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.
Catch-108
Krishna Das reflects on how the practice of chanting is about responding to the call that’s already being exerted on our hearts from within our own being. He shares Maharajji stories, and talks about the problem of Westerners not believing that unconditional love exists.
“If we don’t do the stuff, nothing’s gonna happen. But we’re doing the stuff and nothing’s happening. So what do you do? Catch-108.” – Krishna Das
Willpower and Humor (24:55)
Why did the Kirtan Wallah cross the road? Krishna Das answers questions about thoughts intruding on practice, ego and willpower, and how his relationship with Judaism contributed to his unique sense of humor.
“It’s the noticing that changes everything, even the helplessness, when you notice that. So you just keep coming back to whatever practice you’re doing. The coming back is a fucking miracle.” – Krishna Das
Dig deeper into the quality of willpower on Mindrolling Ep. 285
Wisdom and Family (45:23)
Krishna Das continues to answer questions from the audience. He explores the difference between wisdom and intellectual knowledge, and talks about his complicated relationship with his parents. Krishna Das ends the show by chanting a beautiful Chalisa.
“Opening the heart is wisdom. It isn’t intellectual knowledge, that’s a different thing. It’s not something you learn in books. But opening the heart, or your inner self, that’s where wisdom is, in your being. It’s not about studying books, wisdom doesn’t come from books. Intellectual understanding comes from books. Wisdom comes from practice.” –Krishna Das
Images via Monique Gray and Mary Godschalk