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The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace
You hold in your hand an invitation :
To remember the transforming power of forgiveness and lovingkindness. To remember that no matter where you are and what you face, within your heart peace is possible.
In this beautiful and graceful little book, internationally renowned Buddhist teacher and meditation master Jack Kornfield has collected age-old teachings, modern stories, and time-honored practices for bringing healing, peace, and compassion into our daily lives. Just to read these pages offers calm and comfort. The practices contained here offer meditations for you to discover a new way to meet life’s greatest challenges with acceptance, joy, and hope.
To remember the transforming power of forgiveness and lovingkindness. To remember that no matter where you are and what you face, within your heart peace is possible.
In this beautiful and graceful little book, internationally renowned Buddhist teacher and meditation master Jack Kornfield has collected age-old teachings, modern stories, and time-honored practices for bringing healing, peace, and compassion into our daily lives. Just to read these pages offers calm and comfort. The practices contained here offer meditations for you to discover a new way to meet life’s greatest challenges with acceptance, joy, and hope.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2002
277 people are currently reading
2001 people want to read
About the author
Jack Kornfield
183 books1,373 followersJack 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. He began his training after graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967. Then he joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Public Health Service in northeast Thailand, which is home to several of the world’s oldest Buddhist forest monasteries. He met and studied under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. After returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. He is also a founding teacher of the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California, where he currently lives and teaches. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings with the Dalai Lama and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a husband, father and an activist.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 23, 2018
The words such as forgiveness, lovingkindness and peace have alway represented abstract ideas and thoughts, something to be understood by the intellect rather than a viable experience. Kornfield however provides a more integrated wisdom that allows moving such concepts from the head to the heart. A potentially life changing approach with a deeper understanding of why I suffer, and how to gently let go, and later the realization of the true nature of things. What a beautiful piece by such an inspired author! Bobby Joyner
March 25, 2008
My favorite quote from this book is "Forgiveness is realizing that you cannot change the past".
The book consists of passages and quotes from different people. It's great to keep on hand for those moments when you might need, ahem, a little strength (and patience) dealing with a situation or person.
The book consists of passages and quotes from different people. It's great to keep on hand for those moments when you might need, ahem, a little strength (and patience) dealing with a situation or person.
October 23, 2017
Wonderful!
August 31, 2017
My rating may seem harsh. There isn't anything "bad" about this book and I could see it serving beautifully as a daily meditation book--page a day, etc.
and yet it continually annoyed me. It was a $19 trade-paper-sized hardcover. Its contents are not original, as he acknowledges at the end of the book. Most pages have one short paragraph. Much content is quotations. Most of the rest is guidance for meditations not created by Kornfield.
In short, an assistant probably assembled most of this and he did some organization (maybe) and a bit of commentary and lead-in content. $19???
So I think I was a bit too scornful and judgmental as I read it. Certainly there were thoughts and insights I highlighted, but this was my first Kornfield book and I was expecting something more. It's really just a book of quotes, few comments and some guided meditations. I should have taken a much closer look before buying.
and yet it continually annoyed me. It was a $19 trade-paper-sized hardcover. Its contents are not original, as he acknowledges at the end of the book. Most pages have one short paragraph. Much content is quotations. Most of the rest is guidance for meditations not created by Kornfield.
In short, an assistant probably assembled most of this and he did some organization (maybe) and a bit of commentary and lead-in content. $19???
So I think I was a bit too scornful and judgmental as I read it. Certainly there were thoughts and insights I highlighted, but this was my first Kornfield book and I was expecting something more. It's really just a book of quotes, few comments and some guided meditations. I should have taken a much closer look before buying.
December 19, 2019
Some reviewers have criticized this for being a short book or having too many quotations from others (like, oh, Buddha). That's exactly what I like about it. It's almost a how-to book.
I don't care about the philosophy and analysis and comparisons to other beliefs and such. I have an entire shelf of books about Buddhism with lots of that (one or two by Kornfield). But I haven't read more than bits of most of them, because I never have the time nor patience for all of that rambling on.
This gets to the point and helps me put things into practice, not just read the preaching about practicing. I got it from the library, but I value it so much that I've since bought a copy.
I don't care about the philosophy and analysis and comparisons to other beliefs and such. I have an entire shelf of books about Buddhism with lots of that (one or two by Kornfield). But I haven't read more than bits of most of them, because I never have the time nor patience for all of that rambling on.
This gets to the point and helps me put things into practice, not just read the preaching about practicing. I got it from the library, but I value it so much that I've since bought a copy.
July 26, 2016
I loved this little book for my morning readings before my actual meditation. It's very inspiring.
September 20, 2016
Wow left me in awe!
September 23, 2019
I went to Spirit Rock and heard Jack Kornfield speak at his meditation center in California. He walked me through a day of guided meditation and self reflection. I choose this book out of many at the bookstore because it has the same guided meditations he used on Sept. 7th and it's a reminder of the magical day I had in his presence.
Your happiness and suffering depends on your thoughts and actions, not my wishes for you. May you be peaceful and have a peaceful heart.
Your happiness and suffering depends on your thoughts and actions, not my wishes for you. May you be peaceful and have a peaceful heart.
October 30, 2022
This book contains a number of meditations mudita and metta mainly. These are quite well-known practices. Otherwise, it's mainly a collection of quotes and a few - very few - inspiring stories. It's a short and quick read. The book is a little disappointing as Kornfield's introduction to mediation is such a readable book. This is short and not that coherent a book. It's ok but not a book-book. It's more of a collection of thoughts interspersed with mediation instructions.
March 7, 2009
I love this book. What an inpiration! Even if you are not a Buddhist, you will enjoy Kornfield's messages of forgiveness, lovingkindness, compassion, peace, and love. He includes wisdom from other thinkers and peacemakers. Kornfield walks readers though several meditations which are simple yet powerful. A wonderful read for Buddhists, meditators, or anyone searching for peace and joy.
Forgiveness releases us from the power of fear. page 12
Look within, be still.
Free from fear or attachment,
know the sweet joy of the middle way. - Buddha, page 13
The truth is we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free. - Nelson Mandela, page 15
Forgiveness means giving up all hope of a better past. page 25
Letting go begins with letting be. page 55
The greatest protection in all the world is lovingkindness. - Buddha, page 67
In the end, when we look at our life, the questions will be simple: Did I live fully? Did I love well? page 73
I am larger and better than I thought. I did not think I held so much goodness. - Walt Whitman, page 116
And as our loy grows we finally discover a happiness without cause. page 133
Withdrawal is not true inner peace. page 149
Do not think that peace is not possible for you. page 157
Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control. page 162
No seed ever sees the flower. Zen teaching, page 170
Once we recognize that thoughts are empty, the mind will no longer have the power to deceive us. Khyentse Rinpoche, page 173
Forgiveness releases us from the power of fear. page 12
Look within, be still.
Free from fear or attachment,
know the sweet joy of the middle way. - Buddha, page 13
The truth is we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free. - Nelson Mandela, page 15
Forgiveness means giving up all hope of a better past. page 25
Letting go begins with letting be. page 55
The greatest protection in all the world is lovingkindness. - Buddha, page 67
In the end, when we look at our life, the questions will be simple: Did I live fully? Did I love well? page 73
I am larger and better than I thought. I did not think I held so much goodness. - Walt Whitman, page 116
And as our loy grows we finally discover a happiness without cause. page 133
Withdrawal is not true inner peace. page 149
Do not think that peace is not possible for you. page 157
Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control. page 162
No seed ever sees the flower. Zen teaching, page 170
Once we recognize that thoughts are empty, the mind will no longer have the power to deceive us. Khyentse Rinpoche, page 173
March 31, 2023
I was most enthusiastic about this book first time I read it, less so the second, and decidedly luke warm this third read. Jack Kornfield seems like a pleasant character, and there are definitely some inspiring gems in here, gleaned mostly from other sources, but assembled pleasantly, in a sparse, easily digestible format.
Yet this theme doesn't really seem to hold together for me very well anymore. There is some lack of cohesiveness. Perhaps that has to do with my own growth. Maybe I'm 'more spiritual' and intellectual now. And as such can see this is essentially an entry level popular product for the spiritual supermarket. To harsh?
A pretty book, but out to the street library with it, for some other seeker to enjoy...
Yet this theme doesn't really seem to hold together for me very well anymore. There is some lack of cohesiveness. Perhaps that has to do with my own growth. Maybe I'm 'more spiritual' and intellectual now. And as such can see this is essentially an entry level popular product for the spiritual supermarket. To harsh?
A pretty book, but out to the street library with it, for some other seeker to enjoy...
November 24, 2022
In college, despite being an English major, my favorite course was a class in Buddhism. And then I never looked into it again. Why? I’m not sure aside from inertia. Recently a friend recommended this title and I loved it. Although it also made me sob at times. And I’m posting this on Thanksgiving because it made me think of family.
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Several someones? Possibly is one of those someones yourself? Could you be kinder to the world? To yourself? You can even forgive yourself for not being able to forgive. You can forgive those who don’t seek it. You can forgive those who don’t deserve it. These acts, these meditations, can bring peace. A peace like you’ve never understood before. And when you experience peace, it’s even easier to forgive. It becomes a good spiral.
The book isn’t long–if I read it straight through it probably would have only taken me about three hours–but because the thought exercises take time, and because the concepts, while simple, are also so profound, you shouldn’t expect to drink it all in at once. I think you might drown if you try that. It’s best in small doses.
Normally when I finish a book, I give it away. Not this one. Maybe one day, as I know others will benefit from it, but for now I want to be able to go back to it, reread it, reference it. That’s a HUGE compliment from me.
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Several someones? Possibly is one of those someones yourself? Could you be kinder to the world? To yourself? You can even forgive yourself for not being able to forgive. You can forgive those who don’t seek it. You can forgive those who don’t deserve it. These acts, these meditations, can bring peace. A peace like you’ve never understood before. And when you experience peace, it’s even easier to forgive. It becomes a good spiral.
The book isn’t long–if I read it straight through it probably would have only taken me about three hours–but because the thought exercises take time, and because the concepts, while simple, are also so profound, you shouldn’t expect to drink it all in at once. I think you might drown if you try that. It’s best in small doses.
Normally when I finish a book, I give it away. Not this one. Maybe one day, as I know others will benefit from it, but for now I want to be able to go back to it, reread it, reference it. That’s a HUGE compliment from me.
September 21, 2020
A beautiful compilation of short pieces by a wide range of writers. The collection was published in September of 2002, one year after the tragic events that unfolded on that morning, forever ingrained in our collective conscience. Contributors include Viktor E. Frankl, Nelson Mandela, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ajahn Chah, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, William Blake, Joseph Campbell, Lama Yeshe, Mark Twain, Alan Watts, Buddha, Don Juan, John Paul ll, Meher Baba and others.
March 17, 2023
The meditations were helpful, but the book is mostly filler. One quote per page.
I'd definitely recommend it if you get it from a library or for cheap. I would definitely not recommend you spend the listed price of $15 on it. The guided meditations are good but quite generic, and they make up a very small part of the book.
It is, however a nice little book and I'll probably return to it occasionally for a quote or meditation.
I'd definitely recommend it if you get it from a library or for cheap. I would definitely not recommend you spend the listed price of $15 on it. The guided meditations are good but quite generic, and they make up a very small part of the book.
It is, however a nice little book and I'll probably return to it occasionally for a quote or meditation.
May 1, 2020
Heal yourself
All troubles in this life of ours that pain us, arises somewhere within us because of a lack withing ourselves. This book will help you fill those blanks, stabilize your deep within and fulfill those lacks. The arisings and turbulence of life will exist but in less percentage and most importantly will not perturb you or trouble you as much. Be strong be at peace!
All troubles in this life of ours that pain us, arises somewhere within us because of a lack withing ourselves. This book will help you fill those blanks, stabilize your deep within and fulfill those lacks. The arisings and turbulence of life will exist but in less percentage and most importantly will not perturb you or trouble you as much. Be strong be at peace!
September 14, 2020
Wow, I did not expect to cry while reading this book. I guess I really needed to hear the affirmations within it. This will definitely need to stay by my bedside to read and reflect on frequently. This book is quick and to the point. I wouldn’t say this would be a great one to get as an intro to Buddhism, but is nice to read when starting out. So well done!
April 27, 2025
This book was a beautiful reminder that true forgiveness isn’t about excusing what was done, it’s about freeing yourself from it.
Lately, I’ve been navigating a lot in my relationship with my mother, and this served as such a beautiful reminder that forgiveness is just as much for your own peace as it is for the person who hurt you.
Lately, I’ve been navigating a lot in my relationship with my mother, and this served as such a beautiful reminder that forgiveness is just as much for your own peace as it is for the person who hurt you.
November 24, 2018
A beautiful book that seemed to say everything I needed to hear as I read it. This is probably the best “self-help” book I’ve read yet, if you can call it that. It definitely helped me feel calm and learn ways/reasons to forgive others and myself.
December 22, 2019
Beautiful messages throughout.
“Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace,
To teach peace,
To live peace...
Peace will be the last word of history.”
~John Paul II
🙌🏻💕✌🏻
“Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace,
To teach peace,
To live peace...
Peace will be the last word of history.”
~John Paul II
🙌🏻💕✌🏻
September 6, 2020
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With Spiritual healing and the ability to heal, read and provide spiritual prayers” +27718273254 love spells, bring back lover based in Sandton ,Gauteng visit us https;//www.mamaandfatheramon.co.za
April 18, 2021
I do read a lot of self-help books and books on Buddhism and Stoicism and cognitive therapy. This little book is one of the absolutely finest, most helpful that I have read. I recommend it whole-heartedly to everyone! I would read anything by Jack Kornfield, as I admire him so much.
March 20, 2022
Reading this was a cool breeze; a nice breath of fresh air. It is a compilation of quotes about the three topics from various people from different backgrounds and different religions(but mostly Buddhism). Also includes meditation instructions for the three topics.
August 27, 2023
Makes your Heart think.
A interesting read. It left me with a renewed sense of wonder. This is a refreshing reminder of the power of Forgiveness, Compassion and Peace.
Definitely a take your time kind of read.
A interesting read. It left me with a renewed sense of wonder. This is a refreshing reminder of the power of Forgiveness, Compassion and Peace.
Definitely a take your time kind of read.
January 9, 2024
For my mind, body, spirit book club. Went into it without reading the description and thought it would be an original work, not a collection of quotes and some meditations. So it fell kind of flat for me. Some lessons/stories were powerful but a lot didn’t pack a punch for me. .
November 3, 2024
I had so many questions about forgiveness and about the "loving-kindness" practice.
Reading through this book, I had my questions answered and I could feel parts of me that were anxious and confused melt away.
Reading through this book, I had my questions answered and I could feel parts of me that were anxious and confused melt away.
July 19, 2017
Jack Kornfield's soothing voice makes it all seem possible.
April 7, 2018
Wonderful reminder of metta meditations.
August 22, 2018
This simple, fast read book of quotes and stories is always a pleasure, especially when the chaos in the mind begins to stir.
January 21, 2019
Lots of quotes about forgiveness, lovingkindness, peace froom different people. Arranged by section with different topics.
February 4, 2019
This is a well-done cliff note or readers' digest version for the Buddhist practices of forgiveness, lovingkindness, compassion and equanimity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews