of our innate wisdom and presence
• "Enlightenments" and the infinite doorways to freedom
• Seeing life the way it is with equanimity and trust
• The three laws of impermanence and the secret treasures they hold
• That which sustains lasting changes in our lives
• A 10-hour audio retreat with Jack Kornfield including 10 pinnacle dharma talks
Course
Describe wise the beginning of the Buddhist path.
• Summarize the transformation that occurs through the discovery of our true identity.
• Discuss compassion, the antidote to fear and despair.
• Explain Ajahn Chah’s description of our innate wisdom and "The One Who Knows."
• Apply teachings of living with equanimity and trust.
• Practice meditation to sustain lasting change in your life.
It is possible to find genuine happiness and liberation in the ups and downs of your own human life. We can all sense how it is possible for our own capacity for greater compassion and freedom to grow. "If this were not possible," said the Buddha, "I would not ask you to do so."
For four decades, Buddhist meditation teacher Jack Kornfield has shared practical instructions for awakening the wise and compassionate heart in the midst of all we experience. The Jewel of Liberation presents 10 pinnacle dharma talks (teaching sessions) hand-selected by Jack from his personal collection to illuminate the pathways out of suffering and into the natural freedom that is both our shared birthright and our greatest gift to the world.
Reclaim the Seat of Dignity, Compassion, and Lovingkindness
Meditation is the practice of awakening itself; it is the fundamental tool the Buddha offered to quiet the mind and open the heart. We begin our retreat with an examination of the art of meditation and how it empowers us to see things clearly and be gracious with the flow of this ever-changing life.
The Jewel of Liberation continues with guidance in managing our troubles, the "weeds" that arise even as we cultivate the seeds of abiding happiness. Our retreat culminates with an inquiry into the "laws of life," the understandings we must have if we are to experience freedom independent of our circumstances.
The Possibility of Freedom Here and Now
"The sure heart’s release is found nowhere else but in our own direct experience―for it is who and what we are," teaches Jack Kornfield. "The world so much needs people who are free in this way, unafraid to love every being." Here is his invitation for each of us to "be a lamp of freedom for yourself and for all."
Highlights
Wise understanding―the beginning of the Buddhist path
• Meditation as the art of "taking your seat halfway between heaven and earth"
• The transformation that occurs through the discovery of our true identity
• Tending the garden of the heart
• Compassion, the antidote to fear and despair
• "The One Who Knows"―Ajahn Chah’s description of our innate wisdom and presence
• "Enlightenments" and the infinite doorways to freedom
• Seeing life the way it is with equanimity and trust
• The three laws of impermanence and the secret treasures they hold
• That which sustains lasting changes in our lives
• A 10-hour audio retreat with Jack Kornfield including 10 pinnacle dharma talks
Course
Describe wise the beginning of the Buddhist path.
• Summarize the transformation that occurs through the discovery of our true identity.
• Discuss compassion, the antidote to fear and despair.
• Explain Ajahn Chah’s description of our innate wisdom and "The One Who Knows."
• Apply teachings of living with equanimity and trust.
• Practice meditation to sustain lasting change in your life.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Jack Kornfield
153 books1,415 followersJack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. He began his training after graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967. Then he joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Public Health Service in northeast Thailand, which is home to several of the world’s oldest Buddhist forest monasteries. He met and studied under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. After returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. He is also a founding teacher of the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California, where he currently lives and teaches. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings with the Dalai Lama and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a husband, father and an activist.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 1, 2013
As someone that has been studying and practicing Buddhism "devoutly" for 16 years, I as a late bloomer to discovering Jack Kornfield. Two things occurred that have drastically changed that; first is when I learned of his time spent as a student of Ajahn Chah, but even more significantly, and something that I recommend for many books, by several authors, is obtaining the Audio Books, read by the Author.
After experiencing a certain point on the Buddhist Path from Samsara to Nirvana, a place which is referred to as The Arising of Insight into the True Nature of Reality, AKA "Stream Entry" one develops a certain ability to recognize another that has experienced at least the same degree of Insight, and once that occurs, at least for me, it is so simple to determine within moments of listening, or reading another's expounding of the Dharma as to whether or not that person has attained that level of Insight, and I find that learning from those that may have a far more academic understanding of the principles being discussed, simply do not carry the depth and weight, or the "magic" that resonates with one that has. My point is that after buying a audio book or talk by Jack Kornfield, this resonance was immediately struck, and I was able to open my heart with ease and understanding that I was not just in "good hands," but that I ma able to ascertain a much deeper transference of wisdom, than merely the addition of knowledge. I have personally found this effect from only a handful of prevalent Dharma teachers, and from Eckhart Tolle, who is a nonsectarian spiritual teacher.
But fortunately, Jack Kornfield is one of such of the Insight attainers that I can listen to, or read from, and Know that it's coming from a place of greater Wisdom, and True Insight of the Buddhist Teacher.
After experiencing a certain point on the Buddhist Path from Samsara to Nirvana, a place which is referred to as The Arising of Insight into the True Nature of Reality, AKA "Stream Entry" one develops a certain ability to recognize another that has experienced at least the same degree of Insight, and once that occurs, at least for me, it is so simple to determine within moments of listening, or reading another's expounding of the Dharma as to whether or not that person has attained that level of Insight, and I find that learning from those that may have a far more academic understanding of the principles being discussed, simply do not carry the depth and weight, or the "magic" that resonates with one that has. My point is that after buying a audio book or talk by Jack Kornfield, this resonance was immediately struck, and I was able to open my heart with ease and understanding that I was not just in "good hands," but that I ma able to ascertain a much deeper transference of wisdom, than merely the addition of knowledge. I have personally found this effect from only a handful of prevalent Dharma teachers, and from Eckhart Tolle, who is a nonsectarian spiritual teacher.
But fortunately, Jack Kornfield is one of such of the Insight attainers that I can listen to, or read from, and Know that it's coming from a place of greater Wisdom, and True Insight of the Buddhist Teacher.
July 3, 2019
This is an audio recording of ten of Kornfield's best Dharma talks. If you are familiar with his books or have heard him speak before, these talks will seem familiar, but I think it is so worthwhile to continue to revisit the teachings regularly. I love his voice and sweet nature, his generosity and compassion, his storytelling ability, his sense of humor... the list could go on.
March 24, 2014
“Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between
these two our life flows.”
"You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf."
"Within each of us there is a silence as vast as the universe.
We long for it.
We can return to it."
these two our life flows.”
"You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf."
"Within each of us there is a silence as vast as the universe.
We long for it.
We can return to it."
February 19, 2020
I am a Jack Kornfield fan and this collection is wonderful. He mixes Buddhist thought with western psychology with humour and stories. Listening to this is a respite from the anxieties this world and makes you reflect in a different way. I really loved this one.
August 15, 2017
Gentle and playful, this book provided some needed introspection on my fall 2013 road trip.
September 21, 2017
I have bought 3 copies for friends!
September 25, 2017
I love Jack Kornfield's soothing, empathic, very normal voice and the content of every one of his books have been instructive, thought provoking, and encouraging.
March 1, 2021
A collection of Dharma talks. Not as strong as others I have listened to.
April 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this audiobook of ten hour-long lectures by Jack Kornfield on mindfulness. Listening to each lecture put me in a semi-meditative state. If you're interested in mindfulness, I'd definitely give the audiobook a try.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews