I saw a movie the other night called “Evolution Of A Yogi” via a tribute to Ram Dass on the anniversary of his death 12/22/2019. Footage for the film was done on Ram Dass’s father’s farm in 1970.
Ram Dass, as always, elucidates the journey from somebody to nobody, which in essence is a journey we are all on. We take on roles, we pursue the path of ambition and climb the so-called social ladder of success, only to find our daily moment to moment awakened potential lies dormant. What seems to happen is the normal waking consciousness is the only sphere we move and breathe in.
Ram Dass was a pioneer in the exploration of altered state of consciousness, starting with psychedelic experimentation, then leading to divine realization through meditation, discipline, focus and concentration.
Thoughts, memories, plans are always encroaching to distract from our potential to unify with God, Christ, Krishna Consciousness. Attachment to thought and memory creates the illusion of suffering. This higher state of consciousness is available by discipline, by entering into realms not bound by space and time.
Going beyond our senses and thoughts leads to a space of pure consciousness where we are one with all, without form, without limit, beyond space, beyond time.
I am in everything. Everything is in me.
Mantra and chanting the names of God can take us there. Sufi dancing in the Muslim tradition can lead to pure loving awareness. Love itself without coercion is irresistible, spreads inwardly and outwardly, ultimately transforming everyone touched by this unconditionality.
An added benefit to the pursuit of freedom of the mind from bondage is a strengthening of the brain, protecting from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
This is a topic for another blog. Om
