The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology

by Jack Kornfield

You have within you an unlimited capacity for extraordinary love, for joy, for communion with life, and for unshakable freedom―and here is how to awaken it.

On The Wise Heart , celebrated author and psychologist Jack Kornfield offers an accessible, comprehensive, and illuminating guide to the universal teachings of Buddhist psychology. He shows you how to use powerful Buddhist insights and practices to go beyond the trap of "self-improvement"―and find in your own life the path to unconditional fulfillment and happiness discovered by the Buddha.

In the moving style of Kornfield's previous bestsellers, The Wise Heart invites you to

A life of awakened love and compassion in action
• The mystery of consciousness and the undying spirit
• Buddhist personality types and the methods for transcending the illusion of self
• "Behaviorism with heart"―Buddhist cognitive training
• Interdependence and why it is essential to your personal well-being
• How Western and Buddhist psychology complement each other
At the heart of Buddhist psychology lies a vision of radiant human dignity, the secret beauty we all our Buddha nature. "Seeing with the eyes of love," explains Jack Kornfield, "reveals this beauty everywhere around us." Join this trusted voice to experience the transformational power of Buddhism's perennial strategies for enlightened living.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Self Help, Meditation

6 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2008

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

[Alex Bourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the Buddhist and meditation books I've read are either appallingly written, dull as ditchwater though good for insomnia, and with too much Sanskrit mumbo jumbo, or they keep you stuck at the beginner level. Jack Kornfield holds a western PhD in psychology, is a practising psychotherapist, has lived as a monk for years in Asian monasteries, and works with several editors and multiple drafts to create a book that is highly readable, to the point, in plain English, and uplifting. Like the (almost unreadable) Daniel Goleman / Dalai Lama books, he explores how Buddhist psychology focuses on helping normal people achieve our full potential, going well beyond western psychology which focuses on getting depressed and anxious people back to "normal", and in this way it is in the same category as the Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard Cutler, but this book goes much further.
Kornfield explains mindfulness through meditation, grasping, aversiveness/aggression, delusion and the antidotes of abundance thinking, loving-kindness, seeing things as they really are with wisdom, relating it all to western cognitive reframing. I would say that this book can give you the equivalent of two years of psychotherapy for the cost of about 15 minutes with a qualified therapist. Read it with a pencil, mark up what you like and return to it. Other Buddhist friends also recommend his book After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. But you don't have to become a Buddhist to enjoy this great book.

[Steve Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable book! I receieved it as a surprise Christmas present from a very dear friend, & it's been so enlightening for me. It's not a book to rush through - I found reading roughly one chapter per week was perfect, reflecting on each one's contents as I went along.

Jack Kornfield recovered from a violence-filled childhood to go on his own personal journey, eventually becoming a Buddhist master after many years of learning & teaching, & here he imparts his own wisdom to us - providing real tools for a more happy & peaceful life.

Each chapter highlights one of the 26 principles of Buddhist pyschology. He sets each one out, examines their meanings & truths, & then supports these by giving real-life stories from his own personal encounters. Many of these are his own experiences, but many more are with people whom he has met on retreats who at the time were lost & at a low-ebb in their lives, & were looking for an answer they couldn't find elsewhere.

At the end of each chapter he then invites the reader to put the principle in practise - reflecting on how we see ourselves, our world, & how we relate to others, & encourages a regular meditation practise.

The book is a real treasure-trove of wisdom & positive teachings - beautifully written, humbling & very uplifting.
How wonderful if such a book could be part of the school curriculum - our world would literally be transformed overnight!

Thank you so much Jack for your generosity in sharing your wisdom - I really feel now as if I'd like to start reading the book again from the beginning! I thoroughly recommend it to everyone who wishes to seek the path to finding more joy, peace, love & happiness in their lives.

[da AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kornfield does a great job of demystifying Buddhism. In a wonderfully down-to-earth style, he gives real world specifics on living fully.

I am neither Buddhist nor religious at all, nor plan to be - but love his easygoing style & how he links it up practically to real life happy harmonious living.

[Jerry]

Did you ever find yourself drawn to a culture or spiritual belief that was outside your cultural and social experience, so drawn, in fact, that it was more like you had experienced it all before. Theravada Buddhism has been like that for me, but lack of understanding and my western, scientific orientation has made it impossible to fully embrace. This book written by Jack Kornfield who embraced in the late 60's the spiritual wisdom of Asia while the rest of us where embracing the uniquely western hippy culture, shows how Buddhist psychology works for those with the western perspective, by illuminating the basic tenets of Buddhism which do not require a belief in cultural and religious dogma. An enlightening exercise.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new for people who have read a lot of Eastern religion or Western psychology. I also went to a workshop in Seattle by the author and I was not impressed with his constant references to his meetings with the Dalai Lama and the Pope. This might be interesting to someone who has not read or studied much Eastern religion.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW- everyone should read this. It is a discussion on the ten principles of Buddhist philosophy & psychology. "Buddhism isn't a "religion" it's a way of thinking". Cultivate your consciousness! The quotes and simplicity are life-changing, and the book will TEACH you how to process information and emotions in a healthy, constructive way. Probably in the Top 3 best books EVER.

[Djrmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably not the best book for me to choose as I switch from being curious about Buddhism to actively investigating it as a path I might want to follow, as it goes deep into the how Buddhism heals the troubled mind and skims the fundamentals. I still got a lot from it, possibly because I have a small background in Jungian psychology (I had no idea they shared so much) and also because Kornfield has so much experience in the are of Insightful Meditation that he's pretty much got an easy to understand example for every situation. So may examples they sometimes break the flow of the teaching of something he has entitled The Principles of Buddhist Psychology, but they do keep the book from getting mired down in psycho babble. The lessons at the end of each chapter are easy to follow and demonstrate that if someone does choose The Middle Way, it's not an overnight conversion. Be prepared to work on yourself.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. I'm not much of a Buddhist, but that doesn't matter. These are teachings of wisdom and love. Kornfield is an authentic voice of true compassion. You sense that from the start. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and this book is an excellent study on the nature of heart and mind. One of the cool things is the range of references from Michael Ventura and Dipama Barua among others. I used a highlighter and read the book slowly. When you find the right teacher learning is a joy.

[Ozma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit longer than it needs to be, this well-written book cross-references Buddhist philosophy with traditional Western pyschoanlaysis. Other books do this too, but Kornfield is a better than average writer. He uses many examples from his own patients' stories to illustrate the principles. It's a lot of things most self-aware people know already, but it never hurts to re-visit them again.

[Happyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry. After almost 400 pages, I'm left with so many heartfelt stories of pain and transformation through the power of mindfulness. Probably his best book for how to sit through pain and confusion and how to shift your mind and heart positively towards a more open and loving way of being. Couldn't put it down.

[Nadine in California · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audio, read by the author. He's got a bit of a Mr. Rogers voice that takes a little getting used to for me, but once I'm past that I appreciate the way he weaves Buddhist and Western psychology together.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book about Buddhist psychology and mindfulness. Mindfulness means being aware, being grateful, being courageous, being free, and changing. Mindfulness leads to compassion and love. There are some good thoughts in this book. Here are some of my favorites:

"See the inner nobility and beauty of all human beings (p. 12)."

"Whether practiced in a forest monastery or in the West, Buddhist psychology beings by deliberately cultivating respect, starting with ourselves (p. 18)."

"Aim to see as many beings as you can with a silent, loving respect (p. 21)."

"When we clearly realize that the source of disharmony and misery in the world is ignorance, we can open the door of wisdom and compassion (p. 23)."

"The courageous heart is the one that is unafraid to be open to the world. With compassion we come to trust our capacity to open to life without armoring (p. 31)."

"Living with compassion does not mean we have to give away all our possessions, take in every homeless person we meet, and fix every difficultly in our extended family and community. Compassion is not co-dependence. It does mean we lose our self-respect or sacrifice ourself blindly for others (p. 32)."

"We can always rest in awareness...freedom is always possible....A boy in school suddenly notices a sunbeam illuminating the dust and he is no longer the earnest fifth grader struggling with math. He smiles as he senses the ever-present mystery and his whole building and schoolboy drama are held in a silent, free awareness (p. 44)."

"Look for a day that you feel to be most positive, and start to mindfully observe the healthy states [wisdom, love, and generosity] that are present (p. 60)."

"'Since you are searching for understanding of self, don't ask about caste or class, riches or birth, but instead ask about heart and conduct (p. 71).'"

"We relax and discover we can let go of the false sense of self created by identification (p. 76)."

"Mindfulness is attention. It is a non-judging and respectful awareness (p. 96)."

"Sitting mindfully with our sorrows and fears, or with those of another, is an act of courage. It is not easy (p. 99)."

"When we have accepted the feelings that arise, we can investigate them. We can notice the way they feel in the body; the color, density, size, and energy of the mood; the stories our mind creates when they are present. We can also begin to recognize how automatic they can be, arising unbidden from past conditioning (p. 131)."

"It takes courage to experience the full measure of our feelings and emotions without reacting to them or cutting them off. Yet here is where our freedom lies (p. 134)."

"'The universe is made of stories, not atoms (p. 138).'"

"Learn to be mindful of thought instead of being lost in it (p. 139)."

"By developing mindfulness of thought, we can see how our beliefs and fears blind us (p. 140)."

"As you go about your daily rounds, first notice the gifts of the natural world. Notice the way the gift of sunlight streams behind everything...Notice too the rainfall and the rivers...Now notice how generously you are held and supported by the earth under your home and your feet, but the air you breathe, by the warmth of the day and the coolness of the evening. Now look at the unending care and generosity in humans around you: parents with children, teachers with students, healers and businesspeople, all serving one another. People stop at red lights so you are safe to go. They line up in the market, they share the parks....supporting others with countless hours of unspoken generosity and love...most of the time, the people around you are giving: in conversation, in action, adding the generosity of their life energy to the flow of the whole. Spend a day or a week just noticing, naming, bowing to this stream of generosity everywhere (p. 204)."

"We don't have to reinforce the pain of the situation by adding to the pain by our reaction (p. 214)."

"Let your heart teach you (p. 221)."

"When we live in delusion, we are quick to judge others. We miss their inner beauty. We also miss their pain, and cannot respond to them with compassion. With inattention, we miss the meal in front of us, the parade of passersby, the ever-changing scenery, the openhearted connection with the world (p. 227)."

"We can live wisely only when we accept the reality of change (p. 231)."

"'Stop asking if we're almost there yet. We're nomads, for crying out loud (p. 232)!'"

"By aligning our dedication with our highest intention, we char the course of our whole being. Then no matter how hard the voyage and how big the setbacks, we know where we are headed (p. 263)."

"What matters know is how we respond....By responding in a sacred and compassionate way, we create a new pattern for the future (p. 268)."

"What we repeatedly visualize changes our body and consciousness. Visualize freedom and compassion (p. 277)."

"Most of those who survived the [concentration] camps did so [because] they had faith in a greater purpose for themselves and the world. Like these survivors, we each need to find our sense of purpose, to orient and support ourselves amidst the fragmented pulls of our busy modern life (p. 289)."

"Together, the practices of inner and outer kindness lifted the pall of her worry and depression. Very steadily, the new messages of compassion shifted who she believed she was (p. 300)."

"Concentration develops from our wholehearted dedication to a subject or activity. As we develop the ability to concentrate, our steadiness and focus grow. We find ourselves able to be more fully present with our whole being (p. 317)."

"Virtue...is the foundation for radical change. It means that we carry ourself with truthfulness, integrity, passion, and purpose in all we do....Just as a life of virtue brings happiness, it also packs a punch (p. 332)."

"Forgiveness is not weak. It demands courage and integrity. Yet only forgiveness and love can bring about the peace we long for....'True love is not for the fainthearted (p. 345).'"

"With virtue and forgiveness we repair the world (p. 349)."

"The quieting of our mind is a political act. The world does not need more oil or energy or food. It needs less greed, less hatred, less ignorance. Even if we have inwardly taken on the political bitterness or cynicism that exists externally, we can stop and begin to heal our own suffering, our own fear, with compassion. Through meditation and inner transformation, we can learn to make our own hearts a place of peace and integrity (p. 358)."

"It is not given to us to know how our life will affect the world. What is given to us is to tend the intentions of our heart and to plant beautiful seeds with our deeds. Do not doubt that your good actions will bear fruit, and that change for the better can be born from your life (p. 381)."

"Love is our true nature, but as we have seen, it is covered over by a protective layer of fear. We have learned how Buddhist practices unearth the gold beneath the clay and return us to our natural goodness (p. 386)."

"A peaceful heart gives birth to love. When love meets suffering, it turns to compassion. When love meets happiness, it turns to joy (p. 387)."

"Gratitude is a gracious acknowledgement of all that sustains us, a bow to our blessings, great and small. Gratitude is the confidence in life itself....As gratitude grows it gives rise to joy. We experience the courage to rejoice in our own good fortune and in the good fortune of others (p. 394)."

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the principles, descriptions, practices and east to west comparatives.
That being said.....I had a lot of trouble working my way through this book.
There were a lot of stories introduced awkwardly throughout the book.
Some were choppy transitions into them and others were very off topic. I'm sure a lot of them were inserted to give everyday perspective to the teachings but they ended up giving a very mechanical feel to the book and had me forcing a good chunk of the reading.
The author has a beautiful way with words and I wish he would have trusted himself more to deliver the teachings without the third party experiences and unrelated memories.

[Maria Gandara Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing for anyone that wants to get into mindfulness. It took me a while reading it, because it is a book that changes you as you read it. I feel I became a wiser person during the process of reading it. Around the firsts chapters I even went to visit Spirit Rock for a meditation course. I'm grateful that I found this book at the Wisdom 2.0 Conference in San Francisco.

[Steve Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that this book is inspiring would be an understaement. it is not only that but it serves as a clear practical guide to introducing the basic tenets of Buddhist practice and psychology into daily life. After 4 years of intense study and practice this book has provided the key that will allow me to integrate so much of what I have learned into my daily life. It is timely and it will form the structure of my practice for the next few months. I am very grateful to this great teacher for his effort in passing on the wisdom to which I can only continue aspire. I live in a remote part of a remote country and language and culture present significant difficulties to me in practice, for that reason alone his efforts are essential and central to my life. For anyone this book followed with diligence and commitment will be an agent of transformation. That is certain. I highly recommend it to anyone.

[Peter Landau · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife suggested I read this, or listen to it, because she found the audiobook on YouTube. She said it was practical, that Jack Kornfield spoon-fed the complexity of Zen for the Western mind, through a psychological lens. I found all this true. That is, as much as I could retain. Reading trumps listening when it comes to holding onto something. But then Buddhist say you have to let go of attachments. I’m not ready to do that just yet. The first thing I did after finishing this was click back to the beginning to start again. There’s a lot for me to learn here. Maybe this is my extended mantra.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once and a while you come across a book that you know has changed you and you will reference back to for the rest of your life. For me, that was this book. During the last 3 months of reading this book, I feel like I've re-learned how to approach my mind and body. I am constantly joking with my wife that, "Buddhism is hard!", but it's true. I don't consider myself a Buddhist, but the principles of Buddhism speak to much of what I believe about myself and the world. This book is an excellent introduction to Buddhist psychology and practice.

[Mario the lone bookwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most comprehensive and well-founded guides to a freer, better awareness

Please note that I put the original German text at the end of this review. Just if you might be interested.

Kornfield is a bridge builder, creator of Buddhist practice principles applicable to the Western way of life and, as icing on the cake, a good writer as well. In this, arguably one of the best, most non-dogmatic and sincerely honest work, the reader transforms.
As the pages move farther, it grows into a more open and from the negative attitude and voluntarily erected inner blocks to more willing people to change. At least in theory.
To combine it in practice with much consequence, inevitable setbacks and the constant struggle with itself to tread the new, thorny and impassable path, until it transforms itself to the new life way. While rocky, old mental trails and roads expire and are given to erosion. It is up to everyone to grow even in pain or to stagnate in supposed well-being. Alternatively, in the worse case, unconsciously advancing one's mental degeneration.
In the first of the chapters, you gain knowledge of your consciousness of whom you think you are and capture the root of all evil. In the form of exaggerated, restricting and often obstructive ego. In the Mindfulness Department, their liberating power, the influence of emotions, and the power of the subconscious are touched upon before the transformation of avoidable and unavoidable suffering.

There is a description of the personality types in Buddhism and the lengthy transformation of ignorance and hatred into wisdom and goodness. On the home straight, the more complicated disciplines such as letting go and liberation from suffering, behavioral therapy based on acquired knowledge, intention and karma, and the psychology of friendliness towards oneself. Moreover, the title-giving points and awakened hearts as a noble ideal.
To begin with, "The wise heart" concerning understanding and willingness to start practicing is sometimes too complicated and difficult to understand. Some of the approaches require previous experience of Buddhism, and above all, mindfulness, ego dissolution, sacred pause, an inner observer. Also, the ability, which is very difficult to master, to maintain inner peace in the face of one's own stressful experiences from the past or the here and now or external influences.
Without a certain amount of routine and prior knowledge, Kornfield's grandiose approaches are not only harder to implement. For non-specialists could fatally also give the false impression that some passages drift in the esoteric and pseudo-psychological, which is not the case at any moment. The comprehensibility, as well as the renouncement of dogmatics and overly specialized explanations, make the work outstanding. In addition to the consideration of the feasibility of daily life.
One can feel the conviction and how much Kornfield himself lives his paper-based thoughts, which is a rare, brilliant, unique selling proposition. The credible way of mediation makes it easier for the reader to access matter.
This is unfortunately not the case with works of monks and clerics that are too focused on the psychic philosophical overarching structure. Due to their self-chosen isolation of monetary and relationship-related constraints, they are sometimes questionable and unreliable, because they can have no relation to real people's real problems due to their environment.
The alliance of Far Eastern wisdom and Western self-help therapies is further developed in this form by Jon Kabat Zinn, who is similar to Kornfield in conception and mediation, and Matthias Ennenbach. Ennenbach focused more on the psychotherapeutic aspects and was significantly influenced by Kornfield and Zinn. The pure essence of healing approaches with less philosophical and holistic approach is more likely to settle at Ennenbach, while Zinn and Kornfield devote more space to the underlying schools of thought.
All in all one of the best and most meaningful works. Also from the re-reading benefit, as one can observe in the course of personal development, how the opinion and effect of the described problems changed. Nice to watch yourself, as at first reading still partly skeptical to jovial considered explanations vary. They gain in value in the course of practice, and one recognizes the approach, for which one was initially too closed now joyful and practiced. Resting in oneself on the eternal path to enlightenment.

Eine der umfassendsten und fundiertesten Anleitungen zu einem freieren, besseren Bewusstsein

Kornfield ist ein Brückenbauer, Erschaffer von auf die westliche Lebensweise anwendbarer buddhistischer Praxisprinzipien und als Sahnehäubchen auch noch ein guter Schreiber. In diesem, wohl einem der besten, undogmatischsten und von aufrichtiger Ehrlichkeit geprägten Werk transformiert der Leser. Während des Dahinraschelns der Seiten wächst er, zumindest in der Theorie, zu einem offenerem und seinen negativen Verhaltensmustern und freiwillig errichteten, inneren Blockaden gegenüber änderungswilligeren Menschen.
Es in der Praxis mit viel Konsequenz, unvermeidbaren Rückschlägen und dem steten Ringen mit sich selbst verbunden, den neuen, dornigen und unwegsamen Pfad zu beschreiten, bis er sich zum neuen Lebensweg transformiert. Während schädliche, alte mentale Wege und Straßen verfallen und der Erosion Preis gegeben werden. Es liegt an jedem selbst im Schmerz zu wachsen oder im vermeintlichen Wohlbefinden zu stagnieren. Oder im schlimmeren Fall, der eigenen geistigen Degeneration unbewusst Vorschub zu leisten.
Im ersten der 5 Kapitel erlangt man Wissen über das eigene Bewusstsein, wer man zu sein glaubt und erfasst die ursprüngliche Wurzel allen Übels. In Form des übersteigerten, einschränkenden und oftmals hinderlichen Egos. In der Abteilung für Achtsamkeit werden deren befreiende Kraft, der Einfluss von Gefühlen und die Macht des Unterbewussten angeschnitten, bevor es an die Umwandlung des vermeidbaren und unvermeidbaren Leids geht.
Es erfolgt eine Beschreibung der Persönlichkeitstypen im Buddhismus und die langwierige Verwandlung von Unwissenheit und Hass in Weisheit und Güte. Auf der Zielgeraden geht es an die komplexeren Disziplinen wie das Loslassen und die Befreiung vom Leid, auf den erworbenen Erkenntnissen fußende Verhaltenstherapie, Absicht und Karma und die Psychologie hinter Freundlichkeit gegenüber sich selbst. Und dem Titel gebenden weisen und erwachten Herzen als hehres Ideal.
Für den Einstieg ist „Das weise Herz“, was die Anforderungen an das Verständnis und die Bereitschaft, mit dem Praktizieren zu beginnen anbelangt, in manchen Abschnitten zu komplex und schwer nachvollziehbar. Einige der Ansätze erfordern bereits gemachte Erfahrungen mit Buddhismus und vor allem Achtsamkeit, Auflösung des Ego, Heiligem Innehalten und Inneren Beobachter. Und der nur sehr schwer zu meisternden Fähigkeit, angesichts eigener belastender Erlebnisse aus Vergangenheit oder dem Hier und Jetzt beziehungsweise äußeren Einflüssen die innere Ruhe zu bewahren.
Ohne eine gewisse Routine und Vorkenntnisse sind die grandiosen Ansätze Kornfields nicht nur schwerer umzusetzen. Für Laien könnte sich fatalerweise auch der falsche Eindruck ergeben, dass manche Passagen ins esoterische und pseudopsychologische abdriften, was in keinem Moment der Fall ist.
Die Verständlichkeit sowie der Verzicht auf Dogmatik und allzu fachspezifische Ausführungen machen das Werk hervorstechend. Neben der Bedachtheit auf die Umsetzbarkeit im täglichen Leben. Man spürt die Überzeugung und wie sehr Kornfield seine zu Papier gebrachten Gedanken selbst lebt, was ein seltenes, glänzendes Alleinstellungsmerkmal darstellt. Durch die glaubwürdige Art der Vermittlung findet der Leser leichter Zugang zu der Materie.
Das ist bei allzu auf das psychisch philosophische Übergerüst fokussierten Werken von Mönchen und Geistlichen leider nicht so. Durch deren selbst gewählte Isolation von monetären und beziehungstechnischen Zwängen sind sie mitunter fragwürdig und unglaubwürdig, da sie aufgrund ihrer eigenen Lebenswelt keinen Bezug zu realen Problemen echter Menschen haben können.
Die Allianz von fernöstlichen Weisheiten und westlichen Selbsthilfetherapien wird in dieser Form auch von Jon Kabat Zinn, der in Konzeption und Vermittlungsweise Kornfield ähnelt und Matthias Ennenbach weiter entwickelt. Ennenbach konzentriert sich stärker auf die psychotherapeutischen Aspekte konzentriert und wurde von Kornfield und Zinn wesentlich beeinflusst wurde. Die reine Essenz der Heilungsansätze mit weniger philosophischen und ganzheitlichen Zugang ist auch eher bei Ennenbach anzusiedeln, während Zinn und Kornfield den zugrundeliegenden Denkschulen mehr Platz widmen.
Summa summarum eines der besten und sinnstiftendsten Werke. Auch vom erneuten Lesenutzen, da man im Zuge der persönlichen Weiterentwicklung beobachten kann, wie sich die Meinung zu und Wirkung von den beschriebenen Problemstellungen verändert. Schön, sich selbst dabei zu beobachten, wie bei erstmaligem Lesen noch teils skeptisch bis jovial betrachtete Erläuterungen sich wandeln. Sie gewinnen im Laufe der Praxis an Wert und man erkennt den fundierten Ansatz, für den man anfänglich noch zu verschlossen war nun freudig und praktiziert. In sich selbst ruhend auf dem ewigen Pfad zur Erleuchtung.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this 13 months ago as part of the sangha I attend. We didn’t read all of it for that and I set it aside for awhile before deciding to finish it now.

I found so much enlightening material here, so much encouragement. I liked learning more about the psychology of Buddhism. I liked that the author included personal experiences and those of students and retreat attendees. There are practice suggestions and guided meditations to help grasp the teachings.

Was some of it over my head. Definitely. But even those sections cracked a door open.

I found a lot that enhanced the beliefs I have and even expanded or deepened them. Many similar ideas from a different viewpoint. I love that.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Buddhists were the original cognitive behavioral therapists’

I’ve always leaned towards Universal spirituality and Buddhist philosophy. But I want to increase the use of that psychology in my life. This is going to be a journey.

[Lene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great food for thought, and is a reminder that compassion (especially toward oneself) is the most honest and productive way to find a path through the enormous piles of manure that life (and other people) heap on us. It is proving to be a quite effective salve for my wounds.
I don't believe in organized religion or a lot of cosmic mumbo-jumbo, and I have a very loosely organized code of morality. It takes in pieces of the Hippocratic oath; "I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm", commandments 5-9 of the Old Testament, and the Madeleine Albright quote "There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women".
I read this book and am un-offended. I find myself more forgiving toward myself and others. (the former has always been a significantly larger challenge than the latter) This book is lovely. I am enjoying it a few pages at a time. Then, I pause, and I walk around in my head for a couple of days thinking about what I've read. It is a very cognitive-behavioral therapy approach to learning about Buddhist psychology.

[Sue Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book with such depth weaving together western psychology and Buddhist psychology with lots of practical application and exercises to help the reader join the journey, practice the understanding as you read. Only got a bit tired of some of the examples which often happens for me in a book like this where the author wants to put examples in to flesh out the concepts and understanding. But the down side forme is they seem too good to be true as you read a life transformation in a paragraph......but what can an author do?!

[Mskychick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read up through Chapter 11, The Ancient Unconscious, thus far. it’s going back to the library in a couple of days, then I’ll continue on when my turn in the hold queue comes up again. I’m reading only a chapter each day that I read, so I have time to “ inwardly digest” it.

Update June 2020
This library book has been languishing on my Kindle for weeks. I'm only up to Chapter 13 now, and I simply cannot interest myself to read any more currently. Perhaps I will come back to this at a future date?

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book speaks to the connection between Eastern philosophy (Buddhism) and the Western model of psychology. The mindfulness idea has worked so well with many and this book opens that and other Buddhist ideas to Western readers. I especially liked the ideas and concepts presented around forgiveness and how to use this with others struggling with that issue in their lives. A good book. I would recommend it.

[Amber Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Wise Heart, Kornfield tells anecdotes of his meditation students’ difficulties and discoveries, and stories about his family, his teachers, and his own life. These flow seamlessly into his philosophical teachings and instructions in various meditative practices. His honesty and his flowing style make this book accessible, more of a page-turner than you might expect for an integration of psychology and Buddhist philosophy. I’ve read it three times and will keep it to study again.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Kornfield's book is outstanding. He really explains with examples and stories what Buddhist psychology is all about. It is a way of life I really agree with--love, compassion, joy and peace.

He also has some great exercises and meditations to integrate into your life.

I highly recommend this book.

Laurie

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written guide to Buddhist psychology and meditation. Jack Kornfield is accessible, funny, heartfelt and wise. His stories are a delight; his wisdom is humbling. He steadfastly leads, guides and encourages anyone on a path to Illumination. I've just re-read it. It is a treasure to be savored.

[Josh Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent book, that covers a wide range of Buddhist philosophy that can be found next to no where else. Kornfield adds a unique flare to this book by writing from personal experience, and adding stories that correlate wonderfully with his studies, message, and admiration for the Buddhist lifestyle.

[Christy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advance reading copy of this and it is excellent. He really takes his earlier books into greater depth. It made me cry in several parts because he is so open with his own experiences. And he is really funny!

[Gemma Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting and encouraging guide to Buddhist psychology by an author very well qualified to discuss both. Especially good on mindfulness and working with difficult emotions, heart felt and supportive.