Pilgrim Heart with Krishna Das: Recent Episodes
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The Krishna Das Pilgrim Heart Hour features Krishna Das’ no-nonsense take on everyday struggles for finding balance on the spiritual path. Through the honesty, humility and humor of his own personal experiences, he points to the possibility of navigating life’s trials with a true inner yearning for truth. His own practice of kirtan or chant is the well stone of his ability to share from his spiritual heart. As KD says, “Love is a disease - we catch it from those who have it.”
Musing on sincerity towards ourselves and others, Krishna Das shares some of the many lessons he learned from Ram Dass, Maharaj-ji, KC Tewari, and more.
This episode of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast originally aired on Krisha Das’ “Hanging Out In the Heart Space” online satsang on December 23, 2021. Be sure to subscribe to Krishna Das on Youtube to get new episodes of “Hanging Out In the Heart Space”, fresh music from KD and more: Krishna Das Music
“You try to be as sincere with people as you can. It is not our job to set everything right in the universe and to correct everyone according to our ideas about what’s right and wrong. That kind of honesty is just more arrogance. Real honesty is love.” – Krishna Das
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das holds a virtual kirtan and responds to questions on:
- Our thoughts/feelings versus who we really are
- Learning to stop the habit of negative self-talk
- Repeating the name and coming home
- Faith as a belief in ourselves and overcoming suffering
- Developing confidence
- Merging the guru and the self
- One light and many reflections
- A story of KC Tewari and a Hanuman Murti
- Krishna Das’ last moments with Ram Dass
- Honesty and sincerity with oneself and others
- Roles, souls, and loving everyone
- Allowing things to come and go
- Raising Kundalini through service
- Maharaj-ji’s favorite scripture, the Tulsidas Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas
“The self is not a thing. It’s pure being, pure consciousness, pure awareness, pure love. It’s not a thing; it can’t be held in a cup or caught in your hands. It can’t be caught with your minds or thoughts. It is awareness of all that. It is deeper than that.” – Krishna Das
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Krishna Das offers up wisdom from his years of practice and study, answering questions about Hanuman, finding peace through practice, working with the ego and much more.
This episode of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast was originally aired during Krisha Das’ “Hanging Out In the Heart Space” online satsang on December 16, 2021. Be sure to subscribe to Krishna Das on Youtube to get new episodes of “Hanging Out In the Heart Space”, fresh music from KD and more: Krishna Das Music
In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das answers questions on:
- Attachment and working with the ego
- Chanting, finding a regular practice for yourself, and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa
- Living a peaceful life
- Neem Karoli Baba, sharing a story about Dada Mukherjee and Maharaj-ji
- Practices for cultivating wisdom
- Hanuman & Jesus
- The role of doubt and questioning on the spiritual path
“You can always find some time to chill and to relax and to let go. Chanting is my main practice. One has to develop the ability to pay some attention to what one is doing. If you don’t plant the seeds of the things you want peace, where will you find them?” – Krishna Das
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Krishna Das explores working through our traumas to heal our karma and unveil the jewel of love within us all.
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In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das holds a discussion on :
- The strength we can gain from the repeating God's name
- Serving others and treating them as best we can
- Maharaj-ji and serving our parents as the highest form of Worship
- Praying from a far, trauma, and releasing negative energy
- Karmic freeing, broken hearts, and abuse
- Overcoming difficult parental relationships
- Deep connections and the crumbling ego in India with Maharaj-ji
- Loving the soul instead of the role- Loving the soul instead of the role
“We’ve been told their is a jewel within us, our true nature, the soul, real love; through repetition of the name we are shoveling away the shit that is covering that. ” – Krishna Das
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Krishna Das dives into how practice helps mantra become our home base, and shares a Ram Dass story about the powerful mantra to Hanuman, the Bajrang Baan.
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In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das opens up a conversation around:
- The story of how Maharaj-ji first got the Westerners to sing kirtan and bhajan, and how that forced them to face their minds and learn how to let go and come back to the chant
- How practicing singing for long periods consistently helps the mantra become your home base to always come back to when we notice we’ve been lost in our thoughts and emotions
- The importance of spiritual perspective, practice, and paying attention in our lives
- Interconnection and offering the intention and merit of practice to all beings
- The meaning behind the powerful mantra to Hanuman, the Bajrang Baan, the instructions Siddhi Ma gave to Ram Dass surrounding it, and how Krishna Das tried to teach it to him
“After a few weeks of singing everyday so many hours, the mantra became home base, and the thoughts were like hawks that came and grabbed you and pulled you away, only to drop you back on yourself after some period of time. You’d be chanting, but going off in your mind while you’re singing, and you don’t even know you’re not there until you go, ‘Oh,’ and you realize you’ve been gone.” – Krishna Das
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In this episode, Krishna Das helps us practice letting go of anger and expanding our hearts towards others.
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"We might feel pain based on things that happened with people or situations outside of us. But where do we feel that is within. So this is where we have to work on it." – Krishna Das
In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das opens up conversation around:
- Letting go of feeling like the victim and starting to forgive people by doing the inner work
- Extending compassion to our parents and seeing them as human beings, beyond the karmic roles they play
- The story of Dada Mukerjee meeting Maharaj-ji for the first time
- Worshiping the Divine Mother
- Honoring the transition of our parents
- The story of the 4AM Hanuman Chalisa
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In a discussion on materiality, willpower, and desires, Krishna Das plants seeds of wisdom for us to find balance.
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Willpower is what directs our energy. Many of us have issues with directing our energy and going after things. We usually use willpower to go towards things we desire or to steer away from the things we think might hurt us. This, however, is actually just reactive. It is not really conscious willpower. Krishna Das says that developing willpower is a part of becoming more aware and taking accountability for all of our actions. Practice definitely helps us open up and find our inner strength.
“Every time we come back from dreamland to the chant or the mantra or to our breath, or whatever our object of concentration is, we recommit to being with the mantra, to listening to the mantra, to hearing the mantra. That is an act of will.” – Krishna Das
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Krishna Das helps us sift through emotional reactions, dust off our hearts, and remember the vital importance of having a spiritual practice.
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“How important is taking the name, how important is spiritual practice? It is about as important as breathing. Without the breath you've got no life and without practice, without turning towards the spirit in one way or another and calming the mind or emotions, your heart will never open.” – Krishna Das
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Experience virtual kirtan and community as Krishna Das transmits the wisdom of unconditional love, grace, and presence.
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“Real love is what lasts 24 hours a day 365 days a year. You don't get it from someone, you can't give it to anybody, you can't fall in it, you can't fall out of it. It's who we are.” – Krishna Das
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This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das speaks about purifying the heart via connecting to Maharaj-ji and recognizing your awareness.
"Maharaj-ji is like the sun, and I am just a fruit hanging on the tree. I ripen at my own rate according to the way the sun shines on me and my own karmas. It is up to him to keep my heart open and it is up to me to keep remembering him.” – Krishna Das
Watch these full sessions live on the official Krishna Das channel: youtube.com/c/KrishnaDasMusic
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Speaking about chanting and meditation, Krishna Das helps us in navigating constricting systems and releasing childhood pain.
“When you bring a practice into your life, it gives you something to come back to. Otherwise, we are just gone.” – Krishna Das
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Welcome to this episode of Pilgrim Heart where Krishna Das describes unconditional love, acceptance, and helping others.
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“Maharaji knew how we thought about ourselves, he knew why we had so much self loathing and couldn't really accept love or give real love. He knew everything and he loved us, loves us, as we are. There was no pressure there to be anything other than we are.” – Krishna Das
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With a resounding theme of family, Krishna Das leads Satsang and responds to viewer questions about the yogic path.
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Watch these full sessions live on the official Krishna Das channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KrishnaDasMusic
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Amidst singing three powerful chants to Hanuman, Krishna Das shares tangible insight into balancing life and practice by being where you are.
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In this Hanging Out in the Heart Space session from May 27th, 2021, Krishna Das shares down-to-earth wisdom surrounding how we can balance our lives and live from the heart. Through this lens, he explores how we can get rid of bad behaviors, which mantras they sang in front of Maharaj-ji in India, how to deal with tough breakups, and what the best mantra is.
Dive into Krishna Das & Michael Sternfeld's new devotional course on the Ramayana: Hanuman's Leap of Faith
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Krishna Das shares stories of Siddhi Ma and taps into the essence of Maharaj-ji in another chanting-forward Heart Space session.
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In this Hanging Out in the Heart Space session from May 13th, 2021, Krishna Das offers chants to the Divine Mother and Sri Hanuman-ji, answers a stream of questions about his guru Maharaj-ji, uncovers the before-hidden power and love emanating from Sri Siddhi Ma, and further taps into the essence of Maharaj-ji.
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Sway into the healing space of devotional music with Krishna Das in this wisdom-charged episode of Pilgrim Heart.
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“That’s the point of living. It is to find the real love that lives within us and when possible, to help others find that love.” –Krishna Das
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Welcome to this week's episode of Pilgrim Heart where we find ease of heart with Krishna Das through devotional music and bites of wisdom.
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“Many people have not met their guru in a body, but that does not mean the guru is not guiding them and always available to them, just like their own self. You can never be away from yourself.” – Krishna Das
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Shedding light on how chanting practice can help us move beyond our egos, Krishna Das explores how Saints only see God everywhere all the time.
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In this Hanging in the Heart Space session originally live-streamed on April 29th, 2021, Krishna Das shares personal stories and answers questions around what it means to meet a Saint in a dream, how to work with attachment as a parent, what it was like meeting Maharaj-ji's recently passed son Dharm Narayan Sharma, why he doesn't always listen to Ram Dass' relationship advice, how we can offer love to others through chanting, if it's possible to 'destroy' the ego, and how practice is like planting seeds of enlightenment. To close, he shares kirtan of Narayana/For Your Love, as well as the Hanuman Chalisa.
"There's no button to push to make the ego go away – that's what spiritual practice is for, that's what it's about. The names that we chant are the names of our true being, which is not separate from everybody else, which is the same as everybody else. The essence within us is the same essence that's in everybody. What's looking out of my eyes right this moment is the same thing that's looking out of your eyes." – Krishna Das
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This time on Pilgrim Heart we listen to Krishna Das respond to viewer questions about chanting, Maharaj-ji and more. We also receive the delight of hearing him perform two chants at the start and end of this podcast.
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“Maharaj-ji is not a person like you and me. He is an eternal presence, always here. If we knew how to look, if we knew how to see and to feel, he is here. He is available 24/7.” – Krishna Das
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In this Maharaj-ji focused episode, Krishna Das shares Dada's 'tale of two blankets,' Dr. Robert Thurman's theory on dead beings, and offers chants to Ma Durga and Sri Hanuman-ji.
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In this Hanging Out in the Heart Space session from April 15, 2021, Krishna Das offers deep insight into his guru, Maharajji (Neem Karoli Baba). Reflecting on their time spent in India together in the early 1970s, he shares how he got his spiritual name, Hanuman's connection to Krishna, explores Dr. Robert Thurman's statement, "There are no dead beings," and offers Dada's theory on Maharajji's two blankets—one physical, one ethereal.
Open to Krishna Das & Michael Sternfeld's new Bhakti course on the Ramayana: Hanuman's Leap of Faith
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Krishna Das shares chants and radiates wisdom around coming home, bearing witness, and doing what you want.
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In this Hanging in the Heart Space session from April 8th 2021, Krishna Das weaves together bhajan chanting with ancient wisdom teachings from India, all aimed at helping us live in the heart through this often tumultuous modern age. Throughout this talk, he shares miracle stories involving Neem Karoli Baba, Swami Chidananda, and Swami Shivananda; before diving into the topics of coming home to the love in your heart, Bernie Glassman's take on bearing witness, and the spiritual potency encased in doing what you want.
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In another Bhakti-steeped podcast, Krishna Das sings kirtan and answers questions about practice on the spiritual path, surrender, sexuality, death, clinging, and Maharaj-ji's love.
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This episode of Pilgrim Heart welcomes you into the Hanging Out in the Heart Space livestream session from April 1st 2021, where Krishna Das offers the chants "Namoh," "Jaya Jagatambe," and the "Hanuman Chalisa" amidst answering a stream of audience inquiries.
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In this Bhakti-infused episode, Krishna Das shares kirtan and relays insights into connecting with Maharajji to navigate 'from the many to the one.'
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In this episode sourcing kirtan, dharma discussion, and Q&A from an intimate Hanging Out in the Heart Space session from March 25th 2021, Krishna Das explores how to overhaul your life through consistent practice, illuminates the differences between Ram and Krishna, discusses how to maintain contact with Maharajji, and offers devotional chants to Shiva, Ma Durga, & Hanumanji.
Check out Krishna Das & Michael Sternfeld's brand new intensive course on the Ramayana: Hanuman's Leap of Faith
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Krishna Das answers questions about dealing with button pushers, setting boundaries, and surrendering to the guru, plus he leads a chant devoted to his guru, Neem Karoli Baba.
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This episode of Pilgrim Heart is from Krishna Das’ Hanging in the Heart Space session on March 18th, 2021. Join Krishna Das in virtual Satsang every Thursday at 4 pm PST for the live recordings of Hanging in the Heart Space – featuring music, conversation, and live Q&A with Krishna Das.
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Krishna Das continues his celebration of Mahashivratri by chanting the Shiva Stuti and answering questions about meditation, abstinence, emotional attachments, and much more.
In the conclusion of this “Hanging in the Heart Space” session from March 11, 2021, Krishna Das continues his celebration of Mahashivratri, which is a Hindu holiday in honor of Lord Shiva. Listen to part one of this session in Pilgrim Heart Ep. 106.
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Celebrating the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, Krishna Das shares stories, kirtan, and myth illuminating the essence of Lord Shiva.
In this special “Hanging in the Heart Space” session from March 11th, 2021—auspiciously landing on Mahashivratri, the Hindu Holiday celebrating Lord Shiva—Krishna Das shares Shiva-focused mantra, music, Maharaj-ji stories, and Hindu myths uncovering the living wisdom at the core of our beings.
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In this virtual Q&A with some chanting sprinkled in, Krishna Das answers questions about faith, focus, forgiveness, unconditional love, discipline on the spiritual path, and more.
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This episode of Pilgrim Heart is from Krishna Das’ Hanging in the Heart Space session on February 25th, 2021. Join Krishna Das in virtual Satsang every Thursday at 4 pm PST for the live recordings of Hanging in the Heart Space – featuring music, conversation, and live Q&A with Krishna Das.
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Krishna Das takes on a wide range of subjects, from Maya and monkey gods to karma, desire, and judgment, plus invites us to simply let go of everything with some chanting.
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This episode of Pilgrim Heart is from Krishna Das’ Hanging in the Heart Space session on February 18th, 2021. Join Krishna Das in virtual Satsang every Thursday at 4 pm PST for the live recordings of Hanging in the Heart Space – featuring music, conversation, & live Q&A with Krishna Das.
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Krishna Das shares stories about his guru, Maharaj-ji, gives suggestions for dealing with loneliness and offers a rare ektara bhajan sung by Sita in The Ramayana.
This episode of Pilgrim Heart is from Krishna Das’ Hanging in the Heart Space session on February 11th, 2021. Join Krishna Das in virtual Satsang every Thursday at 4 pm PST for the live recordings of Hanging in the Heart Space – featuring music, conversation, & live Q&A with Krishna Das.
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Straight from his heart space, Krishna Das explores how peace comes from practice, the concept of waiting for grace, chanting to alleviate the suffering of others, and much more.
This episode of Pilgrim Heart is from Krishna Das’ Hanging in the Heart Space session on February 4th, 2021. Join Krishna Das in virtual Satsang every Thursday at 4 pm PST for the live recordings of Hanging in the Heart Space – featuring music, conversation, & live Q&A with Krishna Das.
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Krishna Das answers questions about raising Kundalini, how chanting can help us deal with suffering, and the influence of great beings on our lives, plus he leads a round of chanting.
This ‘Hanging in the Heart Space’ session was recorded live on January 28th, 2021. Join KD in virtual Satsang every Thursday at 4 pm PST for the live recordings of ‘Hanging in the Heart Space‘ – featuring music, conversation, & live Q&A with KD. Livestream airs on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.
Celebrate the life and teachings of Ram Dass through an online screening of the film 'Fierce Grace', with director Mickey Lemle & Krishna Das - Thursday, July 29 at starting at 7pm New York time: Learn More
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Sharing the lila of Rama & Sita in the Ramayana, Krishna Das helps free us from the gravity of separateness orbiting the 'Planet of Me.'
In this 'Hanging in the Heart Space' session from January 21st 2021, Krishna Das answers audience questions exploring the lila of Rama & Sita in the Ramayana, freeing oneself from the gravity of the 'Planet of Me,' devotion's relationship to emotion, Siddhi Ma's connection to Maharajji, facing obstacles to practice, motivation for chanting, Hanuman, being here now, and being '"real fakes" with Ram Dass.
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Krishna Das brings us inside his heart cave for a Q&A featuring questions about what meeting Shiva actually means, how we can find time for meditation, and why motivation matters.
In this ‘Hanging in the Heart Space‘ session from Dec. 10th, 2020, Krishna Das explores how we can find motivation for practice& commune with Shiva.
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The Alan Watts Organization and Be Here Now Network have come together to bring you a new podcast series that dives deep into the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour collection of talks.
This Monday, June 7th, discover for yourself why Alan Watts has continued to inspire generations of seekers with the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast.
This exciting new series is hosted by Mark Watts, Alan's son and archive curator. Mark and his guests share Alan Watts’ inspirational work that poetically interprets the wisdom teachings of the East for Western audiences.
Set a reminder for June 7th and subscribe to the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast wherever you get podcasts to receive regular wisdom from Alan Watts - brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network!
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Hare Krishna or Jai Hanuman—which mantra is best? Krishna Das explores chanting practice, longing, delusion, depression, and being a good person, before sharing a Hanuman Chalisa.
In this ‘Hanging in the Heart Space‘ session from Dec. 3rd 2020, Krishna Das welcomes us to re-perceive longing as our saving grace – the pull from within to be whole. From this vantage point, Krishna Das answers a flowing river of audience questions pertaining to dealing with deluded family members, working with depression, how to choose which mantra is best for you, and shares the key secret ingredient to chanting practice: Sing and be a good person.
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Krishna Das explores longing, letting go, being here now, and the uniqueness of the Hanuman lineage for liberating us while satisfying our beneficial desires and fulfilling our karmas.
In this fun and directed question and answer session, Krishna Das illuminates longing as the base for devotional practice, and describes how releasing our thoughts and fears to surrender into the present moment during meditation is a microcosm of the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey. Sharing from the spacious present, Krishna Das expresses how the Hanuman lineage is not a renunciate path, offering juicy descriptions of Hanuman from India, and sharing stories of miracles and unconditional love of his Guru, Maharajji.
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With deep vulnerability and humor, Krishna Das answers questions on the benefits of daily spiritual practice, like mantra chanting, for releasing us from the whirling thought-tornadoes of our minds.
Continuing last episode's Q&A session from a 2018 workshop in Miami, FL, Krishna Das answers audience questions digging into what a 'typical Monday' looks for him, the benefits of a daily spiritual practice, creating a spacious gap for buffering intense reactions through using techniques like mantra repetition, and how we can better imbibe surrender and will within our beings. Exploring these questions through vulnerably sharing his deep personal experiences with Maharajji and other respected Babas in India, Krishna Das helps us move past our mind's whirling thought-tornados, and into the present being of loving awareness.
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Krishna Das explores tending our inner-garden; planting seeds of spiritual practice now to harvest blossoms of real change in the future.
In this 2018 workshop from Miami, FL, Krishna Das invites us to get our hands dirty in the garden of our inner-being. Theming the talk around Sri Ramakrishna's compelling and vibrant allegory of spiritual practices being seeds of compassion and love planted for the future, Krishna Das tills through the process of uprooting our separate sense of me-ness, laying out the proverbial Farmer's Almanac for a blossoming harvest of real change from earnest, intentional, and consistent spiritual practice.
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In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das answers questions about dealing with addiction, how to pick the right daily practice, and what it means to truly follow your heart.
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In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explores how chanting and repetition of the Names of God break down the walls of ego, uncovering the love that lives within us.
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Krishna Das explores the sky of consciousness and how practice uncovers the love within us, plus answers questions about chanting, spiritual bypassing, and dealing with teenagers.
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Krishna Das explores the possibility of cultivating presence & compassion through spiritual practice and answers questions about Maharajji, working with longing, fostering generosity, & dealing with people at their worst.
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Krishna Das answers questions about spiritual practice, the Guru, mantra chanting, our relationship to time, and the nature of oneness.
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Krishna Das talks about the importance of knowing the meaning of the words in a chant, the connection between Maharajji and Christ, and how we can always go back to the breath.
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Krishna Das shares his thoughts on what compassionate loving kindness really means, and tells the story of travelling to India and learning how to get out of his own way in life.
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Krishna Das answers questions on his rock 'n roll past, how Bhakti Yoga intersects with our emotions, and what is the best way to meditate.
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Krishna Das answers questions about handling desire on the spiritual path, dealing with fear-based behavioral patterns, and dismantling the ‘house of me’ we each build.
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If you enjoy the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, we think that you will appreciate this heartwarming reflection on how we can develop a practice of love that starts with ourselves and extends into the world with Dr. Omid Safi.
You can subscribe to the Sufi Heart with Omid Safi in your podcast player to receive insight on following the path of love from the Sufi tradition.
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Krishna Das explores how the sun of love and awareness arises in our hearts through spiritual practices such as chant and meditation.
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Recorded live from the Omega Institute, Krishna Das shares a dharma talk around our motivations for spiritual practice and how we can work with our karma.
Would you like to be part of the next generation of mindfulness meditation instructors? If so, we invite you to take a unique opportunity to study with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach and become a certified instructor to guide others in their practice – The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program: A Two-Year Training Program for Teaching Awareness and Compassion-Based Practices
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Krishna Das shares stories of Maharajji and his great devotees as he explores how spiritual practice is all about cleaning the heart.
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Krishna Das explores how chanting is responding to the call to come back home to ourselves, and answers questions about willpower, wisdom, and his relationship with his parents.
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Krishna Das shares stories about Maharaj-ji’s life and the acts of grace that people have experienced through him.
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Krishna Das shares a dharma talk that explores the miracle of love available through our relationship with God and guru.
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Krishna Das shares a path to awakening that can allow us to end our suffering from the inside out.
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Sharon Salzberg joins Krishna Das for a reflection the art of mindful connection.
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Sharon Salzberg joins Krishna Das live at Kripalu School of Yoga. Together they answer questions about spiritual practice and navigating our spiritual path.
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This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast with Krishna Das, we take a lesson on the practice of repeating the many names of the divine.
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This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das talks about how we can approach spiritual practice in a way that does not shut ourselves out or leave us posturing in the void.
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This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das and Robert Thurman explore the path of surrender and the possibility of realization through faith alone.
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Krishna Das is joined by Robert Thurman live on stage for a conversation about faith and healing with spiritual practice.
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Krishna Das answers questions about the reality we live in, what happens when we turn our minds to God and offers perspective on the longing for the divine that comes once we get a glimpse.
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Krishna Das shares a reflection on how we can clear our thoughts through the repetition of a mantra and the blessing of the name.
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In this episode of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das answers questions from a live audience about navigating the many spiritual paths available to us, shares Maharaj-ji stories and reflects on the slow blossoming of our spiritual practice.
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This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das shares stories around spiritual practice and chanting the names of God
Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/krishna-das-ep-68-chanting-from-the-heart/
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Krishna Das shares verses from 14th-century Indian poet and saint Namdev, all of which provide insight into the transformative power held in the name of God.
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Krishna Das shares a reflection on the necessity of cleaning the mirror of the heart with spiritual practice.
Fins show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/krishna-das-ep-66-the-mirror-of-the-heart/
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This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das focuses on the basics of spiritual practice and the power of will needed to change our lives for the better.
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Lama Surya Das joins Krishna Das and the two discuss questions about the ripening of karma and mindfulness along the spiritual path.
Find show notes and book recommendations here: https://beherenownetwork.com/krishna-das-ep-64-ripening-on-the-path
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This week Krishna Das delves into questions around identity and ego, looking at how spiritual practices can help us overcome our struggles with both.
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Krishna Das looks at the full experience of opening the heart and explores questions around navigating the spiritual path.
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On this special episode of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das is joined by Sharon Salzberg and Lama Surya Das live on stage to share an evening of music, chanting and wisdom.
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Krishna Das sits down once again with fellow spiritual seekers over a cup of chai to for conversation around staying connected with ourselves, one another and the divine.
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This week, Krishna Das reflects on the practice of mantra and reminds us of why we chant.
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This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das talks about the role of the Guru and the difficult lessons he learned after Maharaj-ji left his body.
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From mantra and psychedelics to the importance of choices and finding the will to move forward, Krishna Das answers questions from a live audience about navigating the journey of awakening.
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On this episode, Krishna Das looks at the transformative power that practice has to break through who we think we are and uncover our true selves.
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In this episode of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das explores matters of faith and the heart.
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Krishna Das explores questions about the roots of our identity, finding purpose in life and planting the seeds of practice.
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On this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das talks about the ripening of our spiritual practice and finding the Guru within.
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On this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das speaks on the nature of consciousness and fate.
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On this episode of Heart Wisdom, Krishna Das encourages us to break down the walls of our ordinary minds by planting the seeds of practice.
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Live from the 2016 Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat, Krishna Das performs kirtan and delivers heartfelt wisdom.
On this special episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das touches on the power of love and the grace of the Guru.
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Krishna Das imparts wisdom on the role of practice in our lives.
He shows us how practice cultivates capacity through repetition and return.
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On this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das shows us how through practice we can find our way outside of the room of our ego and find liberation.
Our ego can be like a dark room with no sign of an exit. Spiritual practice provides the light necessary to find our way outside of the room and into the realm of the divine.
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Krishna Das answers questions about practice, desire, and enlightenment.
How do we balance our desires? Does a person need to travel to the other side of the world to find enlightenment? Krishna Das addresses these questions and more on this week's episode of Pilgrim Heart.
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On this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das talks about our illusion of separateness and the reality that all is one, "sub ek."
In this simple phrase, "sub ek," Maharajji summarizes the same thing wise men have always reminded us, that we are all one being. Krishna Das shows us how through practice we can dispel the illusion of separateness and begin a better way of being.
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Krishna Das shares his wisdom on faith and spiritual practice. Spiritual practice is not an end in itself, it is a way to develop the strength to live a good life. KD gives a lesson on cultivating strength through spiritual practice.
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This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gets real about scandalous acts and relationships. Everyone is susceptible to getting caught up in their own trip, no matter how far into their inner journey they might be. Krishna Das speaks from his heart about Maharajji and what he taught KD about love.
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This week on, Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das answers questions about spirituality & music. What is the best way to deal with prejudice and misconceptions about our personal practice? KD answers this and addresses where the real power of chanting and kirtan comes from.
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In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das answers questions from students on mantra, devotion, and practice. KD comments on spending time on worrying what others believe and listening to advice on what is and is not correct spiritual practice. What is the heart of devotion? Listen as KD reminisces about past "love" and learning what love and devotion really mean to him. "Devotion is when love is not attached to an object, another person or thing. It is almost like being in love with the love." -KD
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Krishna Das takes questions from his audience about desire, grace, and the call of the guru. We are given a glimpse of KD's life after the death of Maharajji. KD speaks about the role of willpower and the importance of taking control of our lives. Where do we turn in our darkest hour? Is there anything wrong with desires, or simply how we manage them? When we hear the call of the Guru all we must respond by accepting the call with open hands and heart.
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Krishna Das reminds us that our basic spiritual work is a means for gathering the inner strength necessary to be a better human being toward ourselves and others. If those who are closest to us do not feel loved, then we likely need to reevaluate the motives and intentions that shape our relationships. He also discusses some of the lesser known details of Maharajiǯs mysterious early life.
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In this latest Pilgrim Heart episode, "Your Future is Now", Krishna Das discusses how a human birth is an opportunity to overcome our animalistic tendencies and remove ourselves from the gravity of our own projections. In not knowing who or what we are, we learn that the only real security comes from entering into the presence of our own hearts. The names of God carry a magnetism that has the power to bring us home. The strength to let go comes from practice alone, so find what works and commit to a more peaceful you.
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"Devotion is part of our nature, we love to be involved, we love to connect. This is the deepest connection a heart can make, this connection to deep devotion and unconditional love…” -Krishna Das Krishna Das and David Nichtern sit down for an interactive discussion on devotion, tapping into their experiences with both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, respectively. When it comes to devotion these two spiritual paths overlap is in the Vajrayana form, or tantric style of Buddhism, when a teacher appears in the form of a master/guru. This is seen to be extremely special as a focal point in practice, because they have accomplished what you yourself would like to accomplish. For even in the three refuges of Buddhism—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—the guru is considered the forth refuge. Krishna Das recounts how life-changing it was to experience the unconditional love that radiated from his guru, Neem Karoli Baba aka Maharaji, in India, and how slowly through just hanging out, Maharaji's presence opened their hearts. For some spiritual seekers who have had this physical experience of the guru, it’s an inspiration to see the possibility of someone exhibiting that kind of love, clarity, and timelessness, in person. David recounts his own experiences while pursuing the Buddhist path under the tutelage of Chogyam Trumpa Rinpoche, and the incredible lineage he's a part via his own personal practice. “The ring of devotion hitting the hook of the guru, the link you have to that being, in our tradition, is practice, therefore it is very, very important…the practice is the connection for us to individually continue to connect in that way, when we don’t have the luxury of knowing that kind of being in person…” At the end of this podcast, there’s a Q&A covering the following topics: -Does the spiritual path need a stage of darkness in order to attain a level of depth? -Not feeling an unconditional love connection with spiritual teacher/lineage. -The role devotion has played in Krishna Das’ singing. -Has Krishna Das found a way to love everyone, the way Neem Karoli Baba does? -The role of grace in Krishna Das’ spiritual life and how it has helped him to cultivate devotion. David Nichtern's Bio: David Nichtern is a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. This tradition combines a contemporary, secular approach to meditation with the ancient practices and philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism. David was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. David has been co-director of the LA Shambhala Center and Karme Choling Meditation Center in Vermont, as well as Director of Expansion for Shambhala Training International and Director of Buddhist Practice and Study for OM yoga. He has been a featured writer and regular contributor to The Huffington Post and leads meditation workshops around the world and online. David also works individually with meditation students in person and via Skype. He does a weekly live broadcast on Ustream (via his Facebook page) and has several online meditation workshops available through creativeLIVE.com. His DVD/CD package OM YOGA & MEDITATION WORKSHOP, created in conjunction with yoga teacher Cyndi Lee, is widely available David Nichtern is also a well known composer, producer and guitarist – a four-time Emmy winner and a two-time Grammy nominee. He is the founder of Dharma Moon and 5 Points Records. David has recorded and played with Stevie Wonder, Jerry Garcia, Lana Del Rey, Maria Muldaur, Paul Simon and many others. Among his many credits in records, film and tv, David wrote the classic song “Midnight at the Oasis” and composed the score for Christopher Guest’s film “The Big Picture”. As the Beyman Bros, he collaborated with Guest and CJ Vanston on an album “Memories of Summer as a Child” and has produced multiple records for Grammy nominated kirtan performer Krishna Das.
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Krishna Das recounts one of his favorite Maharaji stories involving a miraculous act of compassion that illustrates the selfless nature of these great beings. He then tells the origin story of the ubiquitous red shirt that he has worn for so many years. Attempting to understand the true meaning of the concepts we explore is also discussed, with the caveat that our confusion and suffering are an inevitable part of the work we must do.
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KD describes the intensity of emotion with which Maharajji discussed Jesus, and the value of the teachings he studied involving stories of Christ. Organized religion is also discussed as it relates to the coopting of fundamentally pure teachings as a means of control.
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KD contends that any and all repetition of the Name is like planting a seed, no matter when or how it is done. Committing to a designated time for practice is ideal, but we have to work with what we’ve got. He explains that there are many mantras with many different meanings, but more important is the love and attention with which you offer your prayer. From the view of a great being, like Maharaji, everything is going to be alright, it’s just a matter of working through the process necessary to become a better human being
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KD reminds us that true realization is proven possible by the amazing beings that have come before, and those who continue to leave foot prints on the path for us to follow. He also explains that our innate desires are not inherently bad, but become corrupted when suppressed through power and manipulation. We want to hide from the darker corners of our minds, but in discovering the truth that we can never fully obscure our own view, we begin to let go and accept ourselves as we are.
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KD recounts the incredible stories of Maharaji’s encounters with LSD via Ram Dass. These experiences show the miraculous ways that Maharaji instilled faith in those who encountered him. He felt the substance alone was a hollow trip in the absence of a centered mind and open heart.
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A discussion on the value of raw honesty in attempting to look deeply at ourselves and the challenges we face. If we can’t acknowledge and accept our natural fears, we will never fully explore our potential. KD also explores our capacity to find genuine peace of mind in our lives, encouraging us to create the necessary space in our hearts to sit with what is. In uncovering and settling into our true essence we discover that ultimately nothing can really effect us.
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KD raps about the importance of practice in cultivating the will power necessary to work through our struggles. Each step that we take in the right direction is an act of will that builds on previous momentum. The ability to let go and come back to the object of attention is the saving grace of any practice. Five minutes a day can change your life, but you have to do it.
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Responding to audience questions, KD dialogues on the subtle yet deep nature of the real changes experienced through committed practice. Consistently exercising our ‘letting go’ muscle allows us to remain fully engaged with whatever is happening in the moment. Coming to understand that our natural state is joyful, and not dependent on particular circumstances, liberates the true self and promotes an honest and open-hearted existence
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KD is prompted to discuss how he felt upon his initial encounter with Maharaji, and the intense and fearless Love he experienced in his presence. His notable reduction in time spent ‘moping’ is highlighted in his promotion of consistent and continual practice. The role of the Guru is also discussed in relation to expectations and personal efforts.
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KD explains that the deeper we go within ourselves the more realize the conditioned nature of our reality. Through practice we learn to release the thoughts that program our version of the world around us, and our experience slowly begins to change. Returning to our practice is crucial, regardless of how we feel, if we ever hope to cultivate the strength necessary to break our attachments to the inevitable highs and lows that life offers. KD also touches on the importance of finding what works for you regarding your own personal path, practice or devotion. Other topics include children’s response to chanting, and KD’s early influences on the path.
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Learning to let go of the false pretenses of who we think we are is a crucial aspect of our spiritual practice. When we become quiet inside we begin to the slow the habitual thought processes that keep us at the mercy of our thinking mind. In chanting, we are both encouraged and consistently reminded to return to that quiet place within us, where we can listen to and connect with the deeper sense of Self. The key is in the commitment, as the specifics of the practice are far less important than the act itself.
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KD explains the process of taking refuge in practice through the letting go and returning to the repetition of the names. It is no small feat to dedicate time and energy toward the acknowledgment and betterment of our emotional states. Hanuman is discussed as an inspiration for turning away from our negative identifications and toward the true Love that lives within us. Acceptance is highlighted as a crucial step in the process of moving forward with our lives. We have to submit ourselves to the training if we want to see real change.
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KD discusses the true Love that lives deep within us, and the necessity of real practice in uncovering this truth. Heavy emphasis is placed on the regularity of practice in day-to-day life if we are to make any lasting change. Grace is the longing in our own hearts that continues to pull us toward something deeper. Little by little we begin to recognize the Love that we have always possessed, independent of any and all external influences.
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KD explains how he came to meet Maharaji and why it is that these great beings make themselves available on this plane. He also talks about learning to chant, encouraging newcomers to worry less about the specifics and to simply chant from the heart. Developing our own will power is also crucial in the formation and execution of any practice. Our relationship to desire is also discussed with an emphasis on letting go of unrealistic expectations rather than desire as a whole.
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KD responds to questions from a workshop audience on several topics including his current relationship with Maharaji, working with anxiety, practicing generosity, and the art of keeping it simple. He encourages finding time everyday to practice, if only for a few minutes, suggesting that what starts as a seed inevitably blooms with time. The goal of practice, whether formal or not, is to shift our thoughts in order to move outside of our habitual patterns of self-cherishing. KD reminds us that we can’t think our way out of a box created by thoughts.
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KD reflects on his instruction from Maharaji to return to the United States, and his reluctance to accept the implications of that task. A profound shift occurred through his realization that he was his own worst enemy and that he had to do deal with himself before he could move forward. He also discusses what is known of Maharajji’s personal history and the differences in practice between great beings and ordinary people. Lastly, he comments on the necessity to deprogram through practice in an effort to promote action versus reaction.
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The Indie Spiritualist breaks bread with fellow Mindpod member Krishna Das. Topics explored include suffering, the search for freedom, accepting Grace in our lives, and the consequences of self-fulfilling prophecy.
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KD reminds us that it is what is underneath the names that we chant which matters. He also borrows a line from longtime friend Sharon Salzberg by encouraging the practice of Loving Kindness, through which we make a concentrated effort to soften to ourselves and eventually to others. After all, where will we find peace of mind if we can’t be at ease with ourselves? Paying attention is heavily emphasized as a means for remaining present, even in higher states of consciousness. Where we place our attention is primary in determining how we will react to the ever-changing world that surrounds us.
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KD explores the religious concept of refuge in relation to the chanting of the Name, explaining that we always have the option to let go in order to come back to our true nature. Questions from the audience unlock memories from India, through which KD illustrates the importance of finding that place inside ourselves where we are content, no matter the circumstances. We can learn to move deeply within our own being. There is no time frame, but the work must always be done in the now.
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KD is joined once again by Raghu Markus and Duncan Trussell at the Courage to Love retreat in Maui. The power trio takes a break from the action to fine tune some of the more profound and novel moments experienced at these gatherings. KD discusses ways to approach habitual patterns as well as how to create positive pathways in the mind. Other menu items include mantras, the feeling of being at home in Love, and the bittersweet nature of longing. As always, no conversation from the Das brothers would be complete without some deep cuts from the Maharaji memory bank. Free Love for everyone.
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Krishna Das responds to questions from a workshop audience, explaining his delayed reactions to the events that transpired during his travels to the East, as well as his interesting encounter with Muktananda. He genuinely feels that he hasn’t even begun to process what he experienced throughout his time with Maharaji and many other great beings. KD also touches on the ‘thinning’ of ego in relation to practice.
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A sharp reflection on the power and necessity of practice in gaining ground on the self-centered mind. We are fortunate in this world to have a choice, to have the ability to vote on the actions we will take throughout our lives. Which of these actions will bring joy, peace and presence into our being, and how can we align ourselves with an attitude that maintains this understanding? The answer, as always, comes in the form of practice. When we can remember that we have the option to choose how we will spend our time, we then need only to remind ourselves, and to trust our own hearts in moving forward.
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Further stories from the East in which KD explains the initial communication breakdown in attempting to translate his profound experiences through his native tongue. The Love he experienced with his Indian family was expressed and understood in a way that he didn’t know was possible. The process was one of ripening, for all of those who encountered such grace.
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Through a serious of questions KD explains what prompted his initial travels to India, and offers up some advice for others who are looking to make the journey. He also comments on ways to work with the more obsessive elements of Love, and explains the reality that our happiness is an ongoing practice.
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Through stories of Maharaji, KD encourages listeners to give their best effort in whatever they are practicing, as the seeds we plant now will bloom when the time is right. KD also responds to questions about his travels, Christianity and the intense power of unconditional love
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KD responds to questions on some of the more common themes encountered on the path, including true surrender, and where our responsibility lies in making decisions. Pain is also discussed in regards to illness, and how we can remain present throughout our struggles.
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KD recounts a series of stories from the early days leading up to India, including his initial experiences with chanting that would foreshadow his eventual immersion in the practice. Raghu Markus makes a brief appearance to tell the ‘true’ story of his ‘meditate like Christ’ instruction from Maharaji. Warm tales, of basking in the light of the Guru.
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Letting go begins when we get what we want, and realize we are still dissatisfied. We learn to work with our desire systems, moving through them, and cultivating a greater discernment for our actions in the world. We slowly move towards Love, and come to understand that it is all around us, never coming, never going.
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KD’s trademark humor helps balance the darker themes discussed in this Q&A session. He describes his often-simple approach to life’s many challenges, and encourages others to start where they are, in working with what is. Practice is highlighted as a means for creating space around the difficulties that we inevitably encounter.
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Krishna Das, Raghu and Duncan take a time-out from the Open Your Heart in Paradise retreat to talk about their ‘chosen’ vocations. Drugs, demons, chanting and love - little is left uncovered in this lighthearted discussion from the sacred shores of Maui.
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Chanting is a truly sustainable practice, with benefits reaching far beyond the present moment. Through the repetition of these sacred names, we are invited and encouraged to uncover our basic goodness. We bring our fractured minds to a single point, and are then able to operate from that space of loving awareness. The name itself is often mysterious, but the presence that we discover is decidedly familiar
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It is only out of pure compassion that great beings make themselves available to us. They don’t require anything on the physical plane, and are therefore capable of acting only in the best interest of those in need. Krishna Das expounds on this concept through stories of Maharaji and other great Saints. As a result of their profound love, and deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of it all, they remain present, to help and to heal. - The Primacy of Grace - Compassion of the Guru - Necessity to honor our Karma (no matter what) - Detoxing through Maharaji’s love - The paradox of non attachment
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Krishna Das responds to questions on a variety of topics including faith in God, energy and awareness through chanting, and the eternal presence of love. He also touches on ‘spiritual materialism’, and offers some advice when searching for an environment in which to practice.
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Krishna Das discusses the relationship between chanting and awareness during the Heart of Devotion workshop at Princeton University. Our natural state is one of awareness, but our thoughts continuously pull us away from this presence. Chanting helps to create a sense of spaciousness by offering the mind something to focus on. Each repetition is like a seed of awareness that grows throughout the process. The practice slowly dissolves the more transient aspects of our personhood, and what’s left is the true presence in which the spirit resides.
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Krishna Das explains that simple peace of mind is often underrated in our culture, and that thinking about peace is not the same thing as being peaceful. We seek enlightenment or bliss, not realizing that a calm and present mind is equally profound. Peace of mind is the middle ground from which we can choose what we want to hold in our thoughts. We have to allow it to arise from within through practice. How we live today is how we will live tomorrow, and our practice gives us the strength to let go of what is no longer serving us.
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Krishna Das recounts the events and experiences that originally brought him to chanting. Though his path was paved with personal struggle and self-doubt, the love of his guru kept his devotion alive, and he eventually began to find peace in the practice itself. Through chanting he was able to deepen his awareness of the presence of love.
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