The real joy in facilitating a group is creating an environment that helps bring out the natural wisdom that each member possesses. Often this is done not by giving the answers but by looking for the Buddha in each participant and asking the right questions which invite that wisdom to emerge.
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 | 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.
James Baraz
Jack Kornfield
Joseph Goldstein
Sharon Salzberg
Krishna Das
Raghu Markus
Dassi Ma
Class Series | Online | Dharma Institute
November 12 - December 3, 2024 | 4 Tuesdays | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Four Buddhist Heart Practices
As a complement to Insight (mindfulness) Meditation practice, The Four Buddhist Heart Practices (Brahmavihāras) is a 4-week online course designed to open the heart. The brahmavihāras—lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity—are all about our connection with ourselves, others, and the world. This course offers formal meditation instructions and talks on applying these practices in our lives. Together we will learn the different ways the heart can open to ourselves, those close to us, those we have difficulty with, and all beings.
James Baraz
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
Retreat | On-Land
August 27 - September 1, 2025 | Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
Registration Opens - April 30. 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.
