Deep inside, everybody wants well-being. Every action you do, in one way or another, is a movement. Whether wise or unwise, every action is a movement toward what you think will make you feel better, as distorted or confused as it might be. This is what is motivating us: we want to feel better. The trick is to know where happiness really lies, and to not be confused. That we are moved by something that is continually looking for happiness can be a source of real inspiration. And the source of it is wholesome: I want to feel happy, I want to feel good, I want to be at peace. This is activating that place that truly wants well-being, and then facing it in the direction of true well-being.
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
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.
Short Program | On-Land
Wednesday, December 31 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
New Year’s Eve Ceremony & Celebration: Presence, Belonging, and Intention
Bring your whole heart as our global saṅgha connects one more time in 2025. To help us celebrate we are delighted to have WildChoir, a joyously uplifting musical group, raise our spirits and move our hearts. Join us as we reflect on our deepest aspirations for the coming year supported by ritual, fantastic music, and community. All are welcome for this joyous celebration.
Short Program | Online
Wednesday, December 31 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
New Year’s Eve Ceremony & Celebration: Presence, Belonging, and Intention
Bring your whole heart as our global saṅgha connects one more time in 2025. To help us celebrate we are delighted to have WildChoir, a joyously uplifting musical group, raise our spirits and move our hearts. Join us as we reflect on our deepest aspirations for the coming year supported by ritual, fantastic music, and community. All are welcome for this joyous celebration.
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
Retreat | On-Land
February 3 - March 2, 2026 | Tuesday - Monday | 27 nights
2026 February Insight Meditation 1-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.
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.
