Ep. 296 – The Beautiful World We Can Be: Trust, Joy, Imagination & Transformation

What if the blueprint for a more beautiful world is already within you? Jack explores how trust, joy, and imagination awaken transformation—from the inside out.

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“In the chrysalis, as the caterpillar imagines itself into the butterfly, there’s a message: trust that transformation is possible. Not only is it possible—but from the heart, you can help shape it. You can make a difference.” – Jack Kornfield

In this episode, Jack mindfully explores:

• What brings us joy in this life?
• Trust, morals, justice, and taking the long view
• Enlightenment and cultivating a trusting heart
• The imaginal cells of the butterfly
• How your voice, joy, imagination, and trust can truly make a difference
• Stories on trust, love, and making a difference
• Mindful presence and the Awakened Heart 
• Sangha/Satsang, community, and helping each other
• Imagining a beautiful new world together
• Feeling yourself as a playful child of the spirit
• Spelunking the great mystery of life and the universe
• Adding your make-weight of hope to the world
• Allen Ginsberg’s poem Howl
• Bringing our joy, love, tenderness and compassion to the world
• The big questions: how to hold suffering, and those causing suffering
• The power of protest, standing up, letting go of fear, and embracing the strength of joy
• Questions and Responses on how to navigate modern times skillfully and joyfully with trust, balance, love, gratitude, equanimity, and compassion

“Trust that you make a difference, and that each one of us makes a difference.” – Jack Kornfield

This episode was recorded on 04/07/2025 for the  Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. 

“We’re in this together, we can awaken together, and we can support our hearts, minds, and the beautiful world that we can be—it’s in us as part of our imaginal cells.” – Jack Kornfield

About Jack Kornfield:

Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.