If we are engaged in actions that cause pain and conflict to ourselves and others, it is impossible for the mind to become settled, collected, and focused in meditation; it is impossible for the heart to open. Jack Kornfield More Quotes by Jack Kornfield More Quotes From Jack Kornfield No amount of outer technology, no amount of computers and biotechnology and nanotechnology is going to stop the continuation of warfare and racism and environmental destruction. What's called for on the Earth at this time is really a change of heart ... the question is really not the future of humanity, but the presence of eternity. Jack Kornfield technology racism heart If you can sit quietly after difficult news; if in financial downturns you remain perfectly calm; if you can see your neighbors travel to fantastic places without a twinge of jealousy; if you can happily eat whatever is put on your plate; you can fall asleep after a day of running around without a drink or a pill; if you can always find contentment just where you are: you are probably a dog. Jack Kornfield dog running fall The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there? Jack Kornfield spiritual fear inspirational Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control. We can love and care for others but we cannot possess our children, lovers, family, or friends. We can assist them, pray for them, and wish them well, yet in the end their happiness and suffering depend on their thoughts and actions, not on our wishes. Jack Kornfield suffering wish children Whatever your difficulties - a devastated heart, financial loss, feeling assaulted by the conflicts around you, or a seemingly hopeless illness - you can always remember that you are free in every moment to set the compass of your heart to your highest intentions. In fact, the two things that you are always free to do - despite your circumstances - are to be present and to be willing to love. Jack Kornfield loss heart two In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived How well we have loved How well we have learned to let go Jack Kornfield cheer-up mindfulness letting-go If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. Jack Kornfield buddhist yoga motivational Most of us have spent our lives caught up in plans, expectations, ambitions for the future; in regrets, guilt or shame about the past. To come into the present is to stop the war. Jack Kornfield regret ambition war The present moment is really all that we have. The only place you can really love another person is in the present. Love in the past is a memory. Love in the future is a fantasy. To be really alive, love - or any other experience - must take place in the present. Jack Kornfield alive memories past The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another. Jack Kornfield yoga moments matter Acceptance does not mean inaction. We may need to respond, strongly at times...From a peaceful center we can respond instead of react. Unconscious reactions create problems. Considered responses bring peace. With a peaceful heart whatever happens can be met with wisdom...Peace is not weak; it is unshakable. Jack Kornfield acceptance heart mean Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well. Jack Kornfield buddhist wisdom peace The waves do keep coming, so learn to surf. Jack Kornfield surf wave We do not have to improve ourselves; we just have to let go of what blocks our heart. Jack Kornfield block letting-go heart To live fully is to let go and die with each passing moment, and to be reborn in each new one. Jack Kornfield passing-moments letting-go life I used to think that to become free you had to practice like a samurai warrior, but now I understand that you have to practice like a devoted mother of a newborn child. It takes the same energy but has a completely different quality. It's compassion and presence rather than having to defeat the enemy in battle. Jack Kornfield warrior mother children May you know the beauty of your own true nature. Jack Kornfield true-nature knows may In deep self acceptance, grows a compassionate understanding. Jack Kornfield understanding acceptance self Compassion for ourselves gives rise to the power to transform resentment into forgiveness, hatred into friendliness, and fear into respect for all beings. Jack Kornfield hatred compassion giving Letting go does not mean not caring about things. It means caring about them in a flexible and wise way. Jack Kornfield wise letting-go mean
