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

(Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery (Hartford Street Zen Center))

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) 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) 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.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) 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) What mindfulness is, the benefits that result from its cultivation and the skillful attitudes that support practice: relaxed, interested and kind awareness.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) 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) 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) 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) 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 Society - Retreat Center) How our dharma practice can turn this difficult situation onto an opportunity for practice and awakening.