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In Memoriam: Rick Woudenberg


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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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
2015-11-19 "Gratitude" 49:37
"The grateful heart not only includes appreciation for all the wonderful blessings in our life but also opening up to our pain in the context of gratitude."
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-10-22 "I Didn't Know I Had It In Me: A Talk on Courage" 54:29
This talk is about the importance of courage in our practice. In stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone, we discover an inner strength and confidence that allows us to transform fear into aliveness, realizing our full potential.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-10-01 "Loving the Earth" 50:44
This talk given during the 3rd Annual Earth Care Week is about doing our part to contribute to the healing of our planet from love not fear. It includes opening up to the reality of the dukkha while seeing the possibility of being part of growing consciousness that's increasingly gaining momentum.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-09-17 "Anchoring Our Wisdom: Embodied Awareness" 53:19
How the Body Can Help Us Remember. (Note: We had some trouble with the sound system for the first few minutes.)
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-08-27 Refinement of Mind, Part II. 53:44
Last week we spoke of practice as a process of purification, refining impurities of mind like a goldsmith refines and purifies gold. This week we’ll explore how the mind is refined by understanding how to balance three qualities that all need to work together. With Metta, James
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-08-20 "Refinement of Mind, Part 1" 52:59
One way to think of dharma practice is as a path of purification. The talk uses a discourse by the Buddha's as a way to describe this process. We can see how, little by little, over time we are purifying the mind and heart. The key is to keep facing in the right direction as we develop increasingly wholesome thoughts, words and actions.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-06-25 "Seeing the Big Picture" 53:49
"The key to equanimity is a spaciousness that holds all of our dramas in widest perspective. This talk was inspired by the film Planetary."
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-06-18 "Nice Guys Sometimes Finish First: Barbara Weiss, Steve Kerr and Pope Francis" 54:06
We are inspired by the goodness of others. Even more, their example motivates us to do good ourselves. The term "Elevation Response" is used in psychology to describe this phenomenon. The talk describes three people whose lives are inspirations and whose examples can help us bring out the best in ourselves.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-06-04 Castles Made of Sand 50:09
We get very attached to things as if they were extremely important (e.g. your basketball team winning a championship or a conflict with a friend). However, in the bigger scheme of things all of these seemingly crucial things can be held in the wider, wiser perspective of impermanence. A parable from Buddhist teachings helps illustrate this essence of true equanimity and wisdom.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks

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