The Buddha Is Still Teaching: Contemporary Buddhist Wisdom
Book Description
Wisdom whispers from the stillness of ancient teachings, igniting a spark of transformation in the chaos of modern life. Jack Kornfield weaves together timeless Buddhist insights with contemporary anecdotes, creating a mosaic of clarity and compassion for today’s restless hearts. Each chapter unfolds a new layer of understanding, guiding seekers through the complexities of love, loss, and healing. With a blend of humor and depth, he illuminates paths to inner peace and awakening. What if the wisdom of the ages holds the key to overcoming the turmoil of now?
Quick Book Summary
"The Buddha Is Still Teaching: Contemporary Buddhist Wisdom" by Jack Kornfield is a transformative collection of Buddhist teachings, curated to address the dilemmas and hopes of modern life. Kornfield draws from a wide spectrum of Buddhist traditions, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary stories and reflections. Each part of the book presents short passages or anecdotes from renowned teachers, offering insights on themes such as mindfulness, compassion, and dealing with suffering. These teachings serve as a toolkit for self-awareness and healing, inviting readers to apply Buddhist principles in the face of daily stress, loss, and change. Kornfield writes with clarity and warmth, making universal truths accessible for both beginners and advanced practitioners on the spiritual path.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Jack Kornfield’s anthology opens by cultivating mindfulness—teaching readers to bring loving awareness to each moment, even amidst the busyness and distractions of modern existence. By assembling passages from notable Buddhist voices, he underscores the power of being present, emphasising that mindful living is not reserved for monastics but is deeply relevant to daily challenges. Simple exercises and meditative practices invite readers to engage with their immediate experience, fostering a groundedness that counters the anxiety and restlessness common today.
Compassion and Lovingkindness
A recurring theme is the centrality of compassion and lovingkindness in Buddhist practice. Kornfield selects stories and teachings that illustrate how an open heart transforms relationships, work, and self-perception. The writings encourage readers to relate to themselves and others with tenderness, patience, and understanding. By offering practical techniques to cultivate metta (lovingkindness), Kornfield shows how compassion can become a daily habit that softens harshness and brings healing.
Facing Suffering with Wisdom
One of Buddhism’s core contributions is its approach to suffering. Kornfield presents timeless guidance on how to face pain or loss with wisdom rather than avoidance. The passages urge readers to acknowledge suffering with gentle attention, seeing it as an unavoidable but workable part of life. Kornfield intersperses personal anecdotes and parables, demonstrating how acceptance and insight can transform suffering into a source of depth, resilience, and even liberation.
Letting Go and Non-Attachment
Letting go and non-attachment are vital pillars of Buddhist wisdom explored throughout the book. Kornfield’s selected teachings demystify these concepts, showing they are not about detachment from life’s joys, but about seeing through clinging, expectation, and fear. By letting go of rigid views, regrets, and self-judgment, readers can experience greater freedom and inner peace. The book offers practical advice for releasing what no longer serves, whether it be emotions, grudges, or material desires.
Awakening in the Modern World
Finally, Kornfield ties these ancient teachings directly to the modern context, reassuring readers that the Buddha’s wisdom is as relevant now as it was centuries ago. Stories from contemporary practitioners and laypeople model how the Dharma can be lived amidst traffic, work, and family responsibilities. Ultimately, the book invites every reader to participate in awakening—cultivating mindful awareness, lovingkindness, and equanimity as a refuge and a way of life, regardless of external circumstances.
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