Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield is an internationally recognized teacher and bestselling author who has influenced millions of lives through his loving teachings and exceptional writing. Founded in 1975 by Jack, the insight meditation movement has spread globally and Kornfield’s teachings are studied and respected around the world. His writing and speaking is based on the integration of Eastern and Western wisdom traditions that aim to communicate a profound and authentic understanding of the inner life.
A renowned Zen center and popular author, Jack Kornfield is one of the leading spiritual teachers in the world today. He has devoted himself to restoring compassion and mindfulness in the world through his teachings and writing. Jack studied Theravada Buddhism in Thailand and was ordained as a monk for 13 years, working alongside the legendary Ajahn Chah. He is the author of over a dozen bestsellers, including A Path with Heart, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, and The Wise Heart, which were featured on the New York Times best seller list.
In addition to his prolific writing, Kornfield uses public speaking and media platforms to communicate his message of self-awareness, emotional maturity and spiritual development. He also supports disenfranchised individuals who lack access to education, wellness, and spirituality. Kornfield graduated with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Wisconsin and continues to teach and lecture widely in this field. Through his work, he has developed the ability to incorporate the traditional and the modern in meaningful ways.
Kornfield has authored several indispensable works on mindfulness, meditation, and the inner life. A Path with Heart is a classic in the field of spiritual guidance. In it, he emphasizes the importance of transcending setbacks and understanding life’s core spiritual paths. After the Ecstasy, the Laundry is an exploration of integrating meditation into everyday life. Kornfield also wrote The Wise Heart which examines the path of Buddhist psychology, drawing on ancient wisdom and modern research.
Beyond books, Kornfield has guest-edited editions of the magazine Shambhala Sun, served as an editor of the magazine Vajradhatu Sun, and taught weekly workshops at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin CA. He is the founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and the author of dozens of meditation CDs as well as various spiritual and psychological articles.
Kornfield also travels extensively, speaking to large audiences, including at Omega Institute, Esalen, and Carnegie Mellon University. He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and many other television and radio shows around the world.
Kornfield’s writing and speaking has been praised by the likes of actor Robert Downey Jr., poet David Whyte, primatologist Jane Goodall, and actor and author Ram Dass. Millions have benefited from his long career and remarkable accomplishments, allowing his readers and students to bring greater awareness and compassion in their daily lives. Kornfield’s life and work will continue to inspire and help generations to come.
