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The Power of Grace: A Tribute to Ram Dass
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Krishna Das says, “If we know anything about a path at all, it’s only because of the great ones that have gone before us. Out of their love and kindness, they have left some footprints to follow.” In this talk and special musical performance, available to all, Krishna Das pays tribute to one of the great ones from our own era, Ram Dass, a seminal figure in the modern consciousness movement, sparking spiritual journeys for many with his generation-defining book, Be Here Now.
Ram Dass is also the subject of the newest film at the Tricycle | BuddhaFest Online Film Festival, Ram Dass: Fierce Grace, which started yesterday. Pick up an Online Festival Pass and watch this film and the rest of the BuddhaFest Dharma Talks. It's the final week of the Online Festival.
Saw him in Sydney, AU where I helped out, and spoke with him afterwards. What a lovely, down to earth guy. And such talent!
I absolutely love Krishna Das. His life story and his search for peace gives me such hope. He was a hurting human being who found love, acceptance, and calm in his guru Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das' devotion to Maharaj-ji is a beautiful love story. I highly recommend his book 'Chants of a Lifetime' before seeing his new movie. Thank you Krishna Das.
Reading the comments makes me think about difference: cultural, personal, religious, political, etc. From inside our own "reality" we feel correct and that what is different is incorrect. This causes all kinds of trouble! We make judgements about what certain behaviors mean when, in reality, we have no idea! We only know what it looks and feels like to US.
I find KD a much more accessible figure than many of the more New Age-correct people. His humor and irreverence feels comfortable and familiar to me and allows me to let go of pretense to really let my heart open. Maybe it's because I'm Jewish from Long Island too! When he talks to people after a Kirtan or workshop I can see the love in his face. It feels like home.
There are many paths and as many different ways to walk them as there are people! Let's make room!
http://youtu.be/_xHP69rZIVY Krishna Das on grace.
You're not hearing the response because there were no mics close enough to the audience. I know, a shame. I attended the preceding evening, the last evening of BuddhaFest. KD was kind enough continue the kirtan for well over two hours! Next time we'll be sure to catch the crowd's spirited response. Still, it's wonderful seeing KD and listening to him talk. As for his language: I don't think he's being flippant. He's engaged and passionate and light with generosity and humor. At worst, it's colorful! He means no disrespect.
I didn't hear any singing in the crowd! Why not??? That's what we do at kirtans: we repeat the lines sung by the leader. Krishna Das gave instructions at the beginning. Apparently, nobody listened. I've been to two Krishna Das presentations so far, and we in the crowd not only sing, we clap hands and even dance!! But it seems that this lifeless, joyless crowd was more interested in capturing Krishna Das on camera or cell phone than on being in the moment and enjoying it.
...or, perhaps, simply his way of expressing his own true nature, however that falls for you.
I find Krishna Das' flippant use of profanities while publicly speaking unwelcome and offensive, and characteristic of an out of control ego, certainly lacking in compassion and wisdom.