| |
|
Retreat Dharma Talks
|
|
IMCB Regular Talks
|
| |
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
| |
|
2014-05-29
Devotion in Dharma Practice
52:41
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Although devotion plays a significant role in Monastic Communities and Tibetan practices it's not something that's often discussed in lay communities. Yet devotion can be a major source of inspiration which can fuel our practice.
|
|
2014-06-05
Devotion in Dharma Practice, Part 2
48:14
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Although devotion plays a significant role in Monastic Communities and Tibetan practices it's not something that's often discussed in lay communities. Yet devotion can be a major source of inspiration which can fuel our practice.
|
|
2014-06-19
"Finding What Your Looking For"
51:58
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Our preconceptions and assumptions have a significant effect on how we perceive reality--what gets taken in and what gets filtered out. A rich area of practice is being aware of this so that we truly see clearly to the best of our ability. As we bring more awareness to our filters, we can also see others' Buddha nature inside them, and help it come out, even if they can't see it themselves.
|
|
2014-07-24
Seeing Everyone as Your Benefactor
48:48
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
We learn from everyone who comes into our life--those that inspire and those who are challenging. If our intention is to wake up, then everyone can be seen as part of our process. This profoundly changes our relationship to all. Even the difficult ones are no longer the enemy.
|
|
2014-08-14
What Will You Do With Your Wild And Precious Good Karma?
53:39
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
The fact that we're given a human birth is exceedingly rare in itself. But to hear the Dharma, and be motivated as well as have the opportunity to practice is extraordinary good karma. Reflecting on this brings gratitude and provides a strong incentive to practice for the benefit of all beings.
|
|
2014-09-11
Sudden Awakening/Gradual Cultivation
49:16
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Does awakening happen all at once or over time? Both. Even after one has an awakening experience there is still more work to be done. This talk explores awakening and the purification of habits that is an essential part of that process.
|
|
2014-09-18
The Contagion of Goodness
51:02
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
Just like anger and fear are contagious so is goodness. In fact, that is our true nature and there's a place in us that longs to come home to it. We just have to tune into all the goodness around us to remember.
|
|
2014-09-25
"Behind is Just a State of Mind"
57:27
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
The external pressure to accomplish and keep up we may feel from others is usually not as burdensome as the internal pressure we put on ourselves. How can we see through this self-created suffering and live our life with more ease?
|
|
2014-10-16
The Magic of Awareness
57:28
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
In examining the mind we can see the insubstantiality of our thoughts and the mysterious ground of emptiness from which they arise. This talk includes songs from the Tibetan classic Flight of the Garuda which explores the nature of awareness--empty of substance but at the same time fully awake.
|
|
2014-11-20
"Grace Disguised as Obstacle"
50:46
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
It's one thing to remember and cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our life. But it's even more profound to experience the possibility of a grateful heart even in the midst of difficulties.
|
|
2014-12-18
Change Is Possible
53:22
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
|
A talk focusing on the possibility of changing the direction of our lives and the importance of giving people an opportunity to thrive. This talk includes excerpts from Sean Kyler, one of the graduates give his moving valedictorian speech through a program that supports prison inmates getting their college degree.
|
|
|
|
