James Baraz's most recent Dharma talks (Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This guided meditation shifts the subject of attention from objects to the awareness that knows.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Letting go is the direct instruction to move from the Second Noble Truth (there is a cause of suffering) to the Third Noble Truth (there is an end to suffering), Letting go on many levels within practice and in our lives is explored..

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) By Incorporating intention in our practice we see the connection between mind and body. The body moves when the mind has an impulse. And the mind is affected by bodily needs and discomforts. This addition to practice leads to a deeper subtlety of awareness of the mind-body connection.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Guided forgiveness practice beginning with ourselves- forgiveness towards our body, our mind, and our heart- then opening to include forgiveness for past actions, including extending and asking forgiveness.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Learning how to shift the awareness from the primary object toother physical sensations and back.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Five Spiritual Faculties is a central teaching of the Buddha that explains how the practice develops and unfolds. This classical list of five qualities expresses both the importance of balance, as well as a natural progression of development with one quality leading to the next.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) This talk discusses the Buddha's words on holding to fixed views from The Paramatthaka Sutta (Sn 4.5) followed by an open Q&A.

While the Buddha warned against attachment to views, some views are clearly aligned with the Dharma such as: causing harm will lead to suffering for oneself or another. How can we reconcile not holding to fixed views when you're clear that it is appropriate to take a strong stand against harm?

After reflections on this topic there is a Q&A session on this theme and other practice questions are explored.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) It seems with every day of news, there is more uncertainty, deep concern and unease. As much as we would like to, we can't control reality. However, the great gift of practice is that we can choose how to skillfully relate to our experience. This is a time for our practice to hold us. Instead of reacting impulsively in ways that just contract us more or with actions we later regret, we can respond effectively with a wise heart. This talk discusses teachings and practices that help us make that wiser choice.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) This talk will

1. Look back at 2025 reviewing what we've learned

2. Open to where we are in the present

3. Get in touch with our intention for the 2026 envisioning the qualities that will be most needed for us to deepen our understanding and inner peace

We will also share a New Year's ritual of letting go and cultivation. If you're at home bring a candle.

Please pause the audio to perform the exercises.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) As we head into the darkest period of the year we are processing dark forces of ignorance and hate in the news each day. The light and loving awareness can hold all the forces of ignorance-- both inside us and around us--with compassionate understanding This is a time to remember all that is good.