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

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Buddha taught that the cultivating of wholesome states (Kusala) creates conditions for awakening.

This talk explores the importance of this cultivation, its place is Wise Effort and how to "maintain and increase" these states as he encouraged.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Metta: forgiveness

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Breath

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Why did the Buddha describe mindfulness as the direct path to overcome sorrow and lamentation, end suffering, discontent and realize the highest happiness?

This talk reminds us what mindfulness practice is, why it is so profound and describes attitudes that optimally support mindfulness practice.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) "Seeing Through Views: A Doorway to Liberation"

As the Buddha said in the Paramatthaka Sutta: On Views: "A person who associates himself with certain views, considering them as best and making them supreme in the world is not free from contention (with others)." This talk explores the power, freedom and potential for deeper love that comes when we realize that our view is just one reality.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) In the talk, I share what motivated me to teach Buddha Dharma as a path of happiness. Some of the teachings might obscure this fact through misunderstanding, as well as the underlying teachings that lead to genuine well-being.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) James is joined by Phil Catalfo, who runs the Berkeley Neighborhood Food Project, for a rich discussion about the power of generosity. Giving not only benefits the recipient but the giver as well. While BNFP alleviates the suffering of those who are “food insecure;” it also alleviates the suffering of the donors by providing them a means to process their feelings, thoughts, and memories about food, hunger, abundance, guilt, and so on. Participants report a vastly expanded sense of themselves and become profoundly grateful for the opportunity to experience that. They see that “everybody wins” is an actual option in this world.
BNFP Website

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) When life is difficult or frustrating the teachings advise us to practice equanimity. One simple but potent way to do that is to take a step back and hold things with a wider perspective. We'll be exploring different practices that incline towards equanimity through this method.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley)

(Gaia House)