In 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.
Show Notes
Lama Chenno (15:20) – Lama Surya Das reflects on the role of the teacher in spiritual practice and leads us in the Lama Chenno chant – an invocation of the teacher.
“Lama means archetype, your icon or Guru, Chenno means as if from afar. It’s like calling to one’s parent when you are a baby, with the certainty that they hear you and that they are there. That is the way we cultivate gratitude and remembrance to our spiritual teachers because we sit in the laps of giants – so much to be grateful for.” – Lama Surya Das
Light of the Guru (31:50) – Sharon shares some of the teachers in her life that came to mind during the chant. She and the group talk about their experiences with a mutual teacher, a Tibetan Lama who proved to be a major influence in all of their lives.
Krishna Das shares his first experience with his Guru, Maharaj-ji, on Ep. 28 of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast.
Cultivating Resilience (46:00) – The group takes a question from their live audience about training ourselves to find happiness in uncomfortable situations. Krishna Das and Sharon talk about using the power of love to uncover the potential for happiness and equanimity that exists in us all.
The Next Step (58:50) – It’s natural for us to feel unsure about what direction to take our lives when we are living in fear. The group offers advice for those who are seeking this kind of direction in their lives.
“In terms of a bigger picture, I wouldn’t worry about ten years down the road. I would think about the next step, that’s all. Our habit is to resolve it all at once. Don’t worry about the rest of your life, it’s the next decision – that’s enough.” – Sharon Salzberg
Karma and the Moment (1:24:45) – How long does it take for our Karma to ripen? Surya Das reflects on the mechanisms of karma, looking at the habitual nature of karma and emphasizes the importance of taking control of our lives in the moment.
We end the talk with a performance of the Hanuman Chalisa by Krishna Das and friends.
