Buddhism: A Beginner's Guide to Inner Peace and Fulfillment

by Jack Kornfield

Why are so many contemporary westerners drawn to Buddhist philosophy? Because it offers a practical means to achieving the inner peace, fulfilment, and happiness that we all want. A Beginner's Guide to Inner Peace and Fulfillment is an informative yet compact audio guide with celebrated teacher Jack Kornfield. In one liberating CD session, listeners hear the story of Siddhartha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, the core wisdom of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and essentials of Buddhism's many branches and practices. With guided mindfulness and lovingkindness meditations.

Genres: Philosophy, Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality

Audio CD

First published August 28, 2010

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

[Sarah Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I have read about the subject this Audiobook/guide was too basic for me. However, to someone who is eager to jump into meditation and wants to learn about Buddhism this is a very good beginners guide. It offers no new information or insights to those who've already have a basic working knowledge.

February 2020
A good refresher course to listen to again if you are quiet enough you will gain something from it.

The inner bowing to the judging and wanting voices is an interesting concept. We have to recognize those things that we give power and have been life long influences upon us. Then we can turn back again to welcome the quiet mind over and over and over again. This is our practice.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick audio "read". Good entry level stuff that for me was a review.

I wish that all audio books would have a more clear break in pace when they're going to segway into something like a guided meditation.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Jack Kornfield's other work and gave this book a thumbs up on Libby so I must have enjoyed this, though admittedly I don't remember a lot about it (rating it 8 months after reading it)

[Laureen Solari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Intro with a few foundational meditations such as body awareness, mindful attention and lovingkindness.

[Jumpmanlives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once you get over the accent it's a valuable listen. Good Buddhist tales and worthwhile mindfulness exercises.