| |
|
Retreat Dharma Talks
|
|
IMCB Regular Talks
|
| |
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
| |
|
2008-07-03
Why Do Intensive Retreat Practice?
55:52
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Why would you do a silent meditation retreat? This talk explores the value
and experience of silent retreat practice. Along with James, Kate Janke, who returned from sitting a month at the Forest Refuge in Barre, Massachusetts, a few days before this was recorded, shares her thoughts and personal experience of retreat practice.
|
|
2008-07-31
Bodhisattva's Way Of Life - part 1: Benefits Of Bodhicitta
59:54
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
I just received teachings with the Dalai Lama last week on the topic,
I'm going to start a series on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way
of Life. This is one of the Dalai Lama's central teachings. As he says, "If
I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it."
|
|
2008-08-07
Bodhisattva's Way Of Life - part 2: Preparing The Ground
56:57
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
This is the second chapter of Shantideva's "Bodhisattva's Way of Life" and discusses the importance of developing an attitude of reverence and devotion as well as purifying our past actions in order to plant the seed of awakening in fertile soil. We’ll be discussing not only the ideas but ways to incorporate them in your dharma practice.
|
|
2008-08-14
Bodhisattva's Way Of Life - part 3: What Are We Committing To?
47:03
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Part 3 of Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Commitment. Just what are we committing to when we decide to become bodhisattvas.
One stanza from this chapter is as follows:
“For all those ailing in the world,
Until every sickness has been healed,
May I myself become for them
The doctor nurse, the medicine itself.”
|
|
2008-08-21
Wes Nisker Reflects...
50:13
|
|
Wes Nisker
|
|
|
Wes talks about his new book, "The Best of Inquiring Mind: 25 Years of Dharma, Drama, & Uncommon Insights".
He reads a really wonderful poem right at the end of the talk (reviewer's comment).
|
|
2008-08-28
Bodhisattva's Way Of Life - part 4: Using Our Intelligence
53:55
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
The chapter we'll be exploring is Awareness, what Pema Chodron calls Using Our Intelligence. It has also been translated as Carefulness. The theme is how we can use wise attention to prevent us from getting caught in afflictive emotions (kilesas or kleshas). Even when we know better we may still find ourselves going down a road of action we will later regret. This chapter is how as bodhisattvas we deepen our commitment to refrain from unskillful action.
|
|
2008-10-23
Bodhisattva's Way Of Life #9: Dedication Of Merit
55:46
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
This week I will complete the Shantideva series with his final chapter on the power of dedicating your actions as an act of generosity. We often end the sittings or a period of practice by sharing any merit for the benefit of all beings. This practice can be used in very simple but potent ways as a method for brining a heartfelt sincerity to your practice for the benefit of specific individuals. For instance if you’re trying to change a habit, offering the merit of that wholesome change to someone who is having a hard time in their life.
This practice of dedicating merit both connects you with others and motivates you beyond mere self-improvement. We’ll be exploring just how this can work in our daily life to give energy and enthusiasm to our practice.
|
|
2008-11-06
Change
54:34
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
James Baraz talks about the stunning changes that have already taken place with the election of Barack Obama.
|
|
2008-11-13
Making A Difference Together: Deepening Sangha Bonds
55:34
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
A discussion with community member Janet Keyes about a proposal to create a community support network with the intention of helping the IMCB sangha grow in caring and connection. The evening includes an invitation to attend an introductory meeting to help identify priorities and move forward in creating a more caring community. The talk also includes James reading a moving letter from Barack Obama to a 4-year old girl.
|
|
2009-01-08
Emotional Awareness
53:28
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
An introduction to next week's (1-15-08) guest Paul Ekman, psychologist, leading expert on human emotions and facial expressions and co-author with the Dalai Lama on the recent book Emotional Awareness
|
|
|
|
