In a captivating Q&A from 1993, Ram Dass explores the balance between separateness and unity while tackling personal passions and mindfulness. He reflects on the creative force of the universe, the complexities of relationships, and the transition from self to a collective consciousness. With humor and insight, he addresses societal turmoil and personal fears, transforming them into wisdom. The discussion concludes with a guided meditation that fosters awareness and compassion, emphasizing our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all beings.

In this talk from 1970, Ram Dass explores the transformation from ignorance to wisdom, going up and coming down, living in the spirit, and different techniques of centering.The Ram Dass community gathers regularly to engage in meaningful discussions about the podcast. We invite you to join us and share your curiosities, insights, and wisdom. Sign up for the General Fellowship to receive event invitations directly in your inbox.Listen to the Ram Dass Podcast ad-free and support this show at the same time! You can listen to the full podcast archive with hosts Raghu Markus and Jackie Dobrinska or listen to Ram Dass' talks from each episode by themselves. All that with regular guided practices from Ram Dass & friends. Sign up fore a 7-day free trial here: patreon.com/RamDassPodcastThis episode of Here and Now is the second half of a talk Ram Dass gave at the Arlington Street Church in Boston on March 24, 1970. Don’t miss part one of this talk: Tuning Up & Tuning In. In this episode:Ram Dass explores the transformation from ignorance to wisdom. “The really fierce problem that most of us are realizing at this moment,” he says, “is how to alter our ways of thinking about who we are and how it all is, to be in tune with something inside that already knows.”Ram Dass talks about the roller coaster of going up and coming down. But that’s all ultimately a game. The real work is to center ourselves so we can be at the vibrational rate where we are living in the spirit.Ram Dass shares different techniques of centering oneself, including vipasana meditation, pranayama breathing, and bhakti yoga. “As far as I can see,” he says, “every form of yoga is based on one-pointedness of mind. Take bhakti yoga, singing a love song to Ram. It only works when you can make your mind so one-pointed on Ram that you and Ram become one.”Sponsors of this Episode:Ram Dass Here & Now is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ramdass and get on your way to being your best self.This show is also sponsored by Magic Mind. Try their new Mental Performance Gummies–a caffeine-free way to stay sharp, providing calm, sustained clarity without the side effects of traditional stimulants. Get 25% off with our link: magicmind.com/RAMDASSGM or use code RAMDASS25 at checkout.Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion.  Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org“Living in the spirit is a vibrational rate. It’s a take of it all. It’s a vibrational take. In order for it to work, you’ve got to get your head so centered. You’ve just got to calm down and center. And it’s really fierce to do it in the marketplace. And sometimes it’s cool to go off and do it in cycles. So at those times you sort of go off by yourself to cool out and center.” – Ram DassSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the fascinating interplay of dualism and nondualism as insights from Ram Dass guide you through life's vibrations. Discover the concept of 'tuning up' to connect with your true self and the universe. From hilarious stories of bowling instead of practicing Sadhana to profound reflections on interconnectedness, each topic offers a blend of humor and depth. Explore the significance of community, music, and even psychedelic experiences in shaping spiritual awareness. This rich tapestry of ideas invites you to embrace the here and now.

Discover the concept of intuitive rightness and how our actions resonate with the universe. Ram Dass shares personal stories from protests, emphasizing that true social action must come from within, not from societal pressures. He discusses the balance between inner peace and social responsibility, urging mindfulness in everyday life. The importance of creating nurturing environments for growth is highlighted, along with the beauty of connection and compassion in collective experiences. Tune in for insights on personal development and the interconnectedness of all actions.

In this insightful discussion, Stephen Levine, an American poet and Buddhist teacher known for his work on death and dying, shares a dialogue with Ram Dass. They explore the intricacies of fear, especially in the context of illness, and how to create a supportive environment for those in distress. They emphasize the transformative power of embracing pain, recognizing negative energy, and fostering community support. Their reflections challenge societal norms surrounding suffering and highlight the importance of authentic connection during challenging times.

Stephen Levine, an influential poet and Buddhist teacher, joins Ram Dass in a profound discussion about life, death, and spiritual growth. They explore how every experience, including dying, offers an opportunity to awaken beyond the illusion of separateness. Levine shares a moving story about an AIDS patient learning to approach pain with love rather than anger. They also talk about the importance of shared experiences and love in healing, and how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and personal transformation.

Dive into a heartfelt conversation exploring the essence of healing that transcends the physical. Embrace the beauty of impermanence as Ram Dass and Stephen Levine share personal stories that highlight love, loss, and the interconnectedness of experiences. They discuss the profound impact of presence and compassion in times of grief, revealing how shared sorrow can lead to deep understanding. Listen as they emphasize the importance of engaging with the present moment, offering insights into transformative personal growth.

Discover the mystical side of golf as a path to mindfulness and self-awareness. Ram Dass shares how the game helps him confront anxieties and embrace being present. He delves into the transformative connection between concentration and spirituality while encouraging listeners to enjoy each moment without attachment. The conversation also weaves in thoughts on emotions, karma, and the playful nature of identity, all illuminated by personal anecdotes from his journey on the golf course.

Timothy Leary, a psychologist and writer known for his groundbreaking work on psychedelics, reunites with Ram Dass in a lively Harvard gathering. They share insights on their evolving friendship and tackle crowd questions about consciousness, myths, and the future of psychedelics. Expect playful debates about Gandhi versus extraterrestrials and musings on collaborative writing. Leary unveils his Revelations per Minute meter, while both reflect on the transformative power of psychedelics. Their banter reveals deep philosophical ideas interspersed with humor.

Timothy Leary and Ram Dass reflect on their transformative journeys during a heartfelt reunion at Harvard. They humorously recount their groundbreaking experiments in the psychedelic movement, including the notorious Good Friday Experiment. The duo emphasizes the significance of 'set and setting' in exploring consciousness. They also share anecdotes from their post-Harvard lives, touching on their collaborative spirit and personal transformations. The conversation highlights the intertwining of psychology, spirituality, and gratitude over the decades.