Ep. 242 – The State of No Mind

20 snips

Jan 3, 2024

Ram Dass discusses the importance of detaching from perspectives and models of the universe. He warns against becoming addicted to a single perspective and emphasizes the need to trust our intuitive validity. The podcast also explores the concept of addiction in our culture and the limitations of the mind. Reflecting on personal experiences, the hosts discuss letting go of attachments and the process of becoming finished with different things in life. They also share insights on therapy, healing, and profound realizations.

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Introduction

00:00 • 5min

Perspectives and Addiction

05:25 • 17min

Exploring the Addiction to Identity and Reality

22:50 • 3min

Collecting Knowledge and Letting Go

25:59 • 24min

A Funny Situation and College Memories

49:52 • 5min

Reflections on Therapy, Healing, and Profound Realizations

54:37 • 4min

Ram Dass explores how we can have perspectives and models about the universe without being attached to them, as long as we cultivate the state of no mind and trust our intuitive validity.

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This episode of Here and Now is taken from a Ram Dass talk at Colby College in April of 1970. In this talk:

Ram Dass explores how it’s healthy to have perspectives and models about the universe and how things are, but it’s crucial that we don’t become attached to or stuck in that perspective.
Telling stories of his time in far-out places like India, Los Angeles, and heroin treatment centers, Ram Dass shares how it’s all perspective. Having a perspective is harmonious with the Tao, with the way of things, but we can’t get addicted to it and have it become our “reality.” He talks about how things like school and television are designed to keep us stuck in our roles, models, and perspectives.
Ultimately, we can learn to trust our intuitive validity and cultivate the Buddhist state of no mind, where we have finished with our models. We can know the difference between being wise and being knowledgeable.

“As long as you are attached to any model of the universe, to any level of definition of who you are or how it works, you are closed off from the rest of it. And the state of no mind, the Buddhist state of no mind, is where you have finished with models. You don’t even be enlightened, you don’t be anything, there’s just no mind.” – Ram Dass

About Ram Dass:

Ram Dass’ spirit has been a guiding light for generations, carrying along millions on the journey. Ram Dass teaches that through the Bhakti practice of unconditional love, we can all connect with our true nature. Through these teachings, Ram Dass has shared a little piece of his guru, Maharaj-ji, with all who have listened to him.

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