Jack Kornfield quotes

To bow to the fact of our life's sorrows and betrayals is to accept them; and from this deep gesture we discover that all life is workable. As we learn to bow, we discover that the heart holds more freedom and compassion than we could imagine. (Jack Kornfield)
If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Westerners, more than most Asians, are prone to feelings of fear, self-hatred, and unworthiness. View quote
Jack Kornfield
In my experience, psychotherapy at its best is like dual meditation - it's like a container in which you can be compassionate and mindful toward yourself. View quote
Jack Kornfield
You hold in your hand an invitation: to remember the transforming power of forgiveness and loving kindness. To remember that no matter where you are and what you face, within your heart peace is possible. View quote
Jack Kornfield
When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another - and ourselves. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Let go of the battle. Breathe quietly and let it be. Let your body relax and your heart soften. Open to whatever you experience without fighting. View quote
Jack Kornfield
We must look at ourselves over and over again in order to learn to love, to discover what has kept our hearts closed, and what it means to allow our hearts to open. View quote
Jack Kornfield
True emptiness is not empty, but contains all things. The mysterious and pregnant void creates and reflects all possibilities. From it arises our individuality, which can be discovered and developed, although never possessed or fixed. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Every individual has a unique contribution. (Jack Kornfield)
Buddhism talks about the possibility of transforming greed, hatred, and delusion. But sometimes need turns into greed. View quote
Jack Kornfield
The trouble is that you think you have time. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Part of spiritual and emotional maturity is recognizing that it's not like you're going to try to fix yourself and become a different person. You remain the same person, but you become awakened. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Anger shows us precisely where we are stuck, where our limits are, where we cling to beliefs and fears. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control. We can love and care for others but we cannot possess our children, lovers, family, or friends. We can assist them, pray for them, and wish them well, yet in the end their happiness and suffering depend on their thoughts and actions, not on our wishes. View quote
Jack Kornfield
In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived How well we have loved How well we have learned to let go. View quote
Jack Kornfield
The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle. View quote
Jack Kornfield
The basic principle of spiritual life is that our problems become the very place to discover wisdom and love. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Know that the freedom you seek can be found right here where you are. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Sense the blessings of the earth in the perfect arc of a ripe tangerine, the taste of warm, fresh bread, the circling flight of birds, the lavender color of the sky shining in a late afternoon rain puddle, the million times we pass other beings in our cars and shops and out among the trees without crashing, conflict, or harm. (Jack Kornfield)
Spiritual practice should not be confused with grim duty. It is the laughter of the Dalai Lama and the wonder born with every child. View quote
Jack Kornfield
Even Socrates, who lived a very frugal and simple life, loved to go to the market. When his students asked about this, he replied, "I love to go and see all the things I am happy without. View quote
Jack Kornfield
As surely as there is a voyage away, there is a journey home. View quote
Jack Kornfield
This life is a test-it is only a test. If it had been an actual life, you would have received further instructions on where to go and what to do. Remember, this life is only a test. View quote
Jack Kornfield