Roots of Buddhist Psychology

Fantastic read

I will admit I have found Jack Kornfield a little less than interesting in the past but this audiobook (which is really a multi-day seminar) was truly interesting and helps me find peace on stressfull days. Each segment is short enough to make a really great point and then you can stop and ponder the segment before going to the next segment. Great delivery and information. Well worth the full price.

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

Absolutely Awesome & Elightening!!!

Kornfield's voice is very soothing & enjoyable, he also has many humorous moments that make the experience of the book fun as well as enlightening. While I am not a Buddhist this book is one of the best books I've ever listened to. Absolutely awesome psychology that will teach you how to maintain a happy state this is independent of & despite what is going on in your physical life, as well as great tools for treating others the way you want to be treated. This stuff should be taught secularly in elementary through high school, the world would be a better place if it were. These are teachings for anyone regardless of religion.

14 of 14 people found this review helpful

Calming if not Memorable

Roots of Buddhist Psychology is a speech given in a number of parts on several aspects of the Buddhist perspective on human nature and living a good life. It is organized around the cultivation or weeding of central virtues and vices including grasping (addiction), aversion (fear/anger/hatred), compassion, equilibrium, generosity, love. This speech is given on a very visceral level and is propelled primarily by anecdotes, humor, and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed the moment to moment experience of listening to Kornfield's voice, appreciating his humor, and connecting intimately with his insights. However as a speech, I think the organization of the material is loose and as such made it less readily absorbed and understood. A second or third listening is required (and perhaps some note taking) if you want to feel you learned something you can talk about. Thus, the experience is somewhat like a massage - wonderfully relaxing in the moment, but within days, you are ready for another one - having not retained the benefits of the first. So eventhough I give this a 3-star rating, that's really stemming from my disappointment that I don't feel, days after finishing the book, that I "learned" anything (perhaps it's me, perhaps it's merely the audio format, but it felt like at least partly due to the meandering, conversational path through the material the speaker takes). I did love the experience of hearing this guy speak as I commute to and from work, however; so much so that I am now purchasing another speech by Kornfield: Buddhism for Beginners.... I just need another massage...

79 of 85 people found this review helpful

Wit and Wisdom

Where does Roots of Buddhist Psychology rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audio book is a font of knowledge presented in a relaxed and knowledgeable way. It is a necessity for anyone on a Spiritual Path. 99.8/100.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a compilation of teachings that can absolutely change the way one perceives.

Which character – as performed by the narrator – was your favorite?

Jack Kornfield is a character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Way too many to count.

Any additional comments?

This audio book is a primer, solidly delivered with humor, compassion and wit, that is indispensable to any library of a Spiritual Seeker. I’ve listened to it at least 4 times. It as fresh the fourth as the first.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Well-Compiled Series of Talks (live)

This audio-book is a series of talks by Kornfield rather than an actual "book". They are recorded live, and so you do hear the audience's laughter or shufflings. This is fine by me - I feel like Kornfield is talking directly to me, as if I were present in the audience.

The talks are sequential, and, I am sure, were delivered over several days at the same conference, so there is cohesion and development. The theme of the series is Buddhist Psychology, but each talk, varying in length from about 45 minutes to an hour, focuses on one main common aspect of the Buddhist Psychology. For example, the first talk is really a sort of introduction, which talks about what Buddhism isn't and also introduces the "types" of personalities we all embody - the "grasping", or greed, type; the avoidance type; etc.

The other talks then have a specific focus - one is on greed, and how it corrupts; one on loving kindness; one on generosity - be generous to all ("and that doesn't mean everyone except moi", quips Kornfield! - so be generous to yourself, too!); etc...

I really enjoyed this audio, and I continue to listen to it or different parts of it regularly.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Buddhist talks or Kornfield.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

A must read for every human being

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to anyone I know. It is filled with wisdom, insight and compassion teachings. It is probably the best book I have read on Buddhism, and the best part is that it is NOT about Buddhi"sm" . Kornfield says in one of the chapters, "If you are here to be a Buddhist, to wear just another costume, then stop. These teachings will only show you that you too, can become a Buddha."
His insight and teachings is so inspiring, so wise, but also so simple, that anybody who wants to achieve true happiness and liberation will take a out of this book. It has expanded my horizon, inspired me to accept myself and everything around me the way they are, opened my heart to be more compassionate to every living being. If you are interested in this psychology, read this book.
I wish to meet Jack Kornfield in person someday.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I had to listen to it in a lot of different sessions. It is simply too long to get away with listening to it in one sitting, besides, between every teaching, you need some time let it really sink in.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Buddhism for the rest of us

Jack distills the Buddhist message into easy to understand packages of information. His delivery is very personable - you almost feel like you're sitting across from a good friend. I'd listen to this on the way to work, and it really impacted my day - I was calmer, more open-minded and more at peace. I recommend anything by Jack K - he really is the teacher who I find can best reach the average searcher investigating Buddhism (which is me).

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Jack Kornfield is an amazing teacher

What did you love best about Roots of Buddhist Psychology?

Jack tells lots of stories throughout this book which keeps you entertained the whole time. But most importantly he shares his wisdom easily. This book will benefit anyone who listens to it. He is a true master.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Roots of Buddhist Psychology

I'm very glad that I stumbled upon Jack Kornfield. I was really touched by his teachings and I thought his delivery was wonderful. I highly recommend this book

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Excellent

Jack Kornfield is excellent here. Beatifull. Highly recommend

5 of 6 people found this review helpful