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Retreat Dharma Talks
at Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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IMCB Regular Talks
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2017-03-09
"This Fleeting World"
62:59
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James Baraz
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In the Diamond Sutra, we are encouraged to see our lives in the context of impermanence this way: "Thus shall you think of this fleeting world: a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream; A flash of lightning in a summer cloud; A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream." This talk explores practicing when someone we know dies unexpectedly as happened to James this week.
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2017-03-23
7 Days in Darkness
59:41
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Adam Baraz
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Adam Baraz, James' son, shares his powerful experience of his recent Darkness Retreat in Guatemala.
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2017-03-30
"The Problem With Being a Good Meditator"
53:57
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James Baraz
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At times our meditation practice is a powerful delicious experience. The factors of awakening like concentration, calm, joy or equanimity may be strong. As wonderful as that is, the mind can easily grasp as if that were the real goal of practice. But when we're attached or take ownership of those states they become a trap--sometimes referred to as the stink of enlightenment--and we miss the true freedom that practice can reveal.
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2017-04-06
"The Role of Motivation and Intention"
54:25
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Kate Munding
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Parts of this evening will be experiential as a means to get us directly in touch with our heart-based intentions that can help guide us through confusion and distraction and propel us in the direction of freedom in our heart and mind.
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2017-04-20
Celebrating Earth Day: Calling All Eco-Sattvas
54:39
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James Baraz
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As Earth Day approaches we reflect on the preciousness and generosity of our wonderful planet, the current situation of climate change and how our Dharma practice can help us transform despair into meaningful and inspiring action.
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2017-05-18
"Courage: An Essential Quality of Practice"
52:25
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James Baraz
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The Buddha spoke of waking up as going "against the stream" in order to see things with fresh eyes. One essential ingredient of the spiritual journey is courage required to grow and be willing to step outside of our comfort zones. Being a spiritual warrior means facing our deepest fears, dealing with loss, opening to the places inside we'd rather not see and trusting that your awareness can meet any moment that arises. We explore this topic in our dharma practice as it manifests on and off the cushion.
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2017-05-25
"Appreciating our Benefactors"
47:38
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James Baraz
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It’s important to recognize and appreciate all the support we receive in our spiritual practice as well as in our lives. If practice sometimes seems like a solitary experience we’re not realizing all the ways that life has been supporting us. This can be an on-going rich source of inspiration in our spiritual development and growth. We’ll explore various practices and reflections to make this come alive.
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2017-06-15
Benefactors: Part 2, Helping Others Shine.
64:51
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James Baraz
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Description:
This is a follow-up to James' "Appreciating Our Benefactors" talk (5-25-17).
Besides gratitude for those who've been our benefactors, we can see ourselves as passing on the kindness and caring we've received. We can and do have a significant effect on everyone around us. We can practice seeing the beautiful qualities in others, believing in them and bringing out the best in them. By doing so we help them shine, make a meaningful contribution to the world and experience great joy.
This talk also includes some words about James' local basketball team the Golden State Warriors, who just became NBA champions. The coach, Steve Kerr, tries to instill four core qualities in his players--joy, mindfulness, compassion and competition. And the players' unselfish style, subjugating individual glory for the good of the team, is the key to their success. They embody the attitude of bringing out the best and enjoying seeing each other shine.
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2017-06-22
"How Liberating to See Clearly--
How Humbling to Still Get Caught."
64:00
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James Baraz
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In a moment our understanding of reality can change with new information or new perspective. Anger and ill will can be released and turn to compassion and forgiveness. And it's also true that old patterns can be activated once again in a surprising and humbling way. The process of waking up requires tremendous patience and a kind heart, especially towards ourselves.
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2017-07-20
"Mass Extinction Underway":
The State or Process of a Species, Family, or Group, Being or Becoming Extinct.
67:27
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Rev. Heng Sure
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During the talk, Rev. Heng Sure shows us how the world is losing species rapidly. There is a slide show in the middle of the talk starting at 23 minutes to 36 minutes which you'll hear but not see... but can hear his comments and great music) in which he describes the many creatures that he lives with in Australia.
Towards the end of the talk, it's about humans causing the greatest mass extinction of our species in 65 million years.
See: http://www.mysterium.com/extinction.html
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2017-07-27
Equanimity
62:04
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Donald Rothberg
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We explore the nature of equanimity, why equanimity is important, several ways to practice equanimity, and some of the challenges of developing equanimity.
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2017-08-17
"Hatred Never Ceases by Hatred"
49:12
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James Baraz
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The Buddha taught: "Hatred never ceases by hatred. Hatred only ceases by love. This is an ancient and eternal law." With tragedies like Charlottesville and the reaction of the president highlighting the forces of hate in our country in these crazy times, how can we avoid giving in to the same reaction within ourselves? How can we acknowledge our repugnance and activated feelings without adding more ill will as we emerge with a wise response? Teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and the Buddha help us hold this all with a dharmic perspective.
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2017-09-07
"Peaceful Warrior in Modern Times"
52:12
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James Baraz
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The Buddha spoke of the power of non-harming as a support for inner peace and outward harmony. But how can we both commit to being peaceful while courageously and passionately standing up for what we feel is right and make a difference in the world? This talk includes some of the Buddha's words on peace and non-harming as well as two clips of Julia Butterfly Hill speaking about "Anger v. Love" and "Fierce Compassion".
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