#684: Jack Kornfield — How to Reduce Anxiety and Polish the Lens of Consciousness
The Tim Ferriss Show
<p><strong>Brought to you by </strong><a href="https://shopify.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Shopify</em></strong></a><strong><em> global commerce platform providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business;</em> </strong><a href="https://drinkag1.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>AG1</em></strong></a><strong><em> all-in-one nutritional supplement; and </em></strong><a href="https://drinklmnt.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>LMNT</em></strong></a><strong><em> electrolyte supplement.</em></strong></p><p><strong>Jack Kornfield </strong>(<a href="https://twitter.com/JackKornfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@JackKornfield</a>) 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 have introduced Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. </p><p>Jack co-founded the <a href="http://www.dharma.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Insight Meditation Society</a> in Barre, Massachusetts, with <a href="https://tim.blog/2017/11/03/sharon-salzberg/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sharon Salzberg</a> and <a href="http://www.dharma.org/ims/joseph_goldstein.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joseph Goldstein</a>, and <a href="http://www.spiritrock.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spirit Rock</a> Center in Woodacre, California. Current projects include <a href="https://cloudsangha.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CloudSangha.co</a>, which offers practice groups for all; <a href="https://mmtcp.soundstrue.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program</a>, which has trained 7,000 mindfulness teachers in 75 countries; and <a href="https://www.wisdomventuresfund.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wisdom Ventures</a>, a fund investing in companies that promote compassion.</p><p>His books have been translated into 22 languages and sold 2 million copies. They include <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Wise-Heart-Jack-Kornfield-audiobook/dp/B00VS0V5Z0/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology</em></a>; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/A-Path-with-Heart-Jack-Kornfield-audiobook/dp/B000BYR530/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>A Path with Heart</em></a>; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-Ecstasy-Laundry-audiobook/dp/B0167DE84C/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>After the Ecstasy, the Laundry</em></a>; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Buddhas-Little-Instruction-Book-Kornfield/dp/0553373854/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Buddha’s Little Instruction Book</em></a>; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Forgiveness-Lovingkindness-Peace/dp/0553381199/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace</em></a>; and his most recent book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Time-Like-Present-Finding-ebook/dp/B01HMXV236/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are</em></a>.</p><p>Jack is also co-founder of <a href="https://cloudsangha.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Cloud Sangha</strong></a>,<strong> </strong>and they offer a <a href="https://cloudsangha.co/test?utm_source=timferriss&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=timferrissshow2023&utm_id=timferrissshow2023" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quick and free mindfulness test</a> to gauge your mindfulness levels. As a conscious online community, <a href="https://cloudsangha.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cloud Sangha</a> brings people together to create meaningful human connections and integrate mindfulness into everyday life.</p><p>Please enjoy!</p><p>*</p><p><strong>This episode is brought to you by </strong><a href="http://shopify.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Shopify</strong></a><strong>! </strong><a href="http://shopify.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopify</a> is one of my favorite platforms and one of my favorite companies. <a href="http://shopify.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopify</a> is<strong> designed for anyone to sell anywhere</strong>, giving entrepreneurs the resources once reserved for big business. In no time flat, you can have a great-looking online store that brings your ideas to life, and you can have the tools to manage your day-to-day and drive sales. No coding or design experience required.</p><p><strong>Go to </strong><a href="http://shopify.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>shopify.com/Tim</strong></a><strong> to sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. It’s a great deal for a great service, so I encourage you to check it out. Take your business to the next level today by visiting </strong><a href="http://shopify.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>shopify.com/Tim</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>*</strong></p><p><strong>This episode is also brought to you by </strong><a href="https://drinkag1.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>AG1</strong></a><strong>!</strong> I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually <a href="https://drinkag1.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AG1</a>, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in <em>The 4-Hour Body</em> in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but <a href="https://drinkag1.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AG1</a> further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. </p><p><strong>Right now, you’ll get a 1-year supply of Vitamin D free with your first subscription purchase</strong>—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. <strong>Visit </strong><a href="https://drinkag1.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>DrinkAG1.com/Tim</strong></a><strong> to claim this special offer today and receive your 1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! </strong>That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive daily foundational nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health.</p><p>*</p><p><strong>This episode is also brought to you by </strong><a href="http://drinklmnt.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LMNT</strong></a><strong>! </strong>What is LMNT? It’s a <a href="http://drinklmnt.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">delicious, sugar-free electrolyte drink mix</a>. I’ve stocked up on boxes and boxes of this and usually use it 1–2 times per day. <a href="http://drinklmnt.com/tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LMNT</a> is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and perfectly suited to folks following a keto, low-carb, or Paleo diet. If you are on a low-carb diet or fasting, electrolytes play a key role in relieving hunger, cramps, headaches, tiredness, and dizziness.</p><p><a href="http://drinklmnt.com/Tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LMNT</a> came up with a very special offer for you, my dear listeners. <strong>For a limited time, you can get a free </strong><a href="http://drinklmnt.com/Tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LMNT</strong></a><strong> Sample Pack with any purchase. This special offer is available here: </strong><a href="http://drinklmnt.com/Tim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>DrinkLMNT.com/Tim</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>*</p><p>[07:47] Stan Grof.</p><p>[14:53] Yogic swoons and anesthetic autopiloting.</p><p>[18:28] What’s the point of consciousness?</p><p>[25:47] A big story or no story at all?</p><p>[31:44] The Cosmic Game.</p><p>[34:56] How would the Buddha deal with anxiety?</p><p>[43:50] The stories anxiety tells.</p><p>[46:41] Mystics and the mystery.</p><p>[52:04] Jhana practice and the dimensions of meditation.</p><p>[57:23] Achieving altered states: a matter of confidence or capacity?</p><p>[1:01:30] What is love?</p><p>[1:09:54] Wise guys.</p><p>[1:12:49] Reliably eliciting the non-self.</p><p>[1:14:35] Sifting out the charlatans.</p><p>[1:15:27] Atisha’s instructions.</p><p>[1:19:56] Cultivating a more joyful mind.</p><p>[1:24:27] Living “social, not solo” and Cloud Sangha.</p><p>[1:31:51] Ram Dass flunking the course.</p><p>[1:41:23] Connection, climate, and justice.</p><p>[1:48:40] Parting thoughts.</p><p><strong>*</strong></p><p><strong>For show notes and past guests on </strong><a href="https://tim.blog/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Tim Ferriss Show</em></strong></a><strong>, please visit</strong> <a href="https://tim.blog/podcast/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-description" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>tim.blog/podcast</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>For deals from sponsors of </strong><a href="https://tim.blog/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Tim Ferriss Show</em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em>please visit </strong><a href="https://tim.blog/podcast-sponsors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>tim.blog/podcast-sponsors</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (<em>5-Bullet Friday</em>) at </strong><a href="https://go.tim.blog/5-bullet-friday-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>tim.blog/friday</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>For transcripts of episodes, go to </strong><a href="https://tim.blog/transcripts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>tim.blog/transcripts</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>Discover Tim’s books: </strong><a href="https://tim.blog/books" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>tim.blog/books</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>Follow Tim:</strong></p><p><strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="https://twitter.com/tferriss" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">twitter.com/tferriss</a> </p><p><strong>Instagram</strong>: <a href="https://instagram.com/timferriss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">instagram.com/timferriss</a></p><p><strong>YouTube</strong>: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/timferriss" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">youtube.com/timferriss</a></p><p><strong>Facebook</strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimFerriss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">facebook.com/timferriss</a> </p><p><strong>LinkedIn: </strong><a href="http://linkedin.com/in/timferriss" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/timferriss</a></p><p>Past guests on <a href="http://tim.blog/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Tim Ferriss Show</em></strong></a> include <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/12/08/jerry-seinfeld/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Seinfeld</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/06/26/hugh-jackman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hugh Jackman</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/04/16/jane-goodall/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Jane Goodall</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2018/11/27/lebron-james-mike-mancias/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LeBron James</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/05/20/kevin-hart/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kevin Hart</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2018/09/07/doris-kearns-goodwin-leadership/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doris Kearns Goodwin</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2015/12/06/jamie-foxx/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamie Foxx</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/10/19/matthew-mcconaughey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matthew McConaughey</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2017/05/21/esther-perel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Esther Perel</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/05/08/elizabeth-gilbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elizabeth Gilbert</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2017/12/20/terry-crews-how-to-have-do-and-be-all-you-want/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Terry Crews</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/08/12/sia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sia</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/10/27/yuval-noah-harari/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yuval Noah Harari</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2016/06/21/malcolm-gladwell/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Malcolm Gladwell</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/05/27/secretary-madeleine-albright/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Madeleine Albright</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2017/03/30/cheryl-strayed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cheryl Strayed</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2019/02/18/jim-collins/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jim Collins</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/11/11/mary-karr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mary Karr,</a> <a href="https://tim.blog/2014/10/21/brain-pickings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maria Popova</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/05/15/sam-harris-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sam Harris</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2021/01/21/michael-phelps-grant-hackett/" 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target="_blank">Rick Rubin</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/03/26/vivek-murthy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Vivek Murthy</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2017/09/09/darren-aronofsky/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darren Aronofsky</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2022/02/22/margaret-atwood/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Margaret Atwood</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2022/03/24/mark-zuckerberg/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark Zuckerberg</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2014/09/09/peter-thiel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peter Thiel</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2018/02/20/gabor-mate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Gabor Maté</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2021/07/09/anne-lamott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anne Lamott</a>, <a href="https://tim.blog/2022/01/12/sarah-silverman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sarah Silverman</a>, <a 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