Awakening Is Real: A Guide to the Deeper Dimensions of the Inner Journey

by Jack Kornfield

An Invitation to Explore the Deeper Dimensions of the Spiritual Journey It might happen suddenly, like a flash of lightning. Or gradually, like raindrops filling a jar. Our universal and awakened nature, the Buddha taught, can emerge in calm or in crisis. And then, as our path deepens, we must learn to embody our vision as we navigate the unexpected turns of the mystery. When we asked Jack Kornfield for the most helpful advanced teachings from his audio archives, he chose these eight essential sessions. With Awakening Is Real , here are just a few of the dimensions of the spiritual journey that you will explore in
Into the Quiet Forest of Presence, Compassion, and Interconnectedness These sessions, while taught and recorded among advanced students, are anything but academic. Instead, you'll find here the playful, candid, and direct sharing of wisdom usually heard only by those fully committed to their life's evolution-an opportunity to discover within yourself what Jack Kornfield's own teacher Ajahn Chah called "the still, clear forest pool that sees the nature of all things." SESSIONS

Genres: Meditation, Buddhism, Audiobook

8 pages, Audio CD

First published April 28, 2012

About the author

Jack 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.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Jack Kornfield never disappoints.. Listening to him talk with his loving messages is such a comfort. I’m hoping I will be able to meet him in person sometime... He has done so much for me I’d like to thank him.

[Melissa Muirhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as in all of his work.

[Dharmamitra Jeff Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on CD. It is a recording of some of Jack Kornfield's talks. He shares important Buddhist concepts along with personal stories. This is a wonderful way to appreciate Buddhist prinicples.

[Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to Jack Kornfield is always a pleasure, joy and beautify learning experience. This book is a collection of several recordings of his talks. I particularly enjoyed the deepening journey including impermanence and death.

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

AS ALWAYS SOME GEMS HERE, AND IT'S GREAT TO JUST SIT BACK AND LISTEN TO WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY A SIMPLE MESSAGE.

[Dominic Gadoury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Kornfield has a wonderful way of using humor and honest experience to share some of the greater lessons of Buddhism.

[Tamminh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book by Jack Kornfield is a treasure to listen to.