[Video] Heart Wisdom – Ep. 279 – Standing Up For Compassion: A Wise Rudder in Turbulent Politics

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Standing up for compassion in this powerful new Dharma Talk, Jack offers a steady spiritual rudder for navigating turbulent politics with the heart of a Bodhisattva.

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“Take the long view—your intention, heart, and mind in all the cycles of birth and death. That deep intention of wisdom creates what’s possible for a wise society. It becomes a rudder through difficult times.” – Jack Kornfield

In this episode of Heart Wisdom, Jack mindfully explores:
  • Navigating this world’s maelstrom of change from a deep spiritual rudder
  • Returning from his trip to Asia; landing in Los Angeles on fire
  • Samsara and the nature of uncertainty
  • Creating a wise society based on mutual care
  • Trading our personal and cultural anxiety for imagination and hope
  • Alison Luterman’s heart-opening poem, Praise the Broken Promise of America
  • Using the Dharma to move past Liberal versus Conservative
  • How to help the vulnerable in the world
  • Remembering your best values as things change
  • Grounding yourself, steadying your heart, and remaining hopeful
  • Bringing peace to this world, developing metta, and supporting what’s good
  • Taking the long view, living with integrity, virtue, and imagination
  • Joining together with your community to stand up for compassion
  • Being hopeful and helpful through difficult times
  • Living like a Bodhisattva—offering support, compassion, loving kindness

“It’s a time to get quiet and remember that you’re here for a beautiful purpose, oh Bodhisattvas. What better thing to do with your life?” – Jack Kornfield

“When a society treats its members with respect, cares for the weak and vulnerable among them and tends the natural world around… it can be expected to prosper and not decline.” – Mahāparinibbāna Sutta

This Dharma Talk was originally recorded for the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Dharma Talk on 2/10/2025.
Subscribe to the weekly Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Kornfield on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, and explore Jack’s ever-expanding Heart Wisdom Podcast library here on JackKornfield.com!
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