David, Raghu, and Sharon consider how devotion, meditation, truth, and compassion can tend the love already within us, bringing it into the way we meet ourselves, others, and the world.
This episode was recorded live from the 2026 Ram Dass Legacy Summer Mountain Retreat. Watch the full event on the Ram Dass’ Inner Academy, a curated collection of deep wisdom from Ram Dass, practice, and community: Learn More
In this episode, David, Raghu, and Sharon discuss:
- The compassion to let people be as they are (so long as they aren’t harming others)
- Love as an ability rather than just a feeling
- Tending to the love that already exists within us
- Approaching situations from wisdom and balance rather than reactive emotions
- Devotion and objects of refuge in meditation practice
- A straightforward instruction from Maharaj-ji: love everyone and tell the truth
- Remembering that having boundaries does not mean a lack of love
About David Nichtern:
David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant, working with companies to create a variety of offerings that integrate meditation into a broader health and well-being context. David is also a multiple Grammy-nominated and Emmy Award-winning musician. David’s journey has crisscrossed with the Maharaji/Ram Dass sangha for decades. He has produced multiple Krishna Das albums and frequently joins the Bhaktettes live on guitar. He considers himself to be a first cousin and honorary member of the Bhakti community.
“You’re lucky enough to have objects of refuge that are somebody you admire or respect, who has accomplished a great deal. You invite that energy into your ecosystem, and when your mind wanders, your heart reconnects you to the object of the refuge. That brings you back together with the awareness and sense of connection.” –David Nichtern
About Sharon Salzberg:
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Learn more about Sharon and her books at www.sharonsalzberg.com and check out Insight Meditation Society.
“I think that’s what Ram Dass was saying—that other people, situations, art, so many things may inspire love or invoke it or threaten it, but ultimately it is ours to tend, to nurture, to grow. It is within us, and that can be very empowering.” –Sharon Salzberg
Photo by hokietim
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The Movie of Me to The Movie of We with Duncan Trussell & Raghu Markus
The Teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche with David Silver & Raghu Markus