Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. After Asian Studies at Dartmouth College he joined the Peace Corps and worked on tropical medicine teams in the Mekong River valley. He studied with Buddhist masters Ven. Ajahn Chah, and Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with colleagues Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and then Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. Jack has taught in leading universities, convened International Buddhist Teacher meetings, and trained hundreds of teachers. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a father, husband, grandfather and activist.

His books have been translated into 22 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, The Wise Heart; A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace; Bringing Home the Dharma; and No Time Like the Present.

Jack is featured in the Mind & Life podcast episode Wisdom for our times.

This profile was last updated on October 8, 2020

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