For episode 279, Jack Kornfield returns to the Metta Hour to talk about his new book, “All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World.”

Jack trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma, and India and has taught worldwide since 1974. He is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practices to the West. He is the cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and of Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has written more than fifteen books, including The Wise Heart, A Path with Heart, and more.

In this conversation, Sharon and Jack speak about:

The impetus for Jack’s new book
The universe is made of stories
Beginner’s Mind as the goal of practice
Ajahn Chah’s squirrel story
How repetition factors into storytelling
Trusting the gifts of interconnectedness
Ram Dass as the great public neurotic
The glance of mercy
The Bodhisattva Vow
Envisioning generosity to change the world
Working with our expectations
Despair is not the end of the story
Mindful Service as a source of happiness
The Insight Meditation Society's 50th anniversary
The founding of IMS told by Jack
How the Dharma evolves across cultures

This episode closes with a guided meditation from Jack. Learn more about Jack’s many offerings right here and get yourself a copy of his new book All in This Together.

Join the IMS 50th anniversary online celebration on February 14th, 2026! Learn more and register right here.

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Ep. 279 – Jack Kornfield

Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg