RamDev talks about preparing for a conscious death and connecting to a sense of pure consciousness that runs deeper than everyday awareness, plus answers questions around the subject of dying.
Preparing for a Conscious Death
RamDev begins by talking about how in preparing for a conscious death, we create a conscious life. But can we go beyond just having an awareness of everyday life and connect to the deeper sense of pure consciousness that is embedded within us all? RamDev explores the importance of the first minutes after death, fully experiencing each moment in life, and going beyond hope and fear.
“Many contemplative traditions say very clearly that the minutes following physical death are the most auspicious time in an extended lifetime in which to see your true nature, in which to realize that you are enlightened already. It’s so compelling to identify with our bodies. And suddenly not having a body is such a great benefit to seeing who we truly are.” – RamDev
Jack Kornfield explores the vast spiritual mystery of death and impermanence in Heart Wisdom Ep. 134
Talking Through the Heart (15:15)
RamDev responds to comments and questions about the importance of what one is focusing on at the moment of death, working with dying people who have retreated within and no longer aware of the outside world, and how to deal with the presence of a being who has just left their body. RamDev talks about a technique that Stephen Levine developed around talking through the heart with the dying.
“After somebody dies, you can talk to them through the heart, you don’t have to say anything out loud.” – RamDev
Stephen Levine talks about the stages of dying in BHNN Guest Podcast Ep. 37
Devouring the Karma (30:50)
RamDev comments on the story of a young woman who was paralyzed and ready to leave her body. Although she was not outwardly spiritual, beneath the dance of personality there was a deep connection with her caretaker. RamDev ends by answering a question from a woman who felt guilty not being with her mother at the moment of her death, talking about how many people want to die alone and that death is not personal.
“Karma’s unfolding and our job is just to be with it, to live so fully that we’re devouring the karma moment to moment rather than creating a lot of new karma.” – RamDev
Alan Watts explores dropping out from karma in Being in the Way Ep. 2
