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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2015-08-20 "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
2015-05-28 Just Like Me 54:07
A discussion based on Thupten Jinpa's book A Fearless Heart with particular focus on the profound practice of understanding our shared humanity.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-05-21 Q & A on Daily Life Dharma Practice 58:46
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-05-14 "Freedom From Worry" The Ven. Ajahn Chandako, an American born monk ordained in 1990 in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest tradition joined us for the evening. He is the abbot of Vimutti Monastery in New Zealand. The website is: http://vimutti.org.nz/vimutti/ 63:39
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-03-26 "The Choice Is Ours" 59:17
The Buddha said that hatred never ceases by hatred, but only by love. How can we heal from interactions with others that have hurt us or closed our heart? Once we learn to hold what has happened in a wise way, the heart can open and transform the hurt into compassionate understanding.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-03-19 Berkeley Community's Own New Green Committee 57:02
James along with Kerry Nelson, who is with Spirit Rock's Green Group and Sean Munding, from our community, are the speakers. Sean will be enthusiastically heading our Berkeley Community's own new Green Committee. We will be exploring using our practice to meaningfully address the issue of climate change.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks
2015-03-12 “What Lineage Will You Choose?” or "Choose Your Lineage" 57:17
Many influences shape the thoughts and perceptions of how we view ourselves and the world. Some result in a fear-based perspective that leads to suffering. Others create more clarity and love in our mind and heart. Can we consciously choose which ones will determine how we lead our lives and is it possible to not be run by deeply ingrained habits that no longer serve us?
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks

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