Buddhism for Beginners: A Complete Course on the Heart of the Buddha's Teachings

by Jack Kornfield

Created specifically to address the questions and needs of first-time students, this full-length retreat on audio guides participants through Buddhism's cornerstone teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path to freedom, understanding karma, the Ten Perfections for opening the heart, the inner tools of samadhi and prajna (concentration and insight), and many other essential principles. Includes meditations, teaching parables, poetry, and inspiring true accounts gathered from Buddhism's 2,500-year-old legacy.

Duration 9:02:18

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Religion, Philosophy, Self Help

9 pages, Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 2001

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

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kornfield has an excellent voice and he puts it to great use in his audio books. Buddhism for Beginners is a masterclass on the Buddhist faith for those who are interested in introducing Buddist thought into their own lives. Presented as a series of lectures spoken before small, intimate audience at one of his retreats, Kornfield develops a range of different concepts with stories and quotations from all cultural backgrounds to give his brand of philosophy an inherantly international tone.

[Nadine in California · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes me a few minutes to get used to Jack Kornfied's voice, but after that I love it - very gentle and warm. He uses the most wonderful quotations to illustrate his points, pulling wisdom from people as varied as the Dalai Lama, Mark Twain and Lenny Bruce. Some of these talks resonated with me more than others, but I will revisit in the future, because I'm sure what resonates will change.

[Sunil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on Audible, wonderful find! Jack Kornfield has a soothing voice which he uses to effect. He is very skilled in making the Buddhist Philosophy curious to lay people not just by his grasp of its essence but also by being able to quote wonderful and apt anecdotes and quotations. Recommend it to anyone interested in Buddhism and Spirituality.

[Ckas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this audiobook is changing my life. The author, Jack Kornfield, has done a ton of teaching so he’s really well spoken but balances it out with funny jokes and heartfelt anecdotes

I legitimately think that it (combined with a few other sources, such as meditation app, podcasts, and in-person community events related to Buddhism and mindfulness) are providing more progress in managing my anxiety and depression in a few months than I have experienced with 10 years of therapy. Some of it might be the repetition, but it also provides such an ethos of most healing, authenticity, and sense of freeing.

[Linda Vituma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pa daudziem lāgiem dzirdot vienu domu, pamazām sāk pielēkt. Bet ar tik daudz skaistas dzejas - ak, jel!! Pat līdzpārdzīvojums, pat visus aizsargmehānismus apiet! Bez gala skaisti un iedvesmojoši. Un vienkārši. Un praktiski.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is clarity within about the Buddha's teachings now that I have read this book. It is clear, contemplative and practical.

[Christian Fie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer for anyone curious about the core tenets of Buddhism. Deeper than simply a wave top look, but never so deep that I couldn't touch the bottom!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from 2018:

Provides a really nice introduction to Buddhism, and would be a good complement to "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Review from 2024:

This is an audio lecture series, and one that I first listened to about six years ago. I highly recommend it to all seekers, but especially to those who value comparative religion, see the beauty in all faiths and spiritual practices, have an open mind and an open heart, and are willing to eschew the notion of a guru. I also cannot recommend Kornfield enough; he makes the teachings so simple and accessible, and he is funny and real and heartful. The stories he shares are moving in all senses of the word–not only are they poignant, but they also move the heart and mind to approach this life in a more mindful and compassionate way.

I developed a chronic health condition about nine months ago and was struggling mightily with my identity. Who am I if I’m no longer an athlete? What is my value? What is my worth? Who am I if I’m no longer someone who gets all the things done? Who achieves? Who am I!? I reached out to a trusted spiritual friend and teacher, who let me cry, helped me to bring balance to my nervous system, and then shared a Dhamma talk with me about identity. As I began to listen to the talk, I felt my whole being relax, as if body, mind, and soul were all letting out a deep exhale. I remembered what was true on an almost cellular level (spoiler alert: I am none of those things with which I was identifying myself). It made me realize that it’s not enough for me to do yoga, work with the breath, and meditate, all practices to which I am devoted, but I also need to regularly engage with the teachings, which I hadn’t done in a few years. It is so easy to forget, get caught up in old patterns, and be focused on the small self. That’s what led me back to this audio series because it felt like a great place to ground and begin my studies once again. I hope it might bring others a similar sense of peace, but remember: Buddhism is a path. The answers you seek however, lie in your own heart, and everything you need to be free is already within you.

May you be filled with lovingkindness. May you be free from inner and outer harm. May you be peaceful and at ease. May you be happy.

5 stars.

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook specially for the soothing voice of the speakers, the laughs of the small audience and the explanations of Buddha's teachings in a really clear way. I listened to some parts two or three times until I grasped the important idea of the chapter.. Sometimes I got asleep while listening in bed but I loved that too because hearing him gives me peace.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful explanations of basic Buddhist concepts. Really made me think, and confront some ideas about myself & some of my habits! I will definitely listen again.

[Kennie Fleharty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY good introduction to Buddhism. I will return to this series of lectures over and over.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this through Audible and thoroughly enjoyed the content. As many others have stated, Jack's voice is perfect for the material he discusses. He presents the Buddha's teachings in an accessible and clear way, with plenty of real world examples. This makes the content easily transferable to other situations and contexts. The content is structured well and flows nicely. I would recommend 'Buddhism for Beginners' to anyone who is exploring and enhancing their own mindfulness practice, from beginner to seasoned practitioner. The course is both informative and a meditation in and of itself - when I finished it, I wanted to start all over again right away!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for learning about the fundamental Buddhist teachings. I love how the audiobook (Audible) was structured; each of the 12 teachings was recorded during Jack Kornfield’s presentations to a live audience. I listen to a lot of podcasts on this subject so I’m used to this format. I definitely foresee myself re-listening to portions of this audiobook when I want a refresher on a specific lesson. Jack eloquently speaks about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma, the Ten Perfections, and so much more! He shares personal stories and wisdom from others through poetry and stories.

[kiik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful example of the Western transmission of Buddhism, grounded in the Theravada, inclusive of the Mahayana, and drawing respectfully non-Buddhist traditions to illustrate and explicate the teaching and training of Sakyamuni.

The final session, an exploration of the Mahaparinibbana sutta of the Pali Canon, concerning the Buddha's final teachings before his death, is an especially enjoyable example of what Buddhists call the 84,000 dhamma doors—the varied ways the practice is shared across social, historical, cultural, and personal contexts.

[Sebastian Corradino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable introduction to many Buddhist concepts. Being a Westerner, Kornfield explores and explains how our cultural norms relate to Buddhist concepts and makes these concepts easily understood. This is a series of his talks where he is funny, kind, smart and relatable. Very enjoyable introductory journey into Buddhism.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simply put Jack Kornfield is a can’t miss success as author and educator regarding the path to understanding Buddhist teachings. I recommend this for all levels of the aspiring or practicing Buddhist. His teaching is welcome as a refresher for the experienced and foundational instruction for the novice.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful for both beginners and those wanting a refresher course in Buddhist teachings. Kornfield himself is the narrator of this audiobook--I find him to be a great teacher, communicator. Highly recommended.

[Melissa Muirhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jack Kornfield's audios and this was good but probably not my favourite. Particularly when times are strange, I find buddhist teachings comforting (I am not a buddhist, I just appreciate the wisdom) and he is my favourite buddhist teacher. Still a worthy listen particularly before sleep.

[Dawn Betz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to audio version and can't recommend enough. Jack has a great knack for speaking and his stories and teachings are wonderful. Perfect for listening to whilst driving - it has a rather calming effect. :)

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible , and am starting it again. I love Jack Kornfield’s voice, and his manner of teaching. He is the first Buddhist teacher I studied and will always remain one of my favorites.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to Buddhism. Kornfield is funny and thorough.

[Dulce Castellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prose: ****
Story: *****
Engaging: ****

[Apple Zhao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I’ve been listening so many times. It is very good for meditation.

[Lukas Damgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything with Jack Kornfield. Something about his words and Voice just opens my heart.

[Malum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like it says on the cover: a good overview of basic Buddhist principals.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kornfield is a skillful and engaging speaker whose lectures are very accessible. The perfect audiobook for outdoor walks!

[Dearwassily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Kornfield is a treasure.

[Colbert Root]

Second Audiobook of Kornfield's dharma talks I have listened to. His ability to incorporate so much humor and so many different sources into his lectures makes for really compelling discussion.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately the author seems to be hit and miss - I love some of his other work, but this one was just OK

[Emma Berger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems kind of repetitive at times but I appreciate the humour thrown in there, pointing out the absurdities of life. Definitely interesting.