Digest

Jack Kornfield, a key figure in introducing mindfulness practice to the West, shares his personal journey into Buddhism. He recounts his early experiences with psychedelics, which led him to explore the depths of consciousness. He then describes his time in the Peace Corps, where he encountered Ajahn Chah, a renowned Buddhist teacher, and embarked on a rigorous training in meditation and mindfulness. Kornfield emphasizes the importance of facing one's inner struggles and the transformative power of suffering. He also discusses the role of psychedelics in his spiritual journey and the current research on psilocybin's potential for treating depression and anxiety. The conversation then shifts to the topic of compassion and loving-kindness meditation. Kornfield distinguishes compassion from empathy and highlights its importance for cultivating a more connected and loving way of being in the world. He shares practical advice on how to incorporate loving-kindness meditation into daily life, emphasizing the importance of starting small and being patient with oneself. The episode concludes with a discussion on the nature of consciousness and the importance of cultivating a sense of presence and acceptance in the face of life's challenges.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Sponsor: Element

This Chapter introduces the episode and its sponsor, Element, a sugar-free electrolyte drink mix. The speaker highlights the benefits of Element for those following keto, low carb, or paleo diets, as well as for endurance athletes.

00:05:22

Introduction to the Super Combo Episodes

This Chapter marks the 10th-year anniversary of the podcast and celebrates over 1 billion downloads. The host introduces the concept of "super combo" episodes, featuring pairings of some of the best guests from the past decade.

00:06:38

Elizabeth Gilbert on Rayya Elias

This Chapter features Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, and Big Magic, discussing her relationship with Rayya Elias, the love of her life. She describes Rayya as a powerful and extraordinary woman who was her guide, teacher, and rock. Gilbert recounts how she navigated Rayya's terminal illness and death, emphasizing Rayya's strength and refusal to be helpless. She also discusses the importance of humor in the face of death and how it can help us survive difficult times.

00:23:49

Saying No with Integrity

This Chapter delves into the topic of saying no with integrity, drawing on Gilbert's experiences with Martha Beck and Byron Katie. She emphasizes the importance of checking in with your inner compass and trusting your body's wisdom. Gilbert shares practical tips for saying no, including using a simple "thank you and no" and avoiding explanations that can lead to manipulation. She also highlights the importance of practicing saying no, especially when it comes to family.

00:35:55

Sponsor: AG1

This Chapter introduces AG1, a daily foundational nutritional supplement that supports whole body health. The speaker highlights the benefits of AG1 and encourages listeners to try it.

00:37:24

Jack Kornfield on Mindfulness and Psychedelics

This Chapter features Jack Kornfield, a key teacher in introducing mindfulness practice to the West. He discusses his experiences with hang gliding and how it connects to the sense of freedom and liberation found in meditation. Kornfield then shares his childhood experiences with a brilliant but abusive father and how he found healing through Buddhism. He also discusses the role of psychedelics in his spiritual journey and the current research on psilocybin's potential for treating depression and anxiety.

01:00:55

Jack Kornfield's Journey into Buddhism

This Chapter delves into Jack Kornfield's journey into Buddhism, starting with his encounter with a Tibetan Lama who introduced him to the Buddha as a scientist of the mind and a profound psychologist. Kornfield then describes his meeting with David McClellan, a key figure in the psychedelic movement, and the group of individuals he connected with who became lifelong friends. He also discusses his early experiences with meditation and his interest in transformative practices.

01:03:41

Meeting Ajahn Chah

This Chapter focuses on Jack Kornfield's encounter with Ajahn Chah, a renowned Buddhist teacher, in a remote forest monastery in Thailand. Kornfield describes Ajahn Chah as a wise and demanding teacher who emphasized the importance of suffering and facing one's inner demons. He recounts his initial training, which involved rigorous meditation practices, physical challenges, and contemplation of death.

01:13:54

Intense Meditation Practices

This Chapter explores Jack Kornfield's experiences with intense meditation practices, including a period of 500 days in silence at a Burmese monastery. He describes the challenges of dealing with physical pain, mental restlessness, and the emergence of unusual experiences, such as out-of-body experiences and visions. He emphasizes the importance of navigating these experiences without relying on substances and recognizing the vastness of one's own consciousness.

01:22:27

The Importance of Witnessing

This Chapter delves into the importance of witnessing one's experiences without getting caught up in them. Kornfield shares a story about his teacher, Ajahn Chah, who emphasized that the true goal of meditation is not to achieve specific experiences but to cultivate a sense of awareness and presence. He discusses the concept of samadhi, a state of profound concentration, and the importance of becoming the knowing rather than the experiences.

01:24:50

Mahagosananda and the Healing Power of Compassion

This Chapter introduces Mahagosananda, a Cambodian monk who became known as the Gandhi of Cambodia. Kornfield recounts his experiences with Mahagosananda during the Khmer Rouge genocide and the monk's unwavering compassion in the face of immense suffering. He describes Mahagosananda's work in refugee camps and his powerful message of healing through love and forgiveness.

01:29:40

Balancing Inner Work and Engagement in the World

This Chapter explores the question of how to balance deep inner work with engagement in the world. Kornfield acknowledges the challenges of finding the right time and approach for extended periods of meditation and retreat. He shares his own experiences with plant medicines and the importance of listening to one's intuition and inner guidance.

01:32:31

The Importance of Stepping Out of Ordinary Roles

This Chapter emphasizes the importance of stepping out of ordinary roles and routines to open up to the mystery of life and cultivate a deeper connection to love. Kornfield highlights the transformative power of stepping back from daily life and engaging in practices that allow for inner exploration and growth.

01:38:18

The Question of Identity and the Nature of Consciousness

This Chapter delves into the question of identity and the nature of consciousness. Kornfield explores the koan-like question of "who am I?" and the challenges of understanding our true nature beyond our thoughts, feelings, and physical bodies. He discusses the findings of neuroscience, which suggest that the self is not located in the brain, and the importance of opening to the mystery of consciousness.

01:42:12

Compassion vs. Empathy

This Chapter distinguishes compassion from empathy. Kornfield explains that empathy involves feeling the emotions of others, while compassion involves caring about their suffering and wanting to help. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-compassion and the interconnectedness of all beings.

01:46:25

Compassion Tech and the Future of Mindfulness

This Chapter explores the potential of technology to support the development of compassion. Kornfield discusses his collaboration with Adam Bisale on Meditrain, a software tool that has been used to enhance mental capacity. He also highlights the growing movement of "compassion tech" and the importance of integrating mindfulness and compassion into our interactions with technology.

01:47:37

Loving-Kindness Meditation

This Chapter focuses on loving-kindness meditation, a practice that cultivates unconditional acceptance and self-forgiveness. Kornfield shares his own experiences with loving-kindness meditation and how it helped him to overcome self-criticism and cultivate a more loving relationship with himself. He describes the practice in detail and offers practical tips for beginners.

01:59:19

Getting a Busy Person Hooked on Mindfulness

This Chapter explores how to get a busy person hooked on mindfulness practice. Kornfield emphasizes the importance of starting small and finding practices that resonate with the individual. He recommends loving-kindness meditation as a powerful tool for reducing self-criticism and cultivating a more compassionate heart.

02:03:10

The Power of Love

This Chapter challenges the misconception that love is a weakness. Kornfield argues that love is a powerful force that can transform aggression, violence, and suffering. He shares stories about mothers lifting cars off their children and Dr. Martin Luther King's commitment to nonviolent resistance, highlighting the transformative power of love.

02:05:33

Practical Tips for Cultivating Mindfulness

This Chapter provides practical tips for cultivating mindfulness. Kornfield recommends starting with short, guided meditations and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of practice. He also emphasizes the importance of finding practices that resonate with the individual and creating a supportive environment for mindfulness.

02:09:10

Facing Inner Criticisms with Kindness

This Chapter addresses the challenges of facing inner criticisms and self-judgment. Kornfield suggests acknowledging these negative thoughts as coping mechanisms that may have served a purpose in the past but are no longer helpful. He recommends thanking these parts of oneself and visualizing placing them on a shelf or altar, where they can be accessed if needed.

02:13:18

The Capacity for Presence and Compassion

This Chapter explores the capacity for presence and compassion. Kornfield discusses the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of stepping out of the "small sense of self" to reconnect with the larger field of consciousness. He shares stories about the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu, highlighting the importance of cultivating joy and gratitude in the face of suffering.

02:17:43

The Need for Inner Transformation

This Chapter emphasizes the need for inner transformation alongside technological advancements. Kornfield argues that technology alone cannot solve the world's problems and that a shift in consciousness is essential for creating a more peaceful and compassionate world. He highlights the importance of cultivating inner peace and compassion as a foundation for positive change.

02:19:20

Addressing Trauma and Cultivating Self-Compassion

This Chapter focuses on addressing trauma and cultivating self-compassion. Kornfield shares his own experiences with self-criticism and the importance of recognizing and honoring these parts of oneself without judgment. He emphasizes the importance of practicing self-compassion and finding ways to support oneself through difficult times.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Elizabeth Gilbert's relationship with Rayya Elias like?

  Rayya Elias was the love of Elizabeth Gilbert's life. They were friends for 17 years, and Gilbert slowly fell in love with her. Rayya was a strong and powerful woman who was Gilbert's guide, teacher, and rock.

• How did Elizabeth Gilbert navigate Rayya Elias's death?

  Gilbert describes Rayya's death as both brutal and beautiful. She emphasizes Rayya's strength and refusal to be helpless, even in her final days. Gilbert also highlights the importance of humor in the face of death and how it can help us survive difficult times.

• What are some of Elizabeth Gilbert's key takeaways from Martha Beck and Byron Katie?

  Gilbert learned from Martha Beck the importance of trusting your body's wisdom and taking risks. From Byron Katie, she learned the power of a simple "thank you and no" and the importance of avoiding explanations that can lead to manipulation.

• How does Elizabeth Gilbert suggest saying no with integrity?

  Gilbert recommends checking in with your inner compass and trusting your body's wisdom. She suggests using a simple "thank you and no" and avoiding explanations that can lead to manipulation. She also emphasizes the importance of practicing saying no, especially when it comes to family.

• What is Jack Kornfield's perspective on the role of psychedelics in spiritual exploration?

  Kornfield believes that psychedelics can be a powerful tool for spiritual exploration, but they should be used with intention and in a safe and supportive setting. He highlights the growing body of research on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and its ability to help people overcome depression, anxiety, and addiction.

• What is Jack Kornfield's childhood like?

  Kornfield's childhood was marked by a brilliant but abusive father. He describes his father as a mixture of a tyrant and a brilliant guy, and he experienced both violence and intellectual stimulation. He became a peacemaker in the family, trying to smooth things over between his parents.

• How did Jack Kornfield become interested in Buddhism?

  Kornfield's interest in Buddhism was sparked by a professor at Dartmouth College who introduced him to the teachings of Lao Tzu and Taoism. He was particularly drawn to the idea that there is an end to suffering and that it is possible to transform one's heart and mind.

• What is Jack Kornfield's perspective on the importance of stepping back and seeing the mystery of life?

  Kornfield believes that whether through meditation, psychedelics, or other spiritual disciplines, it is important to step back from the daily grind and see the mystery of life. He emphasizes that life is not just about checking off tasks but about celebrating the heart of something that we have to bring to the world.

• What is the significance of the Greek word "katamas"?

  The Greek word "katamas" refers to a blow or a catalyzing event that sets your life spinning in an entirely different direction. Kornfield suggests that these events can be transformative and lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.

• What is Jack Kornfield's experience with Stanislav Grof?

  Kornfield met Stanislav Grof in 1973. Grof is a psychiatrist and researcher known for his work on holotropic breathwork and transpersonal psychology. Kornfield describes Grof as a significant influence on his spiritual journey.

• What is the difference between compassion and empathy?

  Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Compassion is a feeling of concern and care for the suffering of others, and it motivates us to help alleviate their pain. Kornfield emphasizes that compassion is a more active and engaged response to suffering than empathy.

• How can we cultivate compassion in our daily lives?

  Kornfield suggests practicing loving-kindness meditation, which involves sending loving thoughts and well-wishes to oneself and others. He also recommends starting small, such as taking a few minutes each day to focus on someone we care about and wishing them well. He emphasizes that compassion is a natural human capacity that can be cultivated through practice.

• What is the importance of facing our inner criticisms and self-judgment?

  Kornfield acknowledges that we all have inner critics and self-judgment, and that these can be difficult to deal with. He suggests recognizing these negative thoughts as coping mechanisms that may have served a purpose in the past but are no longer helpful. He recommends thanking these parts of ourselves and visualizing placing them on a shelf or altar, where they can be accessed if needed.

• What is the nature of consciousness?

  Kornfield explores the question of who we are beyond our thoughts, feelings, and physical bodies. He suggests that we are not just our personal history or our physical selves, but that we are the consciousness itself, the witnessing awareness that is present in every moment. He emphasizes that this realization can bring a sense of freedom and well-being.

• How can we cultivate a sense of presence and acceptance in the face of life's challenges?

  Kornfield encourages us to cultivate a sense of presence and acceptance in the face of life's challenges. He suggests practicing mindfulness, loving-kindness meditation, and other practices that help us to connect with our true nature and find peace in the midst of suffering. He emphasizes that this inner transformation is essential for creating a more compassionate and just world.

Show Notes