Clear Mountain Monastery Project 10,000 Joys & 10,000 Sorrows: DEAD Serious Practice to Abundant Enoughness | James Baraz Q&A
Jan 15, 2026
James Baraz, a meditation teacher and co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, shares his journey of rediscovering joy in meditation. He discusses how early strict teachings led to a joyless practice until a meeting with Papaji transformed his perspective. James emphasizes the importance of savoring life's small moments and placing well-being at the center of our intentions. He also addresses finding joy during challenging times, including climate despair, and highlights how gratitude can amplify happiness and fuel activism.
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Breaking The Joyless Practice Spell
- James Baraz describes losing joy after adopting a stern, 'dead serious' practice approach and feeling out of sync with his natural bhakti nature.
- Meeting Papaji and seeing emptiness that included joy broke that spell and helped him reclaim wholehearted delight in life.
Savor Wholesome States To Deepen Them
- When wholesome states arise, intentionally maintain and increase them by paying close, appreciative attention without grasping.
- 'Don't miss it'—savor slight uplift and marinate in it to deepen and make wholesome states habitual.
Intention As The Practice Catalyst
- Intention is the potent first step: deciding to place well-being at the center transforms practice into a deliberate path.
- This choice is generous, because your wellbeing benefits others and unlocks qualities for wider sharing.
