This practice is not just for ourselves, but for all beings. We are at this very unique moment in time, where the earth needs humanity to wake up like it never has before. If we are going to survive, and if much of life is going to survive, we are being called on to really wake up. As my good friend Roger Walsh says, “we’re in a race between fear and consciousness.” Consciousness is stronger than fear, but who knows how much time we have. Here we are, having been born at this time. This is what's being asked of us.
James Baraz
Residential Retreat Teacher
James Baraz is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. James started the Community Dharma Leader program, the Kalyana Mitta Network, the Spirit Rock Family Program and helped create the Heavenly Messengers Training Program. James has been leading the online course "Awakening Joy" since 2003. He serves as a guiding teacher to One Earth Sangha, a Virtual EcoDharma Center devoted to Buddhist responses to Climate Change. He co-authored Awakening Joy and Awakening Joy for Kids.
James Baraz's Upcoming Programs
Short Program | On-Land
Sunday, March 15 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Power of Letting Go: Cultivating Well-Being, Joy, and Freedom
4 CE Credits. Letting go or "renunciation" (nekkhama in Pali) is one of the ten perfections. Although often thought of as sacrifice, the Buddha spoke of this quality as leading to true contentment, joy, and liberation. Drawing from contemplative teachings and incorporating perspectives from psychology on attachment and habitual mental patterns, our reflections and practices will focus on meeting these patterns with awareness and kindness, loosening unhelpful self-stories, softening the impulse to control, and cultivating generosity. All are welcome!
James Baraz
Short Program | Online
Sunday, March 15 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Power of Letting Go: Cultivating Well-Being, Joy, and Freedom
4 CE Credits. Letting go or "renunciation" (nekkhama in Pali) is one of the ten perfections. Although often thought of as sacrifice, the Buddha spoke of this quality as leading to true contentment, joy, and liberation. Drawing from contemplative teachings and incorporating perspectives from psychology on attachment and habitual mental patterns, our reflections and practices will focus on meeting these patterns with awareness and kindness, loosening unhelpful self-stories, softening the impulse to control, and cultivating generosity. All are welcome!
James Baraz
Retreat | On-Land
September 2 - September 7, 2026 | Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights
Labor Day Insight Retreat
Spaces Still Available! This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing clarity and depth of practice. Traditional instructions will be combined with a spirit of lovingkindness, and our time together will include a schedule of silent sitting and walking periods, guided Yoga/movement sessions, as well as practice meetings with teachers and daily Dharma talks. This retreat is for experienced as well as new students.
Dharma Library
Can't join us live online or on the land? Study and practice at your convenience with James Baraz through our new library of recordings, articles, and self-paced online courses.
