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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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2017-11-30 The Magic of Awareness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 64:48
Mindfulness is one particular aspect of awareness that is shining through us all the time. As we tune into awareness, we connect with a spacious perspective that counteracts the solidification of a small separate self and opens us to connection with all things and true freedom.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Magic of Awareness
2017-11-29 Day 2 - Morning Sitting w/ Instructions (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 42:54
Opening up the field to include physical and mental experience.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Magic of Awareness
2017-11-28 Day 1: Morning Sitting with Instructions (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 40:50
Stabilizing the mind using Awareness of health.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Magic of Awareness
2017-11-27 Setting the tone for Magic of Awareness Retreat (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:22:02
Magic of Awareness Opening Night
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Magic of Awareness
2017-11-16 "The Multiplication of Courage" 51:04
Courage is contagious. Nelson Mandela spoke of the "multiplication of courage": When one brave person is willing to speak the truth, even though it might be met with strong resistance, it can spark another voice in the wilderness to do the same. And then other voices can be inspired to join in too. That is often how dramatic change can happen.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-11-09 "We are all Connected: Interconnectedness Within and Between Us" 62:58
The Buddhist concept of Anatta points to the fact that there is no separate self to whom life is happening. We are inter-connected. This talk explores different levels of this truth. As individuals, biologically we are not one being but rather a complex ecosystem comprised of many different beings. We are connected to each other through our relationships. And we are societal creatures who form groups. In the best of conditions those groups sometimes create an extraordinary field where the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-11-06 From Me to We: How Inter-Connectedness Manifests Intra-personally, Interpersonally and Societally (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 40:42
We are not separate from the rest of life. This is true in a very real sense biologically. We are an ecosystem with countless microorganisms in our body keeping us alive. Our relationships and need to belong determine whether we suffer or experience well-being. And when groups gather and are aligned a field of positive energy can be created where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Waking Up Together
2017-11-04 Day 3: Guided Meditation Q&A (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:16:23
Basic meditation instructions including breath, body, sounds as well as working with emotions and thoughts
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Waking Up Together
2017-11-02 Refuge in Sangha (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 57:42
The Buddha said keeping the company of like-minded friends is one of the most important way to cultivate wholesome qualities in ourselves and that good friends are "the whole of the holy life." In this Waking Up Together retreat we explore why this is so and why Sangha is considered a "jewel", one of the Three Refuges in the teachings.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Waking Up Together
2017-10-22 Practice As A Path Of Happiness - Part 4 65:57
Connection with others, compassion and the joy of being as sources of true well-being.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-10-17 Guided Meditation - First Breath, Last Breath 45:56
How present would you be for your first breath? Your last breath? This guided meditation takes you from birth through the stages of life - to your last breath. To see this moment in a fresh way.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-10-16 Practice As A Path Of Happiness - Part 3 59:34
Exploring how living with integrity (sila) and letting go of stories, busyness and stuff - can be a source of well being and joy.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-10-13 Metta For the Difficult 48:19
Why wish happiness for those who've caused us or others suffering? How can we overcome our resistance or hurt to genuinely open our heart to them?
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-10-10 The Trajectory Of Practice 63:32
The Journey from suffering - to hearing the dharma, to inspiration, to facing fear, acceptance of ourselves, opening beyond self to deep trust, freedom, and sharing our practice.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-10-03 Practice As A Path Of Happiness - Part 2 64:11
Continuation of the last talk: using intention, mindfulness, difficulties, and gratitude as supports to greater well being in practice.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-09-26 The Dharma As A Path Of Happiness 62:26
With so much focus on suffering and the end of suffering, it's sometimes easy to forget this is a path of happiness. The Buddha was called the happy one. This talk presents the teachings held in that perspective.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-09-23 Guided Meditation on Refinement of Mindfulness on the Breath 47:01
Bring a deep investigation of subtleties of experience of breath to aid in developing concentration and interest. Looking with care and sense of wonder so the mind is both curious and relaxed.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-09-19 Working With The Judging Mind 63:13
We can easily get lost in our self-judgements, believing them to be true. This talk explains how to work with judgements and see through them to wake up to who we really are.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
In collection: Developing Our Practice
2017-09-17 Morning Instructions - Shifting the focus of attention 45:16
Using breath sensations and sounds. How to turn attention from one to another with ease and attention.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-09-15 Introduction To Metta Practice - Self and Benefactor 50:05
Basics of Metta practice, including the first two categories of Self and Benefactor.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1
2017-09-07 "Peaceful Warrior in Modern Times" 52:12
The Buddha spoke of the power of non-harming as a support for inner peace and outward harmony. But how can we both commit to being peaceful while courageously and passionately standing up for what we feel is right and make a difference in the world? This talk includes some of the Buddha's words on peace and non-harming as well as two clips of Julia Butterfly Hill speaking about "Anger v. Love" and "Fierce Compassion".
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-09-03 "Hatred Never Ceases by Hatred" (Retreat Version) (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 60:46
With so much greed and hatred and cruelty in our world, it is easy to react with anger and ill will; but that only adds to the negativity. There is a better way to respond and bring more consciousness to this situation leading to effective action.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
2017-09-02 Day 3 Metta Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 29:29
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
2017-09-01 Working With the Judging Mind (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 56:18
We often get lost in our negative judgements about ourselves and how we compare with others. We can work with these mind habits and see them as a catalyst for true compassion.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
2017-08-17 "Hatred Never Ceases by Hatred" 49:12
The Buddha taught: "Hatred never ceases by hatred. Hatred only ceases by love. This is an ancient and eternal law." With tragedies like Charlottesville and the reaction of the president highlighting the forces of hate in our country in these crazy times, how can we avoid giving in to the same reaction within ourselves? How can we acknowledge our repugnance and activated feelings without adding more ill will as we emerge with a wise response? Teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and the Buddha help us hold this all with a dharmic perspective.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-06-22 "How Liberating to See Clearly-- How Humbling to Still Get Caught." 64:00
In a moment our understanding of reality can change with new information or new perspective. Anger and ill will can be released and turn to compassion and forgiveness. And it's also true that old patterns can be activated once again in a surprising and humbling way. The process of waking up requires tremendous patience and a kind heart, especially towards ourselves.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-06-15 Benefactors: Part 2, Helping Others Shine. 64:51
Description: This is a follow-up to James' "Appreciating Our Benefactors" talk (5-25-17). Besides gratitude for those who've been our benefactors, we can see ourselves as passing on the kindness and caring we've received. We can and do have a significant effect on everyone around us. We can practice seeing the beautiful qualities in others, believing in them and bringing out the best in them. By doing so we help them shine, make a meaningful contribution to the world and experience great joy. This talk also includes some words about James' local basketball team the Golden State Warriors, who just became NBA champions. The coach, Steve Kerr, tries to instill four core qualities in his players--joy, mindfulness, compassion and competition. And the players' unselfish style, subjugating individual glory for the good of the team, is the key to their success. They embody the attitude of bringing out the best and enjoying seeing each other shine.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-06-03 Three Qualities of the Heart that Awaken Joy (Retreat at Spirit Rock 63:55
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-06-03 Day 4: Morning Sit with Instructions (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 60:14
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Awakening Joy
2017-06-02 Integrity and Letting Go as Supports for Joy (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:18:23
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Awakening Joy
2017-06-01 Practical Tips on Opening Up to Suffering and Exploring Generosity (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:15:37
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Awakening Joy
2017-06-01 Day 2: Morning Sit with Instructions (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 58:31
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Awakening Joy
2017-05-31 Intention and Mindfulness as the Basis for Awakening Joy (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 55:51
Developing true well-being begins with the heartfelt intention and commitment to do so. Mindfulness is the basic tool that will help manifest that intention by weakening unwholesome states, cultivating wholesome ones and amplifying the latter when they arise.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Awakening Joy
2017-05-25 "Appreciating our Benefactors" 47:38
It’s important to recognize and appreciate all the support we receive in our spiritual practice as well as in our lives. If practice sometimes seems like a solitary experience we’re not realizing all the ways that life has been supporting us. This can be an on-going rich source of inspiration in our spiritual development and growth. We’ll explore various practices and reflections to make this come alive.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-05-18 "Courage: An Essential Quality of Practice" 52:25
The Buddha spoke of waking up as going "against the stream" in order to see things with fresh eyes. One essential ingredient of the spiritual journey is courage required to grow and be willing to step outside of our comfort zones. Being a spiritual warrior means facing our deepest fears, dealing with loss, opening to the places inside we'd rather not see and trusting that your awareness can meet any moment that arises. We explore this topic in our dharma practice as it manifests on and off the cushion.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-05-04 Emptiness is Everything 65:46
with Guy Armstrong, James Baraz
James introduces Guy Armstrong's dharma talk at IMCB.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-04-20 Celebrating Earth Day: Calling All Eco-Sattvas 54:39
As Earth Day approaches we reflect on the preciousness and generosity of our wonderful planet, the current situation of climate change and how our Dharma practice can help us transform despair into meaningful and inspiring action.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-03-30 "The Problem With Being a Good Meditator" 53:57
At times our meditation practice is a powerful delicious experience. The factors of awakening like concentration, calm, joy or equanimity may be strong. As wonderful as that is, the mind can easily grasp as if that were the real goal of practice. But when we're attached or take ownership of those states they become a trap--sometimes referred to as the stink of enlightenment--and we miss the true freedom that practice can reveal.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-03-26 Inspired by Change: How to Cultivate a Resilient Heart while Caring about Our Changing World (Non-residential Retreat at Spirit Rock) 43:09
with Bob Doppelt, James Baraz
Today’s world is filled with challenging issues that often push us to our emotional boundaries. With complex issues that include environmental challenges like climate change, social injustices, racism, terrorism and other forms of moral distress, life can often feel overwhelming. Yet there’s hope as well as a proven path to help us cope with and face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Afternoon Session final day
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2017-03-26 Inspired by Change: How to Cultivate a Resilient Heart while Caring about Our Changing World (Non-residential Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:41:53
with Bob Doppelt, James Baraz
Today’s world is filled with challenging issues that often push us to our emotional boundaries. With complex issues that include environmental challenges like climate change, social injustices, racism, terrorism and other forms of moral distress, life can often feel overwhelming. Yet there’s hope as well as a proven path to help us cope with and face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and determination. 3rd Day, morning session
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2017-03-25 Inspired by Change: How to Cultivate a Resilient Heart while Caring about Our Changing World (Non-residential Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:41:23
with Bob Doppelt, James Baraz
Today’s world is filled with challenging issues that often push us to our emotional boundaries. With complex issues that include environmental challenges like climate change, social injustices, racism, terrorism and other forms of moral distress, life can often feel overwhelming. Yet there’s hope as well as a proven path to help us cope with and face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Second day, morning
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2017-03-24 Inspired by Changes: How to Cultivate a Resilient Heart while Caring about Our Changing World (Non-residential Retreat at Spirit Rock) 2:24:49
with Bob Doppelt, James Baraz
Today’s world is filled with challenging issues that often push us to our emotional boundaries. With complex issues that include environmental challenges like climate change, social injustices, racism, terrorism and other forms of moral distress, life can often feel overwhelming. Yet there’s hope as well as a proven path to help us cope with and face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Friday afternoon, first day
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2017-03-24 Inspired by Change: How to Cultivate a Resilient Heart while Caring about Our Changing World (Non-residential Retreat at Spirit Rock) 2:29:26
with Bob Doppelt, James Baraz
Today’s world is filled with challenging issues that often push us to our emotional boundaries. With complex issues that include environmental challenges like climate change, social injustices, racism, terrorism and other forms of moral distress, life can often feel overwhelming. Yet there’s hope as well as a proven path to help us cope with and face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Friday Morning, first session
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2017-03-16 Conscientious Compassion: An Engaged Dharmic Response to Forces of Greed and Hatred 60:14
with Bhikkhu Bodhi, James Baraz, Kate Munding
Bhikkhu Bodhi, premier translator of the Pali Canon and social activist (founder of Buddhist Global Relief) joins James and Kate Munding. They and the community discuss how to respond wisely and Dharmically when those in power create policies that increase fear and suffering.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-03-09 "This Fleeting World" 62:59
In the Diamond Sutra, we are encouraged to see our lives in the context of impermanence this way: "Thus shall you think of this fleeting world: a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream; A flash of lightning in a summer cloud; A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream." This talk explores practicing when someone we know dies unexpectedly as happened to James this week.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-03-02 "Connecting With the Enemy" 56:32
With James Baraz and Sheila Katz, Ph.D.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2017-02-22 Day 25: Brahma Vihara Instructions 58:04
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month-long Retreat
2017-02-20 Ehipassiko: Come See For Yourself (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 60:58
With so many different meditation instructions and approaches to practice how do we know which is the right one for us? This talk includes the Buddha's different methods for dealing with distracting thoughts as well as learning how to listen and trust your own experience.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month-long Retreat
2017-02-16 Equanimity: Bringing Balance to our Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 62:41
Equanimity is the precursor to the awakened mind. It allows us to skillfully hold compassion, metta and joy in balance. It is the essential quality that allows us to go through life's ups and downs with wisdom and wise response.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month-long Retreat
2017-02-10 Dharma Practice as a Path to Happiness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 62:38
The Buddha said that cultivating wholesome states creates the conditions for awakening. He further said that when a wholesome state is here to maintain and increase that state. But how can we do that without it increasing attachment? This talk explores why the Buddha was called The Happy One and how to see this path not only as an end to suffering but as a deepening of true well-being on and off the cushion,
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Month-long Retreat

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