When you start to get glimpses of the selfless nature of reality and of this mind-body process, you start to have a different relationship with it, and with everybody around you. This is anatta, selflessness. Seeing through the sense of separation, you start understanding: “I’m not separate from all of us.” The natural result is a sense of connection and caring, and you start to see that this practice is not just for your own reduction of stress. This practice is not just for ourselves—it’s for all beings.
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
Retreat | On-Land
August 28 - September 2, 2024 | Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
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.
Retreat | On-Land
September 9 - September 13, 2024 | Monday - Friday | 4 nights
Founders Retreat: Insight Meditation with the Spirit Rock Founding Teachers
Spirit Rock invites you to a special Insight Meditation Retreat with senior Spirit Rock teachers who have been here since the beginning. This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing clarity and depth of practice. Traditional instructions based on the Foundations of Mindfulness will be combined with daily mettā (lovingkindness) practice, silent sitting and walking periods, guided movement sessions, practice meetings with teachers, and daily Dharma talks.
Retreat | Online
Sunday, October 13 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Celebrating Ram Dass: Love, Serve, Remember
Join us for this celebration of Ram Dass, which will include a selection of his teachings for our times. Together, we will honor Ram Dass's cherished place in the Spirit Rock community as a mentor to our teaching community and inspiration to our saṅgha. This event will feature presentations from the most beloved senior teachers in our Insight Community about his influence on their teachings as well as footage of Ram Dass himself offering teachings on multiple subjects.
Retreat | Online | Hybrid
Saturday, November 30 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Equanimity: Finding Balance in Difficult Times
Equanimity, or upekkha, is a highly valued quality in Buddhist teachings. It is a Divine Abode, a Factor of Enlightenment, and the precursor to the experience of awakening. But what is equanimity? How can we cultivate and access it in our daily life, especially in times of uncertainty, fear, and sadness for the suffering in the world? Explore these contemplations during this daylong retreat, which will include meditation instructions, periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma talks.
James Baraz
Retreat | On-Land | Hybrid
Saturday, November 30 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Equanimity: Finding Balance in Difficult Times
Equanimity, or upekkha, is a highly valued quality in Buddhist teachings. It is a Divine Abode, a Factor of Enlightenment, and the precursor to the experience of awakening. But what is equanimity? How can we cultivate and access it in our daily life, especially in times of uncertainty, fear, and sadness for the suffering in the world? Explore these contemplations during this daylong retreat, which will include meditation instructions, periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma talks.
James Baraz
Upcoming Drop-Ins
Drop-in | Online
Monday, September 16 | 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Monday Night Meditation & Talk
For over 35 years, the Monday Night sitting group at Spirit Rock has been a welcoming refuge to gather, hear the teachings of the Buddha, and practice Insight Meditation together as a community. The program includes a 30-40 min guided meditation, a short break, and a Dharma talk.
James Baraz
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.
