Trudy Goodman visits the Mindrolling podcast to share her experiences with Ram Dass and reflect on the impact that his teachings have made in the world.
Trudy Goodman Kornfield, Ph.D., is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. She also teaches residential retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center, and Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, among others. Learn more at trudygoodman.com.
Nobody With A Capital ‘N’
Trudy and Raghu open the show with an exploration of Ram Dass’ more misunderstood teachings – becoming Nobody. Trudy looks at the bigger picture of the teaching. She shares the ways that she experienced Ram Dass setting aside his ‘somebodiness’ and open his heart to the large loving ‘Nobodiness’ that is available to us all.
“There is a bigger picture – it’s the Nobody with a capital ‘N’. The Nobody that is free from attachments – at least in that moment.” – Trudy Goodman Kornfield
Living with Ram Dass and the Super Monkeys (10:10)
We get an intimate look at what it was like to live with and care for Ram Dass at his home in Maui. Trudy shares stories from her time there with Ram Dass. She reflects on the remarkable collection of individuals who dedicated themselves to caring for Ram Dass in his final years.
“Even though Ram Dass has passed away, I feel so close to him at times. I turn to him in my meditation sometimes, if I feel that I need inspiration – because his light and his love are still here for us.” – Trudy Goodman Kornfield
Resting in Emptiness (41:20)
What was the most essential impression that Ram Dass had when he was with Maharaj-ji, his Guru? Raghu shares a story around Ram Dass, Maharaj-ji and the quality of emptiness. Trudy shares her connection to Maharaj-ji and how that quality of emptiness can be transmitted to those who never met Maharaj-ji in his body.
Healing and Connecting (49:00)
We close with a reflection on the process of grief and the healing power of coming together in loving memory of another.
Images via Trudy Goodman Kornfield and Richard Marks via Spirit Rock