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33rd out of 242 books
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280 voters
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The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology
You have within you unlimited capacities for love, for joy, for communion with life, and for unshakable freedom—and here is how to awaken them. In The Wise Heart, one of the leading spiritual teachers of our time offers the most accessible and illuminating guide to Buddhism’s transformational psychology ever published in the West.
Trained as a monk in Thailand, Burma, and I...more
Trained as a monk in Thailand, Burma, and I...more
Hardcover, 448 pages
Published
April 29th 2008
by Bantam
(first published January 1st 2008)
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Most of the Buddhist and meditation books I've read are either appallingly written, dull as ditchwater though good for insomnia, and with too much Sanskrit mumbo jumbo, or they keep you stuck at the beginner level. Jack Kornfield holds a western PhD in psychology, is a practising psychotherapist, has lived as a monk for years in Asian monasteries, and works with several editors and multiple drafts to create a book that is highly readable, to the point, in plain English, and uplifting. Like the (...more
This was probably not the best book for me to choose as I switch from being curious about Buddhism to actively investigating it as a path I might want to follow, as it goes deep into the how Buddhism heals the troubled mind and skims the fundamentals. I still got a lot from it, possibly because I have a small background in Jungian psychology (I had no idea they shared so much) and also because Kornfield has so much experience in the are of Insightful Meditation that he's pretty much got an easy ...more
Jerry
added it
Did you ever find yourself drawn to a culture or spiritual belief that was outside your cultural and social experience, so drawn, in fact, that it was more like you had experienced it all before. Theravada Buddhism has been like that for me, but lack of understanding and my western, scientific orientation has made it impossible to fully embrace. This book written by Jack Kornfield who embraced in the late 60's the spiritual wisdom of Asia while the rest of us where embracing the uniquely wester...more
This book is great food for thought, and is a reminder that compassion (especially toward oneself) is the most honest and productive way to find a path through the enormous piles of manure that life (and other people) heap on us. It is proving to be a quite effective salve for my wounds.
I don't believe in organized religion or a lot of cosmic mumbo-jumbo, and I have a very loosely organized code of morality. It takes in pieces of the Hippocratic oath; "I will remember that I remain a ...more
I don't believe in organized religion or a lot of cosmic mumbo-jumbo, and I have a very loosely organized code of morality. It takes in pieces of the Hippocratic oath; "I will remember that I remain a ...more
Colleen
rated it
Recommends it for:
Yoga teachers, spiritual seekers, Buddhists, people in crisis in need of hope and guidance
Recommended to Colleen by:
Jamie Reckers
I am only a few pages in, but I'm already finding a goldmine of mindfulness practices to fuel my journey for years to come! Mr. Kornfield's approach is entirely appropriate for his Buddhist Psychology approach to life, which advises us to treat each person we meet with respect for the divine within. He makes Buddhist philosophy, which can be very difficult to digest, approachable through engaging stories and personal recollections. At this point, I'm grateful this book is so thick--more time to ...more
A wonderful book. I'm not much of a Buddhist, but that doesn't matter. These are teachings of wisdom and love. Kornfield is an authentic voice of true compassion. You sense that from the start. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and this book is an excellent study on the nature of heart and mind. One of the cool things is the range of references from Michael Ventura and Dipama Barua among others. I used a highlighter and read the book slowly. When you find the right teacher learning is a ...more
I love this book. I have read a couple of other Jack Kornfield books as well as attended a retreat with him and several at Spirit Rock, which he cofounded, so I'm clearly already in alignment with his perspective. Even though it's a pretty long and dense book and might be a tough read for those unfamiliar with Buddhism, or even with psychology, it seems to me a good introduction to both with some immediately useful guidance.
Although a bit longer than it needs to be, this well-written book cross-references Buddhist philosophy with traditional Western pyschoanlaysis. Other books do this too, but Kornfield is a better than average writer. He uses many examples from his own patients' stories to illustrate the principles. It's a lot of things most self-aware people know already, but it never hurts to re-visit them again.
This is definitely on my to read soon list:)
"In this book Kornfield explains that each of us has unlimited capacity for joy and for sharing it with others. He charts a journey form the seeds of consciousness to the ultimate flowering of human potential. And, with lessons, exercised and examples from his own practice, he shows you how to make that journey yourself."
"In this book Kornfield explains that each of us has unlimited capacity for joy and for sharing it with others. He charts a journey form the seeds of consciousness to the ultimate flowering of human potential. And, with lessons, exercised and examples from his own practice, he shows you how to make that journey yourself."
I've been a Kornfield fan and student since reading A PATH WITH HEART years ago. That's a more helpful intro to how to do Western Buddhist practice, but this new one I find continually renewing, with a great variety of practices/experiments to try as I go about my ordinary day. I'm on my second slow read and find it comforting and uplifting and hopeful.
This book made me cry. After almost 400 pages, I'm left with so many heartfelt stories of pain and transformation through the power of mindfulness. Probably his best book for how to sit through pain and confusion and how to shift your mind and heart positively towards a more open and loving way of being. Couldn't put it down.
This is a magnificent book, that covers a wide range of Buddhist philosophy that can be found next to no where else. Kornfield adds a unique flare to this book by writing from personal experience, and adding stories that correlate wonderfully with his studies, message, and admiration for the Buddhist lifestyle.
This is a beautifully written guide to Buddhist psychology and meditation. Jack Kornfield is accessible, funny, heartfelt and wise. His stories are a delight; his wisdom is humbling. He steadfastly leads, guides and encourages anyone on a path to Illumination. I've just re-read it. It is a treasure to be savored.
I've been reading this a chapter at a time with my morning coffee. It's easily the best Buddhist guide I've run across in years of reading in, and around these things. Jack Kornfield is funny, compassionate, and wise, and the book is blissfully free of any la-la, woo-woo spiritualism.
this book is my favourite book for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Jack Kornfield artfully mixes western psychology and Buddhist value, by doing that he speaks to us in a highly readable language.
I have met so many people whose lives were changed by this book.
Jack Kornfield artfully mixes western psychology and Buddhist value, by doing that he speaks to us in a highly readable language.
I have met so many people whose lives were changed by this book.
I've always enjoyed Jack Kornfield's writing, but this one is my new favorite. He has written a book that talks about Buddhist precepts in a way that are clear to those who are not Buddhist. I will be using this as a reference book for my own growth.
In everyday language and with memorable imagery Kornfield makes clear connections between the core principles of Buddhist philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and how we can use them to create a happy life.
Irisbelle
added it
This book was truly just as beautiful as the symbolic meaning and look of a lotus flower. It was gentle and tender to the heart and soul and will always want to reference back to this book :)
I never realized how much I incorporated Buddhist Philosophy into my life. Excellent guide for a complete life.
I can't say enough about this book. It is my guide for life, and I have learned much from it.
A clearly-written treatment of the basics of humanist psychology based upon the author's grounding in Buddhist philosophy and practice. Helpful for spiritual seekers and those just interested in becoming less (anxious, inhibited, etc.) and more (content, tranquil, etc.).
As a beginner to the Buddhist path, I found this book insightful and inspiring. The writing is clear and peppered with real life case studies. Highly recommended.
Jack succeeds in giving his readers a strong confidence in the invaluable teaching of the Buddha.
OK. It's a guide to Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology. Just more info on Buddhism.
Anittah
marked it as to-read
Apparently Kornfield is a Dartmouth grad who trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand!
Kornfield wrote a readable introduction to Buddhist practice. I appreciated the way he contrasted Buddhist psychology with tenets of western psychology. My book group had an interesting discussion about the book.
Written by Jack Kornfield, western psychologist, author, and trained monk, this book is an excellent read and full of knowledge about the principles of Buddhist psychology. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to someone looking for an into to Buddhism however.
I have lots to learn. This book was a perfect place to start.
Jack Kornfield's book is outstanding. He really explains with examples and stories what Buddhist psychology is all about. It is a way of life I really agree with--love, compassion, joy and peace.
He also has some great exercises and meditations to integrate into your life.
I highly recommend this book.
Laurie
He also has some great exercises and meditations to integrate into your life.
I highly recommend this book.
Laurie
Alfred Lucena
added it
my Buddhism mentor...wonderful thought transformer
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