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The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
James Baraz's Dharma Talks
James Baraz
I try to convey that the wisdom and compassion we are looking for is already inside of us. I see practice as learning how to purify our mind and heart so we can hear the Buddha inside. In doing so, we naturally embody the dharma and help awaken that understanding and love in others we meet.
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2014-03-20 Sutta Series: The Simile of the Saw - Majjhima Nikaya #21 58:41
This is a discourse on practicing patience and a kind heart regardless of the circumstances.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-03-13 Sutta Series: The Vacchagotta Suttas (MN(#71, #72, #73) 59:44
We continue the Sutta series exploring the Vacchagotta suttas from the Majjhima Nikaya. Vacchagotta asks many questions of the Buddha. In a series of conversations, the Buddha expounds to Vacchagotta on such topics as whether or not he's omniscient, on various speculative views about what happens after death and if nuns and householders can be enlightened.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-03-09 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day workshop with James Baraz and Elad Levinson 27:17
James Baraz talking about Kalyana Mitta, exploring the idea, "What is 'Spiritual Friendship'?" The word "Mitta" is related to "Metta" or lovingkindness. Mitta means friend, Kalyana is Spiritual. So, KM is a Spiritual Friends group. This term is particularly used in the Theravada tradition to talk about the relationship we have with each other to have that third refuge in the sangha really flourish
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2014-03-09 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day workshop with James Baraz and Elad Levinson 55:30
Intro to the KM half day by James Baraz
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2014-03-09 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day workshop with James Baraz and Elad Levinson 20:09
Our KM Dedicated Volunteers Melanie Speir and Geidra Gershman talk about their experience with KM groups, sharing tips for forming and sustaining groups.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-03-09 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day workshop with James Baraz and Elad Levinson 24:56
Elad Levinson talks about the importance of building agreement among KM group members.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2014-03-09 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day workshop with James Baraz and Elad Levinson 24:56
Co-presenter Elad Levinson on using KM groups for self-discovery and the what and how of processes that set up your group for success.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-03-06 Sutta Series: Capala Sutta: The Buddha's Advice for Overcoming Sloth and Torpor (AN 7.58) 51:19
Do you ever get sleepy while meditating? In this discourse, the Capala Sutta from the Angutarra Nikaya, the Buddha catches one of his main disciples, Ven. Maha Moggallana nodding off. He then offers him seven strategies for overcoming "sloth and torpor". Identifying with the drowsiness can actually be a doorway to the wisdom of anatta or the selfless nature of reality.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-02-28 Your Practice Makes a Difference! 61:03
In this last talk of the month long retreat, the Buddha's five supports for our practice (from the Maghiya Sutta) are presented as well as the ways our practice can benefit not only ourselves, but everyone we know and our planet.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-23 What Thought Am I Believing Right Now? 63:10
When we believe thoughts coming from a contracted mind we are in dukkha. When we see them clearly as empty and not self, there's wisdom. This talk also explores the 4 Iddhipadas-different temperaments and sources of motivation in practice.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-17 Contentment 57:29
The Buddha called contentment "our greatest wealth." It's the antidote to the wanting mind and the route that leads us from attachment to freedom.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-16 Morning Instructions: Day 15 2:59
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-15 Trust 60:29
Trust in the Dharma, in the unfolding process of practice and our inner wisdom when we learn to listen with skill.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-13 Morning Instructions Day 12 10:24
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-08 Morning Instructions - Day 7 23:38
A guided meditation using the breath to develop concentration.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-07 Wise Effort: Finding Balance and Inclining toward the Wholesome 62:26
Two aspects of Wise Effort are explored: 1) how do we know if we're doing too little, too much or just enough with regard to effort in practice? and 2) the four aspects of wise efforts are discussed with particular emphasis on the importance of cultivating and increasing wholesome states.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-02-02 Morning Instructions - Day 1 10:16
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month Long Retreat - 2014
2014-01-23 Update on our progress in building community and more on Bob Doppelt's climate change and the Dharma. 64:25
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-01-16 Earth As Witness: International Dharma Teachers' Statement on Climate Change 63:47
with Bob Doppelt, James Baraz
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
In collection: One Earth Sangha
2014-01-09 Like Minded Friendship 41:50
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2014-01-02 Refuge in the Sangha 42:11
James Baraz and Kate Janke, along with our Sangha members, reflect on our vision of community.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-12-26 Past, Present and Future: The start of a new year. 41:13
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-10-31 The Payoff From Fear 44:15
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-10-24 Is There a Place for God in Buddhist Practice? 61:24
A discussion of the Fall 2013 issue of the Buddhist journal, Inquiring Mind, The God Issue.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-10-17 The Courage to Be Yourself 47:04
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-09-28 Compassion, Equanimity and the Joy of Simply Being 62:29
Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Angela Center) Awakening Joy Retreat
2013-09-27 Seeing Who You Really Are Beyond the Comparing Mind 63:55
Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Angela Center) Awakening Joy Retreat
2013-09-26 Opening to Suffering as a Path to Happiness 60:31
Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Angela Center) Awakening Joy Retreat
2013-09-25 The Power of Intention 61:27
Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Angela Center) Awakening Joy Retreat
2013-09-14 Awareness as Basis of Connection to Self and Others 63:19
Includes a Brahma Vihara exercise. From "The Magic of Awareness" with Anam Thubten Rinpoche and James Baraz - PART 4
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2013-09-14 The Amazing Wonder and Awe of Awareness 26:11
From "The Magic of Awareness" with Anam Thubten Rinpoche and James Baraz - PART 2
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2013-09-12 A Star at Dawn: A Buddhist Perspective on Loss 49:16
Although impermanence is the underlying reality of existence, we have trouble accepting loss especially of those we love. The Buddha said to contemplate every day that we will be separated from everyone and everything near and dear to us. This talk explores why and how to do that.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-09-05 Emaho!: How Amazing 52:19
When we look deeply into reality we see things with a fresh eye and open to the miracles that are all around us. This sense of wonder and awe helps our mindfulness practice come alive especially developing the awakening factors of investigation, energy and joy.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-09-01 Transforming Fear into Love 61:03
Practice is an alchemical process that turns dukkha into sukkha. If we have the courage to face our demons and learn to open to our blessings, we radiate love and wisdom that not only transforms ourselves but the world as well.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Retreat
2013-08-29 The What, Why and How of Mindfulness Practice 61:11
What mindfulness is, the benefits that result from its cultivation and the skillful attitudes that support practice: relaxed, interested and kind awareness.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Retreat
2013-08-22 Follow Your Heartbreak 51:12
Inspired by Andrew Harvey's book A Guide to Sacred Activism. The journey of transformation, both personal and global, includes our hearts opening to all the suffering we encounter and letting our heart be shattered and break open to new possibilities. This is a natural and essential component of true awakening. This process is explored on different levels: our own dharma practice, the classical Progress of Insight and what Harvey calls "The Dark Night of the Species."
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
In collection: One Earth Sangha
2013-08-08 Facing in the Right Direction 48:28
Reflections on Ajahn Chah and his teaching on the wisdom of allowing your practice to take its natural course without forcing it or thinking you can control it.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-08-01 Kindness 51:06
Dedicated to Spirit Rock caretaker Steve Young who passed away the day of the talk and who embodied kindness. The power of kindness to bring us happiness and being conscious about the consequences of choosing to act or not act from kindness.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-06-16 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day with James Baraz, June 16, 2013, part 1 25:58
This half-day workshop was designed for the hosts, leaders, potential leaders and participants in Kalyana Mitta (KM) groups. Spirit Rock is looking for additional facilitators and hosts to create new groups and connect people with the KM program. Contact KalyanaMitta@spiritrock.org for more information or to find out about our next KM workshop.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2013-06-16 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day with James Baraz, June 16, 2013, part 2 7:47
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2013-06-16 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day with James Baraz, June 16, 2013, part 3 59:27
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2013-06-16 Kalyana Mitta Half-Day with James Baraz, June 16, 2013, part 4 33:31
This half-day workshop was designed for the hosts, leaders, potential leaders and participants in Kalyana Mitta (KM) groups. Spirit Rock is looking for additional facilitators and hosts to create new groups and connect people with the KM program. Contact KalyanaMitta@spiritrock.org for more information or to find out about our next KM workshop.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2013-06-06 We Are What We Think, With Our Thoughts We Make the World 52:56
The stories we hold about ourselves or others will determine our actions, through fear or inspire us to act with courage and commitment. This talk includes Andrew Harvey's brilliant reading and thoughts on Rumi's poem "Passion"
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-05-23 Faith 50:26
How the practice develops the quality of Saddha, a heartfelt confidence and trust in the practice and in our capacity to wake up.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-05-21 Developing Our Practice 9:20:03
with Anushka Fernandopulle, Arinna Weisman, Ayya Anandabodhi, Bhante Buddharakkhita, Carol Wilson, Jack Kornfield, James Baraz, Joseph Goldstein, Kittisaro, Thanissara
2013-05-18 Equanimity with Things As They Are 63:13
The quality of equanimity is a significant factor in coming to terms with impermanence and its manifestations: agin, illness and death. Learning to find balance with regard to the reality of change is explored
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Aging as Spiritual Opportunity: A retreat for those 55 and older
2013-05-15 Loving Ourselves As We Grow Older 59:04
The importance of accepting and learning to love ourselves is important at any age. But it is particularly crucial as as we learn to adjust to a body and mind going through the aging process as well as a new self-identity about who we are.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Aging as Spiritual Opportunity: A retreat for those 55 and older
2013-05-09 Change is Possible 51:13
Our attitudes and attachment to views change over time including choosing to become more conscious and kind. Includes James describing his visit to Jessup Prison in Maryland where he spent an inspiring afternoon with prisoners who had gone through the Awakening Joy material.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2013-04-29 Guided Metta Meditation and Question/Response 52:21
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC 2013 IMCW Spring Retreat: Intimacy With Life
2013-04-27 Transforming Suffering into Happiness 60:55
The magic of mindfulness is how it weakens unwholesome (akusala) states of suffering and strengthens wholesome (kusala) states of well-being. This talk explains this process of alchemy: how greed, hatred and delusion are transformed into generosity, loving-kindness and wisdom.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC 2013 IMCW Spring Retreat: Intimacy With Life

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