Customer Reviews

A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life

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Jack Kornfield's "A Path With Heart" is both an introduction to Buddhism and a spiritual workbook, since chapters examining Buddhist principles are followed by specific meditation practices. I read a chapter a day, which I recommend to people new to Buddhism because it allowed the information to sink in.

Some information --like sections on karma, chakras, and lovingkindness meditation-- will be familiar to a general audience (it's interesting how many of these concepts have permeated the New Age and mainstream culture, e.g. Gary Zukav's "Seat of the Soul"--- read by Oprah's audience-- covers the same karma concepts.) Other parts -- like a section on mind altered states-- may surprise some.

It doesn't surprise me that Buddhism has become popular in the States, particularly in the Western States... it is a de-institutionalized religion with a practical approach to problem solving. Its emphasis on individual power and responsibility aligns with the rugged individualism that informs much of the American character.

A gracefully written book, well worth a look.

. . . let it be "A Path With Heart!" With wise and skillful words, Jack Kornfield is a master of teaching Buddhist practices including insight meditation (known as vipassanna) to Western students for over 20 years. Being a former Buddhist monk with a PHD in psychology, as well as a husband and father, he is able to communicate the practice of Buddhism in everyday life in a way that makes sense to Western minds. Kornfield embraces the stuggles and hindrances that are common to the spiritual path as well as offering timely and useful meditations for awakening, opening the heart and clear and humorous insight into basic Buddhist principles such as the 5 precepts, the Buddhist view of self (or lack thereof) and karma. With open arms and a deep understanding of the Western psyche and it's tangles, Kornfield delivers a book that is a love song, a workout and a survival manual for anyone committed to the spiritual path.

Jack Kornfield is responsible for inspiring me to start my daily practice 8 years ago. I got a set of tapes, I think it was _The Inner Art of Meditation_ from the library and found myself rushing home at the end of the day because I /got to/ listen to the tapes and meditate.

I've gone to sittings with J.K. at Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA & have always come away inspired and with renewed commitment to my practice.

I'm afriad this book hasn't caught my attention. I've picked it up and put it down many times over the past year and a half, finding it dense and far from the esence I am seeking. I highly recommend the tapes, I highly recommend Seeking the Heart of Wisdom: The Path of Insight Meditation (Shambhala Classics) (Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield). I also recommend _After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path_ (also J.K.)

J.K. is a great teacher. His other works have spoken to me much more clearly than this one.

May all beings everywhere know peace.

What would American Buddhism have done without Jack Kornfield? It wouldn't have come so far so fast, that's for sure. In A Path With Heart, Kornfield once again proves he is the master of gentle spiritual learning. It is a book for every person who wants to become enlightened, or even "just" a better person!

havn't got it yet, shipping from the State really takes long time. I want to buy used book, but I wont' recommond it if you are in a urgent to use. it's really slow shipping from the State sometimes.

I read this book when it was first published and recognized immediately that Jack Kornfield's path was also 'my path'. It inspired a deepening of my spiritual practice and a truly happier and more peaceful life. I re-read it whenever I need a boost. This book is very personal, and also universal. Jack uses stories from his own experience to illuminate the path of a more general spiritual journey, and to entertain us.
It's a must for anyone seeking guidance for a spiritual journey or inspiration to begin one. A Path With Heart speaks to the heart, the mind, the body and the soul. It is accessible, it is not religious, it is not heavy duty philosophy. Read it.

This book is written in a clear flowing compassionate style that is easily accessible to all levels of seekers. While Kornfield is Buddhist, this book embraces all wisdom traditions. For those new to the path, no matter what tradition, this book presents invaluable information on how to walk the path and avoid the costly detours and potholes. He deals sensitively and expertly with issues such as finding a teacher, how teachers go astray, how to deal with problems and complications that arise on the path and how to avoid them in the first place. The Bible says "Straight is the path, narrow is the gate, few find it." Kornfield's book enables many more to find it.

I found this book after many years of spiritual study and meditation. I wish it had been available earlier. I recommend it to all my beginning students.

. . . let it be "A Path With Heart!" With wise and skillful words, Jack Kornfield is a master of teaching Buddhist practices including insight meditation (known as vipassanna) to Western students for over 20 years. Being a former Buddhist monk with a PHD in psychology, as well as a husband and father, he is able to communicate the practice of Buddhism in everyday life in a way that makes sense to Western minds. Kornfield embraces the stuggles and hindrances that are common to the spiritual path as well as offering timely and useful meditations for awakening, opening the heart and clear and humorous insight into basic Buddhist principles such as the 5 precepts, the Buddhist view of self (or lack thereof) and karma. With open arms and a deep understanding of the Western psyche and it's tangles, Kornfield delivers a book that is a love song, a workout and a survival manual for anyone committed to the spiritual path.

BUY THIS BOOK! READ THIS BOOK!

This is one of the greatest books on spiritual practice. The writing is clear, the anecdotes and quotes are priceless and the advice is really down-to-earth and sensible. You'll really benefit from it.

Towards the end of the book, I came across an absolutely brilliant quote by Suzuki Roshi that the author included: "There are no enlightened persons, just enlightened actions." How liberating!!!!

I have studied with numerous meditation teachers in the Christian, Zen, Theravadin, and Hindu traditions and have read practically EVERY Buddhist Meditation book published over the years. As a contemporary guide to a sustained meditation practice this title is unsurpassed. It provides an overview of meditation techniques, gives simple instructions, and explores the pitfalls of practice common to all traditions. But further, it provides wise guidance in integrating spiritual practice into our daily lives ... which should be the ultimate aim in any spiritual path!