About the Author

Jack Kornfield is one of the most respected meditation teachers in the West. He trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma, and India, and has taught mindfulness and compassion worldwide for over four decades. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Meditation Center. His many books, including A Path with Heart, have been translated into dozens of languages. In Canada, his teachings have inspired countless practitioners seeking a balanced path through difficult times.

Themes You’ll Explore

Finding Light in Darkness: The central metaphor of the lamp reminds us that even in our deepest pain, a spark of awareness and kindness remains. Kornfield encourages readers to turn toward suffering with mindfulness rather than away from it.

Mindfulness and Compassion: Practices such as loving-kindness meditation (metta) and mindful breathing are woven throughout the book. These techniques, grounded in Buddhist psychology, are offered as tools to steady the mind and open the heart.

Integration of Wisdom Traditions: Jack Kornfield bridges Eastern and Western spirituality, drawing from his training as a Buddhist monk and his understanding of Christian contemplative practice. Readers have noted the balanced, respectful way he brings these traditions together, creating a universal message of hope.

Resilience in Daily Life: The book provides not abstract theory but embodied exercises—meditations, reflections, and journal prompts—that may support emotional strength and clarity during trying times.

How to Use This Book

This is not a book to be rushed. Approach each chapter as a meditation in itself. Read a few pages, then put the book down to sit with the ideas. The practices at the end of each section are invitations to experiment—try them for a few minutes daily and see how they feel. You may use the book as a daily reader, a support for your existing meditation practice, or a resource to dip into when you need guidance. The large print makes it easy to read in low light, even before bed.

What Makes This Edition Special

This 16pt large print edition ensures that the text is comfortable to read for eyes of all ages. The larger font reduces strain, making it ideal for extended reading sessions, for those with visual impairments, or for anyone who simply prefers a more spacious page. The paperback format is lightweight and durable, suitable for carrying in a bag or keeping on a nightstand.

The book’s design emphasizes clarity and ease—no distracting graphics, just clean type that lets Kornfield’s words speak directly. It is the same beloved content as the standard edition, now enhanced for readability.

What Readers Appreciate

Many readers have described this book as a steady companion during personal crises. The blend of practical meditation instruction and heartfelt storytelling resonates with those seeking both comfort and challenge. Several have highlighted the way Kornfield’s writing validates the full range of human experience—fear, grief, joy, and gratitude—without offering platitudes. While some editions have included supplemental audio, this large print edition focuses on the written teachings, making it a focused reading experience.

The author’s credibility as a longtime meditation teacher and his openness about his own struggles add depth to the text. Readers often mention returning to certain passages years later, finding new meaning each time.

Product Details

• Format: Paperback, 16pt Large Print
• Publisher: ReadHowYouWant (or original publisher; this edition is a large print reprint)
• Language: English
• Dimensions: 15.6 x 1.12 x 23.4 cm (approx. 6.14 x 0.44 x 9.21 inches)
• Weight: 295 g (approx. 10.4 ounces)

Note: This large print edition contains the full text of the original work, enhanced for readability. It does not include any supplemental audio or CDs.