This episode was recorded on 3/03/25 as a part of Spirit Rock’s Monday Night Dharma Talk Series

“You are the imaginal cells. You are the ones who are called to hold the vision of a wise society where people respect each other, where we care for the vulnerable, where we understand the universal teaching, ‘Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.’ This is you.'” – Jack Kornfield

In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:

• Staying centered amidst life’s struggles Stopping blame and “right and wrong
• Navigating Late-Stage Capitalism in the 21st Century
• The Great Turning as an opportunity to reset our lives as human beings
• The Great Turning as a birth process—messy, painful, dangerous, and beautiful
• Remembering your fearlessness amidst politics and news media Becoming “imaginal cells” of the butterfly
• Trusting the constant renewal of life and nature Black Elk, Gary Snyder, and the power of loving the earth
• Meditation and sitting with heartbreak
• Dissolving guilt, fear, and doomscrolling
• Carrying your light with nobility, respect, and dignity
• Trusting the big picture, the vast cosmic view
• Remembering who you are and living from it
• The possibility of a new underground railroad
• Recognizing that we are the imaginal cells of the world

Learn the Dynamic Art of Interactive Guided Meditation with Jack Kornfield in this online masterclass beginning April 7!

“Here we are, 21st century, late-stage capitalism, which has gotten to the place where there’s further extremes of rich and poor for exploitation. We’re at the time what Joanna Macy calls the Great Turning—the great opportunity really for us to reset our lives as human beings.” – Jack Kornfield

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Jack reveals how awakening your Soul Force—your inner strength, wisdom, and compassion—allows you to heal the world by offering your unique gift with courage and love.

Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.

In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:

• Uncovering your unique gift and bringing it to the world
• Simple reflections of love amidst the reality of death
• How the sword is always beaten by the spirit
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "Soul Force"
• The power of facing our fear of death
• Becoming a Spiritual Warrior of compassion
• Cultivating the confidence to face any challenge
• Speaking up for what matters to your heart
• The cause of evil and how to stop it at it's root
• The cause of abuse and how to stop it at it's root
• Learning how to respond to the suffering of the world
• Discovering freedom in yourself and the world around
• Cultivating the ability to face ourselves, our pains and sorrows
• Facing the truth of birth and death
• The revolutionary act of connecting with nature
• Connecting with the truth of the world
• Bearing witness and finding your heart's unique response
• Entering the world with freedom and love
• How each and every action counts
• A charming and funny Q&A section
• Chanting the mantra, "Ah"

"Each of us has our own unique gift to bring when it's the right time. It can't be an imitation. You can't do it like Gandhi, Mother Teresa, or whoever you might admire—it has to be your way." – Jack Kornfield

This Dharma Talk from 12/7/1992 at Spirit Rock Meditation Center was originally published on Dharmaseed.

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Exploring the spiritual paradox of individual and universal responsibility, Jack helps us find balance between meditation and service in our daily lives.

This Dharma Talk from 12/7/1992 at Insight Meditation Society was originally published on Dharmaseed.

In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:

• The paradox of individual and universal responsibility
• What's the better spiritual practice—meditation or service?
• What exactly is individual, and what is the universe?
• Joanna Macy's painful yet healing trip to Chernobyl
• Becoming stewards of each other, the earth, and the future
• Distinguishing between freedom and it's near enemies
• Near enemies as fostering separation; freedom as interdependence
• How to respond to suffering authentically and helpfully
• Creating change blossoming from the human heart
• The radical act of "doing nothing and facing yourself"
• Dealing with the homelessness problem, warfare, environmental destruction
• Balancing "Don't just do something, sit there," and "Don't just sit there, there isn't time."
• Choosing between inner practice and outward service
• Following a true path with heart in this lifetime
• Vimala Thakar, Ajahn Chah, and Maha Ghosananda as beacons of peace
• The power of helping feed the hungry
• Navigating the up and down, inner and outer, cycles of spiritual life

"Every act counts. Each one of us has the power to affect the world." – Jack Kornfield

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