|
Dharma Talks
given at Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
Publicly available talks can be browsed here in the order indicated by
the "Sort Order" selection. Talk titles and discriptions can also be
searched by typing in a search word (or words) in the search box and
clicking "Search Titles and Descriptions". With multiple words, only those talks
containing all the given words are displayed.
Get the latest Dharma talks from Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley by Podcast
|
2020-11-19
Transformation is Possible
50:20
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| When we start the spiritual journey we see that our mind is filled with unskillful habits of thought, colored by attachment, aversion and confusion. The Buddha described the process of purification that enables us to purify and transform first our outward conduct, then our thoughts and finally our subtle spiritual aspirations. This purification process leads ultimately to full awakening. The talk includes the Buddha's teaching of how this process works through the simile of the "Refinement of Mind." |
|
|
|
|
2020-11-12
Across the Great Divide: What the Dharma Can Offer for Healing Our Country
52:09
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| However you feel about the outcome, the presidential election has underscored the polarization that currently exists in our country. As long as each side mistrusts and fears the other, we cannot truly have peace and work together to make this a better society.
What does the Dharma offer to help heal this divide? How can our practice support us individually and collectively to open our hearts with compassion and bridge the gulf with those who seem so different from us? How can we create better understanding and cut through "othering" so that each of us can contribute to greater healing rather than more divisiveness? |
|
|
|
|
2020-11-05
Letting Go of Knowing
50:00
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| The election and its aftermath has been quite a roller coaster ride. Can we find balance and patience with all feelings that arise while allowing the unfolding to happen in its own time? We explore this theme and offer some practices going through these uncertain times. |
|
|
|
|
2020-10-29
A Time For Equanimity
60:45
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| We are in a unique moment in time for the United States and the world. How can we stay centered and even cultivate equanimity? Is it possible to hold a positive vision without getting caught in extra anxiety about the outcome? Can we allow for things to unfold as they will while having a clear focus of what we want to help create? Equanimity includes surrendering attachment while being inspired by gratitude, awe and possibility. |
|
|
|
|
2020-10-22
Brahma Viharas - Eve Decker
51:11
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| Eve Decker, dharma teacher, singer-songwriter explores the Brahma Viharas much needed medicine for this time along with a song for evoking each one. |
|
|
|
|
2020-10-15
Choosing Earth Pt. 1 with Duane Elgin and Friends
62:34
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| The second of two talks with wisdom teacher Duane Elgin and friends sharing Elgin's realistic, sobering but ultimately hopeful vision of where we could be heading the next fifty years. His book Choosing Earth: Humanity's Great Transformation to a Mature Planetary Civilization discusses the possibilities that lie ahead and the vision for how we can use this time to wake up as a species. A brief recap of previous talk with additional comments, Then an exploration of how to hold the unfolding from a psychological and Dharma perspective. |
|
|
|
|
2020-10-08
"Choosing Earth" with Duane Elgin and Coleen LeDrew Elgin
64:28
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| James' special guests are wisdom teacher Duane Elgin (author of the classic Voluntary Simplicity) and his partner, Coleen LeDrew Elgin, share his realistic but hopeful vision of where we could be heading the next fifty years. His new book Choosing Earth: Humanity's Great Transformation to a Mature Planetary Civilization discusses the possibilities that lie ahead and the vision for how we can use this time to wake up as a species. |
|
|
|
|
2020-10-01
Holding a Positive Vision: Part 3
44:48
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| A third in a series of talks on holding a positive vision. We explore some of the principles on mindful engagement presented in Sharon Salzberg's book Real Change: Mindfulness for Ourselves and the World |
|
|
|
|
2020-09-24
"Contributing Effectively in Times of Crisis" Part 2
49:55
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| This week we will continue with Roger Walsh's essay: "Ten Principles to Know to Contribute Strategically". These principles provide a big-picture context for understanding our current dilemmas, unearthing their deepest roots, and revealing the deepest and most effective responses. This is part of a series of talks on the importance of holding a positive vision even through the storm. |
|
|
|
|
2020-09-17
"Contributing Effectively in Times of Crisis" Part 1
53:47
|
|
James Baraz
|
|
| In this time of great chaos and confusion we look at wisdom thinker Roger Walsh's new essay: "Contributing Effectively in Times of Crisis". We start by looking at four crucial questions:
1) What can I do? 2) What do I feel called to contribute? 3) What's the most strategic thing I can do?
4) How can I live my life so as to be an optimal instrument of service? The talk ends with Melanie DeMore singing I'm Sending You Light" |
|
|
|
|
