In this exploration of death and dying, Ram Dass tells stories about his guru, Maharaj-ji, shares his own experiences with people facing death, and offers his perspective on seeing dying as an exercise in spiritual awakening. Looking for more Maharaj-ji stories? Love Serve Remember’s free fall immersion, Gather Around the Fire: Stories of Ram Dass, Maharaj-ji, and a Legacy of Love, is happening right now. Please join us as we gather in community, listen to heart-opening stories, and bask in the spirit of loving awareness. Link in comments! This episode of Here and Now is from a talk Ram Dass gave during a retreat on June 17, 1976. A note from the archivist: This recording contains a brief section of rough audio that we’ve tried our best to clean up. This is part of the fun of working with 50-year-old lectures! Ram Dass begins with stories of his guru, Maharaj-ji, and how he held death very lightly. Ram Dass speaks about Maharaj-ji leaving his body, and how some devotees responded to the trauma of the loss of a guru. Drawing wisdom from his old friend Aldous Huxley and his book Island, Ram Dass explores how karma shapes the dying process. He talks about his own experiences with people who were facing death, and bringing dying more out into the open in our culture. Ram Dass shares a story about his mother’s death and the meaningful rose that appeared at her funeral, then imagines building a large center for people to come and leave their bodies. He says dying is really no different from chanting. It’s an exercise in spiritual awakening. “Everybody’s in the process of going to God, and dying’s merely one of the vehicles of doing it. Just as chanting is, and chanting is no bigger deal than dying is. These are all exercises for becoming more conscious. And I think that’s important in thinking about dying to put it into the perspective of spiritual work. Not to elevate it so much into dying, but to see it as an exercise in spiritual awakening.” – Ram Dass 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 piece of his guru, Maharaj-ji, with everyone who has listened. Learn more at ramdass.org. ================ Subscribe today so you don't miss a single video podcast from Be Here Now Network: https://www.youtube.com/@BeHereNowNetwork You can catch more of your favorite shows like Krishna Das's Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Sharon Salzberg's Metta Hour Podcast and the Mindrolling Podcast with Raghu Markus over on our sub-channel, Be Here Now Podcast Network 2: https://www.youtube.com/@BHNNPodcasts2 ================ Be Here Now Network Podcasts, Courses, and Articles to help you live a Life in Balance. Heart-Centered wisdom from Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Krishna Das + many more! Be Here Now Network delivers weekly insights into mindfulness, self-discovery, and Eastern philosophy through engaging podcasts, articles, and videos featuring renowned spiritual teachers. Inspired by Ram Dass' timeless wisdom, our platform serves as a guiding light for seekers on their path to greater awareness and inner peace. Whether you're exploring meditation, conscious living, or spiritual growth, our top-rated mindfulness podcasts provide thought-provoking discussions and practical wisdom. We believe that by transforming our own hearts, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and presence—one heart at a time. Start your journey today and deepen your connection to mindfulness with Be Here Now Network.