Ep. 279 – Standing Up For Compassion: A Wise Rudder in Turbulent Politics

Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

Standing up for compassion in this powerful new Dharma Talk, Jack offers a steady spiritual rudder for navigating turbulent politics with the heart of a Bodhisattva.

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“It’s a time to get quiet and remember that you’re here for a beautiful purpose, oh Bodhisattvas. What better thing to do with your life?” – Jack Kornfield

In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:

• Navigating this world's maelstrom of change from a deep spiritual rudder
• Returning from his trip to Asia; landing in Los Angeles on fire
• Samsara and the nature of uncertainty
• Creating a wise society based on mutual care
• Trading our personal and cultural anxiety for imagination and hope
• Alison Luterman's heart-opening poem, Praise the Broken Promise of America
• Using the Dharma to move past Liberal versus Conservative
• How to help the vulnerable in the world
• Remembering your best values as things change
• Grounding yourself, steadying your heart, and remaining hopeful
• Bringing peace to this world, developing metta, and supporting what's good
• Taking the long view, living with integrity, virtue, and imagination
• Joining together with your community to stand up for compassion
• Being hopeful and helpful through difficult times
• Living like a Bodhisattva—offering support, compassion, loving kindness

“Take the long view—your intention, heart, and mind in all the cycles of birth and death. That deep intention of wisdom creates what’s possible for a wise society. It becomes a rudder through difficult times.” – Jack Kornfield

“When a society treats its members with respect, cares for the weak and vulnerable among them and tends the natural world around… it can be expected to prosper and not decline.” – Mahāparinibbāna Sutta

This Dharma Talk was originally recorded for the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Talk and Meditation on 2/10/25.

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