The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology Paperback – May 19, 2009

Divided into 5 parts, Jack Kornfield's book, 'The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology,' is an insightful introduction to Buddhist psychology for beginning students. A must read, 'The Wise Heart' is interspersed with fresh insights into psychology both east and west.In parts I and II Mr. Kornfield commences with a discussion of the Buddhist idea of self and consciousness. Then he continues with an examination of practices of mindfulness. In part III he begins to look at suffering and its transformation through mindfulness practices. Part IV offers guidance on finding freedom in the midst of suffering. Part V introduces the path of the Boddhisattva and the application of Buddhist teachings into the world around us.Each part is subdivided into specific chapters in which Mr. Korfield introduces an element of Buddhist psychology. Then he includes personal anecdotes and real life stories which illustrate the principle introduced. He ends each chapter with a meditation for readers to practice.I found Mr. Kornfield's thoughts on interdependence, emptiness, and the nature of consciousness especially intriguing. He shows how the concepts of interdependence and emptiness illustrate that there is no separation between the things that make up the universe; instead, things have no intrinsic qualities unto themselves. The perception of separation is merely an illusion.However, everyday experiential consciousness perceives separation. This is our thinking, planning mind. It is the part of our consciousness that reviews the past, and simulates the future. Our feelings of anger, guilt, denial, jealousy, depression, fear, desire, and momentary pleasures stem from this experiential consciousness. It is the segment of our selves attached to our experiences. Nonetheless, there is more to consciousness than this experiential side.There is also an aspect of consciousness that is pure awareness, a witnessing aspect, that is untainted pure potential. It is this witnessing aspect which could be considered pantheistic. Unlike contemporary western philosophy, in Buddhism consciousness is the foundation of existence, and the witnessing aspect of consciousness permeates throughout reality.The trick for a practitioner is to access this witnessing aspect of consciousness for themselves. Buddhism elaborates on a methodology for awakening to the witnessing within us and in the outer reality around us. Right living, right thinking, and mindfulness practices assist in this awakening. This mindfulness methodology also assists us in navigating the suffering states that we endure through our experiential everyday consciousness.One thing that readers must be aware of is 'like the finger pointing to the moon,' concepts can point the way to 'witnessing' consciousness. However, concepts fall short, and we should not mistake the finger that points for the moon itself. This is part of the reason for the emphasis on practice in Buddhism, because it is the practice and not the concepts that transform. Buddhism like other branches of mysticism also employs metaphors to describe what cannot be adequately named. Two metaphors that Mr. Kornfield discussed were the sky and the mirror. The sky represents pure awareness, whereas clouds within the sky serve as experience and the mental states resulting from this experience. Reflections within the mirror also embodies experience whereas the clear mirror again represents a pure witnessing awareness that is unclouded by experience.I like what Mr. Kornfield said about the brain's malleability. Utilizing scientific evidence to back up Buddhist philosophy, he illustrates that we can change our patterns of thinking and behavior. Through proper practice at any age we can actually change our brain's wiring.The beauty of 'A Wise Heart,' is that it imparts a message of inspiration, hope, and a path to freedom. This short synopsis cannot do justice to all of the contents within this book. Therefore, I urge other readers to pick up this book, read it, and contemplate its message for themselves. I assure you that you will be richly rewarded for your efforts.

After wearing out my first, this is the second new copy I've purchased. Invaluable to the Cognitive Behavioral or DBT therapist, the book is also a deeply convincing and compassionate read for anyone who finds the evolution of recent American culture repellent, or for anyone who concludes that to be reasonably satisfied with life, one must swim against the current.In fact, swimming against the current is the last thing Kornfield would recommend. Instead he teaches us with painstaking clarity and fluid prose, how to identify and relax into our own currents.Anyone who is even vaguely familiar with the noble truths of Buddhist philosophy will find great energy and solace here.The book is a must, and the Audible recording equally valuable, to anyone who wants to live a sound, compassionate life with equanimity and poise.

Topics are introduced in an easy to understand way, with interesting stories of clients the author has met and guided as well as info and insights into the author's own past struggles. A wise and compassionate book.

The book was in good condition, no markings on it, and it came within the time expected. A good transaction!

This book contains a large amount of information and strives to contain its abundance in a limited amount of space and paper. Its integration of Western psychology and Buddhist principles is remarkable and creates the bridge of commonalities. However, it does well in elevating the discourse by explaining the sometimes narrow aims and goals that often often demarcate psychotherapy from the more holistic comprehensive path of dharma living. The stories also captivate how some of the principles are transformative in the lives of its practitioners.

Before purchasing this book, I had taken it out of the library and soon realized that it was a book I needed to own. For those interested in Buddhist psychology but of a background that makes it difficult to understand what might seem to be abstract Buddhist teachings, this book is excellent. Psychologist Jack Kornfield presents the information principle by principle using examples from his years as a Buddhist monk and subsequent reintegration into American society and eventually as a teacher and a co-founder of meditation centers. He presents this information in an accessible manner to the Western mind. After each section, there are Practices that he recommends as a means to help the reader understand and act based on these principles. His kindness and wisdom come through on every page as he guides the reader on this journey. I love reading it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try and broaden their understanding of the Buddhist approach to being and incorporate it into their lives.

This is such a sweet basic book on Buddhist fundamentals. I got it at the library and knew that I had to have my own copy. I read it but I tend to read in an "overall" kind of way ---- get the drift and pick up the main pieces and move on. Then I go back and read parts in detail. That's why I wanted to own the book because I knew that I wanted to go back and read certain sections in detail. Did it make me a better person? Not sure. But what it DID do was make me think - as in after I was judgmental about someone or started to dwell on the future - maybe it was after the fact but if you do this often enough - think afterwards that perhaps this was not a good way to think about something or someone - you stop doing it. So that's how it has helped me and may, in fact, make me a better person in the long run. Anyway, this is a very readable book and full of useful information. I would recommend it to anyone who takes an interest in the Buddhist philosophy.