Pilgrim Heart with Krishna Das

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.