{"product_id":"the-art-of-forgiveness-lovingkindness-and-peace-isbn-9780553381191","title":"The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace","description":"\u003cb\u003eYou hold in your hand an invitation\u003c\/b\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.“We could all stand a little of this kind of inspiration before starting or ending our day.”\u003cbr\u003e--Shambala SunJack Kornfield was trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma, and India and has taught meditation worldwide since 1974.  He also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He is a founder of the Insight Meditation Society and of Spirit Rock Center.  He lives with his wife and daughter in northern California.  His previous books include \u003cb\u003eAfter the Ecstacy, the Laundry\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eA Path with Heart\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eSeeking the Heart of Wisdom\u003c\/b\u003e (with Joseph Goldstein), \u003cb\u003eTeachings of the Buddha\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eLiving Dharma\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eA Still Forest Pool\u003c\/b\u003e (with Paul Breiter), and \u003cb\u003eSoul Food\u003c\/b\u003e (with Christina Feldman).\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAn Invitation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYou hold in your hand an invitation:\u003cbr\u003eTo 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe teachings in this book contain age-old understandings about love. They give simple and direct practices to help cultivate its qualities in your own heart. This wisdom is essential for all who live in modern times.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe words of the Buddha offer this truth: \u003cbr\u003eHatred never ceases by hatred\u003cbr\u003eBut by love alone is healed.\u003cbr\u003eThis is the ancient and eternal law.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOften we find ourselves in conflicts that unsettle our peace of mind. \u003cbr\u003eWe face difficult situations, and our problems can feel insurmountable.\u003cbr\u003ePain, anger, and fear can arise in ourselves, in families, in business, in communities, and between nations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe would like to find a way out of the suffering, \u003cbr\u003eEven in the worst situations, the heart can be free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe who lived in the concentration camps can remember those who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread….  They may have been few in number but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from us but the last of human freedoms… the freedom to choose our spirit in any circumstance.\u003cbr\u003e—Viktor E. Frankl\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForgiveness and compassion are not sentimental or weak. They demand courage and integrity. \u003cbr\u003eYet they alone can bring about the peace we long for.\u003cbr\u003eTrue love is not for the faint-hearted.\u003cbr\u003e—Meher Baba\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur innate wisdom knows this is true. When Buddhist texts address us as “O Nobly Born,” they tell us we are all sons and daughters of the Buddha. Do not doubt your own basic goodness. In spite of all confusion and fear, you are born with a heart that knows what is just, loving, and beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e In the words of Jungian Analyst, Robert A. Johnson:\u003cbr\u003eCuriously, people resist the noble aspects of their shadow more strenuously than they hide their dark sides. It is more disrupting to find that you have a profound nobility of character than to find out that you are a bum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf we look at ourselves truthfully, we can feel the possibility of being more compassionate, more awake, more free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf it were not possible to free the heart from entanglement in greed, hate, and fear, I would not teach you to do so.\u003cbr\u003e—Buddha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnger, blame, conflict, and resentment arise from our fear. When we are afraid, our body tightens, our heart is constricted, our mind is possessed. We cannot live wisely. \u003cbr\u003eForgiveness releases us from the power of fear. It allows us to see with kindly eyes and rest in a wise heart.\u003cbr\u003e Live in joy, in love,\u003cbr\u003eEven among those who hate.\u003cbr\u003eLive in joy, in health,\u003cbr\u003eEven among the afflicted.\u003cbr\u003eLive in joy, in peace,\u003cbr\u003eEven among the troubled.\u003cbr\u003eLook within, be still.\u003cbr\u003eFree from fear and attachment,\u003cbr\u003eKnow the sweet joy of the way.\u003cbr\u003e—Buddha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow can we begin?\u003cbr\u003eIn any moment we can learn to let go of hatred and fear. We can rest in peace, love, and forgiveness. It is never too late.\u003cbr\u003eYet to sustain love we need to develop practices that cultivate and strengthen the natural compassion within us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is not enough to know that love and forgiveness are possible. We have to find ways to bring them to life.\u003cbr\u003eThe truth is we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free. —Nelson Mandela\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Meditation on Forgiveness\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThere is a formal meditation practice that can help us cultivate the capacity to forgive. In this we ask for and extend forgiveness in three directions. In a Buddhist monastery one might repeat this practice hundreds of times until it becomes natural to the heart. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLet yourself sit comfortably, allowing your eyes to close and your breath to be natural and easy. Let your body and mind relax. Breathing gently into the area of your heart, let yourself feel all the barriers you have erected and the emotions that you have carried because you have not forgiven—not forgiven yourself, not forgiven others. Let yourself feel the pain of keeping your heart closed. Breathing softly, begin reciting the following words, letting the images and feelings that come up grow deeper as you repeat them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFORGIVENESS FROM OTHERS: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere are many ways that I have hurt and harmed others, have betrayed or abandoned them, caused them suffering, knowingly or unknowingly, out of my pain, fear, anger, and confusion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eLet yourself remember and visualize the ways you have hurt others. See the pain you have caused out of your own fear and confusion. Feel your own sorrow and regret. Sense that finally you can release this burden and ask for forgiveness. Take as much time as you need to picture each memory that still burdens your heart. And then as each person comes to mind, gently say:\u003cbr\u003e I ask for your forgiveness, I ask for your forgiveness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eForgiveness for ourself:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eJust as I have caused suffering to others, there are many ways that I have hurt and harmed myself. I have betrayed or abandoned myself many times in thought, word, or deed, knowingly and unknowingly.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeel your own precious body and life. Let yourself see the ways you have hurt or harmed yourself. Picture them, remember them. Feel the sorrow you have carried from this and sense that you can release these burdens. Extend forgiveness for each act of harm, one by one. Repeat to yourself:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For the ways I have hurt myself through action or inaction, out of fear, pain, and confusion, I now extend a full and heartfelt forgiveness. I forgive myself, I forgive myself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eForgiveness for those who have hurt or harmed you:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere are many ways I have been harmed by others, abused or abandoned, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word, or deed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eWe each have been betrayed.\u003cbr\u003eLet yourself picture and remember the many ways this is true. Feel the sorrow you have carried from this past and sense that you can release this burden of pain by extending forgiveness when your heart is ready. Now say to yourself: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eI now remember the many ways others have hurt or harmed me, wounded me, out of fear, pain, confusion, and anger. I have carried this pain in my heart too long. To the extent that I am ready, I offer them forgiveness. To those who have caused me harm, I offer my forgiveness, I forgive you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eLet yourself gently repeat these three directions for forgiveness until you feel a release in your heart. For some great pains you may not feel a release; instead, you may experience again the burden and the anguish or anger you have held. Touch this softly. Be forgiving of yourself for not being ready to let go and move on. Forgiveness cannot be forced; it cannot be artificial. Simply continue the practice and let the words and images work gradually in their own way. In time you can make the forgiveness meditation a regular part of your life, letting go of the past and opening your heart to each new moment with a wise loving-kindness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*****\u003cbr\u003eYou can begin the practice of lovingkindness by meditating for fifteen or twenty  minutes in a quiet place. Let yourself sit in a comfortable fashion. Let your body rest and be relaxed. Let your heart be soft. Let go of any plans and preoccupations. \u003cbr\u003eBegin with yourself. Gently recite inwardly the following traditional phrases directed to your own well-being. You begin with yourself because without loving yourself it is almost impossible to love others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMay I be filled with lovingkindness.\u003cbr\u003eMay I be safe from inner and outer dangers.\u003cbr\u003eMay I be well in body and mind. \u003cbr\u003eMay I be at ease and happy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eAs you repeat these phrases, picture yourself as you are now, and hold that image in a heart of lovingkindness.  Or perhaps you will find it easier to picture yourself as a young and beloved child. Adjust the words and images in any way you wish. Find the exact phrases that best open your heart of kindness. Repeat these phrases over and over again, letting the feelings permeate your body and mind. Practice this meditation for a number of weeks, until the sense of lovingkindness for yourself grows.\u003cbr\u003eBe aware that this meditation may at times feel mechanical or awkward. It can also bring up feelings contrary to lovingkindness, feelings of irritation and anger. If this happens, it is especially important to be patient and kind toward yourself, allowing whatever arises to be received in a spirit of friendliness and kind affection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen you feel you have established some stronger sense of lovingkindness for yourself, you can then expand your meditation to include others. After focusing on yourself for five or ten minutes, choose a benefactor, someone in your life who has loved or truly cared for you. Picture this person and carefully recite the same phrases:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMay you be filled with lovingkindness.\u003cbr\u003eMay you be safe from inner and outer dangers\u003cbr\u003eMay you be well in body and mind. \u003cbr\u003eMay you be at ease and happy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eLet the image and feelings you have for your benefactor support the meditation. Whether the image or feelings are clear or not does not matter. In meditation they will be subject to change. Simply continue to plant the seeds of loving wishes, repeating the phrases gently no matter what arises.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpressing gratitude to our benefactors is a natural form of love. In fact, some people find lovingkindness for themselves so hard, they begin their practice with a benefactor. This too is fine. The rule in lovingkindness practice is to follow the way that most easily opens your heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen lovingkindness for your benefactor has developed, you can gradually begin to include other people you love in your meditation. Picturing each beloved person, recite inwardly the same phrases, evoking a sense of lovingkindness for each person in turn. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter this you can include others: Spend some time wishing well to a wider circle of friends. Then gradually extend your meditation to picture and include community members, neighbors, people everywhere, animals, all beings, the whole earth. \u003cbr\u003eFinally, include the difficult people in your life, even your enemies, wishing that they too may be filled with lovingkindness and peace. This will take practice. But as your heart opens, first to loved ones and friends, you will find that in the end you won’t want to close it for anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLovingkindness can be practiced anywhere. You can use this meditation in traffic jams, in buses, and on airplanes. As you silently practice this meditation among people, you will immediately feel a wonderful connection with them—the power of lovingkindness. It will calm your mind and keep you connected to your heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e****\u003cbr\u003eMay the blessings of these words and practices of forgiveness, lovingkindness, and peace awaken your own inner wisdom and inspire your compassion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMay you be well.\u003cbr\u003eMay you be happy.\u003cbr\u003eMay you be at peace.\u003cbr\u003eAnd through the blessing  of your heart may the world find peace.\u003cbr\u003eShanti, shanti, shanti.\u003cbr\u003ePeace.","brand":"Bantam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46302009196773,"sku":"NP9780553381191","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780553381191.jpg?v=1767738155","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-art-of-forgiveness-lovingkindness-and-peace-isbn-9780553381191","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}