RamDev – Healing at the Edge – Ep. 57 – Sitting with Spiritual Masters, ft. Chris Britt

Chris Britt returns for part two of a conversation asking RamDev about some of the remarkable teachers he has received wisdom from–Kalu Rinpoche, S.N. Goenka, H.H. the 16th Karmapa, Trungpa Rinpoche–as well as elucidate the intricacies and practicalities of vipassana practice.

Chris Britt returns for part two of a conversation asking RamDev about some of the remarkable teachers he has received wisdom from–Kalu Rinpoche, S.N. Goenka, H.H. the 16th Karmapa, Trungpa Rinpoche–as well as elucidate the intricacies and practicalities of vipassana practice.

Chris Britt combines stories, humor, magic, mindfulness and embodiment techniques to help us navigate through these difficult times. He produced a documentary about the spiritual philosopher Alan Watts (“In the Way with Alan Watts”) and was a joke and screenwriter for Mort Sahl and Robin Williams. Chris has shared his work with community organizations and companies such as Google and Hitachi Ventara. You can learn more at chrisbritt.com.

Headwinds of Loving Kindness

Continuing their inquiry into RamDev’s storied life of blessed encounters with great spiritual beings, Chris invites Dale to open the conversation by sharing about experiences involving the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche, and Vipassana teacher, S.N. Goenka. Touching on Tonglen in San Francisco, and Metta at an insight course in Bodhgaya, India, RamDev illuminates the true grace he has been able to experience in the presence of various masters.

“I remember going in for an individual interview with [S.N. Goenka], and the quality of loving kindness that was pouring out of him as I was walking in the door felt like I was actually leaning into a strong headwind. I could actually feel a physical force of love coming at me.” – RamDev

Open yourself to the spiritual history and importance of S.N. Goenka and vipassana insight meditation by tuning into Ep. 96 of Heart Wisdom
Vipassana & Fixation on the Trigger (7:49)

What does it feel like to have a thought? RamDev explains the nature of vipassana practice and it’s practical uses in our daily lives. At it’s core, vipassana is an insight practice about cultivating mindfulness and a balanced center of awareness. It’s use in today’s world is to help stop our fixation on the trigger. In other words, vipassana helps us learn to withdraw outside blame, instead becoming aware in a direct, intimate, and naked way, of our internal emotions, thoughts, and sensations.

“Cancer does not cause suffering; resistance to cancer causes suffering. Physical pain does not cause suffering; resistance to physical pain causes suffering.” – RamDev

For deep inquiry into the daily practicality of vipassana practice for turning inward, check out Ep. 132 of the Metta Hour
Trungpa Rinpoche & Rogue Spirituality (25:05)

After diving into a story about H.H. the 16th Karmapa, as well as illuminating the nature of happiness, sadness, grasping, truth, and joy, RamDev explores the life-changing times he experienced at Naropa University with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the Ram Dass satsang. Speaking to Trungpa Rinpoche’s unique, paradigm-shifting ‘crazy wisdom’ teaching style, RamDev speaks to the importance of roguish rascality as a beacon for various paths up the spiritual mountain.

“In those days, a lot of people on the spiritual path wore white clothes, we had spiritual names, we tried to be holy; and [Trungpa Rinpoche]–by being roguish, drinking, and womanizing–showed people that there’s not one way to be spiritual.” – RamDev

Explore the notion of ego through the lens of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Baba Ram Dass, on Ep. 112 of Here & Now

   

Feature image via @aviats on Twenty20