Krishna Das answers questions about dealing with button pushers, setting boundaries, surrendering to a guru, and leads a chant to Neem Karoli Baba, his own guru.
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.
Button Pushers and Boundaries
Krishna Das begins with questions about the best way to use chanting practice, dealing with people who push our buttons, and whether or not we need to set boundaries when cultivating unconditional love. He talks about how the more practice one does, the more one is able to take care of one’s self in many different situations.
“So, those people who push your buttons, they are a blessing for you, they show you the work that you have to do. Otherwise, you think you’re so high and so wonderful and beyond anything and you’re just kind and compassionate and open… Boom, then one of the buttons is pushed. There are no buttons, that’s just you. It’s just us in here.” – Krishna Das
Ram Dass talks about letting go of boundaries in Here and Now Ep. 82
Fate and Karma (19:35)
Krishna Das answers questions about surrendering to the guru, whether or not he ever gets tired of chanting the same mantras over and over again, and how to get help in overcoming drug addiction. He explores fate and karma, how we plant seeds with every action we perform, and how we think we’re free but we’re actually quite programmed.
“Once I start to sing, anything that I feel is obvious to me as something that’s pulled me away from the sound of the Name. So I let it go, and I come back. I don’t dwell on it, I don’t think about it, I don’t analyze it.” – Krishna Das
Alan Watts explores dropping out from karma in Being in the Way Ep. 2
A Chant to Neem Karoli Baba (40:05)
Krishna Das ends this session with a chant to his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. He talks about how when we sing to Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharajji, we should ask him for help. Guru, God, and our true self are one; when we do these chants, we connect to that place within ourselves.
“Maharajji said, ‘When you think of me, I am there.’ He said that; it’s a true statement. Do we see him? Do we feel him? Not necessarily, because that’s our problem. But he said he’s here when we sing to him, and when we remember him. So let’s try to tune into that place where he is at least as real as we think we are.” – Krishna Das
Nina Rao explores women’s stories of Neem Karoli Baba in BHNN Guest Podcast Ep. 65