Jack Kornfield Blesses Spirit Rock’s New Stupa | Celebrating Jack’s 80th Birthday

A rare and moving gathering at Spirit Rock Meditation Center: the blessing of a newly completed stupa and a celebration of Jack Kornfield’s 80th year of life and Dharma. On April 5, 2026, the community came together for an afternoon shaped by practice, reflection, and shared devotion. The program began in the Community Meditation Center with a welcome and guided meditation from Jack, followed by chanting led by Ajahn Pasanno. Jack offered reflections on the history and meaning of stupas, and gratitude for the many hands that brought this one into being. Music from Joan Baez, joined by her son Gabe Harris on handpan, wove through the afternoon. Founding teachers James Baraz, Sylvia Boorstein, and Howard Cohn shared reflections honoring the roots and ongoing life of the community. Guests tied blessing cords for one another, exchanging memories and quiet moments of connection. As the day unfolded, the community moved in silence to the stupa in Seneca Meadow, carrying candles and written prayers. Led by Jack and the monastic community, participants circumambulated the stupa, placing candles and offering blessings. The ceremony concluded with the enshrining of sacred relics and closing reflections—followed by a spontaneous “Happy Birthday,” and a stupa-shaped cake shared in good spirit. Spirit Rock Meditation Center offers teachings in the Insight (vipassanā) tradition of Buddhism through retreats, classes, and community practice. Learn more: www.spiritrock.org