Dealing with the tragedy of Newtown, Conn.

As 2012 comes to a close, this is a time to reflect on the lessons from the past year, where you are now and what your vision is of the New Year.

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.

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

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.

"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.

Bob presented five transformational commitments, which are grounded in psychology, ecosystem science, and dharma principles, that are the basis of the shift in consciousness needed to rescue the planet and our lives. He distributed a handout that outlines five natural laws, the related Buddhist principles, and the five commitments, which you can refer to as you listen to his talk. The five commitments are designed to help us shift from a sole focus on ‘me’ to prioritizing the broader ‘we,’ encouraging us to make a personal commitment to protect all life on the planet, free our minds from outdated and erroneous beliefs, and begin to think and act sustainably.

James Baraz along with guest teacher Kristin Neff talk about Self Compassion.

The Five Reflections from the Upajjatthana Sutra are: 1 - I am subject to old age, 2 - I am subject to illness, 3- I am subject to death, 4 - I must be parted and separated from everyone and everything dear and agreeable to me, 5 - I am the owner of my karma and the heir of my karma.

Social change happens slowly in our society but usually moves in the direction of greater inclusion and acceptance of progressive ideas. Includes Mark Morford's column "Your Evolution is Totally Gay."

Talk based on Charles Duhigg's book on why we do what we do and how to strengthen or change our habits.

The first part of this talk is about our Habit discussion we've had over the last two weeks. The second part is about how we deal with the Boston Marathon Bombings.

Our attitudes and attachment to views change over time including choosing to become more conscious and kind. Includes James describing his visit to Jessup Prison in Maryland where he spent an inspiring afternoon with prisoners who had gone through the Awakening Joy material.

How the practice develops the quality of Saddha, a heartfelt confidence and trust in the practice and in our capacity to wake up.

The stories we hold about ourselves or others will determine our actions, through fear or inspire us to act with courage and commitment. This talk includes Andrew Harvey's brilliant reading and thoughts on Rumi's poem "Passion"

Dependent Origination Handout

Reflections on dharma practice opportunities that arise in daily life

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.

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.

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."

Eve Decker along with Kent Welsh on the second guitar playing songs of the Dharma.

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.

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.

The seven factors of enlightenment

A discussion of the Fall 2013 issue of the Buddhist journal, Inquiring Mind, The God Issue.

Linda presents ideas and practices from her newly released book, Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience, integrating her background in relational psychology, mindfulness, and neuroscience. Mindfulness and compassion practices are among the most powerful agents of brain change known to modern science. A wise use of Buddhist contemplative practices and tools from modern relational psychology can help practitioners let go of unwholesome coping strategies and cultivate wholesome ones, leading to more clarity, response flexibility and resilience and less greed, hatred, delusion and suffering.

Moving reflections on the value of devotion as a path in daily life, focusing on Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Includes the singing of a song honoring Guan Yin, She Carries Me, by Jennifer Berezan.

An impassioned talk that includes a little known story from the suttas about the dangers of and suffering caused by the notion of private property. During the talk, winds of 45 mph buffeted the monastery, emergency sirens sounded in the distance, and three power outages occurred. Ends with a lively discussion with the sangha.

James Baraz and Kate Janke, along with our Sangha members, reflect on our vision of community.

The first part of this talk James Baraz remembers Pete Seeger who passed away this week. Then, with "The Mindfulness Revolution" as the cover story of TIME magazine, Jane Baraz shares her experience teaching mindfulness through the MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program. James and Jane then discuss mainstream mindfulness and the Dharma.

Six Principles of Compassionate Action

Do you ever get sleepy while meditating? In this discourse, the Capala Sutta from the Angutarra Nikaya, the Buddha catches one of his main disciples, Ven. Maha Moggallana nodding off. He then offers him seven strategies for overcoming "sloth and torpor". Identifying with the drowsiness can actually be a doorway to the wisdom of anatta or the selfless nature of reality.

Co-presenter Elad Levinson on using KM groups for self-discovery and the what and how of processes that set up your group for success.

Our KM Dedicated Volunteers Melanie Speir and Geidra Gershman talk about their experience with KM groups, sharing tips for forming and sustaining groups.

We continue the Sutta series exploring the Vacchagotta suttas from the Majjhima Nikaya. Vacchagotta asks many questions of the Buddha. In a series of conversations, the Buddha expounds to Vacchagotta on such topics as whether or not he's omniscient, on various speculative views about what happens after death and if nuns and householders can be enlightened.

This is a discourse on practicing patience and a kind heart regardless of the circumstances.

In this discourse the Buddha gives five different strategies for working with troublesome thoughts and mind-states. A very practical teaching on working with the mind when it gets caught and mindfulness is not strong enough.

One of the most inspiring teachings on the potential for each of us to change. Angulimala, a violent killer, encounters the Buddha, wakes up from his confusion and becomes a holy man. No matter how deep our unskillful habits are, we can take comfort and inspiration in the capacity of the heart to awaken and face in the right direction.

Tonight at the monastery, James Baraz was there with Kate Janke, IMCB co-guiding teacher. She shared her insights about metta with us which was an evening full of heart.

This is the second discourse given by the Buddha to his five original ascetic companions after setting the wheel of the Dharma in motion. The Buddha gives his teaching on Anatta (or not-self), and the five become enlightened.

In this discourse Sariputta gives a teaching to Anathapindika, the greatest patron of the sangha, on his deathbed regarding not clinging to the body or mind as a doorway to liberation.

I encourage you to read this edition of the Inquiring Mind, especially articles by Bhikkhu Bodhi, Ann Wright, (a peace activist who spent many years in military and State Dept.) and many other thought-provoking pieces including the merits of bringing mindfulness to the military.

Although devotion plays a significant role in Monastic Communities and Tibetan practices it's not something that's often discussed in lay communities. Yet devotion can be a major source of inspiration which can fuel our practice.

Although devotion plays a significant role in Monastic Communities and Tibetan practices it's not something that's often discussed in lay communities. Yet devotion can be a major source of inspiration which can fuel our practice.

Dana is the very practical act of giving. Caga literally means giving up, abandonment, and it is an indication that the grip one has on one's possessions is loosened by Caga.

Our preconceptions and assumptions have a significant effect on how we perceive reality--what gets taken in and what gets filtered out. A rich area of practice is being aware of this so that we truly see clearly to the best of our ability. As we bring more awareness to our filters, we can also see others' Buddha nature inside them, and help it come out, even if they can't see it themselves.

With Chants, Devotion & Praise

We learn from everyone who comes into our life--those that inspire and those who are challenging. If our intention is to wake up, then everyone can be seen as part of our process. This profoundly changes our relationship to all. Even the difficult ones are no longer the enemy.

The fact that we're given a human birth is exceedingly rare in itself. But to hear the Dharma, and be motivated as well as have the opportunity to practice is extraordinary good karma. Reflecting on this brings gratitude and provides a strong incentive to practice for the benefit of all beings.

You're probably very familiar with the power of mindfulness. But as powerful as it is to just see things clearly, we can include a perspective that will bring richness and depth to our dharma practice.

In her talk on concentration meditation, Kate Janke explores different techniques, why it is an essential part of the path to awakening, and what gets in the way of a concentrated mind.

Does awakening happen all at once or over time? Both. Even after one has an awakening experience there is still more work to be done. This talk explores awakening and the purification of habits that is an essential part of that process.

Just like anger and fear are contagious so is goodness. In fact, that is our true nature and there's a place in us that longs to come home to it. We just have to tune into all the goodness around us to remember.

The external pressure to accomplish and keep up we may feel from others is usually not as burdensome as the internal pressure we put on ourselves. How can we see through this self-created suffering and live our life with more ease?

Even though we know that jumping on a particular thought train might lead to trouble in the mind, we can still hop on. How can we wake up and more consciously choose before taking the leap?

In examining the mind we can see the insubstantiality of our thoughts and the mysterious ground of emptiness from which they arise. This talk includes songs from the Tibetan classic Flight of the Garuda which explores the nature of awareness--empty of substance but at the same time fully awake.

We are continuously faced with decisions in our lives. Some are minor while others are more significant. How can we skillfully choose between all the options?

INTRODUCTION >> Jason Siff preceding his talk: "Thoughts are not the enemy"

It's one thing to remember and cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our life. But it's even more profound to experience the possibility of a grateful heart even in the midst of difficulties.

A talk focusing on the possibility of changing the direction of our lives and the importance of giving people an opportunity to thrive. This talk includes excerpts from Sean Kyler, one of the graduates give his moving valedictorian speech through a program that supports prison inmates getting their college degree.

The one thing that is certain in life is its unpredictability. Having an awareness that inner and outer circumstances could change in a moment can inform our lives in a profound way. Rather than living with vigilance and fear an on-going understanding of the fragility in life can lead us to more wakefulness, appreciation and freedom.

Series talks: 1. *** Metta (Loving Kindness) 2. Karuna (Compassion 3. Mudita (Joy with others) 4. Upekkha (Equanimity)

Series talks: 1. Metta (Loving Kindness) 2. *** Karuna (Compassion 3. Mudita (Joy with others) 4. Upekkha (Equanimity)