Dharma Talks
given at Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
2024-11-21
What Do I Need Right Now?
51:42
|
James Baraz
|
|
At this time, US citizens are going through a major adjustment to a new reality after the election. A large part of the population is happy at the outcome. And another large part is confused by that fact. A whole host of feelings are likely to arise--disorientation, confusion, fear, numbing out to name a few. In order to respond wisely to the moment, we first need to be present for and honor our experience. A key question to ask oneself is "What do I need right now?" We will explore this in the context of our Dharma practice.
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
2024-11-07
Keeping the Heart Open in Uncertain Times
52:18
|
James Baraz
|
|
This week has been a test for anyone who values kindness, compassion, and equanimity. It's understandable to get lost in fear, confusion and despair. This is when spiritual practice is needed most. How can we use our practice to develop a balance of mind in unpredictable circumstances, and relate to those who have very different perspectives from ours without getting caught in "othering"?
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
2024-10-17
"What, Me Worry?"
57:17
|
James Baraz
|
|
Alan Watts wrote a classic book The Wisdom of Insecurity. With the election in the States a few weeks away, dealing with significant uncertainty is on the minds of most everybody. Join us as we explore the topic of dealing with major uncertainty as Dharma practice together.
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
2024-09-26
Like an Instrument with Sarah Marie Hopf
52:45
|
James Baraz
|
|
How might you let Life play you like an instrument? In this talk James shares the evening with Sarah-Marie Hopf, a good friend, dedicated practitioner, coach and meditation teacher who shares about her journey of progressively deepening trust in the dharma and our True Nature and opening to what wants to flow effortlessly from the mystery into form. Becoming an unexpected singer-songwriter, she shares the origin story of her first album “Modern Mantras” which was inspired by songs that came through her spontaneously during a month long Spirit Rock retreat.
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
2024-09-19
Love Serve Remember
49:23
|
James Baraz
|
|
The title of the evening is "Love, Serve, Remember". On October 13th, Spirit Rock hosts a special event Celebrating Ram Dass: Love Serve, Remember with Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Krishna Das and others. Those three words were the instructions Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass' guru gave to him: "Love Everyone, Serve Everyone, and Remember God."
|
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
|
|
|