What is transmitted from a spiritual teacher to a student? The possibilities of love and freedom, of living in a joyful heart. Extraordinary spiritual teachers empower us, pointing us towards our own awakening. In their presence, we can feel the qualities of enlightenment rather than just hearing about them, and we are inspired to see in a new way. With Transmission, author and teacher Jack Kornfield shares eight sessions of in-depth teachings illuminating the student-teacher relationship. Through a treasure trove of personal stories about the Dalai Lama, Chögyam Trungpa, Dipa Ma, Ajahn Chah, and other masters, we see how teachers embody the many facets of the jewel of enlightened consciousness―including humor, discipline, humility, joyousness, uncanny perspicacity, and unfathomable compassion―and how we too can fully awaken these qualities in ourselves. Exploring such topics as devotion, the tender heart of sadness, meditation, and patience, Jack reveals the power of opening one's heart to a true spiritual teacher as well as the potential pitfalls and challenges of the teacher-student relationship. With warmth, humor, and practical advice―including what to do if there are no spiritual teachers near your home― Transmission opens possibilities for anyone to deepen, practice, and awaken. Highlights Do we need teachers on the spiritual path? • The essence of relationship to a spiritual teacher • What teachers most want from their students • Surrendering to something beyond ego • The humanity and humility of true teachers • How we "transfer" or project onto teachers • Experiencing conflict with spiritual teachers • Steering clear of cults and corruption • When teachers don't meet our expectations Course Discuss the need for teachers and the essence of relationship to a spiritual teacher on the spiritual path • Discuss such topics as devotion, the tender heart of sadness, meditation, and patience; revealing the power of opening one's heart to a true spiritual teacher, as well as the potential pitfalls and challenges of the teacher-student relationship • Describe how we "transfer" or project onto teachers • Discuss how extraordinary spiritual teachers embody the many facets of the jewel of enlightened consciousness―including humor, discipline, humility, joyousness, uncanny perspicacity, and unfathomable compassion―and how we too can fully awaken these qualities in ourselves • Describe how in the presence of an extraordinary spiritual teacher we can feel the qualities of enlightenment rather than just hearing about them, and we are inspired to see in a new way
Author
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. He began his training after graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967. Then he joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Public Health Service in northeast Thailand, which is home to several of the world’s oldest Buddhist forest monasteries. He met and studied under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. After returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. He is also a founding teacher of the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California, where he currently lives and teaches. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings with the Dalai Lama and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a husband, father and an activist. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
