Ram Dass – Here and Now – Ep. 227 – Awareness Without Identification

In this Q&A session from 1993, Ram Dass explores an array of topics, including psychedelics as a method, assisted suicide, dealing with suffering, and awareness without identification.

“The term attachment has to do with where the awareness is, what it’s identified with. Like, at this moment, your heart is beating, but you’re not beating your heart; your awareness isn’t connected with your heart beating, it’s just going on. And as your awareness draws back, and you find a way to start to remain in awareness without identification, then the phenomena of the universe continue to happen, but the awareness is no longer identified with the act. It’s what the Gita calls breaking the identification with being the actor. It doesn’t mean that the actions aren’t happening.” – Ram Dass

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In this episode, Ram Dass answers questions about:

  • Psychedelics as a method
  • Assisted suicide
  • Emptiness and form
  • Dealing with suffering
  • The relationship between the One and the many
  • Liberation and service
  • Awareness without identification and attachment
  • The concept of criticism
  • Pushing against form and separateness

“Understanding the web of all life, you begin to see that any act of compassion, done anywhere, is part of the web of compassion of the universe.” – Ram Dass

About Ram Dass:

Ram Dass’ spirit has been a guiding light for generations, carrying along millions on the journey. Ram Dass teaches that through the Bhakti practice of unconditional love, we can all connect with our true nature. Through these teachings, Ram Dass has shared a little piece of his guru, Maharajji, with all who have listened to him.

Listen to more episodes of the Ram Dass Here and Now Podcast:

Go back to the very beginning of the journey as Ram Dass talks about his early years in life and the psychedelic experience that changed everything in Here and Now Ep. 1.
How does our perception shape our experience of suffering? Ram Dass investigates the many roots of suffering in Here and Now Ep. 132.
We all touch states of transcendence. Ram Dass explores how we can come into contact with the path of awakening in Here and Now Ep. 164.
Ram Dass breaks down the history of psychedelics and helps us understand the risks and rewards of these consciousness-altering chemicals in Here and Now Ep. 183.
Cut to the chase of what spiritual practice is all about. Ram Dass helps us escape the prison of our egos in Here and Now Ep. 201