Ep. 265 – Navigating Politics, Impermanence, Suffering, and the Great Turning of the World

Reflecting on the election, Jack explores how we can most mindfully and lovingly dance with impermanence, suffering, and ‘the great turning’ of the world.

This episode was originally recorded for the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation Livestream on 11/11/24. Learn more about Spirit Rock’s offerings here. Join Jack’s next livestream event here.

“It’s not about an election one way or the other, they come and go. There’s such huge other forces happening right now—climate change, artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion energy—huge possibilities and huge problems. As T.S. Elliot says, ‘In my end is my beginning.’ Everything that turns offers a new openness and beginning for something else.” – Jack Kornfield

In this fresh episode, Jack mindfully explores:

• Navigating the election and politics in a changing world
• Returning to the basics of Buddhism and living a wise spiritual life
• Quieting the mind, tending the heart, listening to the cries, and seeing with the eyes of wisdom
• What Ajahn Chah’s wisdom for the election results would be
• Opening to change, honoring impermanence, facing suffering
• Annica – the wisdom of uncertainty
• Navigating the “Great Turning” of the world
• Shifting from exploitive and consumer consciousness to one of interdependence and mutual care
• Facing our suffering, warfare, racism, aging, death, loss, and change
• The Zen view of the “dew drop” world
• How annica, dukka, anatta connect with nirvana and unshakeable freedom
• To end the illusion of separation
• Politics as a form of ritualized warfare
• Standing up like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita
• Human history as also containing compassion, courage, and sweetness
• Finding refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
• Living from unconditional love and a freedom from fear
• The transformative power of community
• Our inexorable connection to all the great Saints, Gods, and to the Great Mystery

“You get to choose your spirit. No matter what.” – Jack Kornfield

"We know that we're not separate. You know it especially when you're on the mountaintop looking down after some amazing hike, or listening to a piece of music that transports you beyond the small sense of self. You know it when you make love, or take psychedelics, or have some profound meditation, or dance until you disappear. We all know it." – Jack Kornfield

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