Episode Description

For episode 237, we are launching the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the launch of this monthly series is a conversation between Sharon and Jack Kornfield. Jack 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. The conversation begins with a 10 minute guided meditation from Jack.

In this conversation, Sharon and Jack discuss:

• Jack’s experience with Thai Buddhist monk Ajahn Chah

• The Buddha statue debate from the early days on IMS

• Jack’s first book “Living Dharma”

• Ajahn Chah’s teaching about the original mind

• Realizing innate qualities versus developing them

• The sign above the door at IMS

• What languages Sharon and Jack learned in Asia

• Sharon’s relationship with teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche

• The role of study in one’s spiritual life

• Dualistic versus non-dualistic teachings

• The necessity of lovingkindness in their early teachings

• Learning to accept help and support

• Sharon’s experiences with Dipa Ma

• Different teachers that Jack has pissed off

Additional Resources

The conversation closes with a short sitting. You can learn more about Jack’s work right here and check out his new online course on the eight-fold path available right here.

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