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Dharma Talks
given at Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2023-03-23
The Shift of Practice from “Doing” to “Being”
54:51
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James Baraz
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While it’s true that it takes effort to come back to the present moment each time the mind wanders, the most profound practice is when we let go of all effort and simply rest in the awareness that’s always here. This shift from “doing” to the complete relaxation of “non-doing” or simply “Being” is what the Tibetans call the deep and subtle practice of “Non-Meditation”.
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2023-03-02
The Cosmic Game of Hide and Seek
53:25
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James Baraz
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A classical text from Kashmir Shaivism entitled "Realization of Our True Heart" or Pratyabijñāhṛdaya, describes in a few lines how we and everything in physical form is simply an expression of Divine Play of the universe –what in Hinduism is called the lila or dance of consciousness. This talk explores one perspective of the Mystery, that which cannot be named.
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2023-02-09
Living Kindness
56:03
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Kevin Griffin
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Kevin Griffin explores the Metta Sutta, the Buddha's words on Loving-Kindness. How can we actually live this teaching in an embodied way? Kevin's new book is Living Kindness: Metta Practice for the Whole of Our Lives. From Publisher’s Weekly: “The lucid analysis of Buddhist texts and the jargon-free examination of metta make this an ideal primer on a core element of Buddhist thought and practice."
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2023-01-26
Why Intensive Practice
54:25
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James Baraz
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Going through the process of sitting in silence over a long period of time is a unique and profound experience. What happens on a month-long retreat and why do people do it? Though it is not possible for everyone to get away for that length of time or have the desire to do it, the principles shared can be applied to shorter retreats as well
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2023-01-12
Motivation from the Heart: The Place of Devotion in our Practice
53:50
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James Baraz
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Devotion is not a topic often spoken of in our Buddhist community. Yet it plays a significant role in monastic communities and Tibetan practices. The Buddha spoke of Saddha, one's heartfelt connection to practice as one of the Five Spiritual Faculties and Powers. Devotion can be a major source of inspiration which can fuel our practice. How can we access it and have it moisten and bring juice to our practice - even for those not naturally inclined that way.
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2023-01-05
"The Stress Prescription"
59:35
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Elissa Epel and James Baraz
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James and guest Elissa Epel, talk about her new book The Stress Prescription. Elissa is a long-time practitioner, highly-respected researcher and Professor and Vice Chair of UCSF's Department of Psychiatry. Here is James' book endorsement:
“I love this book! Backed by solid scientific research, Elissa Epel’s engaging, user-friendly, down-to-earth style is at once practical, convincing, and motivating. This is more than just another stress-reduction book—The Stress Prescription makes you feel like you’ve gotten the secret keys to ease and contentment. I enthusiastically recommend it!”
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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