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The Advanced Course - Ram Dass Full Lecture 1993

Baba Ram Dass・44 minutes read

The speaker reflects on love's role in creating energy waves during performances and ponders teaching at a higher level. They explore shifting myths, the changing perception of aging, and the transition to living simply, emphasizing the importance of wisdom over knowledge for spiritual growth and balance.

Insights

  • The speaker contemplates a shift towards a more silent and conceptual-free teaching approach in advanced courses, questioning the use of words and exploring the concept of talking only to oneself, emphasizing a non-linear communication style.
  • The text explores the importance of recognizing oneself as part of a larger system, transcending conceptual thinking, and understanding the intellect's role as a servant to a deeper, non-separate aspect of the self for liberation and growth, highlighting the pursuit of balance between social action and spiritual emptiness.

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Recent questions

  • How does the speaker view love in performances?

    The speaker reflects on the power of love in creating energy waves during performances, likening it to great rock concerts like those of the Grateful Dead. Love is seen as a transformative force that enhances the experience for both the performer and the audience, generating a unique and powerful connection that transcends mere words or actions. This perspective suggests that love can elevate artistic expressions to a higher level, resonating with the audience on a deeper emotional and spiritual level.

  • What myths does the speaker discuss in society?

    The speaker delves into the shifting myths of society, including the American Dream, youth culture, and the stewardship of nature, highlighting the anxiety caused by transitioning between myths. By exploring these societal narratives, the speaker brings attention to the evolving values and beliefs that shape our collective consciousness. This discussion prompts reflection on the impact of changing myths on individuals and communities, emphasizing the need to navigate these transitions with awareness and understanding.

  • How does the speaker perceive aging in different cultures?

    The speaker contrasts the fear and isolation associated with aging in Western societies with the reverence and support for elders in Indian culture. This comparison sheds light on the diverse perspectives on aging and the elderly, revealing cultural norms and values that influence attitudes towards growing older. By examining these cultural differences, the speaker invites contemplation on the ways in which aging is perceived and experienced across various societies, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding of this universal process.

  • What is emphasized in the transition to voluntary simplicity?

    The speaker explores the transition from material acquisition to voluntary simplicity, emphasizing the shift towards living simply and not collecting possessions for happiness. This shift underscores the importance of reevaluating our relationship with material wealth and consumerism, advocating for a more mindful and sustainable approach to living. By prioritizing simplicity over accumulation, the speaker suggests a path towards greater fulfillment and contentment that transcends material possessions and external markers of success.

  • How does the speaker view the pursuit of perfection?

    The narrative concludes with a reflection on the pursuit of perfection, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the balance between social action and spiritual emptiness. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings and the inherent imperfections of the human experience, the speaker highlights the complexity of striving for perfection in a flawed world. This perspective encourages a holistic approach to personal growth that integrates social engagement with spiritual introspection, recognizing the beauty and challenges of embracing both aspects of human existence.

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Summary

00:00

"Love, Aging, and Wisdom: Speaker's Reflections"

  • A woman in a group questioned the speaker about offering an advanced course, prompting the speaker to consider teaching at a higher level.
  • The speaker reflects on the power of love in creating energy waves during performances, likening it to great rock concerts like those of the Grateful Dead.
  • Contemplating an advanced course, the speaker questions the use of words and concepts, suggesting a shift towards a more silent and conceptual-free teaching approach.
  • The speaker discusses the idea of not demanding linearity in communication and explores the concept of talking only to oneself in an advanced course setting.
  • Reflecting on the love for others, the speaker contemplates the challenge of expressing all the love felt without being overwhelmed.
  • The speaker delves into the shifting myths of society, including the American Dream, youth culture, and the stewardship of nature, highlighting the anxiety caused by transitioning between myths.
  • The speaker discusses the changing perception of aging in different cultures, contrasting the fear and isolation associated with aging in Western societies with the reverence and support for elders in Indian culture.
  • The speaker explores the transition from material acquisition to voluntary simplicity, emphasizing the shift towards living simply and not collecting possessions for happiness.
  • Reflecting on the role of the rational mind in protecting one's separateness, the speaker discusses the importance of wisdom over knowledge and the value of intuition.
  • The speaker shares a personal anecdote about receiving a senior citizen discount on a train ticket, highlighting the changing values and appreciation for wisdom over knowledge in society.

22:17

"Changing values in modern society"

  • By 1975, over 50% of marriages ended in divorce, leading to a culture of serial monogamy.
  • The impact of serial monogamy on spiritual growth depends on individual practices.
  • Remarriage after divorce can lead to positive outcomes for families and children.
  • Shifting consciousness towards acceptance of change can bring peace.
  • The myth of "be fruitful and multiplying" is being reconsidered.
  • The shift from individualism to a sense of common good is evident in society.
  • The need for retraining due to multiple career changes in a lifetime is recognized.
  • Diplomacy is valued over war as a political solution.
  • Recognition of the need to apologize for past injustices and genocides is growing.
  • Fame is losing significance, and death is being acknowledged as a natural part of life.

42:26

Embracing Change: Finding Beauty in Aging

  • La Prairie representatives provided individual consultations to 10-12 people on skincare maintenance.
  • A demonstration involved pinching skin for 5 seconds to test elasticity, revealing wrinkles as areas that don't bounce back quickly.
  • During a luncheon, the speaker questioned the audience about embracing change and finding beauty in it.
  • The discussion touched on accepting aging and death as natural processes, emphasizing the need to find happiness in celebration, not fear.
  • Maharaji's teachings highlighted the importance of holding death while continuing to live peacefully.
  • The advanced course focused on developing spiritual powers and balancing separateness and unity.
  • The narrative delved into the concept of suffering, ignorance, and the pursuit of balance in spiritual growth.
  • The speaker emphasized the importance of inner wisdom guiding actions, rather than external expectations.
  • Trust in the unknown and faith in the universe were underscored, drawing from experiences with spiritual mentors.
  • The narrative concluded with a reflection on the pursuit of perfection, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the balance between social action and spiritual emptiness.

01:02:43

"Embracing Imperfection: Christ, Buddha, and Liberation"

  • RKA discusses the balance between recognizing absolute perfection and embracing the human experience, exemplified by Christ's dual nature as both divine and human, encompassing fears, desires, and the full spectrum of human existence.
  • The text delves into the concept of suffering, with Buddha attributing it to the workings of the mind and our attachment to conceptual thinking, leading to a disconnection from the non-conceptual wisdom at the core of our being.
  • It emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself as part of a larger system rather than separate entities, highlighting the need to transcend the intellect's role as a master by recognizing it as a servant to a deeper, non-separate aspect of the self, ultimately leading to liberation and growth.
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