Ep. 236 – The Relationship Between Karma and Grace
Oct 9, 2023
auto_awesome
Ram Dass discusses the relationship between karma and grace, how to love without emotional attachment, and his view on responsibility. He explores different levels of love, the connection between grace and our karma, and the concept of being in love with the universe. The podcast also touches on topics such as therapy, diets, and the delicate balance between passivity and activity.
43:41
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Grace and karma are distinct concepts, with grace being the support and assistance from higher forces that aids us in our spiritual journey, while karma refers to the automatic workings of cause and effect in our lives.
Diet plays a role in spiritual development, but it is not based on moral judgments. Different stages of the spiritual journey may call for different diets based on vibratory rates and the individual's ability to transmute energies.
Deep dives
The Relationship Between Grace and Karma
Grace and karma are distinct concepts. Karma refers to the automatic workings of cause and effect in our lives, unwinding our past actions. Grace, on the other hand, is the support and assistance from the universe and higher forces that can help us in our spiritual journey. Grace is invoked when we turn our attention to the divine and seek a deeper connection. It aligns us with the will of God and brings forth all the available forces to aid us on our path. Grace is not the same as karma, as it introduces choices and the potential to go in harmony with the divine will. We can make choices that accelerate our progress, but grace will not interfere if we choose to go against the flow. Grace can speed up the process of spiritual growth, but we must actively engage with it through our intentions, actions, and surrender to the divine will.
The Relationship Between Diet and Spiritual Development
Diet plays a role in spiritual development, but it is not based on moral judgments. Different stages of the spiritual journey may call for different diets based on vibratory rates and the individual's ability to transmute energies. As we progress, we may find ourselves naturally drawn to lighter diets that promote calmness and clarity. However, the diet game is not about good versus evil. There are beings who have attained enlightenment while consuming various types of food. Conscious beings can transmute different forms of energy, and some advanced practitioners can even sustain themselves through sources beyond solid food. Ultimately, the focus should be on the vibratory effects of food on our system rather than rigid moral judgments regarding diet.
Understanding Responsibility
Responsibility can be seen as honoring our karma in harmony with the will of God. It involves living in alignment with the Tao, the natural flow of the universe. Responsibility is not about blindly following rules or societal norms. It requires deep self-awareness and an honesty with oneself. As we awaken spiritually, our sense of responsibility expands beyond social roles and obligations. We honor our parents, not by blindly obeying their commands, but by maintaining love and respect for them while also listening to our own hearts. Responsibility is a delicate balance, traversing the path of living consciously and making choices guided by the desire to move towards the divine.
The Delicate Balance Between Righteousness and Truth
Righteousness and truth are distinct concepts that should not be confused. Righteousness, often rooted in guilt and unworthiness, is not a path to truth. Truth, however, allows us to embody righteousness when aligned with it. Aim for truth, which lies beyond the duality of good and evil. In the journey towards truth, we may confront our own righteousness and learn to transcend man-made morality. True morality arises from an honest connection with the divine and is not bound by external obligations or fear. As we deepen our spiritual understanding, we move closer to embodying truth, allowing us to act responsibly from a place of inner harmony.
In this Q&A session, Ram Dass answers questions about how to love without emotional attachment, the relationship between karma and grace, and how he defines responsibility.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/ramdass
In this recording from 1976, Ram Dass answers questions from a lively Los Angeles audience:
How to love without emotional attachment? Ram Dass explores the various levels of love, dealing with attachment, and working with the karma that exists in our life space.
What is the relationship of karma and grace? Ram Dass talks about how he perceives grace and the ways it intersects with our karma.
What’s his view on vegetarianism? And who is God? Somehow, those questions are connected.
How does Ram Dass define responsibility? A responsible being lives in the Tao.
“And what grace turns out to be is all the forces that exist in the universe that are free agents, that are available to support the process of your going back into the source. All the gurus, all the beings on astral planes, all of the elements, all of the forces in the universe.” – Ram Dass
Discover the transformative practice of teaching mindfulness in a new FREE 30-page ebook by Senior Buddhist teacher and Emmy award-winning musician, David Nichtern.
With its blend of humor, wisdom, and accessible approach, The Art of Teaching Mindfulness ebook is a must-read for anyone interested in sharing the life-changing practices of mindfulness with others.
Already downloaded by over 15k people, visit dharmamoon.com/ebook to get YOUR free copy of The Art of Teaching Mindfulness!
