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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