The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
James Baraz's Dharma Talks at Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
James Baraz
I try to convey that the wisdom and compassion we are looking for is already inside of us. I see practice as learning how to purify our mind and heart so we can hear the Buddha inside. In doing so, we naturally embody the dharma and help awaken that understanding and love in others we meet.
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2016-04-14 Sacred Activism Part 4: Holding a Vision 54:31
Besides learning how to work with various emotions and reactions that come up in response to various events, it's important to hold an inspiring vision of possibilities so that we are motivated to work toward that desired outcome. Dharma concepts such as Clear Comprehension of Purpose can be applied to help us create an inspiring vision. Joanna Macy's Active Hope and Andrew Harvey's outline of current positive developments that give one hope are included.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2016-03-31 "Sacred Activism Part. 3: Working with Anger and Frustration" often natural responses to news". 56:00
Hello Friends, I'll be continuing the series of Sacred Activism talks on how to bring our dharma practice to working skillfully with current events. We've explored compassionate action ("The Line Between Politics & Moral Imperative") and humility ("We Don't Know What We Don't Know"). I hope you join us.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2016-03-24 "Sacred Activism Part. 2: We Don't Know What We Don't Know" 59:04
In our response to unsettling news we can easily react with self-righteousness, sure that our "dharmic" view is the "right one" and feeling superior to those who act in ways we don't understand. But the Buddha asked us to put aside any such arrogance. Through genuinely trying to understand another's perspective, we can cultivate true humility for our ignorance of their reality and greater understanding about the thinking behind their actions. Then our response, which might be one of fierce compassion, is not coming from hatred and ill will but from compassion and wisdom. This talk includes some thoughts on white privilege as well as Andrew Harvey's brilliant audio clip on Sacred Activism.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2016-03-17 Sacred Activism Part 1: The Line Between Politics & Moral Imperative 57:12
These days as the political rhetoric gets heated and a feeling of unpredictability and potential violence grows practitioners may ask: "What is the appropriate dharmic response?" Is there a time when political involvement becomes a dharmic activity? And, if so, how can we be engaged in a skillful way as an integral part of our practice?
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2016-03-10 "The Brightness of Awareness: An Evening with Catherine Ingram" 60:54
with Catherine Ingram, James Baraz
James guest is Catherine Ingram, long time vipassana practitioner (with James on his first retreat in 1974 and IMS staff member in the 70's) as well as beloved non-dual teacher. After her talk and dialogues with the audience, James and Catherine have a conversation about applying the non-dual perspective in daily life situations.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2016-03-03 "Intensive Practice: Benefits and How It Works" 57:24
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2016-01-07 "Turning Ghosts into Ancestors" Guest tonight: Joe Bobrow. 66:09
"James guest tonight is Joseph Bobrow, a respected colleague and Zen teacher, who's work with veterans has been a major contribution in helping them heal from the trauma of war. Joe very movingly talks about his work and his book: Waking Up from War - A Better Way Home for Veterans and Nations.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-12-17 “Tenderizing the Heart” 60:41
It’s said that it is better to live with a moment of loving-kindness than 100 years without it. We might feel contracted or armored but just one tender moment where the heart softens even a little can be an opportunity to open us.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-12-10 “Mainlining Goodness” 54:23
Sometimes, when the news gets heavy we can overlook all the goodness around us. When things seem overwhelming, it’s important at times to balance out the 10,000 sorrows by tuning into the 10,000 joys and remembering it’s not all one way or the other. Hope you join us.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-12-03 "Letting Your Heart Break." 48:05
Like many, I was speechless upon hearing the news of the latest senseless mass shooting in San Bernardino. When we hear such incomprehensible news that breaks the heart or we are going through our own personal heartbreak, how can we hold it all? I don't profess to have the answers, but perhaps we can explore together in a useful way. I hope you join us.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks

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