Ram Dass – Here and Now – Ep. 278 – Innocence of Consciousness

In this interview from 1977, Ram Dass shares his views on psychedelics and how they can provide a free slate to experience the innocence of consciousness once again.

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This episode of Here and Now is from an interview with Ram Dass conducted by New Dimensions Radio in 1977, shortly after Ram Dass participated in a conference called “LSD – A Generation Later.”
  • The interview begins with Ram Dass discussing the happenings at the conference and his interactions with other psychedelic luminaries, including Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Albert Hofmann.
  • Ram Dass explores the culture surrounding LSD in 1977, and how he has no desire to legislate how other people live their lives. He shares his guru’s instructions for using the “yogi medicine” and talks about whether or not it’s important to have a guide for psychedelic experiences.
  • Finally, Ram Dass cautions that “getting high and seeing” is only one part of the process of change, and there are inner processes necessary to bring about change in life. He discusses the cultural evolution brought about by psychedelics and the shifts in consciousness he sees taking place.
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About Ram Dass:

Ram Dass’s spirit has been a guiding light for generations, carrying millions along 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, Maharaj-ji, with all who have listened to him.

“If you have a guide, you’re calm, and you really want to explore your inner being, I still see LSD as an incredible vehicle for overriding your habitual response patterns, your habits of thought, and giving you a free slate to experience your innocence of consciousness once again.” – Ram Dass

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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.