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Summary: REFLECTIONS OF WISDOM
Review: All human situations arise through the medium of awareness. People do many things and feel many different ways, but the central factor of all activities is always awareness. Perhaps we do not notice the presence of this knowing quality, or we may take it for granted. This can lead to problems. It is important for us to know that there are many kinds of awareness, which arise according to definite principles, and which affect our health, our understanding, and our happiness.This book provides enlightening thoughts and examples from spiritual teachers and religious traditions, in order to make us take responsibility for the condition of our awareness, since so-called external affairs correspond to this condition very precisely. This is the basic theme the author wishes to convey to his readers. To the extent that this work can offer understanding of the value of each type of awareness available to us, and of the methods or circumstances which activate each type, it can be very valuable. *****Pursuing this understanding is more serious and immediately useful than casual research into "altered states of consciousness"----surely a necessary step before a guided research into these states...AstarX teaches this right through its Path to eXtasy (AstarX.com)----Truly valuable penetrating awareness is usually covered over and forgotten by most human beings, and this situation is like being trapped in a burning house, oblivious to any danger. In these days and times, a book like this is a portal to better understanding of self and world alike. Then, it's up to you to continue walking the Path...
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Summary: For Everyone On Their Own Spiritual Adventure
Review: As a psychotherapist, author and 25 year seminar trainer in life strategies, I also believe as Jack Kornfield does, that each one of us can tranform our lives in a practical and spiritual way. We can choose to move away from suffering: fear, anger, seeing the worst and move onto that new path. We can not only change our own lives, but we can help change the world around us with new thoughts, new feelings and most importantly new actions, moment to moment and day by day. Read this book and let your heart, mind and life grow spritually wise.
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Summary: Am Amazing Book
Review: I just love how Jack Kornfield shares comments from Buddhists, Christians, and others on how the mystical path is at times very arduous. After enlightment and ecstasy, there is still wood to chop and laundry to do! I love his gentle manner and sage insight into the porcess of being human while entering (or attempting to enter) the realm of ecstasy, oneness, and joy. I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: Everyone does laundry...
Review: I loved this book. I have read many books on philosophy, religion, and spirituality, but this one stands out as one of my all time favorites. I too have been blessed with many moments of grace and insight throughout my life, but was unsure if these epiphanies were getting me "anywhere", as I sometimes tended to grumble about the laundry. It was wonderful to know that others, even those who are highly regarded spiritual teachers, also grumble about their laundry (and maybe wonder about the missing socks?). I have dropped the unrealistic expectations of enlightenment for its own sake, and continue as before, slowly applying the knowledge and insight that I am gaining to all aspects of my life. Jack Kornfield's anecdotes and poems made me laugh and cry with the joy and pain of the human condition. Make this book part of your library!
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Summary: Waking up can have it's bumps and bruises too
Review: I really liked this book because it helped me realize that waking up or trying to wake up has it's setbacks at times. That alot of us have the same difficulties on the path awakening. I loved this book.
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Summary: What no other book does
Review: In any of Kornfield's work may be found great wisdom and a heart that knows deeply the folly of attaching strongly to anything, especially to this or that single Dharma style (I distinguish here between PRACTICING in a single tradition, and ATTACHING to that tradition as though it were THE traditon). There are trappings in any practice -- namely the often unnoticed thought that if I do all of these things, if I pass all the koans, or get all the proper empowerments, or do enough hundred-day retreats like my teacher, I'll finally get the Diploma of Enlightenment. AFTER THE ECSTACY is the only book that I know of to completely investigate from almost any possible angle what is often thought of as the "endpoint" of practice, and thus helps free us to simply (to quote Ven. Ajahn Sumedho from the book) "let go, let go, let go" forever. As Kornfield writes, "There is no enlightened retirement." Uniquely important, AFTER THE ECSTACY was immediately upon its publication required reading for the seminary at our temple. Highly recommended.
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Summary: A great gift of a very wise man
Review: Jack Kornfield again brings inspiration and gentle awareness to those on a spiritual path. For me this was the right book at the right time and helped me out of a confusing depressive episode. Those of us who are younger or on a slower path to awakening can find insight and truth from those who have gone before us. The stories and reminders here are heart-felt and a great gift to us all. Take this book to heart, because, as Jack Kornfield says, "To use our life to move toward compassion and away from suffering is the only thing that matters.... Whenever we awaken,.... We realize we belong on this earth. Whoever we are is the right person; wherever we are is the right place to awaken...."
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Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Jack Kornfield, the man, gives me hope that we can transform our lives a little bit at a time with some rushing moments of grace. And, we can help to change the world around us. He makes me want to try. "A Path With Heart" (1993) helped me to commit to a spiritual practice. "After the Ectasy, the Laundry" reminded me that my practice is at the core of my life and that so many others are aspiring for wholeness, and yes, enlightenment (there is actually such a thing). I recommend it highly.
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Summary: an oasis in the desert
Review: like a wise older uncle, jack kornfield has much to share with the spiritual aspirant on the path. the book is packed with anecdotes and quotes from others who struggled and often succeeded in opening the heart to truth/peace/god. i would recommend this book to any truth seeker out there who would like to know how others have experienced the terrain. there is much wisdom here to guide and encourage. well worth your time and money.
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Summary: like a magazine investigative report.
Review: Mr. Kornfield's extensive experiences in buddhist meditation and his wide contact with other meditative traditions gave him an unique insight into the core of spiritual life. His explanations of non-Buddhist experiences and writings, however, appeared to be rather subjective. He might have tried too hard to interprete them in a way that supported his theme. Also, his assertion that the experiences of insight do not fundamentally change one's personality somewhat belittles the benefits of meditative efforts. This is a fine book for general reading. For someone who is serious about meditation and the spritual path, Ayya Khema's books, particularly "Who is my self", provide more practical, in-depth information.
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