Episode
Ep. 314 – Winter Light: Tending the Fire of the Heart
- Published
- Jan 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2067
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/heart-wisdom-with-jack-kornfield-588894/episodes/ep-314-winter-light-tending-the-fire-of-the-heart/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/heart-wisdom-with-jack-kornfield-588894/ep-314-winter-light-tending-the-fire-of-the-heart.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
As winter deepens, Jack reflects on the quiet light that does not go out—the warmth of compassion, generosity, and courage that sustains us through dark seasons. Through stories of everyday kindness and ancient wisdom, he invites us to tend the inner fire that heals and connects us. Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self. “That's what you carry. That's who you really are. That's what was born in you, is the great heart of compassion and tenderness.” –Jack Kornfield In this episode, Jack explores: Compassion as a response to fear Everyday acts of generosity Tending the inner fire during dark seasons Beginner’s mind and seeing with wonder Adding your light to a troubled and beautiful world “The heart can’t do anything but tenderness and mercy when we really listen.” –Jack Kornfield Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here . 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 m…