Teachings of Ram Dass

Ram Dass explains how his guru opened a door of possibility for him to discover spiritual truths. As he moved to understanding his teacher's spiritual form, he realized that he could always be present in the light of his teacher's wisdom.

Ram Dass discusses his work in being present with people who are dying, and how being present for every moment means that we can face even our final life stage without regret or suffering.

Never put another human being out of your heart. Ram Dass explains that we need to view people as they are, rather than the way they should be.

Ram Dass guides a meditation practice for awareness of where we are, in this present moment.

The doorway to understanding our world is found in our own human experience. Ram Dass describes how taking a spiritual path means embracing our humanity.

Ram Dass explains that while we may think that we have a clear path ahead of us, we need to be ready to find our own unique manifestation of our karma and dharma.

How can we live in a way that is responsive, rather than reactive? Ram Dass teaches that we can live in a reflective and responsive way to people around us.

Can we be conscious of everything around us when we live fully in each moment? Ram Dass teaches that by being present in the moment means we expand our awareness of the world and experience our reality as connected to everything in the cosmos.

The ashram is a community where we learn how to work, play, and live our lives with intention and focus. We can extend beyond the physical space of the ashram, and experience it within the world around us through mindfulness and meaning.

Approaching liberation requires practicing trust in the process. Ram Dass describes how when we reach the state of a quiet mind, and open heart, and a strong body, we are closer to divine presence. This leads to a path of liberation from attachment.

What is our true identity? Ram Dass explains how our "somebody training" leads us to define ourselves by someone else's terms.

The practice of faith allows us to keep a constant perception of our true nature in connection to everything that exists.

Ram Dass explains how observing the way things are can move us closer to our goals for intentional living. This process of attention to each moment allows us to harmonize our actions with those of others around us.

Keeping connection at the human level brings us greater understanding of humanity. Ram Dass describes a anecdote of sharing sweetness from one human being to another. Seva (service) is one of our greatest gifts.

How attached are we to the roles we play? Ram Dass describes the meditative practice of moving beyond who we think we are.

Ram Dass speaks about society can reach higher states of mind, with or without psychedelics. Ultimately, we cannot escape from our individual reality, but we can learn to be present with the true reality of how things are.

We are each part of a web of compassion. Ram Dass explains that as we learn to see our connection to others, we will respond to suffering we see by listening before we respond.