Jack Kornfield
United States·Theravada Buddhism (Vipassana movement)·Male·20th century
Jack Kornfield is a prominent American psychologist, writer, and teacher within the Vipassana movement of American Theravada Buddhism. After training as a Buddhist monk in Southeast Asia, he became a key figure in bringing mindfulness meditation to the West, co-founding influential meditation centers. He is known for bridging Eastern and Western psychology in his teachings and writings.
Key Facts
- ›Co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society (1975) and Spirit Rock Meditation Center (1987).
- ›Trained as a Buddhist monk under Ajahn Chah in Thailand and Mahasi Sayadaw in Burma.
- ›Holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and writes extensively on the integration of Eastern and Western psychological wisdom.
- ›Has taught mindfulness meditation worldwide since 1974.
- ›Authored numerous books on Buddhist practice and psychology, including "a Path with Heart" and "after the Ecstasy, the Laundry."
- ›Has worked as a peacemaker and activist, and organized international Buddhist teacher gatherings.
Important Relationships
- Sharon Salzberg
- Joseph Goldstein
- Dalai Lama
- Living Dharma: Teachings and Meditation Instructions From Twelve Theravada Masters
- A Still Forest Pool: the Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah
- Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart: Parables of the Spiritual Path From Around the World
- the Teachings of the Buddha
- A Path With Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life
- the Path of Insight Meditation
- After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise On the Spiritual Path
- Seeking the Heart of Wisdom: the Path of Insight Meditation
- Meditation For Beginners
- Living Buddhist Masters / Modern Buddhist Masters
- the Wise Heart: A Guide To the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology
- the Buddha Is Still Teaching: Contemporary Buddhist Wisdom
- Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are
- A Lamp In the Darkness: Illuminating the Path Through Difficult Times
- No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are
Thailand, Burma, India, Barre, Massachusetts, Woodacre, California
Ajahn Chah, Mahasi Sayadaw, Dipa Ma
Monk Vows
About Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield is an American psychologist, writer, and influential teacher in the Vipassana movement of American Theravada Buddhism. Born in 1945, he has played a significant role in bringing mindfulness meditation to Western audiences.
Life and Training
Kornfield, of Jewish descent, developed an interest in healing and science through his father, a scientist. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1967, he joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Thailand. It was there he met and trained as a Buddhist monk under the forest master Ajahn Chah. He also practiced with Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma and Dipa Ma. Returning to the United States in 1972, Kornfield was involved in the founding session of Naropa University in 1974.
Contributions to Buddhist Practice
Kornfield is a co-founder of two major meditation centers: the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, established in 1975 with Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein, and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, founded in 1987. He has taught mindfulness meditation globally since 1974 and has trained many Vipassana teachers in America. Kornfield has also organized and led international gatherings of Buddhist teachers, including events with the Dalai Lama.
Teachings and Writings
Kornfield holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has extensively written about the intersection of Eastern and Western psychology. His teachings often focus on making Buddhism accessible to Westerners, emphasizing the integration of loving-kindness and self-compassion with mindfulness. His notable books include "A Path with Heart," "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry," and "The Wise Heart."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jack Kornfield's background in Buddhism?
Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma, and India. He studied under notable teachers such as Ajahn Chah and Mahasi Sayadaw, and later practiced with Dipa Ma.
What are Jack Kornfield's main contributions to Buddhist practice in the West?
Kornfield is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Meditation Center, institutions that have been instrumental in popularizing Vipassana and mindfulness meditation in America. He has also worked to make Buddhist teachings accessible to Westerners.
How does Jack Kornfield combine Eastern and Western psychology?
Kornfield's work often focuses on integrating Buddhist wisdom with Western psychological understanding. He emphasizes practices like loving-kindness and self-compassion alongside mindfulness, and bridges the gap between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western clinical psychology.
What are some of Jack Kornfield's notable books?
Some of his widely recognized books include "A Path with Heart: A Guide through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life," "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path," and "The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology."
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