Ram Dass Here And Now

Daniel Goleman, psychologist and bestselling author known for emotional intelligence, guides a conversation on happiness, mind, and meditation. They discuss why people aren't happier and how clinging to identities and sensations fuels suffering. The joy of simplicity, shifting identity toward being, and practical breath and awareness practices are explored in short, vivid stories.

Ram Dass, also known as Richard Alpert, is a pioneering spiritual teacher and former Harvard psychologist. He discusses his transformative experiences with psychedelics over the decades. Ram Dass reflects on the optimism of the 1960s about LSD revealing our shared humanity. He explains how psychedelics can dissolve social roles and promote collaboration over competition. The conversation touches on the balance of set and setting in sacramental use versus recreational use, as well as the profound insights and challenges these substances can provide in understanding consciousness.

Ram Dass, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, dives into the rich landscape of yoga's various forms. He explains how different paths, like hatha, dhyan, and bhakti, serve as unique methods to awaken to our true selves. Emphasizing the importance of personal resonance, he encourages an eclectic approach to practice. The conversation also touches on intuition, the challenges of spiritual growth, and the necessity of letting go of old identities. With warmth and wisdom, Ram Dass offers a guide to navigating the journey toward liberation.

Jai Uttal, a Grammy-nominated kirtan musician known for his soulful chanting, joins Ram Dass for a transformative discussion. They delve into the nature of change, using Shiva as a symbol of transformation and exploring how letting go of ego can unveil our true selves. Ram Dass shares insights on merging with the Beloved, while Uttal leads a powerful Sita Ram kirtan, igniting collective joy and devotion. The conversation emphasizes bhakti as a heart-centered practice that deepens our connection with the divine in ourselves and others.

Ram Dass, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, shares his profound journey of integrating Eastern spirituality into Western psychology. He reflects on encounters with key figures like Trungpa Rinpoche and the transformative power of Tibetan texts. Topics include the balance between monastic practice and daily life, the importance of compassion, and the impact of serving others. Ram Dass emphasizes embracing full humanity, accepting suffering, and staying present as essential steps on the path to self-discovery.

Ram Dass reflects on the intricate dynamics of honoring parents across decades. He shares poignant stories about family interactions, revealing how spiritual growth intertwines with caregiving. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when help is genuinely needed and how intimacy blossoms through surrendering special roles. Through personal anecdotes, he explores the connection between familial love and spiritual practice, ultimately encouraging listeners to view parents and children as souls beyond their roles.

Dive into profound insights on balancing emptiness and compassion. Explore how suffering can be seen as grace while still striving to ease pain. Ram Dass answers engaging questions on synchronicity, the nature of consciousness, and practicing compassion for challenging individuals. Discover techniques for tuning consciousness and the transformative power of letting go. Delve into the historical perspective of societal unrest and learn to cultivate an inner calm amidst chaos. It's a rich journey through awareness and heartfelt connection.

In this engaging discussion, Parvati Markus, editor and collaborator on 'There Is No Other,' dives into the profound teachings of Ram Dass. She reflects on the urgent call for unity in a divided world, examining the barriers created by the 'us vs. them' mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of balancing heart and mind, exploring how veiling our hearts can lead to personal burnout. Parvati also shares insights on the spiritual journey of service and love as a means to connect deeply with ourselves and others.

Explore the profound themes of aging and death as opportunities for awakening. Ram Dass delves into the cultural silence surrounding mortality and contrasts intensive care with the comforting embrace of hospice. He urges listeners to face their fears through visualization and shares moving stories about creating sacred spaces for dying. With reflections on consciousness beyond death and poetic insights, he invites us to make friends with mortality and live fully in the present.

Dive into insightful discussions about the nature of suffering and how we respond to it. Ram Dass explores various reactions people have, from denial to cynicism. He shares riveting stories, including Wavy Gravy's touching encounter with a burned child. The talk delves into the Buddha's Four Noble Truths, emphasizing the concept of being 'nobody' to ease clinging. Listen as Ram Dass reflects on compassionate presence—finding a balance between action and allowing others to transform.