Jack Kornfield

Jack Kornfield is an American teacher of Buddhist mindfulness and meditation whose work has contributed to the integration of Vipassana practice into mainstream culture. Trained as a Buddhist monk in the Theravada tradition in Asia, Kornfield was among the first Westerners to interpret these contemplative disciplines for lay audiences, emphasizing their application to daily life, psychological healing, and social engagement. As a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Meditation Center, he has played a significant role in establishing institutions that support contemporary insight meditation in the West.

Kornfield is known for his books, which have introduced readers to mindfulness, compassion, and personal transformation. Notable titles include "A Path with Heart," "The Wise Heart," "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry," "A Lamp in the Darkness," and "No Time Like the Present." These works blend classical Buddhist teachings with clinical psychology, neuroscience, and practical guidance. Kornfield has also developed audio and online programs, offering guided meditations, talks, and digital courses that make contemplative practice accessible to a global audience.

In addition to his writing, Kornfield is a public speaker and retreat leader, recognized for his ability to communicate complex spiritual concepts with clarity and storytelling. He has appeared in documentaries, interviews, and public forums on mindfulness, trauma, and emotional healing, addressing physicians, psychologists, educators, business leaders, and community groups. His teachings often explore how mindfulness and lovingkindness can foster resilience in the face of adversity, including experiences of war, loss, and personal suffering encountered in his own life and in his work with students and patients.

Kornfield’s influence extends to the broader mindfulness movement, where his integration of contemplative practice with Western psychology has informed therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness-based interventions and trauma-sensitive meditation. He has taught at universities, medical centers, and professional conferences, and is cited as a mentor by many contemporary meditation teachers. Through his books, talks, and leadership, Kornfield has contributed to the development of an ethically grounded mindfulness culture, serving as a voice for audiences seeking wisdom, emotional balance, and inner peace.