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
Retreat | On-Land
August 27 - September 1, 2025 | Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
Registration Opens - February 19. 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 26 - September 30, 2025 | Friday - Tuesday | 4 nights
Devotion to the Sacred
Registration Opens - February 19. 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.
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.
