In this Bhakti-infused episode, Krishna Das shares kirtan and relays insights into connecting with Maharaj-ji to navigate ‘from the many to the one.’
In this episode sourcing kirtan, dharma discussion, and Q&A from an intimate Hanging Out in the Heart Space session from March 25th 2021, Krishna Das explores how to overhaul your life through consistent practice, illuminates the differences between Ram and Krishna, discusses how to maintain contact with Maharaj-ji, and offers devotional chants to Shiva, Ma Durga, & Hanumanji.
Check out Krishna Das & Michael Sternfeld’s brand new intensive course on the Ramayana: Hanuman’s Leap of Faith
Kashi Vishwanath Gange // Overhauling Your Life
Sparking this episode of Pilgrim Heart with the moving and meditative kirtan, “Kashi Vishwanath Gange,” Krisha Das shares stories and reflections around this devotional chant to Lord Shiva, the city of Benares (Varanasi), and the Ganga River. From here, he opens the digital floor to questions inspiring conversation around apologies, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, experiencing Kundalini and overhauling your life with chanting, kindness, love, and presence.
“As we do these practices, as we chant, we’re developing an inner kind of strength that changes our relationship with our thoughts and our stories. It’s a practice that brings fruit over time.” – Krishna Das
In this Shiva-focused episode, Krishna Das shares about devotion, Benares, & Maharaj-ji, on Ep. 106 of Pilgrim Heart
Deity Differences, Consistent Practice, & Ego Tripping (20:22)
Dropping into more questions, Krishna Das sheds light on the important issues—like how to tell blue-skinned deities apart, like Ram and Krishna, as well as why he continues to go back to the same mantras each week. Next, he offers insight into the saving grace of consistent spiritual practice for helping us abide in the silver linings during difficult times; before giving diffusing advice to anyone who finds themselves stuck “ego-tripping.”
“When Noah was building the ark, people thought he was out of his damn mind, right? So you build your ark, and have confidence that you’re doing the best you can. It certainly doesn’t matter what you think people will think – that’s just you beating yourself up.” – Krishna Das
David Nichtern interviews Robert Ryan about Deity differences & tattooing dharma, on Ep. 31 of Creativity, Spirituality, & Making a Buck
Contacting Maharaj-ji // From the Many to the One (30:33)
Receiving a question about his spiritual journey in relationship to his mystical Indian Guru, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), Krishna Das recommends people check out the in-depth story in his illuminating autobiography, Chants of a Lifetime (which he recently recorded the audiobook version for). Engaging the landing gears, he shares methods and mindset for maintaining contact with Maharaj-ji everywhere you go, and moving ‘from the many to the one.’ He closes the session with chants to the Divine Mother and Hanumanji.
“You have to make an effort to see your programs, to see the way you treat people, and see the way you go through your day. And eventually, everywhere you go and everyone you meet will become Maharaj-ji. And then, of course, everyone will bring you that joy because you’ll be seeing the Guru in them, their soul, which is the soul of the universe. That’s how you go from the many to the one.” – Krishna Das