Jack and the ‘Grandfather of Gratitude,’ Brother David Steindl-Rast, delve into sacred reflections on death, where Buddha meets Jesus, the power of compassion, the positive side of grief, and beyond.
“The process of grieving that breaks this little heart, which closes itself in itself, opens us to the heart that we all share, the one heart that we all have in common.” – Brother David Steindl-Rast
In this sacred dialogue, Jack, Brother David, and Frank Ostaseski reflect on:
- How Christianity and Buddhism fit together spiritually
- The compassionate smile of Buddha meeting the sacred heart of Jesus Christ
- The positive side of grief: opening to the collective heart
- Death and grace in both traditions
- Deconditioning from a difficult mother
- Harnessing the power of your common sense
- A funny story about the Pope, and how to awaken to who we already are
- Jack’s journey to the Temple of the Coconut Monk
- How to handle pain like a Burmese Master
- How to forgive yourself and overcome remorse
- Diffusing suicidal tendencies by cultivating self-compassion
- Guided meditations and sacred chants from Jack and Brother David
“In a meditative way, one of the big pieces of being able to love, or touch, or open, or live, is really the work of forgiveness, grace, and receiving yourself in all of your complexity and loving.” – Jack Kornfield
“Compassion, loving kindness, and understanding are our true nature, our true state.” – Jack Kornfield
This sacred conversation was originally recorded on 6/30/1988.
About Brother David Steindl-Rast:
Brother David Steindl-Rast — author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton and more. He has written numerous books, including, Gratefulness, The Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness. For more info, please visit Grateful.org.
About Frank Ostaseski:
Frank Ostaseski, an internationally respected Buddhist teacher and pioneer in end-of-life care, has accompanied over 1,000 people through their dying process. Acclaimed author of The Five Invitations, Frank co-founded the first Buddhist hospice in America—The Zen Hospice Project. In 2005, he founded the Metta Institute, through which he has trained countless clinicians and caregivers, building a national network of educators, advocates, and guides for those facing a life-threatening illness.
