Jack Kornfield

Jack Kornfield is a best-selling author and leading voice in modern Buddhism. Born in 1945, he holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has studied with many of the great Buddhist teachers of the 20th century. He is a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and Spirit Rock Center in California. He has taught meditation retreats and training in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia since 1974.

Kornfield is known for his warm, accessible style, and his teachings emphasize the practical application of Buddhist principles in everyday life. His books, including the classics A Path with Heart and After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold above one million copies worldwide. His most recent works include Bringing Home the Dharma and The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology.

Kornfield has been actively bridging Eastern and Western psychological and spiritual traditions. He has collaborated with colleagues such as Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, and Ram Dass in developing the Vipassana Meditation movement in the U.S. He co-founded the Mindfulness Awareness Research Center at UCLA and was the founding president of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

In addition to his writing and teaching, Kornfield is an active proponent of social justice and environmental activism. He co-founded the Buddhist Alliance for Social Engagement and is involved in numerous other social justice initiatives. He is a strong proponent of non-violence and has been involved in various social justice initiatives, including the Buddhist Alliance for Social Engagement and the Mindfulness in Social Movements conference. He is also a passionate advocate for environmental causes and supports the preservation of rainforests and the protection of ocean ecosystems.

Kornfield has been actively engaged in bridging Eastern and Western spiritual traditions and has collaborated with colleagues such as Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, and Ram Dass in developing the Vipassana Meditation movement in the U.S. He also serves on the board of the Buddhist Global Relief and the Mind & Life Institute, which seeks to integrate contemplative practices and scientific research. 

Kornfield’s activism has extended beyond his writings and teachings to his work with various international organizations. He has traveled to Burma and other countries to support human rights initiatives and has spoken at the United Nations’ World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna. He was also a founding member of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists, which promotes peace and social justice.

Kornfield’s work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and other television programs and has been interviewed on National Public Radio and other radio programs. He has also been featured in films, including The Buddha and The Dharma Bums. Kornfield is a recipient of the Outstanding Buddhist American Award and the Courage of Conscience Award.