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

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) Strong identification with self often leads to an insecurity that can manifest in two extremes: someone hungry for recognition, validation and praise or someone who is shy, lost in self-judgment, and afraid of being exposed as an impostor. Both of these are all too human. There is a middle path where one knows ones worth and appreciates their wholesome qualities while not identifying with them. This talk explores how practice can support a wise understanding that allows us to just be ourselves and know that is enough.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) It seems that the interplay between ignorance and consciousness is an on-going dance--within ourselves, in our relationships and within our society. Understanding this dance can help us hold it all with greater equanimity.

(At the time of the talk James was under the impression that the UK vote in process would have the country remain in the EU. As it turned out the vote ended up the other way.)

This link below goes along with the theme for this week’s talk:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/broadway-stars-orlando-tribute-song_us_5768ea6de4b0fbbc8beb8b7b?sectio=

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The paradox of awareness is very profound and yet very simple. Sometimes it comes naturally to the surface when we are fully present in the moment and no longer lost in thoughts or mental projections. Pure consciousness is neither high nor low, neither pleasant or unpleasant, neither good nor bad.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) Ajahn Chandako, an Amaravati monastic who is the abbot of Vimutti Buddhist Monastery in New Zealand. Ajahn, who is US born, has been a monk for 25 years and brings a deep, clear, playful attitude toward practice. Join us for a rich evening of dharma.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) Most of us know the feeling of self-consciousness when faced with a new situation or meeting new people.

How can we relax, just be ourselves and really enjoy the connection?

We’ll explore simple practices to allow our authentic self to shine through.

Join us for an evening of practice and dharma.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) It's hard not to view ourselves through our accomplishments, possessions or attributes, even when circumstances change. How can we see through those temporary conditions to realize our true nature?

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Opening our hearts to ourselves to others with loving-kindness and compassion are central to awakening the joy that's right inside us.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In order to cultivate true well-being we need to learn to open to all the suffering in our lives. Living with integrity and learning how to forgive ourselves and others are essential supports in this process as well.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The process of awakening joy starts with the intention to place well-being at the center of your life. Mindfulness is then utilized as the basic tool of a joyful life.