Mudita is being activated by another’s well being. Just delighting that there’s a little bit more well being in this world. It’s really looking for the good, having your radar out for goodness. Don’t you love goodness when you see it? Just delight in goodness. When you’re feeling sympathetic joy, it’s not joy about somebody else’s happiness because they ripped somebody off—where they did something that brought them pleasure at somebody else’s expense. You’re rooting for a bit more wholesomeness in this world, a bit more goodness or kindness in this world.
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
September 26 - September 30, 2025 | Friday - Tuesday | 4 nights
Devotion to the Sacred
Full - with waitlist. Commuter spaces available! The Buddha advised us not only to overcome unhealthy states but to cultivate states of true well-being such as gratitude, kindness, and compassion. What’s more, he encouraged us to continue to work towards deepening these states when possible. Designed for practitioners who wish to enhance their heartfelt connection to their goodness, well-being, and joy, this retreat focuses on the cultivation of these states by accessing the inner source from which they arise.
Short Program | On-Land
Sunday, October 19 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Echoes of Ram Dass: A Meditative and Musical Journey with East Forest and James Baraz
Honoring Ram Dass and in the spirit of Ram Dass’ teachings, this special evening will feature a guided meditation from James Baraz, followed by a transformative live music experience with East Forest. This unique evening incorporates soul-stirring music, mindfulness, and community—an invitation to journey inward and reconnect with what matters most. Come experience a night inspired by Ram Dass’ timeless wisdom, guided by meditation, and brought to life through the soulful music of East Forest.
Short Program | Online
Sunday, October 19 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Echoes of Ram Dass: A Meditative and Musical Journey with East Forest and James Baraz
Honoring Ram Dass and in the spirit of Ram Dass’ teachings, this special evening will feature a guided meditation from James Baraz, followed by a transformative live music experience with East Forest. This unique evening incorporates soul-stirring music, mindfulness, and community—an invitation to journey inward and reconnect with what matters most. Come experience a night inspired by Ram Dass’ timeless wisdom, guided by meditation, and brought to life through the soulful music of East Forest.
Class Series | Online
November 4 - November 25, 2025 | 4 Tuesdays | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Four Buddhist Heart Practices
In this four-week course, we’ll explore how to gently open the heart as a vital complement to Insight (mindfulness) meditation. Rooted in classical Buddhist teachings, the heart practices of lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity cultivate our innate capacity to meet life with warmth, connection, and balance. These practices help weave together the clarity of the mind with the tenderness of the heart, supporting a more integrated and compassionate presence—both on and off the cushion.
James Baraz
Retreat | On-Land
December 12 - December 17, 2025 | Friday - Wednesday | 5 nights
Equanimity: Finding Balance in Uncertain Times
Spaces Still Available! Equanimity (upekkhā) is a highly-valued quality in Buddhist teachings. But what is it, and how do we cultivate it in our meditation practice? How can we access equanimity in daily life, especially in the midst of uncertainty, fear, and sadness over the suffering in the world? This retreat will offer instructions, talks, sitting and walking meditations, and practice discussions to support the development of equanimity in our formal practice. We can then apply equanimity to our life off the cushion.
Retreat | On-Land
February 3 - March 28, 2026 | Tuesday - Saturday | 53 nights
2026 Insight Meditation 2-Month Retreat - Application
Application Open. An extended period of retreat offers the rare opportunity for sustained, dedicated practice. This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing profound clarity and depth of Insight practice. Instruction will follow the traditional four foundations of mindfulness combined with training in lovingkindness and compassion, and practice will be structured around a daily schedule of silent sitting, walking, Dharma talks, and practice meetings with teachers.
Dawn Scott
Vance Pryor
Tuere Sala
JD Doyle
James Baraz
Brian Lesage
Tara Mulay
Tempel Smith
Kristina Baré
Anushka Fernandopulle
Greg Scharf
Rasika Link
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.
