Ep. 260 – Point At the Moon: American Psychological Association Address, Part 2
Sep 16, 2024
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In this enlightening talk, Ram Dass, a revered spiritual teacher and author, shares profound insights on integrating various planes of reality. He emphasizes the paradoxes of free will versus determinism while promoting mindfulness and community engagement. Ram Dass explores the chakra system's relevance to psychology and illustrates the journey of awakening from separateness. His reflections encourage listeners to embrace their humanity, navigate complex identities, and deepen connections through self-understanding.
Engaging in therapy rekindles innate curiosity and fosters self-discovery, enabling individuals to reconnect with their passions and interests.
Exploring the interplay between free will and determinism invites deeper contemplation of personal responsibility within the interconnectedness of all experiences.
Deep dives
Reconnecting with Curiosity
As adults, people often lose their innate curiosity about learning new things, whether that's meditation, gardening, or acquiring a new language. Engaging in therapy serves as a powerful means to rediscover that wonder and curiosity, allowing individuals to reconnect with their interests and passions. Therapy not only helps in managing stress and improving coping strategies but also promotes increased self-awareness and healthier thought patterns. This journey of self-discovery is important at any age, emphasizing that the potential for growth and learning remains open throughout life.
Exploration of Consciousness
The discussion revolves around the concept of living on multiple planes of consciousness, encouraging individuals to embody various aspects of reality simultaneously rather than shifting between them. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and the unique experiences each person brings to the collective existence. The idea highlights the importance of not denying individual experiences while recognizing the fundamental oneness of humanity. This balance facilitates a more profound engagement with social action and emphasizes unity over separateness.
Free Will vs. Determinism
A significant theme explored is the relationship between free will and determinism, inviting contemplation on how choices are influenced by previous experiences and the universe's causality. While individuals may perceive themselves as exercising free will in personal decisions, the discussion reveals that their actions are invariably linked to a broader context of interrelations at multiple levels of existence. This realization encourages a thoughtful examination of personal responsibility and the nature of choice in the complexity of life. Ultimately, understanding this relationship challenges traditional notions of autonomy and invites deeper philosophical inquiries.
Integrating Eastern and Western Wisdoms
The conversation emphasizes the integration of Eastern and Western philosophies, particularly in terms of psychological frameworks and approaches to understanding consciousness. While Eastern traditions often focus on transcendence, Western psychology tends to emphasize individual ego and role identity, which can create a dichotomy in perception. By acknowledging and valuing both perspectives, there is potential for a richer exploration of the human experience that encompasses both the intellect and the spiritual. This amalgamation advocates for an expansive approach to psychological wellness that transcends cultural boundaries and fosters a greater appreciation of diverse systems of thought.
In this continuation of his address to the American Psychological Association, Ram Dass talks about integrating different planes of reality and offers 10 recommendations for psychologists.
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If you haven’t done so already, listen to Here and Now Ep. 259 to hear the first part of this talk. This episode is a continuation of Ram Dass’ address to the American Psychological Association in Montreal, Canada, on September 3rd, 1980.
Ram Dass examines the paradoxes that we must incorporate into our beings as we start to play with different planes of reality, including issues of free will and determinism. He talks about embracing his humanity and taking the curriculum that’s offered to him in this life.
Ram Dass explores systems that exist in other cultures that are usable by psychology, including the Chakra systems. He reads a story about an Eastern doctor as an example of someone who has integrated different planes of reality into his work.
Using his clock analogy, Ram Dass details the process of awakening from identification with our separateness and how we evolve from seeking pleasure to seeking freedom. He ends the address by offering 10 recommendations for psychologists that he’s gleaned through his life experiences.
“You and I met here today in a way that our hearts touched. You can’t convert what I said into any simple psychological stuff right away. But you and I are meeting in a way that we know we are touching something that is real for both of us. We may not be able to say what it is that’s just happening to us, but we know it’s happening. We can point at the moon, a little bit.” – Ram Dass