Dharma Seed - James Baraz's Dharma Talks

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In Memoriam: Rick Woudenberg

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James Baraz's Dharma Talks

James Baraz

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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.

I try to use the formal teachings as a doorway for people to see the truth in themselves. I feel I'm doing my job when people look into themselves to come to their own deep understandings of the truth, access their own inner wisdom and trust in their "Buddha-knowing," as Ajahn Chah called it, which is different from their intellectual knowing.

The Buddha-knowing is a deeper place, underneath the concepts, which is in touch with the truth, with our seed of awakening. I want practitioners to have more and more confidence in, and familiarity with, that deeper place of knowing. It is accessing this dimension of our being that becomes the guide to cutting through the confusion caused by greed and fear. We have everything we need inside ourselves. We do not need to look to a teacher when we remember who we really are.

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2016-08-25 "A Box Full of Darkness" 55:48	Download Listen
Mary Oliver wrote: "Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too was a gift." When life brings us unwanted suffering it's sometimes possible to use the experience to deepen our wisdom and compassion, what has been called "grace disguised as obstacles."
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley : IMCB Regular Talks

2016-08-18 "The Tall Poppy and the Shrinking Violet" 49:23	Download Listen
Strong identification with self often leads to an insecurity that can manifest in two extremes: someone hungry for recognition, validation and praise or someone who is shy, lost in self-judgment, and afraid of being exposed as an impostor. Both of these are all too human. There is a middle path where one knows ones worth and appreciates their wholesome qualities while not identifying with them. This talk explores how practice can support a wise understanding that allows us to just be ourselves and know that is enough.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley : IMCB Regular Talks

2016-06-23 "Light brings out the darkness. Darkness brings out the light." 49:08	Download Listen
It seems that the interplay between ignorance and consciousness is an on-going dance--within ourselves, in our relationships and within our society. Understanding this dance can help us hold it all with greater equanimity. (At the time of the talk James was under the impression that the UK vote in process would have the country remain in the EU. As it turned out the vote ended up the other way.) This link below goes along with the theme for this week’s talk: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/broadway-stars-orlando-tribute-song_us_5768ea6de4b0fbbc8beb8b7b?sectio=
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley : IMCB Regular Talks

2016-06-11 Magic of Awareness with James Baraz and Anam Thubten 5:08:58	Download Listen
The paradox of awareness is very profound and yet very simple. Sometimes it comes naturally to the surface when we are fully present in the moment and no longer lost in thoughts or mental projections. Pure consciousness is neither high nor low, neither pleasant or unpleasant, neither good nor bad.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2016-06-09 Ajahn Chandako from Austraila with James 1:16:40	Download Listen
with Ajahn Chandako, James Baraz
Ajahn Chandako, an Amaravati monastic who is the abbot of Vimutti Buddhist Monastery in New Zealand. Ajahn, who is US born, has been a monk for 25 years and brings a deep, clear, playful attitude toward practice. Join us for a rich evening of dharma.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley : IMCB Regular Talks

2016-06-02 “Taking the Focus Off ME“ 53:47	Download Listen
Most of us know the feeling of self-consciousness when faced with a new situation or meeting new people. How can we relax, just be ourselves and really enjoy the connection? We’ll explore simple practices to allow our authentic self to shine through. Join us for an evening of practice and dharma.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley : IMCB Regular Talks

2016-05-26 "Who Are You Anyway - Attachment to Identity" 55:34	Download Listen
It's hard not to view ourselves through our accomplishments, possessions or attributes, even when circumstances change. How can we see through those temporary conditions to realize our true nature?
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley : IMCB Regular Talks

2016-05-21 Heart Practices for Awakening Joy 63:12	Download Listen
Opening our hearts to ourselves to others with loving-kindness and compassion are central to awakening the joy that's right inside us.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center : Awakening Joy Retreat

2016-05-20 Opening to Suffering, Integrity and Forgiveness 1:11:48	Download Listen
In order to cultivate true well-being we need to learn to open to all the suffering in our lives. Living with integrity and learning how to forgive ourselves and others are essential supports in this process as well.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center : Awakening Joy Retreat

2016-05-20 Day 3 Sitting/Instructions 61:39	Download Listen
Spirit Rock Meditation Center : Awakening Joy Retreat

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