The Power of Thought, Intentions, and Attitudes
Kornfield begins the talk by emphasizing how everything in our world and all human experiences—from architecture to agriculture to interpersonal relationships—originates from and are shaped by our thoughts, intentions, and attitudes. By understanding and transforming our mental patterns, we can align our lives with the path of awakening.
Compassion, Kindness, and Respect
He explores the significance of adopting a compassionate mindset, one that is free from greed, jealousy, and hatred. Compassion, Kornfield asserts, is the foundation for spiritual awakening. Without kindness toward oneself and others, true transformation cannot occur.
He recounts stories from Buddhist texts, such as the monk Ananda’s interaction with a woman in the “untouchable” caste, to illustrate the power of compassion and respect to dissolve societal divisions and inspire dignity.
He urges listeners to bring kindness to their own pain and to the struggles of others. When we face each situation and each person with a compassionate heart-mind, we can transform both our inner worlds and our relationships with others—positive change emanating from within.
Openness and Curiosity
Life’s inherent duality—its joys and sorrows, successes and hardships—is another theme Kornfield addresses. He invites us to view all circumstances, no matter how difficult, as fertile ground for spiritual practice. He quoted Thich Nhat Han’s saying, “The tears I spilled yesterday have now become rain.” Through openness and curiosity, we can view life’s inevitable challenges as opportunities to awaken clarity and compassion within ourselves.
The Present Moment
Kornfield emphasizes that life only happens at each present moment. Spiritual growth doesn’t require extraordinary conditions; rather, it arises from embracing the here and now with an open heart.
Building Our Character
Finally, he reminds us that: thoughts become actions; actions develop into habits; habits harden into character; and our character, in turn, shapes our life, our relationships, and the world. He advises us to guard the ways of our thoughts with care and let every one of them spring from deep loving kindness for all beings.
After the talk, the group shared what most resonated with them in the talk.
From the Teacher: The Second Aspect of the Eightfold Path
Dharma Talk: Right Attitude, Wise Aspiration, Mindful Thought
Right Attitude, Wise Aspiration, Mindful Thought — by Jack Kornfield *To support Jack Korfield and his sangha, Spirit Rock, visit: www.spiritrock.org/donate
* 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. After graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967 he joined the Peace Corps and worked on tropical medicine teams in the Mekong River valley. He met and studied as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma.
Returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings, and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a father, husband and activist.
