Equanimity is the essential quality that can keep us from being overcome with anxiety, fear and other painful emotions. Equanimity is the culmination of a wise heart and purified mind. It is, in fact, the precursor to Enlightenment.
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 | 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 - 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.
