Dr. Robert Thurman and Krishna Das lecture on chanting, Maharaj-ji, embodiment, and purpose in this devotion-filled episode.
“Human beings are such a precious embodiment…it’s a great opportunity to become enlightened That’s what you do when you attain freedom. You don’t stop living; you become infinite life, you become one with everybody’s infinite life.” – Dr. Robert Thurman
In this episode, Krishna Das chants and responds to questions with Dr. Robert Thurman on:
- Experiences with Maharaj-ji
- Enlightenment and Embodiment
- Having a less rigid spiritual practice
- Finding purpose
- How mantras are holographic
- Giving up your will to the divine
“I would try to find the thing that you really want to do, and really do it. When I heard chanting in India, the first time I heard it I knew ‘this, I could do.’ And I’m still working at it.” – Krishna Das
About Dr. Robert Thurman:
Known in academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, Bob is a talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is the author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture and was named by The New York Times as the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. Bob is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and the Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama’s for over 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism and a passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people. In August of 2021, he released his most recent book, “Wisdom is Bliss” from Penguin Random House.
About Krishna Das:
Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.
KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji.
Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops.
In February 2013, Krishna Das performed at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles, CA streamed online to millions of viewers. The award-winning film ‘One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das’ has been in over 100 US cities, and over 10 countries worldwide and is available on DVD everywhere.
To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.
Krishna Das formed the Kirtan Wallah Foundation in 2014. This 501c3 is dedicated to spreading the teachings of KD’s guru and spiritual teacher, Neem Karoli Baba, Lovingly called Maharajji, his teachings can be summed up by his saying: “Love Everyone. Serve Everyone. Remember God”
For more on Krishna Das events, music, and other offerings visit: KrishnaDas.com
Listen to more from Krishna Das:
Bring back the wandering mind in Episode 126 of Pilgrim Heart: Come Home to the Chant
Learn about Transforming Negative Karmas with David Nichtern and Krishna Das
Tune into Episode 108 of Pilgrim Heart to hear Krishna Das do A Chant to Neem Karoli Baba
Learn more about the ways that Peace Comes From Practice in Episode 102 of Pilgrim Heart
Hear about the power of mantra repetition in Ep. 70 of Pilgrim Heart
Tune into Ep. 89 of Metta Hour featuring Krishna Das and Sharon Salzberg to learn about finding direction
Photo via Chinnapong